WK 180-C vs FX-9 vs JR Carbine Gen 3 vs Ruger PCC
- Thread starter CdnLibertarian
- Start date
I look into my gun safe and see 40 years worth of guns - pistols, rifles and shotguns.
Most of the handguns and many of the rifles are made by Ruger and Marlin.
I really like my 6 position stock Ruger carbine. I use Ruger magazines and shoot reloads and it has never missed a beat. The Sig Romeo5 on top is the latest optic and seems to do the trick for me in steel plate shooting.
They are all probably good if you treat them right.
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Most of the handguns and many of the rifles are made by Ruger and Marlin.
I really like my 6 position stock Ruger carbine. I use Ruger magazines and shoot reloads and it has never missed a beat. The Sig Romeo5 on top is the latest optic and seems to do the trick for me in steel plate shooting.
They are all probably good if you treat them right.
.
The WKs are... rough. They're prone to a laundry list of problems. Apparently the gen 2s are better, but they're also considerably more expensive.
The JR carbines are great guns, they just suck to clean. You actually have to remove the buffer tube to get the bolt out the back, and this needs to be done fairly regularly (They don't like running dirty). I bought and installed a law tactical folding stock adapter, but that required modification of the bolt (Drill and tap to hold the bolt extension), and I had to machine a new bolt extension for it, as the one they come with is designed for a standard AR bolt. Neither are ideal if you're not a machinist.
Just about everyone I know likes their Ruger PCCs though. A couple of people have had trouble with extractors from the factory, one fixed the problem by installing a new one, the other is kind of an ongoing thing. But for the most part, they're good guns.
The JR carbines are great guns, they just suck to clean. You actually have to remove the buffer tube to get the bolt out the back, and this needs to be done fairly regularly (They don't like running dirty). I bought and installed a law tactical folding stock adapter, but that required modification of the bolt (Drill and tap to hold the bolt extension), and I had to machine a new bolt extension for it, as the one they come with is designed for a standard AR bolt. Neither are ideal if you're not a machinist.
Just about everyone I know likes their Ruger PCCs though. A couple of people have had trouble with extractors from the factory, one fixed the problem by installing a new one, the other is kind of an ongoing thing. But for the most part, they're good guns.
One of those is not like the others
I have read a lot of testimonials regarding the WK-180s and my general consensus is to steer clear. I know our options for 5.56 are limited, but way, way too many bad reviews of stuff breaking on the wk-180s (even gen 2s) for me to go near them with a 10ft pole. Even one of the range officers at my range was cursing them to high hell during a random conversation, mentioning how many members have crazy issues with brand new rifles. Anecdotal, YMMV, but I went with the MCR and grabbed a KelTec RDB for my 5.56 shooting.
As far as the rest - I own a FX-9 as of this year, and I have only put 100-200 rounds through it... it's been finnicky. Could be my SGM mags (I hate the look of 10 rnder glock mags in a PCC), could be my CCI Blazer ammo, could be that I didn't oil it sufficiently. They do NOT like being run dry.
I'm told they take a while to break in and run smooth, I am clearly not at that stage as of yet. I will say that they're ridiculously easy and fast to field strip for cleaning. Like, ridiculously.
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CdnLibertarian
Member
Oh damn, you're the second person to say this about the WK....crazy because all the website reviews seem good but all the forums I've been on people say to steer clear. Thanks for the response.
TransAm1991
Regular
- Location
- Windsor, Ontario
It's like owning a Porche.
Regardless if you shot 20 rounds or 200, take it home, clean it, and check the parts.
Mine was mashing the upper pretty bad where the charging handle was, digging right into the aluminum. The Gen 1 thread in charging handle was cheap, and really a stupid way to do it.
I haven't held a Gen 2, but I changed my upper. I wanted the TNA upgraded one but I haven't seen any for sale.
JACKSMYDOG
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Haldimand County, Ontario
I had a JR Carbine, but the cleaning process, and requirement to do it regularly made it a very short ownership.
My Ruger PCC has been excellent, runs like a champ. My only complaint is how heavy it is. I've been considering a Keltec Sub-2000 for comparison testing.
My Ruger PCC has been excellent, runs like a champ. My only complaint is how heavy it is. I've been considering a Keltec Sub-2000 for comparison testing.
CdnLibertarian
Member
Is this the one you have?
https://alflahertys.com/amp/ruger-p...ndguard-non-restricted-9mm-18-6-barrel-19125/
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Tons of experience with all 4.
First gen WK was an unreliable gun. Some guys had great luck, many did not. Mine was a POS. The top rail isnt to spec, so several red dots with integrated mounts won't fit. Every part is the lowest quality that exists. I solved alot of common issues by upgrading to the TNA steel upper, copper bushing, TNA's vastly better bolt (magnetic handle that fits tight) and the TNA adjustable gas valve. The second gens fixed the charging handle issues, but people are still breaking pistons. Better off looking into the Crusader Arms and Sterling options IMO.
JRC - superbly reliable. Softest shooting 9mm PCC I've touched. Needs tools to disassemble and clean, which sucks. Ergonomics are meh if you're used to an AR, but reliability is very high.
FX9 - first gens are less reliable than the newer ones. Newer ones are still under-buffered from the factory, so I recommend getting a heavier buffer (H3 min). Very easy to disassemble and clean (tool-less). Best ergonomics of the three you posted by far, and the best balanced IMO. Not perfectly reliable, thebones I've shot have been somewhat ammo and mag picky. But once you find ammo and mags it likes its a good choice.
Ruger - reliable, but I recommend the MCarbo upgrades if you want it to be bombproof. The tacticool version is muzzle heavy, but I still prefer it to the lower models. Ergonomics aren't great, but not bad. Best value of the three 9mm PCCs IMO.
First gen WK was an unreliable gun. Some guys had great luck, many did not. Mine was a POS. The top rail isnt to spec, so several red dots with integrated mounts won't fit. Every part is the lowest quality that exists. I solved alot of common issues by upgrading to the TNA steel upper, copper bushing, TNA's vastly better bolt (magnetic handle that fits tight) and the TNA adjustable gas valve. The second gens fixed the charging handle issues, but people are still breaking pistons. Better off looking into the Crusader Arms and Sterling options IMO.
JRC - superbly reliable. Softest shooting 9mm PCC I've touched. Needs tools to disassemble and clean, which sucks. Ergonomics are meh if you're used to an AR, but reliability is very high.
FX9 - first gens are less reliable than the newer ones. Newer ones are still under-buffered from the factory, so I recommend getting a heavier buffer (H3 min). Very easy to disassemble and clean (tool-less). Best ergonomics of the three you posted by far, and the best balanced IMO. Not perfectly reliable, thebones I've shot have been somewhat ammo and mag picky. But once you find ammo and mags it likes its a good choice.
Ruger - reliable, but I recommend the MCarbo upgrades if you want it to be bombproof. The tacticool version is muzzle heavy, but I still prefer it to the lower models. Ergonomics aren't great, but not bad. Best value of the three 9mm PCCs IMO.
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CdnLibertarian
Member
Thanks for that write up
Midnight Rider
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ......the Vanishing Point .
Save yourself some headaches , and get the Ruger PCC . Avoid the WK at all costs as everyone that I know who bought one is now trying to unload it ; everyone who bought a Ruger PCC , including myself , loves it .
CdnLibertarian
Member
Mint! Thanks man
Quite happy with my tacticool Ruger PCC. I think I've been using a bit too much lube and that's caused some malfunctions in the first mag or two of shooting. I intend to get lazy with the cleaning and see when it starts to struggle. 300 rounds since it's last clean/lube and its running just fine.
A friend has a WK. I'm surprised how accurate it was with the 3-9 scope he has on it. I absolutely hate the trigger, but he doesn't mind it. No problems overall, only cleaned after the first outing. But I doubt he has more than 200 rounds through it total.
A friend has a WK. I'm surprised how accurate it was with the 3-9 scope he has on it. I absolutely hate the trigger, but he doesn't mind it. No problems overall, only cleaned after the first outing. But I doubt he has more than 200 rounds through it total.
JACKSMYDOG
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Haldimand County, Ontario
No, mine started as the base model, but I changed the chassis so I could go to a telescopic stock. I have the Midwest industries chassis. It's aluminum so adds a few ounces, but skeletonized stock off-sets the gain. The gun itself is heavier than I expected, IIRC the base model is almost 6.5 lbs.
Here's my Frankenstein.
do you want 556 or 9mm?
in 556 get a Gen 2 -180 or a Gen 3 - Type 97.
I have a Gen 1- 180 and im afraid to shoot it
in 9mm everything you list is good
Unholysavage gives a good run down above
I have the JR - Gen 3 and Ruger PCC - base model. Both are great (different but still great!)
in 556 get a Gen 2 -180 or a Gen 3 - Type 97.
I have a Gen 1- 180 and im afraid to shoot it
in 9mm everything you list is good
Unholysavage gives a good run down above
I have the JR - Gen 3 and Ruger PCC - base model. Both are great (different but still great!)
Well, I have 3 of the 4 you listed and can give some general feedback. The comparison would be more with the FX9 vs the PC Carbine (both taking 9mm generally), but I can say this...
WK180C - reports of various issues in earlier generations including sheared charging handle and snapped piston rod. I have the generation 1.5, I guess, where it is not the original one with the magnetic handle (mine is the darn threaded one which comes loose every time I shoot it). I haven't had it shear off (yet). As for the piston rod, thank goodness a fellow member recommended I check the gas block screws. Sure enough, mine were as loose as my ex's moral compass, and so tightening the screws and applying some locktite may or may not have mitigated a problem later. As for accuracy, it is decent out of the box. Weight and feel is good. Takedown is relatively easy, except that hairpin retaining pin thing on the bolt for mine is hard to put back in. The whole thing does have a rather odd rattle from specific locations I have been unable to pinpoint. There is no bolt release/lock on it (though TNA has a kit for it). I have a Lantac Dragon MB on mine and it shoots great. From an enjoyment perspective, I like it. Can shoot 5.56 and .223 without issues. Overall cost of ownership will be higher per round due to ammo cost.
Ruger PC Carbine - mine is the one with the aluminum handguard and extendible / adjustable stock. Overall, I like it. Can take it apart in two pieces for transport. Fairly reliable overall. Reminds me of a souped up 10/22. However, there are some detractions (for me anyway). Due to the aluminum handguard, the weight distribution is not great with a noticeable heavy front. Even a foregrip doesn't alleviate the noticeable weight difference. While it can take apart in two, taking it apart to clean is a pain. Yes, it's only two screws, but you need tools for that. Then tool to take the charging handle off. After that, the design of the shock buffer/clip makes the shock buffer bent every time - I swear it was gonna snap - the circular piece is plastic as is the clip. MCARBO kit here is a must. Some people don't like the look of it, and I agree to an extent - it does look rather bulky/cluttery. Enjoyment is decent, but not as good as my...
Freedom Ordnance FX9 - I have taken this to the range more regularly than any other gun I own. Ergonomics are good. Weight is great. Takedown is so easy - no tools and it is a breeze to take the bolt assembly apart. Accuracy is good and I shoot mostly 147gr in it though it's fine with lighter bullets. It comes dry, so oil it up good. Only areas of improvement - last round bold hold open is hit and miss with the Glock OEM mags. The bolt catch goes off by itself. Charging handle - even the "enhanced" one - is too small - a guy on here sells a larger one. But aside from that it is great to shoot, and looks superb to boot. FO says not to use aluminum ammo, so I haven't.
WK180C - reports of various issues in earlier generations including sheared charging handle and snapped piston rod. I have the generation 1.5, I guess, where it is not the original one with the magnetic handle (mine is the darn threaded one which comes loose every time I shoot it). I haven't had it shear off (yet). As for the piston rod, thank goodness a fellow member recommended I check the gas block screws. Sure enough, mine were as loose as my ex's moral compass, and so tightening the screws and applying some locktite may or may not have mitigated a problem later. As for accuracy, it is decent out of the box. Weight and feel is good. Takedown is relatively easy, except that hairpin retaining pin thing on the bolt for mine is hard to put back in. The whole thing does have a rather odd rattle from specific locations I have been unable to pinpoint. There is no bolt release/lock on it (though TNA has a kit for it). I have a Lantac Dragon MB on mine and it shoots great. From an enjoyment perspective, I like it. Can shoot 5.56 and .223 without issues. Overall cost of ownership will be higher per round due to ammo cost.
Ruger PC Carbine - mine is the one with the aluminum handguard and extendible / adjustable stock. Overall, I like it. Can take it apart in two pieces for transport. Fairly reliable overall. Reminds me of a souped up 10/22. However, there are some detractions (for me anyway). Due to the aluminum handguard, the weight distribution is not great with a noticeable heavy front. Even a foregrip doesn't alleviate the noticeable weight difference. While it can take apart in two, taking it apart to clean is a pain. Yes, it's only two screws, but you need tools for that. Then tool to take the charging handle off. After that, the design of the shock buffer/clip makes the shock buffer bent every time - I swear it was gonna snap - the circular piece is plastic as is the clip. MCARBO kit here is a must. Some people don't like the look of it, and I agree to an extent - it does look rather bulky/cluttery. Enjoyment is decent, but not as good as my...
Freedom Ordnance FX9 - I have taken this to the range more regularly than any other gun I own. Ergonomics are good. Weight is great. Takedown is so easy - no tools and it is a breeze to take the bolt assembly apart. Accuracy is good and I shoot mostly 147gr in it though it's fine with lighter bullets. It comes dry, so oil it up good. Only areas of improvement - last round bold hold open is hit and miss with the Glock OEM mags. The bolt catch goes off by itself. Charging handle - even the "enhanced" one - is too small - a guy on here sells a larger one. But aside from that it is great to shoot, and looks superb to boot. FO says not to use aluminum ammo, so I haven't.
