Original Ruger PC9 and PC4

Pumpkin · August 30, 2023, 06:06 PM

I’m looking for opinions on the original Ruger Police Carbines.
Not a fan of the new ones take down feature.
Thanks

9x19 · August 30, 2023, 06:14 PM

The originals were about as heavy as the new ones, and most have mediocre triggers that defy improvements. They generally run just fine, but outside of Ruger's rings, mounting optics can be a bit of a challenge.

FYI, you don't have to use the take-down feature on the new models, I only used it for cleaning and for that it was awesome.

Pumpkin · August 30, 2023, 06:23 PM

Thanks,
Does the gun maintain it's zero after removing the barrel and re-installing it?

cavediver27 · August 30, 2023, 07:00 PM

My PC Carbine maintains zero just fine after removing the barrel. I’ve never adjusted the red dot since sighting in and the barrel has been off numerous times. The factory iron sights are mounted on the barrel so they aren’t affected in any way. I have the Magpul Backpacker version and love it!

Hammerhead · September 3, 2023, 03:30 PM

I owned the original, now own the new one with plain stock. New built this year.
The original was a solid gun, accurate and reliable.
Due to the extended bolt in the fore end, I didn’t care for the recoil profile, the sights or scope went way off target between shots.
The new one handles a little better, seems to stay on target better. Trigger is very nice and accuracy is outstanding with hollow points.
I’ve had the barrel off many times with no poi shift.
I like the pic rail on the new one far more than the Ruger scope ring cuts. They were a pita for red dot mounting.

Hammerhead · September 3, 2023, 03:40 PM

What about the Henry Homesteader?

Pumpkin · September 4, 2023, 02:32 PM

$$$$ but very easy on the eyes. And not that it matters, the action looks a lot like the original Ruger.

zaitcev · February 7, 2024, 05:34 PM

MSRP of Homesteader is only $100 over Ruger PCC. Hardly worth mentioning. And now that they were on the market for a year, prices stabilized at a normal level. I saw a $704 deal today for the Glock model.

BTW, I have both PC Carbine and PC Charger, as well as Homesteader. You won't not believe it, but Homesteader is actually lighter (only by 2 oz, but it is). Ruger carbine is more practical, however. Mine retains zero.

Pumpkin · February 8, 2024, 01:14 AM

The Henry is still on my radar, thanks for your feedback.

August 30, 2023, 06:06 PM	#1
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	Original Ruger PC9 and PC4 I’m looking for opinions on the original Ruger Police Carbines. Not a fan of the new ones take down feature. Thanks

August 30, 2023, 06:14 PM	#2
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,752	The originals were about as heavy as the new ones, and most have mediocre triggers that defy improvements. They generally run just fine, but outside of Ruger's rings, mounting optics can be a bit of a challenge. FYI, you don't have to use the take-down feature on the new models, I only used it for cleaning and for that it was awesome. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

August 30, 2023, 06:23 PM	#3
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	Thanks, Does the gun maintain it's zero after removing the barrel and re-installing it?

August 30, 2023, 07:00 PM	#4
cavediver27 Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 499	My PC Carbine maintains zero just fine after removing the barrel. I’ve never adjusted the red dot since sighting in and the barrel has been off numerous times. The factory iron sights are mounted on the barrel so they aren’t affected in any way. I have the Magpul Backpacker version and love it!

September 3, 2023, 03:30 PM	#5
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	I owned the original, now own the new one with plain stock. New built this year. The original was a solid gun, accurate and reliable. Due to the extended bolt in the fore end, I didn’t care for the recoil profile, the sights or scope went way off target between shots. The new one handles a little better, seems to stay on target better. Trigger is very nice and accuracy is outstanding with hollow points. I’ve had the barrel off many times with no poi shift. I like the pic rail on the new one far more than the Ruger scope ring cuts. They were a pita for red dot mounting.

September 3, 2023, 03:40 PM	#6
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	What about the Henry Homesteader?

September 4, 2023, 02:32 PM	#7
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	$$$$ but very easy on the eyes. And not that it matters, the action looks a lot like the original Ruger.

February 7, 2024, 05:34 PM	#8
zaitcev Member Join Date: January 8, 2022 Posts: 22	MSRP of Homesteader is only $100 over Ruger PCC. Hardly worth mentioning. And now that they were on the market for a year, prices stabilized at a normal level. I saw a $704 deal today for the Glock model. BTW, I have both PC Carbine and PC Charger, as well as Homesteader. You won't not believe it, but Homesteader is actually lighter (only by 2 oz, but it is). Ruger carbine is more practical, however. Mine retains zero.

February 8, 2024, 01:14 AM	#9
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	The Henry is still on my radar, thanks for your feedback.