There is a lot of good stuff on this thread and it is nice to see some Riflemen pointing out these things. Gun engineering used to take into consideration balance of the firearm. This has been lost into some of today's designs. You should be able to balance the longgun with your hand midship or so for a swift ability to manipulate the gun. The Ruger PC Carbine is a heavy hunk of equipment that feels like picking up a wrecking bar in my opinion. However, as most Rugers, a good value in an overbuilt gun. Clunky but a value. For a good example of how this works in the field for muzzle movement combat, benchrest comfort, or rapid fire controls all one has to do to feel the difference in let's say a Winchester or Marlin 94 vs a Henry. Even though they are Lever Guns, there is a world of difference in the balance for field work. Take the newer Laminate stocks that add tremendous weight to the shorter barrel 95's and you end up with a heavy piece of iron that does not move as quickly in handling. Engineers worked hard on most of our famous gun designs for balance but many do not consider it when getting some of the newer entries. This is one reason we see shorter barrels abide on AR's. Compare it's balance to an AK. The Ruger is a valid offering for the money and I had a lot of fun with the gun, however consider balance in actual field maneuvers and you will see my point.