LCR vs. J frame.

H

hulley

New member
I have a LCR and while the trigger is smooth, its very heavy, heavy to where after 50rds my finger is sore. I looked into a trigger job a few years ago but the Smith said it cant be done without irreversable modification.

I've heard that J frames have really nice triggers and was wondering if thats so and can a trigger job be performed if needed.

I would be interested in the .38 version but I have no idea what all the model numbers means in S&W terms. I would like something similar to the LCR in terms of size and weight.

Feel free to post pics of you J frames so I know what to look for. :D

Thanks
Steve
 
Ok , looking at the J-frame thread next to this one, I really like the 637 posted. I want a .38 snub with hammer. This would mostly be carried in a holster as I already have a pocket gun plus I like to do some precise shots with all my guns so the SA would be nice.

Can a trigger job be done on this if I not thrilled with the DA pull? I understand the need for a heavy DA pull but I would at leat like to get it to my liking.
 
Yep, a J frame trigger can be smoothed out. And lighted a bit by swapping out return springs. If you start reducing hammer springs weight that can cause miss fires.
 
Have had two J Frames, a 637 and an M&P 360. The trigger pull on the 360 was over 12 lbs. Had the LGS gunsmith cut off a couple coils and now it's down to 8 lbs. From what I have seen, the Ruger double action triggers are not as bad as advertised and the S&W triggers are not as good as advertised out of the box.
 
If it's for holster use.I would recomend the model 60,it has a exposed hammer, and also is chambered for 357. I have one I carry in a OWB holster.
 
I've not had my LCR trigger measured but if I had to guess, I would say well over 10lbs. Its feels much heavier than my P225 DA pull which should be around 10#. I've had it for several years so the trigger is smoother than when new but its still very heavy.
 
Here in Phoenix, one of the best Smith & Wesson gunsmiths in the country (Nelson Ford) would gladly do an action job on a J Frame for $130. Will take a few weeks to get it back, but it's nice and smooth.

Out of the box the J Frame triggers are not, in my opinion, as smooth as the GSR. But the action job makes them better no question.

If you want to cock the hammer AND still have a snag-free J Frame, look at the 638. Though my current 642 is fine, I still wish I had the 638.

I own an LCR as well, but regret buying it because it offers no real advantage over the J Frames, and you can't find a smith to work on them.
 
If it's for holster use.I would recomend the model 60,it has a exposed hammer, and also is chambered for 357. I have one I carry in a OWB holster.
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Are you saying the S&W model 60 is chambered for both 38 and 357 mag or you can get one in either caliber ?
 
It is interesting the differing experiences with the LCR trigger. I love my as compared to every j frame I have ever shot, all probably unmodified. I like the fact that mine came out of the box with a very acceptable trigger. The last j I shot was a brand new 642 and the trigger was too heavy, particularly for the older female who purchased it, and had never shot it.
 
While you search for a lighter trigger, you can practice by dry firing. Be sure it is empty, and I suggest snap caps since you plan to do a lot of exercising@

Just pulling the trigger 50 times or so every evening will build up your trigger finger strength, and you soon may not need the lighter trigger
 
I was recently in the market for a LCR or a S & W j frame that my wife would be comfortable with ( We are in our 70's ). A friend of mine had bought a LCR and a S & W model 442 and he let my wife and I fire them. The LCR clearly had the lighter/smoother trigger pull and with the Factory Grips, the felt recoil was much lighter than the mod 442. We bought a LCR and are very happy with it.
 
I've read that the .357 LCR trigger is a fair amount heavier than the .38 Special.
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That is completely false.

You may be confusing the 357 with the 22lr. The 22 lr is a few pounds heavier on average. The 357 is the same as the 38.

Hulley: How easy is it to spin your cylinder when you have it swung out? This is an important question. If it's at all stiff, that will add pounds to your trigger. It can be oiled to loosen it up
 
I love the LCR, shooting it in .357 is a riot. Trigger is smooth but heavy. I have videos of all three LCR models on my youtube page.
 
Hulley: How easy is it to spin your cylinder when you have it swung out? This is an important question. If it's at all stiff, that will add pounds to your trigger. It can be oiled to loosen it up
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Very smooth and spins freely. I think I'm gonna try the dry fire deal for a few days and see how that goes. I'll never sell it as I do like it and it serves its purpose very well.
 
Do not "short stroke" the LCR during your dry fire sessions. I did that and it resulted in a trip back to Ruger for my new LCR. The insides (trigger ass'y was torn up) as well as the broken parts causing the cylinder to NOT lock up.
 
Do not "short stroke" the LCR during your dry fire sessions. I did that and it resulted in a trip back to Ruger for my new LCR. The insides (trigger ass'y was torn up) as well as the broken parts causing the cylinder to NOT lock up.
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That happened to me also. Makes me wonder how good the LCR trigger design is, if it's that easily damaged.
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I have not heard this complaint before and, if typical, would greatly concern me as to the value of the LCR for use in self-defense.
As to the op's grievance with the LCR revolver having a heavier da trigger pull than the Smith J-frame, the very opposite has been my experience (and I am partial to J-frames). I have to wonder if his Ruger is simply an atypical example of the breed. Maybe a trip back to Ruger might fix the "problem".
 
I may be just partial to the Smith J-frame but really like it much better than my wife's LCR. I have replaced the springs with a lighter weight Wolff spring kit for very little money and just love all 3 of my J-frames so equipped. The Model 60 in .357 magnum also handles .38 Specials with lighter recoil of course. I have the 3" barrel in that revolver with adj. sights. It is a real fun little gun to shoot. My wife does like her LCR but does not shoot it near as often as I shoot my J-frames.
 
I have a very early LCR if that matters or not, also I have not had the chance to pull on a J-frame so I dont know if thats heavier or not. I'm gonna swing by my smith and have the pull measured, I'm very curious as to the weight. I dont shoot it much so maybe its in my head. I'll plan to go by there tomorrow after work.
 
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