The Ruger LC Carbine is here, and itโs making waves among firearm enthusiasts looking for something versatile, lightweight, and compact. As the firearm industry continues to evolve, Ruger has once again proven its ability to innovate, delivering a carbine that stands out in both function and design. Whether youโre a seasoned shooter or a novice looking to add a new gun to your collection, the Ruger LC Carbine has plenty to offer. In this review, weโll take a deep dive into what makes this firearm a standout and why itโs quickly becoming a favorite among enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things youโll notice about the Ruger LC Carbine is its impressive build quality. Ruger is known for manufacturing durable, reliable firearms, and the LC Carbine is no exception. It has a sleek, modern design thatโs lightweight without compromising on strength. Weighing in at just under 6 pounds, this carbine is easy to handle, making it perfect for a variety of shooting applications, from tactical training to plinking at the range.
The LC Carbine is chambered in 5.7x28mm, a cartridge that has gained popularity for its low recoil and high velocity. The combination of the lightweight carbine with this high-speed round makes for a fast-shooting and accurate firearm. The 5.7x28mm is also known for its armor-penetrating capabilities, which makes this firearm even more versatile, particularly for personal defense.
The overall length of the LC Carbine is just under 30 inches with the stock extended, and it can be reduced to a compact 22.5 inches with the stock folded. This makes it highly portable and easy to store, perfect for those who need a firearm that can be quickly deployed but doesnโt take up too much space. The design also allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces, whether youโre in an indoor range or a confined defensive situation.
Performance
Now, letโs get into the most important aspectโperformance. The Ruger LC Carbine excels in this area, delivering reliable, consistent results. The firearmโs ability to handle the 5.7x28mm cartridge with ease is one of its standout features. This is a round thatโs fast, with minimal recoil, making follow-up shots smooth and easy. For those who value accuracy, the LC Carbine does not disappoint. At 100 yards, the carbine can produce tight groups, thanks in part to its 16.25-inch barrel, which provides a nice balance between compactness and accuracy.
The trigger pull is crisp, with a pull weight of around 5.5 pounds. Itโs not too heavy but offers enough resistance to ensure you wonโt accidentally discharge the firearm under stress. Ruger has done a great job designing a trigger that feels intuitive and responsive, which contributes to the overall shooting experience.
One notable feature is the reversible, non-reciprocating charging handle. This is a great addition for both left-handed and right-handed shooters, allowing for flexibility and comfort when operating the firearm. The bolt-release mechanism is smooth and easy to engage, making reloads quick and efficient.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Ruger LC Carbine was clearly designed with ergonomics in mind. The adjustable, folding stock is a nice touch, allowing shooters to customize the length of pull to their preference. The folding mechanism works smoothly, and the stock locks into place securely. Whether you prefer to shoot with the stock extended or collapsed, the LC Carbine feels balanced and comfortable in both configurations.
The handguard on the LC Carbine is slim and easy to grip, providing excellent control. It features M-LOK slots, which allow for the attachment of accessories like lights, lasers, or grips. The carbine also comes with a full-length Picatinny rail on top, perfect for mounting optics. This is especially useful for those who want to add a red dot or a low-power variable optic (LPVO) for enhanced accuracy at various ranges.
The grip is polymer-based and feels solid in the hand. It has a textured surface that provides ample grip even in wet or muddy conditions. While it might not be the most luxurious grip on the market, itโs functional and comfortable enough for long shooting sessions.
Versatility
One of the standout features of the Ruger LC Carbine is its versatility. This firearm is suitable for a wide range of applications, making it an excellent choice for a variety of shooters. Whether youโre looking for a carbine for personal defense, recreational shooting, or tactical training, the LC Carbine fits the bill.
For personal defense, the 5.7x28mm round offers excellent ballistics, with low recoil and high velocity, making it an effective choice for home defense. Its compact size and folding stock make it easy to store in tight spaces, yet itโs quick to deploy in a defensive situation.
On the range, the LC Carbine is just plain fun to shoot. The low recoil and fast-shooting characteristics make it a blast for plinking or engaging in more serious training. Itโs also a great option for new shooters who may be intimidated by larger, heavier rifles. The 5.7x28mm round is easy to manage, and the lightweight design makes it less cumbersome than many other carbines on the market.
For those who are into customization, the LC Carbine is a dream. With M-LOK slots and a full Picatinny rail, you can easily add accessories like lights, lasers, grips, and optics to tailor the firearm to your specific needs. This flexibility makes it a solid choice for those who like to modify their firearms for different purposes.
The Downsides
No firearm is perfect, and the Ruger LC Carbine has a few drawbacks worth mentioning. First, the 5.7x28mm round is still not as widely available or affordable as more common calibers like 9mm or .223 Remington. While prices have been dropping as the cartridge becomes more popular, itโs still a consideration for those who plan to shoot frequently.
Additionally, while the LC Carbine is lightweight, some shooters might find the all-polymer construction a bit less solid than traditional metal firearms. Ruger has clearly made the choice to prioritize weight and maneuverability over a heavier, more robust frame, but this may be a matter of personal preference.
Conclusion
The Ruger LC Carbine is an impressive firearm that brings a lot to the table. Its lightweight, compact design makes it ideal for a wide range of shooting applications, from personal defense to recreational plinking. The 5.7x28mm round it chambers is fast, accurate, and easy to control, and the carbineโs overall build quality lives up to Rugerโs strong reputation.
While it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, particularly those who are put off by the price or availability of the 5.7x28mm ammunition, the LC Carbine is a solid, versatile firearm thatโs worth considering if youโre in the market for something different. With its modern design, customizable options, and excellent performance, the Ruger LC Carbine is a winner in its class.
