Magazine Choice: Ruger PC Carbine

[drobs]

One thing to consider. My neighbor recently purchased a PCC and as he has a few Glocks I changed out the mag well for Glock mags for him. With the Ruger mag that came with his,I bought a Glock mag and traded it for his Ruger one. What a mistake....Ruger no longer supplies the great Italian made (Mec-Gar?) mag,like the ones that came with my PCC,they are issuing a cheaply made USA one (Promag?). Long story short,this piece of junk was defective. The follower would jam on a slot cut in the front corner of the mag. The Italian one doesn't have this slot and a different follower. I sent it back to Ruger explaining this and they sent me another POS one. You can longer get the good SR9 mag from Ruger, Put the Glock magwell in your carbine and buy Magpul mags for it. The good Ruger mags have a black follower,the new ones have a orange one

Greg Cote sells Italian made Mecgar Ruger SR9 mags:
https://gregcotellc.com/cart/ruger-...9e-17round-factory-magazine-90326-p-2165.html

He's good to go and answers emails personally. I've bought a load of Mecgar FN Hi Power mags from him in the past.

Another place to look for Mecgar mags is CDNN Investments.

Edited to add: Ruger Discontinued the SR9 series of guns, yet the PC 9 uses SR9 magazines. That's odd to me...

 

[WrongHanded]

Just a thought

View attachment 1064034

https://ruger.com/products/pcCarbine/specSheets/19109.html

I'm considering it. Seems like the velocity gains might be better with 9mm, but .40 S&W 180gr JHPs would probably stay closer to the functional velocity window for correct expansion. More research required.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I'm considering it. Seems like the velocity gains might be better with 9mm, but .40 S&W 180gr JHPs would probably stay closer to the functional velocity window for correct expansion. More research required.

I can attest that everything I tested in 9mm was 100 to 200fps faster in the Ruger PC9 than in my pistols.

 

[JohnB-40]

Ruger Discontinued the SR9 series of guns, yet the PC 9 uses SR9 magazines. That's odd to me...

I could be way off base here,but I think someone at Ruger thought one mag could be used on multiple firearms.If you look on the photos the old SR9 it doesn't have the slot on front left like the new one with the orange follower. I guess the SR9 mag latch like the PCC engages the front,maybe the PC9 uses one that engages the other corner slot like my 1911. If you look at the orange follower,you can see where the front of the follower just has two fingers at the front instead of being solid like the black one. The tips are weak/flexible and will bend and jam in that slot. The result is you can only load 3 rounds. This is not a problem for me as I have 4 of the old ones,but won't put any trust in the new model.

 

[twarr1]

Edited to add: Ruger Discontinued the SR9 series of guns, yet the PC 9 uses SR9 magazines. That's odd to me...

Ruger also makes an insert that uses the Ruger American mags. They were probably hoping to make the American magazines ubiquitous.

 

[kwb377]

Edited to add: Ruger Discontinued the SR9 series of guns, yet the PC 9 uses SR9 magazines. That's odd to me...

The PCC will also accept Security 9 magazines (which is still in production). I've used my PCC with Glock magazines, Sec.9 magazines (both 15 and 17 rounders) and the SR9 magazine that came with it...zero difference in function (100%).

 

[Varminterror]

Glock mags. 15rnd G19 mags, 17HMR G17 mags, 31 and 33 round high cap mags… Cheap, widely available, perfectly reliable…

I have an e-Form1 out currently for my wife to stick a stock on a PC9 Charger with a can out front, setting that beside the bed with a SilencerCo Maxim9 integrally suppressed pistol - both of which use Glock mags.

 

[Nature Boy]

I went with a Glock compatible 50 rounder

 

[Elkins45]

9mm Glock magazines have greater value in the gun marketplace, and they are less expensive than Ruger mags. This is an easy choice IMO.

If the end times come you can always trade one of your Glock mags to a prepper for a bag of survival seeds.

 

[wombat13]

I'm considering it. Seems like the velocity gains might be better with 9mm, but .40 S&W 180gr JHPs would probably stay closer to the functional velocity window for correct expansion. More research required.

Luckygunner.com as done a lot of self-defense ammo testing. Here is a test they did with 9mm ammo in the Ruger PCC. Short-version - 147 gr is probably your best bet. My brother went with 147 gr Federal HST for his SD ammo when he bought the PCC.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/self-defense-ammo-for-pistol-caliber-carbines/

Here is a link to their extensive handgun SD ammo testing: https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/

 

[WrongHanded]

Luckygunner.com as done a lot of self-defense ammo testing. Here is a test they did with 9mm ammo in the Ruger PCC. Short-version - 147 gr is probably your best bet. My brother went with 147 gr Federal HST for his SD ammo when he bought the PCC.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/self-defense-ammo-for-pistol-caliber-carbines/

Here is a link to their extensive handgun SD ammo testing: https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/

Yeah I saw that, thanks for mentioning it. Based on that, and the data provided on ballistics by the inch, it seems light for caliber bullets gain much more velocity. Pushing the JHPs out of their performance window. Though at 100 yards their probably right back inside it again.

I'm strongly considering .40S&W because I have a bunch of it (including SD ammo), and have the reloading capabilities already. Plus a bunch of compatible Glock mags. I figure Ruger built the gun strong enough to handle it, so I might go that route.

 

[Hartkopf]

Curse you WrongHanded! You’ve just about got me talked into buying one myself!

 

[wombat13]

Yeah I saw that, thanks for mentioning it. Based on that, and the data provided on ballistics by the inch, it seems light for caliber bullets gain much more velocity. Pushing the JHPs out of their performance window. Though at 100 yards their probably right back inside it again.

I'm strongly considering .40S&W because I have a bunch of it (including SD ammo), and have the reloading capabilities already. Plus a bunch of compatible Glock mags. I figure Ruger built the gun strong enough to handle it, so I might go that route.

Seems like .40 is definitely the way to go for you. I think you'd be very happy with it.

 

[wombat13]

Curse you WrongHanded! You’ve just about got me talked into buying one myself!

A PCC in 9mm will very likely be my next purchase.

 

[WrongHanded]

Curse you WrongHanded! You’ve just about got me talked into buying one myself!

Haha! Well, the thing is......they seem like a pretty neat and utilitarian carbine. Home defense, neighborhood reservist rifle, wife compatible, and cheap range fun, all in one. And I've yet to own a Ruger rifle I didn't like.

 

[Hartkopf]

Haha! Well, the thing is......they seem like a pretty neat and utilitarian carbine. Home defense, neighborhood reservist rifle, wife compatible, and cheap range fun, all in one. And I've yet to own a Ruger rifle I didn't like.

I agree. I like everything about it on paper and might fondle one this weekend. My budget is stretched thin though so I’m going to try and live vicariously through you. I hope you get one and post pics!

 

[WrongHanded]

I agree. I like everything about it on paper and might fondle one this weekend. My budget is stretched thin though so I’m going to try and live vicariously through you. I hope you get one and post pics!

I handled a 9mm version with what was probably digital camo. It felt good. Much nicer trigger than I was expecting. Very reasonable ghost ring sights. Basically, I really liked it. My only gripe is the cross bolt safety is not reversible for lefties. I can deal with that.

 

[danez71]

Edited to add: Ruger Discontinued the SR9 series of guns, yet the PC 9 uses SR9 magazines. That's odd to me...

From Ruger
https://ruger.com/products/pcCarbine/specSheets/19100.html

Ships with SR-Series™/Security-9® pistol magazine well installed and an additional magazine well accepting Glock® magazines is included*.

The Security 9 15 round mags mags are in stock for $31 ea or 2 for $46 which outs them in glock mag price range.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/ruger-s...erm=gunmagwarehouse&utm_content=all magazines


https://gunmagwarehouse.com/2-pack-...ectID=4222&indexName=magento_default_products


They also have Ruger SR 17 round mags that look to be the original version for a little more $

 

[drobs]

From Ruger
https://ruger.com/products/pcCarbine/specSheets/19100.html



The Security 9 15 round mags mags are in stock for $31 ea or 2 for $46 which outs them in glock mag price range.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/ruger-security-9-9mm-15-round-magazine.html?msclkid=cbb17615b1191df76dcd143ef8768816&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DSA&utm_term=gunmagwarehouse&utm_content=all magazines


https://gunmagwarehouse.com/2-pack-...ectID=4222&indexName=magento_default_products


They also have Ruger SR 17 round mags that look to be the original version for a little more $

That was already covered above but here's a question will a Security 9 pistol use a SR9 magazine?

 

[drobs]

I've mentioned this before but I'll mention it again. When Covid 1st kicked off and Michigan had stay at home orders in place, I gave my Sister a call who lives in MI. I wanted to see how she was doing. At the time they had sold their house and were waiting for their new house to be built. She mentioned that with everyone out of work and out of school, she was a little freaked out by seeing a bunch of strange folks hanging out by her rental house. She was concerned about someone breaking into the rental house and her not having any way to defend the family.

I told her, I have a bunch of guns and would dig through them and find a gun to send her. This being the peak Covid gun rush, I debated sending her one of my AR15's. While it's true, the Army teaches 18 year olds with no firearms experience, to shoot an AR15. I didn't see my Sister or Brother In-law working the complex action on an AR15.

A shotgun would probably work but... shotguns have a bad history in my family as our Dad used a 12 gauge shotgun to kill himself back in 1988. I didn't want that having an effect on my sister. I have a bunch of handguns I could send but had other plans in mind for that. I sent my Niece and 2 Nephews - Polymer 80 Glock kits, mags, ammo, holsters, and cleaning kits. Figured the boys, all studying engineering, and my Brother In-law (also an Engineer) could get them together.

Next obvious choice for a women and family that have little firearms experience - pistol caliber carbine. I called some dealers in Michigan and asked what they had available for 9mm carbines. Most dealers had nothing. One had a Hi Point Carbine in 40sw. I'm too much of gun snob to send my Sister a Hi Point.

Hitting gun shops in Missouri and Arkansas, Ruger PC carbines were plentiful and cheap. The Ruger PC 9 is basically a big 10-22. The controls are simple. I bought 2. One for myself and one to send my Sister (through an FFL on both sides). I included Glock mags and ammo with the PC carbine. I sent a bunch of emails to my Brother Inlaw on gun safety, home defense, etc.

I also made this video on the basic handling and shooting of the Ruger PC 9 carbine:


A few months later, I went for a visit. Chatting with my Brother In-Law, he mentioned he had all the ammo hidden away separate from the firearms... I told him - you really ought to load a couple Glock mags and have them ready to go in case you need them ASAP! He kind of gave me a blank look and then realization hit and he said - OH! That's a good idea...

 

[danez71]

That was already covered above but here's a question will a Security 9 pistol use a SR9 magazine?

I can't say for sure. I tend to think the mags aren't interchangeable both ways. Maybe 1 works in the other but not the other way around. I really dont know though

But the point was that it appears that only 1 PC magwell for the is needed to fit both the SR mags and the Security mags.

I thought it was indicated earlier that the magwell for the Security mags was different than the magwell for the SR mags.

If someone made that pont that they're the same magwell, I missed it.

 

[drobs]

I can't say for sure. I tend to think the mags aren't interchangeable both ways. Maybe 1 works in the other but not the other way around. I really dont know though

But the point was that it appears that only 1 PC magwell for the is needed to fit both the SR mags and the Security mags.

I thought it was indicated earlier that the magwell for the Security mags was different than the magwell for the SR mags.

If someone made that pont that they're the same magwell, I missed it.

All good.

There was a brief period there where Ruger discontinued the SR9 pistols and they were going cheap! I missed it. I wanted an SR9C but didn't have any luck finding one. The Security 9 just doesn't do anything for me. Price is right in that Glock range which I already have covered, multiple times over.

I'll have to do some digging and see if I can find anyone that owns both pistols.

 

[drobs]

Magpul Backpacker pics.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I have 2 of the carbines and a good supply of mags from when I had a SR9----I went all in on the SR9 before it turned out to be a POS so I have a lot of mags plus the 2 additional ones from the rifles------so basically too lazy to convert it to Glock mags but I might change one for the 33 round sticks I have.

 

[Mauser lover]

Can the Magpul Glock magazines be left loaded for extended periods with damage to the feed lips?

Just in case I can save you some frustration, I have had trouble with my Magpul Glock mags feeding with steel case ammo. I don’t know if they have the same problems with brass. The cartridges seem to get stuck 6 or 7 rounds in and won’t feed without taking the magazine out, shaking the loose rounds out the top, and bashing (tapping) the magazine base on any convenient hard surface.

Other than that, I’d go with Glock mags. They are cheap (even the factory ones), reliable, and available pretty much everywhere.