The new Ruger LC Charger is a “large format pistol” version of their LC Carbine, falling somewhere between that weapon and Ruger 5.7 handgun in size, but taking the same magazines and using the same controls. In fact, given the ambiguous definition of PDW, you could probably make a PDW with one of these. It’s a compact package. Sixteen inches (16″) overall length, 10.3″ barrel length, and, at 66.5 oz., just a smidge over four pounds.
Of course, the caliber is the most notable thing about this particular release. It’s chambered in 5.7x28mm, which, although not particularly new, has seen a substantial increase in popularity over the last couple of years. The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed in 1990 as the SS90 to meet a NATO need (well, request). It is fast, and it delivers a lot of energy. P90s have used it, the FN Five-Seven, Ruger 5.7, PSA 5.7, CMMG Banshee, and 5.7 Rock use it, and now the LC Charger uses it.
All reports indicate it’s a great cartridge, suitable for several uses, including self-defense, hunting, and particularly for use in PDWs.
The LC Charger has a number of features that’ll make it even more fun to shoot the 5.7x28mm cartridge than it already is. And it IS fun.
Features of the Ruger LC Charger include:
- Ruger’s “Secure Action” fire-control mechanism that combines the internal hammer with a bladed-safety trigger for a short, smooth pull, clean break, and positive reset. The Secure Action fire control group combines a protected internal hammer with a bladed-safety trigger. It’s intended to provide a short, smooth pull, clean break, and positive reset. Ruger aficionados speak highly of them.
- A full-length Picatinny rail on top for mounting optics. While some folks might wonder about the absence of sights, Ruger probably figured (correctly) that far more people want to choose specific sights than care if a weapon comes with them. Particularly if they’re fixed (at least when we’re talking about a design like this, which provides a lot of options.
- Multiple quick-detach (QD) points for slings.
- Nitride-treated steel barrel for durability and corrosion resistance (this is or should be standard, but it’s good to have, regardless. Especially if you’re going to be kicking this around outside or using it as a truck gun.
- 1911-style ambidextrous safety (these are the safety controls that won two world wars! and Korea! etc.) This is actually the thing I like best about this gun.
- Extended magazine release; you could do without it, but a weapon of this size is better off this way.
- Reversible charging handle — you know, for the wrong-handed. But also a nice touch.
- A threaded ½”-28 barrel; this seemingly minor point is something else I really like. It’s good to accessorize!
- Max mag capacity of 20 rounds (10 for restricted states) in a steel magazine, at least until someone makes extensions.
