Ruger LC Charger 5.7x28mm 10.3″ Threaded 20rd
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About this product
What is the Ruger LC Charger 5.7x28mm 10.3″ Threaded 20rd? It is a large-format, semi-automatic pistol purpose-built to fully utilize the ballistics of the 5.7x28mm cartridge from a braced or stabilizing platform, functioning as a direct evolution of the Ruger-57 handgun. Its 10.3-inch nitride-treated barrel extends that cartridge's effective velocity window beyond typical handgun lengths, while its chassis-like design accepts modern accessories. For context, this platform occupies a unique regulatory niche as a pistol, requiring ATF Form 1 approval with a tax stamp to convert into a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR), a process Ironclad Armory can facilitate through consultation.
What is the Ruger LC Charger used for?
The Ruger LC Charger is primarily used as a compact, high-velocity carbine trainer and suppressor host for the 5.7x28mm cartridge. Its 1/2-28 threaded barrel is ideal for mounting a compatible linear compensator or suppressor, and the full-length Pic rail and M-LOK handguard support red-dot optics and vertical grips. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for practical shooting sports where its flat-shooting, low-recoil characteristics provide a distinct advantage over pistol-caliber pistol platforms like the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1. Its 20-round magazine capacity is balanced for competition stages or dynamic range use.
How does the Ruger LC Charger compare to the FN PS90?
The Ruger LC Charger is a more conventional and modular host for the 5.7x28mm cartridge compared to the bullpup FN PS90, costing approximately $800 less for the base firearm. Where the PS90 uses a proprietary, integrated 50-round magazine and optic system, the LC Charger employs standard AR-style accessory mounting and common Ruger-57 magazines, offering significantly greater aftermarket customization. The PS90 is a dedicated SBR or Title II firearm from the factory, while the LC Charger starts as a pistol, giving the owner the regulatory choice to Form 1 it or use a stabilizing brace under current rulings.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ruger LC Charger has an overall length of 16 inches and a barrel length of 10.3 inches, with a weight of approximately 4.2 pounds unloaded. Its receiver is constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy with a Type III hard-coat anodized finish, contributing to its durable yet manageable heft. The M-LOK compatible handguard provides a 3-inch wide, 6.5-inch long accessory mounting surface, and the platform accepts any standard Picatinny-mount optic, making it comparable in bulk to a compact rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win but in a pistol configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for a first-time firearm buyer seeking a simple, compact concealed carry piece or someone unwilling to navigate NFA regulations. Its 16-inch overall length and 4.2-pound weight make it a dedicated range or training tool, not a daily-carry option. Shooters looking for a traditional shotgun platform for clay sports should instead consider a dedicated over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. Furthermore, those cost-sensitive to 5.7x28mm ammunition, which averages $0.70-$1.00 per round, will find its high cyclic rate economically prohibitive for casual plinking.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive one Ruger LC Charger pistol, one 20-round steel pistol magazine, a hex wrench for disassembly and takedown, a chamber flag, and the standard manufacturer's documentation and lock. The package notably does not include a stabilizing brace, optic, or any muzzle device, which are essential for its intended use as a stabilized platform. The threaded barrel is protected by a standard 1/2-28 thread protector, and the firearm's serial number is recorded on both the receiver and the included warranty card for registration purposes.
Is the Ruger LC Charger worth it at $807.99?
At $807.99, the Ruger LC Charger is worth it for the shooter specifically invested in the 5.7x28mm ecosystem who wants a modular, brace-ready host without the premium cost of an FN PS90. You are paying for a nitride-treated threaded barrel, a full-length Pic rail, and an M-LOK handguard—features that would cost over $300 to add to a standard pistol. The value proposition hinges on your intent to use it as a suppressor host or SBR candidate; if you plan to leave it as a bare pistol, a standard Ruger-57 at around $650 is a more efficient purchase.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 10.3-inch nitride barrel maximizes 5.7x28mm velocity—expect ~2300+ fps with SS197SR ammo
- Full-length 12-slot Picatinny rail and 6-slot M-LOK handguard accept modern optics and grips
- Threaded 1/2-28 barrel ready for suppressors without costly gunsmithing
- Uses common Ruger-57 20-round magazines, enhancing logistics over proprietary FN PS90 mags
Trade-offs
- No stabilizing brace included—adds $100-$200 and potential NFA compliance complexity
- Heavy for a pistol at 4.2 lbs unloaded—over 1.5 lbs heavier than a standard Ruger-57
- 5.7x28mm ammunition costs $0.70+/round, making sustained fire expensive
Key attributes
| upc | 736676193035 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 19303 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 10.30" |
| caliber/gauge | 5.7 x 28 mm |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 21.7500 |
| model | LC Charger |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 8.6 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 5.6 |
| sights | Optic Ready |
| sights type | NONE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 1/2-28 thread compatible with .223/5.56 suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 thread pattern is directly compatible with many common .223/5.56 muzzle devices and suppressors rated for 5.7x28mm pressure. However, you must verify your suppressor's manufacturer explicitly certifies it for 5.7x28mm, as barrel length and pressure curve differ from a rifle cartridge. Always check with your suppressor manufacturer, like Dead Air or SilencerCo, for specific model approval before mounting.
- Does this fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the LC Charger with its 16-inch overall length will fit diagonally or width-wise in most standard 18-inch to 20-inch rifle cases. For reference, a Pelican 1700 case interior measures 20.5" x 12.5" x 6", providing ample room for the pistol, magazines, and an optic. Its chassis design is not significantly wider than an AR-15 upper receiver, so compartmentalized cases designed for takedown rifles work perfectly.
- How long does direct shipping to an FFL take?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships firearms to your chosen FFL within 1-3 business days after receiving a cleared payment and a copy of the dealer's license. Transit time via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air is typically 2-5 business days continental US. The total timeline from order to your FFL's door is generally 5-10 business days, not including the FFL's own processing time for the 4473 transfer.
- Can I return it if my local FFL won't accept it?
- No, firearms sales are final once the product ships from Ironclad Armory due to federal regulations. It is the buyer's sole responsibility to confirm with their selected FFL dealer that they will accept transfers from online retailers and transfer the specific firearm (a large-format pistol) before completing the purchase. We provide an FFL lookup tool, but verification is mandatory. Returns are only processed for manufacturer-defective items as per Ruger's warranty.
- Does this work with aftermarket Ruger-57 triggers?
- Yes, the LC Charger uses the same Ruger Secure Action fire control system as the standard Ruger-57 pistol. Most drop-in trigger kits, such as those from M*CARBO or Galloway Precision designed for the Ruger-57, will be compatible. Installation requires basic armorer's tools and about 30 minutes of gunsmithing time. The factory trigger pull is approximately 5.5 to 6 pounds, and aftermarket units can reduce that to a crisp 3.5 pounds.