Personal anecdote… I have a family member that at one point really wanted a Corvette and could afford a nice used one. He went around driving a couple (and was kind enough to bring me along to drive one). His problem, was that he really wanted a heavy car with pillowy suspension that rode like his 1988 Lincoln Town Car. He wasn’t happy with any of the Corvette’s he tested.
I’m not comparing the Ruger PC to a 1988 Town Car, but I learned that if someone wants something, anything you present them that is different might lead to dissapointment. If you really want the PC, go for it. It sounds like you will already be limited to use and practice with a rifle caliber firearm, which is another reason to wait on it.
For me, it was a custom mini30 (I don’t suggest that route) and a 100 yard outdoor range that got me hooked. However, nowadays I don’t live near any outdoor ranges and just shoot the pistols at a local indoor range for proficiency. After being spoiled at the outdoor range, I really don’t enjoy the indoor range sessions though.
Handguard versions make it easy to mount accessories (lights, fore grips, bipod, and even lasers if you are so inclined). IMO, if it will at all be considered for home defense a light is almost mandatory (IMO).
The non-handguard version is less “scary looking” if that matters where you live.
I would also lean towards the versions with adjustable stocks, unless the fixed stock fits you (and anyone else using it) well. ORRRR if you want the takedown version then you have to get the fixed stock (worthwhile tradeoff IMO).
The rest is preference…
If legal in your state, I like getting threaded if its available so at least you have an option to add a suppressor or other muzzle device at some point without buying a whole new barrel.
A fluted barrel will be lighter, that has its own set of pros cons depending on usage.
OK, here comes a video dump of reviewers I like, this may make your choice easier or harder, lol. BUT FIRST a video on ammo for your PCC if you choose to go the route of using it for defense.
If you’ve never had a rifle before, then save up for a decent AR platform. The’re easy to shoot. Not that hard to clean, and would get an it chambered for 5.56, that way you could shoot both 5.56 or 223. Get something that will be good for 200 yards.