The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: alfsauve on July 31, 2022, 11:45:46 AM

Title: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: alfsauve on July 31, 2022, 11:45:46 AM
One of my goals this year is to classify in all 13 divisions of Steel Challenge.   I don't own a PCC but had struck a deal with a shooting buddy that I'd loan him my 929 so he could shoot Revolver and he'd loan me his Kel-Tec 9mm.  I got antsy and decided that I wanted to buy my on PCC.  Got the Ruger PC-9.  Plain version, heavy plastic stock.  Still kicks more than I would have thought.

I decided to do some upgrades.  Got replacement parts from M-CARBO which seems like a good 3rd party provider.  mcarbo.com (http://mcarbo.com)  Decided on their improved trigger, extractor, extended bolt handle and the buffer plate.  Passed on the muzzle brake as I think I have something in my parts drawer.

So, do I just dive into the PC-9 and figure it out on my own?  Or do I consult the Ruger and MCARBO instructions?   

WRONG !    I actually got out the Ruger instructions and watched the MACARBO videos.   Here lies my only rub with MCARBO.  They evidently didn't have the budget  to make separate  promotional videos and installation videos.  The bolt handle is held on with on 5/16" hex head bolt.  Other than to make sure the gun is unloaded, just unscrew the old one and screw in the new one.  The video should have taken no more than one minute with intro and outro and safety warnings.   THEIR VIDEO WAS 7:52 minutes long.   They went through all the features and did a side by side comparison of the original parts vs their parts.  One of the primary rules in sales is to stop selling when you've made the sale. ENOUGH RANTING.   Good products otherwise.

The PC-9 uses lots of plastic parts internally.  No screws or bolts inside where everything is pinned together, which is one reason MCARBO sells replacement (tighter) pins.  As you remove things other parts can easily fall out.   Even knowing this, after I was done and put it in the safe I turned around and there was a pin on the floor. You do need to watch a video on disassembly so you don't loose anything.

As I said it does kick a bit more than I thought.  The trigger is okay for what it is but the rifle functions well and it's quite handy.  For Steel Challenge I don't have a problem with the provided peep sight and am probably going to shoot it that way for both PCCIronsights  and PCCOpen.  I'm just not a red-dot person.

Since this may be just shot in competition two times and then sold, I'm not willing to put much more into it.   Yeah the tactical stocks are cool.  I'm thinking about carving out my own skeletal fore end.    Practice with it the next two Tuesdays then match on 8/14.  Doing Open first as practice for the next month in the PCCI division.
Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: Rastus on July 31, 2022, 07:58:31 PM
Interesting.  I hope you find out where that pin goes!   ;D

Keep us informed.  I know nothing about carbines in pistol calibers so I'm looking forward to your posts.  I like the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 as I've thought about having one to stay in the truck tucked away in a seat back cushion.  I assume they are probably mostly plastic as well.

I've shot a Kriss Vector in 45.  I liked it OK...I thought it was a bit awkward though.  That was 12-15 years ago..I may have changed my mind if I were to pick up another. 

I think MB has some information out there on a Sub 2000 review.  It's a shame he doesn't post on his forum every now and then and give us some pointers.
Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: alfsauve on August 01, 2022, 10:53:45 AM
Knew right where the pin went.  Had just spent an intimate hour with the gun in almost total disassembly.  No problem.  It was one of two trigger guard cross pins.  They are held in by the stock.  That's why you have to be careful once you start removing things.  Each level holds in the pins to the next level.

USUSALLY, Ruger has some nit that irritates me with every one I've owned, but so far with the PC-9 I've found nothing to be bother about.

The manual has 6 sub-assembly diagrams and is quite detailed. They are vary easy to follow.  More designed for assembly/disassembly than just a plain IPB (Illustrated Parts Breakdown) where it's all in one picture.  And they simplified the part numbers.  #1-#86 rather than 8 digit alphanumerics.  Compared to the original PC9, pre-2006, this is a tremendous improvement.

Practicing manual of arms and dry firing, I really like the bolt locking arm placement.   Hold the rifle with left hand and place butt on right thigh.  Wrap right thumb over the top of the bolt handle.  Pull back the bolt.  The index finger will be naturally resting on the bolt lock.  Very cool design.  I should feel real comfortable with my first PCC competition.  The bolt can go on either side B-T-B.   Practice Tuesday, film at 11.

Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: alfsauve on August 04, 2022, 09:53:54 AM
50 rounds of Federal Syntex  PCC 130gr ammo.  Flawless.  fairly good groups at 25yds indoor range standing with iron sights. About 6" group with 10 shots.  More than good enough for SC.   Given that in Steel Challenge you aren't in any rush to change magazines, no need to improve the mag release.  I don't know if the mods I did are any help.  The recoil may have been a little muted with the new recoil pad.  The extended bolt handle is definitely nice. Not sure the extractor was required and didn't shoot it enough to tell if the trigger is any different.   I will just satisfy myself in that those were good mods.   Don't have a 9mm muzzle break in the parts drawer.  If I run across one maybe I'll put one one.  I'm not shooting at a level that this makes a huge difference and not doing "doubles" in SC.

Weight.  It feels a little heavy.  Disclaimer:  I've never hefted much less fired any other 9mm PCC, but according to Kel-Tec the S-200 is about 2 pounds lighter.
How is that weight distributed, you ask?.

Stock     1# 10oz
Receiver 2# 12oz
Forend           8oz
Barrel     1#  12oz

Total       6#  10oz

Could perhaps use an extremely small forend for a 2-3oz savings and skelontonize the stock for 10oz?  It'll depend on whether I keep the PCC for further competition or not as to whether I feel like investing any more into it.






It's just a standard PC-9 but I'll post a picture later on for those of you addicted to porn
Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: les snyder on August 04, 2022, 07:00:38 PM
Alf... USPSA PCC is fun if you can find primers... I've been shooting Steel Challenge for just about two years now, and need .6s to make A....if you have the Glock mag insert for the Ruger PC, I had pretty good luck with the ETS clear plastic 40 rounders in my AR9

for Steel Challenge I'm staying with the .22lr... I got to check the COVID box 3 weeks ago, so had way too much time on the internet... ordered a back up CMMG 16" barrel and B conversion unit... I foolishly cut my earlier 16" barrel back to make a RFRI option for my SBR.... I did pick up a Holosun HS510cg and am really pleased with the green circle/dot reticle (intensity reduced so you can see through the circle.... when the convex edge of the circle crosses the center of the plate, press the trigger.... broke a hammer a month ago... and a Bore Buddy firing pin at about 8000 rounds....the .22s seem to really break up parts

hints on Covid... Blue Bell 3oz ice cream cup, 8oz saline distilled water nasal lavage 4x a day... zinc throat lozenge....cough drops.... Gatoraide... you will wake up about every two hours and wander around the house...regards Les edit.... I was taking 2x 50mg zinc and 2x 20mcg D3
Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: Rastus on August 04, 2022, 08:23:05 PM
Alf you seem to be on point for this thing.  Post some pics when you have the time.

Les, good to see you back.  Glad you got over the Chicom flu.  It's going around here.  Lost a 27 year old near here last week over it.  Big healthy guy, not fat.  Secondary pneumonia got him.  He waited too long to go to the doctor.   It reminded me I need my final pneumonia shot...it really is a vaccine. 
Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: alfsauve on August 05, 2022, 10:00:39 AM
I didn't get COVID, but Tuesday I got a Shingles booster.  Whipped my butt.  Didn't do anything on Wednesday and could barely shuffle my feet between easy chair and bed.

Les, good to hear from you and as usual you're a good bit into more than I am.

Not even going to attempt IDPA/USPSA PCC at this point.  If I want to practice "action" rifle/carbine, I'll go do a US Arms match. 

But my plan is this, after I do all 13 divisions, I see which I did best in.  Which I enjoyed the most and which I think I could possibly move up in classification.  If, a big if, I can move up to at a B class in one division, maybe I'll try for Speed Challenge 2023.  I love having so many national matches < 2 hour drive away.

Title: Re: Ruger PC9 - my foray into PCC
Post by: Rastus on August 05, 2022, 03:28:44 PM
Stop it.  I'm starting to get the bug.  I like the Kel Tec Sub 2000 and the CZ Scorpion.  Especially the Scorpion Bullpup.  But the Sub 2000 is a lot more affordable.

I am wondering about the Shingles thing.  A friend just brought up he was getting the vaccine...but had never had the chicken pox.  I didn't either but I received the chicken pox vaccine about 25 years go not long after it came out and SHAZAM, they say I may be able to enjoy the shingles now.