When Ruger rolled out the LC Carbine chambered in 10mm, I knew it wouldn’t take long to catch the eyes of PCC fans in the gun community. The punchy 10mm cartridge has always had a bit of a cult following, as it seems to bridge the gap between the hard-hitting magnum handgun rounds and light rifle calibers. When paired with a carbine platform such as this, it becomes more than just another fun gun to enjoy at the range and morphs into a serious multi-purpose tool.

Hands On With Ruger 10mm LC Carbine

While uncasing this new carbine, one of the first things that I noticed was its compact size. This carbine, weighing in at 7.5 pounds, is very well-balanced, especially during the firing process. That balance comes in part from Ruger’s unique bolt-over-barrel configuration coupled with the magazine well being integrated into the pistol grip. These two things combine to help center the bulk of its mass. 

With the folding stock fully collapsed, the gun is just over 30 inches long, making it easy to store, transport, and maneuver within tight spaces. A black anodizing job covers the entirety of the rifle, keeping it looking sleek and simple. 

The handguard is CNC-milled and includes M-LOK slots on nearly every surface except the top, which is left open for a full-length Picatinny rail that runs the entire length of the upper. This rail gives the shooter plenty of room to mount their favorite optics, backup iron sights, flashlights, or a myriad of other accessories.

Raining Lead

Come range day, there were three varieties of ammunition we had brought along to test, which included Hornady’s 180-grain XTP, Liberty Ammunition’s 60-grain Civil Defense, and Doubletap’s 135-grain Controlled Expansion. I was curious to see how well the carbine would handle this unique variety of rounds, especially after extended firing sessions. 

The blowback-operated system cycled effortlessly, regardless of the ammunition being used. I didn’t experience a single malfunction throughout all of the rounds shot, and that’s saying something considering the notoriously snappy behavior of some of the hotter 10mm rounds available on the market. Felt recoil was minimal, no doubt, thanks to the added weight of the gun itself. Compared to a standard 10mm handgun, the difference is quite noticeable. Rapid follow-up shots were easy to keep on target, and transitioning between steel targets at various ranges was quick and seamless. 

Accuracy was solid across the board. At 50 yards, I was getting nice groups, with the best of the day going to Doubletap at 1.5 inches. Following closely behind were Hornady and Liberty Ammunition, with group sizes of 1.75 inches and 2.2 inches, respectively. 

Extra Touches

The trigger has a little bit of take-up but a nice crisp break. The safety is ambidextrous, and the charging handle is reversible, which is a nice touch for lefties. Being that this PCC is compatible with Glock magazines, it is fairly easy to source spares, and if you are already running a 10mm Glock, this gun fits right into your kit without requiring you to go out and purchase a bunch of extra gear, saving you money to buy more ammo! 

The stock on the LC Carbine is adjustable for length of pull and folds to the side for storage or maneuvering tight spaces during a CQB drill. It locks up tight and doesn’t wobble, unlike lesser-built guns you may have had the pleasure of shooting. The overall design of this PCC makes it quite an easy shooting gun, even for newer shooters who might be intimidated by the 10mm round.

Just Right

In practical use, I can see this 10mm carbine quickly becoming a favorite amongst those looking for an alternative option to handguns or full-size rifles for backwoods carry. For those who hunt, the smaller nature of this PCC proves it to be a worthy option on a hunt for black bears or similarly sized game. Quick follow-up shots and optimized maneuverability are important when it comes to defensive use, whether afield or at home. The ability to suppress it adds another layer of appeal for those interested in keeping things quiet.

Each and every feature that Ruger has integrated into the LC Carbine makes sense and aren’t just features that look good on a spec sheet. This is not a gun trying to be something it’s not. It’s not pretending to be a rifle. It’s not trying to replace your AR or your go-to deer rifle. The Ruger LC Carbine is simply a reliable, hard-hitting, easy-to-run pistol-caliber carbine that brings the 10mm cartridge into the hands of a whole new crowd. Practical, dependable, and fun to shoot… what more could you ask for in what could very well be the next addition to your safe? Interested in learning more, check out Fred Mastison’s review here.