NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger LC Charger

We’re at the range to get a closer look at the latest evolution of the Charger concept from Ruger, only chambered for an easy-recoiling, flat-shooting centerfire cartridge made popular by the Belgians, 5.7x28 mm FN. Watch our Gun Of The Week video below to see the LC Charger in use on the range.

Ruger’s Charger first appeared in the mid-2000s and was based on the semi-automatic action of the 10/22 rimfire rifle. Its compact design, along with an aftermarket already rich with accessories, made it a well-received foundation for the company to eventually expand upon. In recent years, Ruger’s focused on the fast 5.7x28 mm FN cartridge, and with 15 models to choose from, there are options to consider. The LC Charger is one that uses a robust, semi-automatic action and sound ergonomics borrowed from its big sibling, the LC Carbine. This latest iteration of the Charger concept, paired with the light recoil of the 5.7 mm cartridge, makes for an enjoyable experience on the range. It also helps that the pistol weighs 66.5 ozs. empty. It’s surely not the lightest 5.7 firearm out there, but given its design, there are many features that come along with the weight.

First, and most obvious, is the full-length Picatinny rail up top that provides plenty of room for optics. There’s plenty of M-Lok sections to pick from for accessory attachments, and there are sling cups, too. Ruger even sends out the LC Chargers with a handstop, which is a must-have when dealing with short-barreled guns that need some forearm support. A threaded barrel comes standard, too, and there’s an attachment point at the rear of the receiver. The receiver is machined aluminum up top, while reinforced polymer shapes out the grip and magazine well. Controls are borrowed from the carbine version, which are borrowed from a pistol in the company’s lineup—Ruger’s expansive 5.7 family tree is certainly worth a closer look, given all the options now available.

Controls on the LC Charger are straightforward. You’ll get Ruger’s Secure Action fire-control system, a hammer-fired design that provides a nice trigger pull. Our testers noted its short movement exhibited smooth travel with a crisp break at the end. Lending itself to a broader consumer market, this gun is ideally suited for left-handed shooters and right-handed shooters alike, as a reversible charging handle and bilateral safety come as standard equipment. An extended magazine release latch is another handy feature on the gun, too.

On the range, our testers found the ergonomics of Ruger’s LC Charger to be comfortable, and the gun was intuitive to use. Our testers found the crossover from Carbine to Charger to be an easy transition. The gun’s 10.3” threaded barrel gives a boost in performance over Ruger-5.7 pistols while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. The CNC-milled handguard with its hardcoat anodized finish offers plenty of real estate for accessories. Priced appropriately, the LC Charger just might be your next SBR starting point or the home-defense tool and range plinker you’ve been waiting for.

Ruger LC Charger Specficiations

Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol

Chambering: 5.7x28 mm FN

Receiver: aluminum alloy

Barrel: 10.3" Nitride-treaded steel

Sights: none; Picatinny rail

Magazine: 20-round detachable box

Overall Length: 16"

Weight: 66.5 ozs.

MSRP: $999