Ruger LC Carbine 5.7x28mm 16.25″ 10rd Black
About this product
What is the Ruger LC Carbine 5.7x28mm? The Ruger LC Carbine is a compact semi-automatic carbine chambered in the specialized 5.7x28mm cartridge, designed specifically for magazine and control commonality with the Ruger-5.7 pistol. This carbine uses a bullpup-inspired bolt-over-barrel layout that positions the magazine inside the pistol grip, achieving a balanced center of mass. Its 16.25-inch barrel keeps the overall package compact while providing the legal 16-inch minimum barrel length for unrestricted rifle classification without NFA paperwork.
What is the Ruger LC Carbine used for?
This carbine is primarily used for compact-range training, plinking, and as a companion system to the Ruger-5.7 pistol. The 5.7x28mm round offers low recoil and a high velocity trajectory, making it suitable for reactive target shooting and controlled environment drills. Its balanced layout and low 5.9 lb weight facilitate quick target transitions, and its compatibility with Ruger-5.7 magazines allows shooters to manage one magazine type across both platforms.
How does the Ruger LC Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308?
The LC Carbine is dramatically better for low-recoil, high-volume range sessions compared to a full-power rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. The 5.7x28mm round generates approximately 2.1 ft-lbs of felt recoil energy compared to the .308's 18+ ft-lbs, and the LC Carbine's semi-auto operation allows faster follow-up shots. However, the Stevens 334 holds a definitive advantage in terminal ballistics and effective range for hunting medium game beyond 200 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ruger LC Carbine weighs exactly 5.9 lb (94.4 oz) unloaded and measures 34.75 inches in overall length. This compact profile, with a barrel length of 16.25 inches, results in a height of 8.25 inches from rail to magazine well floor. The 4.3-inch width across the M-LOK handguard allows for a stable grip without excessive bulk, and the 10-round magazine protrudes only 2.1 inches below the grip frame.
Who is this NOT for?
This carbine is not for hunters seeking ethical one-shot stops on deer-sized game or shooters prioritizing the cheapest available ammunition. The 5.7x28mm round lacks the mass and energy transfer for reliable medium-game harvest, and its average cost per round is $0.85 compared to $0.45 for 9mm NATO. It's also a poor choice for someone wanting a traditional rifle manual of arms, as the bolt-over-barrel and pistol-grip magazine placement requires a specific handling adaptation.
What's in the box?
The package includes the carbine, one 10-round Ruger-5.7 steel pistol magazine, a standard safety lock, and the owner's manual with compliance paperwork. Ruger does not include iron sights, optics, spare magazines, or a carrying case—expect to spend an additional $150-$400 on a red-dot optic and at least $35 per additional magazine. The manual explicitly details the 10-round magazine capacity for certain state compliance, which is critical for buyers in regulated jurisdictions.
Is the Ruger LC Carbine worth it at $723.99?
At $723.99, the LC Carbine is worth it specifically as a low-recoil, pistol-caliber carbine system for shooters who already own or plan to own the Ruger-5.7 pistol. The cost justification comes from parts commonality, where you can use the same magazines and maintain similar manual of arms across both firearms. However, if you do not need that specific system compatibility, a 9mm carbine like the Ruger PC Carbine offers similar performance with cheaper ammunition, as discussed in our 9mm PCC guide.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.9 lb (94.4 oz) — exceptionally balanced for a 34.75-inch rifle
- Shares magazines and manual of arms with the Ruger-5.7 pistol — one system, one set of controls
- 16.25-inch nitride-treated barrel provides full rifle legality without NFA paperwork
- M-LOK handguard offers 14.2 inches of accessory rail space for lights, grips, and bipods
Trade-offs
- No factory iron sights — adds $100+ minimum for a basic red-dot before it's range-ready
- Proprietary 10-round magazines cost $35+ each — less capacity and higher cost than standard AR mags
- Barrel is not threaded — suppressor attachment requires $150+ gunsmithing work
- 5.7x28mm ammunition averages $0.85/round — nearly double the cost of 9mm practice ammo
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676193028 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 19302 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | 5.7 x 28 mm |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| length | 30.6'' |
| magazine included | Yes |
| model | LC Carbine |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.4 |
| sights | Adj Ruger Rapid Deploy |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with FN Five-seveN magazines?
- No, the Ruger LC Carbine is not compatible with FN Five-seveN or PS90 magazines. It is designed exclusively for Ruger's proprietary 5.7x28mm steel magazines, which feature a different magazine catch geometry and follower design. You must use Ruger-5.7 magazines, part number 90481, which are available directly from Ruger or authorized distributors.
- Does it come with iron sights installed?
- No, the Ruger LC Carbine ships without iron sights or any optical system installed. The upper receiver features a full-length Picatinny rail that is 12.8 inches long, allowing you to mount your preferred red-dot, prism scope, or magnified optic. Plan for an additional $100 to $500 for a quality sighting system before your first range trip.
- Can the barrel be threaded for a suppressor?
- The factory barrel is not threaded—it features a smooth, recessed crown protected by the handguard. Adding threads would require a certified gunsmith to remove the barrel, machine it to 1/2x28 threads (the common pitch for 5.7), and re-install it, a process costing approximately $150-$250 plus shipping. Alternatively, Ruger may release a factory-threaded version in the future.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3 to 7 business days after order processing and compliance verification. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx and requires adult signature confirmation at the FFL. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide your order details and arrange their transfer fee, which averages $25-$50.
- Does this work with a binary trigger?
- No, the Ruger LC Carbine's fire control group is proprietary and not compatible with aftermarket binary or forced-reset triggers designed for AR-15 or other platforms. The trigger mechanism is integrated into the lower receiver assembly and has a factory pull weight of approximately 6.5 lbs. Modifying it would likely void the warranty and may create reliability issues with the 5.7x28mm cartridge's unique feed cycle.