Tough one. They'll feel and handle quite differently. The forend rail is a big plus for me on the basic, but if you need a rail you can probably find a barrel clamp rail mount that would work on the backpacker. Everybody who tries the backpacker stock seems to love the handling (and it's lighter).
Help in Choosing a rifle
- Thread starter killingspree
- Start date
Tough one. They'll feel and handle quite differently. The forend rail is a big plus for me on the basic, but if you need a rail you can probably find a barrel clamp rail mount that would work on the backpacker. Everybody who tries the backpacker stock seems to love the handling (and it's lighter).
TL/DR: Properly pinned regular capacity mags still have some give in the top round after they're fully loaded, so they're easier to load and easier to seat on a closed bolt/slide. The difference can feel huge.
Long version: Take Glock 17 mags. You'll see them described as 10/10 or 10/17 for normal length magazines. The 10/10 version has an interior volume with just enough room for 10 cartridges before the follower bottoms out. Usually around 10.1 cartridges, actually, and at that point the spring is more or less fully compressed, meaning there is a whole lot of resistance when you push down on that tenth round. The pinned 10/17 version will have an interior volume with enough room for 17 cartridges, but will have a rivet in the mag body that limits how far the follower can travel. At that point, the follower hits the rivet, but the spring still has plenty of space to keep compressing. Pushing down on that tenth round is much easier, because it's just the rivet stopping you, not a fully compressed spring. If the rivet is in exactly the right spot, you will have enough room for 10.5 or even 10.7 cartridges, which is a lot of space compared to the 10.1 cartridges you can get in the 10/10 mag. The extra space and the lower spring resistance means the 10/17 is much easier to load, AND it is much easier to seat on a closed bolt or closed slide. As long as the strongest thumbs on the planet cannot get the eleventh round in (that would make them prohibited), properly placing the rivet will give plenty of space to work with.
There's always a tradeoff - Riveted mags are usually more difficult to completely disassemble for cleaning.
go back packer!!! 100%
There is nothing about the base model that is better that i have seen
The backpacker stock on its own is about $250 (tax in) when you can find one.
If for some weird reason you want the base stock guys like me that have swapped to backpacker will sell them for about $50 (or even less sometimes)
So if the backpacker is less than $200 difference then the base its a deal
Here is the thing. without tax i see these. Various stores and mostly sponsors of this site.
1. Basic ruger with shotgun stock - 899
2. Backpacker stock alone - 149
Total ~ 1050 (all black)
3. Backpacker model - 1049 (tannish one) . though i like it i thought about spending that 150 on a red dot now and eventually swap the stock.
if there is no use, then i would simply get the backpacker and use it till i set aside some money for red dot.
If they're the same price, I'd buy the one that gives me a 2nd stock. You could potentially sell the factory stock for a few bucks, or just keep both so you've got options.
Which model, the delemma? The best answer I think would be what are you going to use the gun for. Make a list most to least use. Here is my take.
1. If you regularly hike in the back country. - the Backpacker gets my nod.
2 If you want a truck gun, occasionally back pack -:The Backpacker
3. If you use it for competitions mostly and don't really do much hiking get the base model. It is lighter and should be faster to operate around barricades etc. There is a small rail on the firearm ro mount a light if the sport you are shooting allows or requires a light mounted.
4. If you just want a range gun, live in an urban area and don't have another need buy any version your wallet will allow. All will meet this need.
5. If you like the looks of the m-loc forearm and don't mind the added weight then thar model is your choice.
No version will shoot better than the other. All can be used in any of the intended purposes I have listed. Guns are like women there is one made for everyone. Ruger has given us choices. It is a very good platform capable of filling most needs at a decent price. I don't believe it is the best solution for specific applications but as a range gun it is as good as any and better than some.
Take Care
Bob
1. If you regularly hike in the back country. - the Backpacker gets my nod.
2 If you want a truck gun, occasionally back pack -:The Backpacker
3. If you use it for competitions mostly and don't really do much hiking get the base model. It is lighter and should be faster to operate around barricades etc. There is a small rail on the firearm ro mount a light if the sport you are shooting allows or requires a light mounted.
4. If you just want a range gun, live in an urban area and don't have another need buy any version your wallet will allow. All will meet this need.
5. If you like the looks of the m-loc forearm and don't mind the added weight then thar model is your choice.
No version will shoot better than the other. All can be used in any of the intended purposes I have listed. Guns are like women there is one made for everyone. Ruger has given us choices. It is a very good platform capable of filling most needs at a decent price. I don't believe it is the best solution for specific applications but as a range gun it is as good as any and better than some.
Take Care
Bob
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Then I would go with the base model. I replaced my first PCC, my 2nd gun used off of the EE for $725 shipped to my door with a 2nd stock and a forearm grip adapter. I mounted a 1.5x 5X base model scope on the gun. Perfect for range use. If you are less than 40 the irons will serve you well. They are excellent sights. If you happen to go camping the base model will keep your family secure. If you do go for a hike and it is legal to carry a firearm the base model will work just fine.
Take Care
Bob
When I got mine i was tight on tight on cash so I got the base model
Then as the saving pot grew i got add on's. The ruger is great platform for this!
Its comes with its own proprietary mag that usually sells for about $50 on the EE (once you have access)
I sold that right away and used that cash to buy 2 pmags. Then i bought 2 more pmags and a uplula mag loader.
I currently use it without a red dot as it has good iron sights but i could add one on any time i wanted in about 3 minutes.
next you are gonna need to buy ammo LOL $$$. Make sure you get steel case and not aluminum case.
If you swap to the glock mags there are lots of youtube videos on how to change the magwell. Its a simple process and will take about 15 min if you take your time and don't rush. All the tools needed come with it in the box
Swapping the base for the backpacker is 3 screws and has a lot of the same steps as the magwell change. So if you decide to do that in the future its easy too.
My earlier reco on backpacker was that the current sponsor offer is a bit of a long term savings if you are going to go backpacker eventually anyway. But if cash is tight, nothing wrong with going base for now and then figuring it all out later ....
Then as the saving pot grew i got add on's. The ruger is great platform for this!
Its comes with its own proprietary mag that usually sells for about $50 on the EE (once you have access)
I sold that right away and used that cash to buy 2 pmags. Then i bought 2 more pmags and a uplula mag loader.
I currently use it without a red dot as it has good iron sights but i could add one on any time i wanted in about 3 minutes.
next you are gonna need to buy ammo LOL $$$. Make sure you get steel case and not aluminum case.
If you swap to the glock mags there are lots of youtube videos on how to change the magwell. Its a simple process and will take about 15 min if you take your time and don't rush. All the tools needed come with it in the box
Swapping the base for the backpacker is 3 screws and has a lot of the same steps as the magwell change. So if you decide to do that in the future its easy too.
My earlier reco on backpacker was that the current sponsor offer is a bit of a long term savings if you are going to go backpacker eventually anyway. But if cash is tight, nothing wrong with going base for now and then figuring it all out later ....
Excellent post. FYI I bought an inexpensive 1.5 X 5 scope off of Ebay that seems to hold zero well. Red dots work well in competitions, are fast to acquire and are accurate. If you are not shooting competitions check out a scope for the gun. My cheap set up works well, because of the way the scope is mounted I can use the irons as well. I have a stigmatism in my right eye so accurate shooting beyond 50 yards is less than stellar. I scope for me is better for range use. I paid under $150 for the scope.
Take Care
Bob
@iloveruger you asked about cheapo red dot from Cabelas, their Truglo and Firefield stuff is probably over priced for what it is? Sig Romeo5 is standout value imo ($175+) solid quality and has shake awake, I run one (with a Sig Juliet3).
If looking for bargain-basement then consider the Feyachi RDS-22 ($65 on Amazon), I run these too. I disassembled one and the components and form factor are similar to a Bushnell TRS-25 ($150+) with a couple of differences in the dial mounting (weaker screw base, it won't survive impact to the dial imo). Good enough to start off with (for indoor range), upgrade later and have yourself a spare for the next rifle!
Edit: Not wishing to always crap on Cabelas, I was impressed with the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II Prism Scopes ($600). I might have done that rather than Romeo5+Juliet3 if it had been available at the time.
If looking for bargain-basement then consider the Feyachi RDS-22 ($65 on Amazon), I run these too. I disassembled one and the components and form factor are similar to a Bushnell TRS-25 ($150+) with a couple of differences in the dial mounting (weaker screw base, it won't survive impact to the dial imo). Good enough to start off with (for indoor range), upgrade later and have yourself a spare for the next rifle!
Edit: Not wishing to always crap on Cabelas, I was impressed with the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II Prism Scopes ($600). I might have done that rather than Romeo5+Juliet3 if it had been available at the time.
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Im running the Feyachi RDS-22 on my GSG-16 and its great for that application, but id be apprehensive to stretch it past that
It was definitely better than i expected it to be at that price.
If cash is really tight they are way better than the Can tire air soft stuff.
But if you can scrape together $100 more you can really step up
Thanks a lot everyone for excellent feedback and inputs. Appreciate everyone's inputs in getting my first firearm.
Here the thing i just bought from alflahertys outdoor store (in person). Basic Ruger was cheaper by 100 from every single store i checked compared to them.
1. Basic Ruger PCC - 899.99
2. Allen Versa-Tac Defense Gun Case, 42" #10804 - 62.89
3. Winchester 9mm NATO Standard White Box, FMJ 124 Grain Box of 50 - 22.99 x 4 = 91.96
4. Vortex SPARC II Red Dot with Multi-Height Mount - 2 MOA #SPC-402 - 199.00
5. Allen Knit Tactical Gun Sock 47" #13247 - 13.99
Total with tax - 1,432.65
They didnt have the magpull pmag so i ordered the following from Firearms outlet
6. Magpul GL9 PMAG10 Fits Glock 17 - 9mm, 10-Round [MAG801] - 24.95 x 2 = 49.90
Total with tax - 56.39
7. Walker Patriot Ear muffs - 64.20 (Amazon) - Cheapest i was able to find for this brand. Made sure sold and shipped by amazon.ca
Total with tax - 72.55
Following from Canadian tire ( i bought these before i did my research. Still unopened but i guess i wont go wrong with it)
8. Champion Hunting Shooting Glasses, Ultra Light Amber - 11.99
9.Huntshield Combination Pin Gun Lock - 11.99
Total with tax - 27.09
i dropped the idea of backpacker for now so i can spend on optics and may be few upgrades from mcarbo
everything still in the box.
My annual range membership was paid yesterday - 847.50 and i have range certification session next monday. So no further action till monday.
Wallet cried for all the money spent ~ 2435
Todo based on budget
1. Mcarbo upgrades
2. back packer - might drop this idea itself if i get comfortable with current setup. time will tell.
WISH me luck
Here the thing i just bought from alflahertys outdoor store (in person). Basic Ruger was cheaper by 100 from every single store i checked compared to them.
1. Basic Ruger PCC - 899.99
2. Allen Versa-Tac Defense Gun Case, 42" #10804 - 62.89
3. Winchester 9mm NATO Standard White Box, FMJ 124 Grain Box of 50 - 22.99 x 4 = 91.96
4. Vortex SPARC II Red Dot with Multi-Height Mount - 2 MOA #SPC-402 - 199.00
5. Allen Knit Tactical Gun Sock 47" #13247 - 13.99
Total with tax - 1,432.65
They didnt have the magpull pmag so i ordered the following from Firearms outlet
6. Magpul GL9 PMAG10 Fits Glock 17 - 9mm, 10-Round [MAG801] - 24.95 x 2 = 49.90
Total with tax - 56.39
7. Walker Patriot Ear muffs - 64.20 (Amazon) - Cheapest i was able to find for this brand. Made sure sold and shipped by amazon.ca
Total with tax - 72.55
Following from Canadian tire ( i bought these before i did my research. Still unopened but i guess i wont go wrong with it)
8. Champion Hunting Shooting Glasses, Ultra Light Amber - 11.99
9.Huntshield Combination Pin Gun Lock - 11.99
Total with tax - 27.09
i dropped the idea of backpacker for now so i can spend on optics and may be few upgrades from mcarbo
everything still in the box.
My annual range membership was paid yesterday - 847.50 and i have range certification session next monday. So no further action till monday.
Wallet cried for all the money spent ~ 2435
Todo based on budget
1. Mcarbo upgrades
2. back packer - might drop this idea itself if i get comfortable with current setup. time will tell.
WISH me luck
Thanks a lot everyone for excellent feedback and inputs. Appreciate everyone's inputs in getting my first firearm.
Here the thing i just bought from alflahertys outdoor store (in person). Basic Ruger was cheaper by 100 from every single store i checked compared to them.
1. Basic Ruger PCC - 899.99
2. Allen Versa-Tac Defense Gun Case, 42" #10804 - 62.89
3. Winchester 9mm NATO Standard White Box, FMJ 124 Grain Box of 50 - 22.99 x 4 = 91.96
4. Vortex SPARC II Red Dot with Multi-Height Mount - 2 MOA #SPC-402 - 199.00
5. Allen Knit Tactical Gun Sock 47" #13247 - 13.99
Total with tax - 1,432.65
They didnt have the magpull pmag so i ordered the following from Firearms outlet
6. Magpul GL9 PMAG10 Fits Glock 17 - 9mm, 10-Round [MAG801] - 24.95 x 2 = 49.90
Total with tax - 56.39
7. Walker Patriot Ear muffs - 64.20 (Amazon) - Cheapest i was able to find for this brand. Made sure sold and shipped by amazon.ca
Total with tax - 72.55
Following from Canadian tire ( i bought these before i did my research. Still unopened but i guess i wont go wrong with it)
8. Champion Hunting Shooting Glasses, Ultra Light Amber - 11.99
9.Huntshield Combination Pin Gun Lock - 11.99
Total with tax - 27.09
i dropped the idea of backpacker for now so i can spend on optics and may be few upgrades from mcarbo
everything still in the box.
My annual range membership was paid yesterday - 847.50 and i have range certification session next monday. So no further action till monday.
Wallet cried for all the money spent ~ 2435
Todo based on budget
1. Mcarbo upgrades
2. back packer - might drop this idea itself if i get comfortable with current setup. time will tell.
WISH me luck
looks like a great list!
next if you sell the mag that came with it you can cover a uplula mag loader. your thumbs will thank you
and if you sell it "never used" you can usually get a few extra $$ maybe $55
Now open it up and swap out the ruger magwell for the glock. It will give you a good hands on experience with it. Just take your time with allen keys, you don't want to strip stuff!
Practice putting the barrel on and off. It takes a few tries to get proficient,
the backpacker is cool but there is no rush.
Thank you. Yes will sell as new / never used. Need to get access. Also, im not able to post any thread under the alfahertys section. Another access may be.
What i need to align the optics ? at the range they told me they can help in aligning the optics / red dot. Not sure what it means but will know more on monday
Add some Hoppes next time out.
That's a great shopping list, you're set to go and got several deals along the way. When your wallet cries remember - everything you bought today is worth the same or more tomorrow. Check back in a year to see replacement cost of this same shopping list!
Also, thank you for making me feel grateful about my low range membership fees.
That's a great shopping list, you're set to go and got several deals along the way. When your wallet cries remember - everything you bought today is worth the same or more tomorrow. Check back in a year to see replacement cost of this same shopping list!
Also, thank you for making me feel grateful about my low range membership fees.
Most direct way is to just start shooting at paper maybe 10 yards away, adjust the scope/dot, try another couple of shots, adjust if still needed, then move to 25 yards and repeat. Getting my Sig Cross with Vortex scope onto paper at 110 yards right away proved impossible over 6 shots, so I tried at 15 yards, made a couple of adjustments, tried 1 more shot there, adjusted a bit more, then the next 7 shots were all near the bull at 110 yards. I have a green laser boresight, fits in the muzzle end to adjust the scope to 'close' to bore alignment... but that proved inadequate. Seems I was likely about 2 feet left and 1 foot high at 100 yard having first aligned with the laser. Oh well, $25 wasted on an eBay toy. At least I have a nice little green laser pointer.
Gun shops will often have better tools to get a scope close to zero before shooting the gun. A friend has had Reliable set up a couple of his hunting rifles with that stuff. Taken them to the field to try and has only had to do a few clicks before he's dead nuts accurate at 100 yards with each. Gunsmiths often know what they're doing and have good tools. Might be worth asking at your local shop.
Thanks yes. range i signed up has a store as well. so will get the cleaning supplies from them. Thats the one pending.
Not sure what other range charges. This was one little closer to me and accepting membership. They have both rifle and pistol range. Though i cant buy a pistol now, i can rent and use the range.
