LCR's Extractor Problems: Training or Design?

D

Darker Loaf

New member
So, I own a S&W 986, and I've been eying the 9mm Ruger LCR as a companion gun. I really like the idea of a snubbie 9mm revolver, and the Ruger LCR seemed like a good option, until today...

What I discovered is that when I tip the gun (store model--which happened to be a LCR 3"--.38 special no moonclips) into the air barrel up and push the extractor, I invariably turned the extractor making it out of line with cutouts in the cylinder. This causes the cylinder to be too thick to push it back into the gun, and I would assume that this could cause a malfunction or at least a problem to fix as you reload the cylinder.

I gave the gun to my buddy, but he only caused the malfunction when he similarly pointed the barrel in the air but it DID happen for him. He also told me that the Ruger cylinders are designed so that they are allowed to spin, while S&W revolver extractor rods are not which makes sense as I have never experienced this problem in the roughly 600 rounds I've put through my 986.

My question to TFL community is: Is this just a Darker Loaf problem that can be solved by training or is it simply a problem inherent in design? My personal reaction to this discovery is a loss of desire for Ruger designed revolvers, and a new preference for Smith & Wesson revolvers. This saddens me because I really want a snubbie/kit 9mm revolver, but there are no current S&W designs on the market and in general there are limited options in the 9mm revolver department.
 
Last edited:
Don't have a 9mm LCR. I would assume it uses moon clips?

But did check out my .38 LCRx and the extractor has a flat side on it, preventing it from turning or getting out of line with the cylinder cutouts.
I would assume this to be the same for the 9mm?

What type of method are you using to push the extractor rod. Thumb? Palm press straight down.
Having the muzzle up would be the best way to do it.

Checked out my smith 19, and it has a groove to prevent turning, and the Ruger security six has a flat side as well. So it's not a Ruger vs. Smith issue.
 
The LCR in 9mm uses moonclips, but that was not the model in question. My 986 also uses moonclips.

Perhaps that was just that particular model that was off or something. It was Model #5431 in .38 SPL with a 3" barrel, no moonclips. I was using a barrel up, palm-down method of ejection.

Once home, I note that I don't do a palm ejection, but I tend to use a thumb ejection with my left hand, but for some reason I was using a flat palm at the store.
 
Well, I have the LCRX.
that's just like the one I have except that I have the short barrel version, but with the hammer. I am sure the ejector system is exactly like mine, so it should in no way be able to rotate out of line.
With the short barrel versions you have to give a good palm smack as the ejector rod is very short and I had a couple of cases stick if I didn't give it a whack.
Thumb ejection might not work with the short barrel versions or even the 3 inch.

See Mas Ayoob's youtube on stress reload. That's a sure fire method for straight press on the ejector rod.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top