Ruger 57 LC Carbine: A Review
The Ruger 57 LC Carbine is a highly anticipated firearms release, and as an avid shooter, I was excited to get my hands on it. As a 5.7x28mm chambered, 10-round magazine-fed, and made by Sturm, Ruger & Co., the manufacturer’s reputation precedes it. In this review, I’ll outline my experience with the Ruger 57 LC Carbine, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
First Impressions
The moment I laid eyes on the Ruger 57 LC Carbine, I was struck by its aesthetically pleasing design. The matte-finish Receiver and barrel give it a rugged, utilitarian look that screams reliability. The ergonomic grip and trigger assembly felt comfortable in my hand, allowing for a natural grip and shot.
Functionality
The Ruger 57 LC Carbine is designed for reliability and ease of use. The oversize magazine release and reversible magazine plate made loading and unloading a breeze, even for those with dexterity limitations. The ambidextrous safety and bolt release also contributed to its user-friendliness.
Here are some key functionality features that stood out:
• Lightweight design: Weighing in at approximately 6.8 pounds, the Ruger 57 LC Carbine is designed for long days at the range or in the field.
• Adjustable folding stock: The stock’s adjustable length allowed me to customize the fit to my body type, providing a comfortable shooting experience.
• Free-floated barrel: The free-floated barrel helped reduce heat buildup during extended ranges, allowing for consistent accuracy and performance.
• Patented reloadable magazine: The detachable magazine is designed for easy reloads and spare magazines are readily available on the market.
Performance
As I took the Ruger 57 LC Carbine to the range, I was impressed by its accuracy and performance. Here are some key findings:
• Accuracy: I experienced exceptional accuracy, with consistent 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards using both high- and subgroup patterns.
• Reliability: The gun functioned flawlessly, despite heavy use and multiple environments (hot and cold, clean and dirty).
• Recoil management: The Ruger 57 LC Carbine’s recoil management system successfully mitigated the impact of the 5.7x28mm, making it manageable for most shooters.
• Sound suppression: The gun’s suppressor-ready design accommodated my existing sound suppressor, minimizing unwanted noise and pressure waves on the eardrums.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Ruger 57 LC Carbine:
Pros:
• Reliability: The Ruger 57 LC Carbine proved to be a reliable companion, functioning consistently under various conditions.
• Accuracy: Its accuracy was exceptional, making it an excellent choice for target shooting and self-defense.
• Comfortable ergonomics: The gun’s design allowed for a comfortable grip and shot.
• Adjustability: The magazine and stock’s adjustability facilitated a customized fit.
Cons:
• Magazine capacity: The 10-round magazine, while sufficient, may be limiting for some shooters.
• Added weight: The overall weight of the gun, while manageable, may be more than some users prefer.
• MSRP: The Ruger 57 LC Carbine’s MSRP is higher than some competitors’ offerings in the same class.
• Lack of customization: Some users might find the limited scope of aftermarket parts and accessories a drawback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ruger 57 LC Carbine is an excellent addition to any firearms collection. Its reliability, accuracy, and adjustability make it an excellent choice for a variety of users. While it has some limitations, such as the magazine capacity, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you’re in the market for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use carbine, consider the Ruger 57 LC Carbine.
