The Better Millimeter: Ruger LC Carbine

The LC Carbine was Ruger’s foray (again) into the pistol-caliber carbine world (PCC). Instead of going with the boring 9mm, Ruger first issued the carbine in 5.7X28mm. With the diminutive cartridge’s popularity rising, Ruger was ingenious to do this. The LC Carbine “lower” is reminiscent of the Ruger 57 pistol, which makes sense since both chambers are the same round. The ergonomics of the carbine also received praise, which included features like a side-charging bolt, free-float M-Lok handguard, adjustable folding stock, and, of course, a threaded barrel for adding a suppressor (that’s the only logical thing to add, right?). For Ruger, the continuation of the line included the addition of 45ACP, a solid choice, but Ruger needed something spicier: the 10mm.

10mm Carbine

I love the 10mm cartridge. Is it practical for training or duty work? No, the ammo is expensive, and shooting it is fatiguing. But its power, velocity, and performance are exciting. While the failed FBI round has risen, flatlined, and then brought back to life again, its popularity is here to stay. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper intended to deliver a magnum-like performance in a semi-automatic handgun for Law Enforcement use (Google April 11, 1986, FBI shootout in Miami, and you’ll understand this thinking). Instead of gunning down bad guys, the cartridge has grown as a hunting and defensive round in rough country (you know, where bears and other predators live). And for us Ohio Hunters, that’s where I think the LC Carbine in 10mm will flourish.

For those unaware, Ohio is a straight-wall cartridge state for deer hunting. To some, this might strike you as odd, but it’s better than the days of shotgun slugs and muzzleloaders as our main options (yes, pistols could be used if the barrel was 5” or longer and the caliber was .357 or larger). The LC Carbine in 10mm falls within the parameters of Ohio Hunting Regulations. Its ergonomics, modularity, and quick follow-up shot capability will suit hunters well in the woods of Ohio. The carbine will also bode well as a home-defense rifle. Adding a light, optic, and a vertical grip or hand stop elevate the rifle’s performance for either pursuit. Finally, the basic features of LC Carbine are present, including ambidextrous controls, reversible magazine release, folding sights, and a 16.25” barrel with a .578”-28 muzzle threading. Of note, the 10mm will take Glock-pattern magazines. A 30-rounder is included in the box.

Final Thoughts

I like the addition of the 10mm cartridge to the LC Carbine lineup. The platform optimizes the cartridge's capabilities while giving it flexibility in the field and on the range. For Ohio hunters, it offers another option this coming fall. Street pricing will be $829 and should be hitting dealer shelves soon.