.22 Ruger LCR vs. S&W Model 43C

T

tguil

New member
I plan to purchase a lightweight .22 snubby mostly for carrying when I am working/walking on my acreage. (My Ruger Mark II 5 1/2 inch bull barrel is getting a bit heavy.) I have a S&W Model 36, a S&W Model 442 and a 2 3/4 Ruger Speed Six. I know the limitations of a snubby and I shoot all of them pretty well.

I definitely prefer the looks of the S&W Model 43C when compared to the LCR .22. But then I like the price of the LCR better than the price of the S&W. Also I'm not much of a plastic gun guy. The cost is not really an issue for me and I guess I could learn to like plastic guns. I have considered both a Ruger SP 101 .22LR as well as a S&W Model 63 .22LR, but have pretty much decided on a lightweight snubby.

My question mostly centers of performance and quality as it comes from the factory. Of course trigger pull is also an issue.

Sure would appreciate some comments for someone who has shot both guns extensively.

I am basically a Ruger guy and in the past 30+ years I have had very good experiences with both Ruger guns and Ruger service. I had some problems with S&W when they couldn't/wouldn't make a repair on my Model 36. They offered me a deal on a new gun, but the deal wasn't as good as I what could buy a new gun from my local dealer.
 
I own both. They both worked great from day one. Both have good triggers. I can't say one is better than the other. The only problem is that the 43C is just too pretty. And I want it to stay that way. I got it first. Now that I have the LCR the 43C seldom sees the light of day. I also like the steel cylinder on the LCR. If you're a Ruger guy and carry while working your land I would recommend the rugged LCR. I also own a Ruger SP101 in 22lr. It's a great revolver that will outlast me but with its 4.2 inch barrel and substantial heft you may as well stay with your Mark II.
 
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My wife bought an LCR 22 and the trigger was horrible. She could not pull the trigger using one hand. I suppose we may have gotten a bad one but I traded it for a Sig Mosquito and never looked back. She carries a 30-1 in 32 long now and loves it.
 
I have been pleased with my LCR 22. I do prefer steel frames, and as a result, I would buy the M34C if I found one used and could afford it. My guess is that you wouldn't see much difference in the trigger double action, but with the 34C, you do have the option to shoot single action if you choose. That's one of the reasons that I hope Ruger brings out LCR with a hammer in 22. They ould NOT shoot one of these although one of them isn't NIB so shooting it wouldn't hurt it.

I have never owned or shot a 34C. Would like to have one if I found one priced reasonably. They are pretty hard to find. My only steel framed snubbie 22 revolvers are Colt Diamondbacks unless of course you count a Colt Bankers Special. I am not likely to shoot one of those.

I think the M63 would work for you, but you have eliminated it in your first post. It just depends on what you intend to use it for. I have a 5" M63 and like it a lot. It works just fine for woods duty.
 
Galaxieman wrote: My wife bought an LCR 22 and the trigger was horrible. She could not pull the trigger using one hand. I suppose we may have gotten a bad one but I traded it for a Sig Mosquito and never looked back. She carries a 30-1 in 32 long now and loves it.
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My wife also has one, and has the same problem; she can't pull the trigger fifty times in a range session, for instance.

I had been making a bit of fun of her, until I actually shot the gun; that's one *tough* trigger. Certainly not the LCR trigger I've heard folks rave about on the centerfire models.



Larry
 
My trigger is great, some kind of "cam" thing. Accuracy is also outstanding. Don't mind if it gets knocked about, unlike a Smith.

Also, you have 8 rounds in a lightweight package.
 
I owned a LCR 22 for a short while. Couldn't get used to its appearance or stiff trigger.
Also owned a S&W mod 34, far superior revolver.
 
I have an LCR22 that I bought a while back because of all the hype about the cam trigger system being superior to other revolvers. maybe in center fire but it is no better than any other .22 revolver ive owned.
 
I am a revolver guy. I have four 22 revolvers and love them. But when I slip a 22 into my pocket for walking around on the property and plinking or shooting at varmints or something... I actually prefer my small 22 automatic. It's smaller and lighter and easier to carry. And since it's not for SD I don't worry about my usual CC considerations. Mine is a clone of the tip-up Beretta. It's just a thought. You might need something with a longer barrel. I like it because it's so small and light that I can carry it in any pocket, even a shirt pocket, with zero inconvenience.
 
I sort of agree with the auto suggestion in this case. The Ruger SR22 pistol is good and reliable. It is also very easy to put in your pocket if you choose to carry that way especially when taking walks and so forth.
 
I think that an LCRX in .22 lr would best meet met my needs. Maybe I' ll wait for while to see if Ruger decides to offer it.
 
This thread made me go to the S&W website. I didn't realize that the M43C was in production. It is not a steel frame revolver. My earlier response assumed that we were talking about an old M43 snubbie in 22LR.
 
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