Ruger LCR 22 LM - Good gift for mom?

OffTheRadar

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I'm looking to purchase a handgun as a gift for my mother. Although I do own a handgun (S&W M&P9C) I would definitely consider myself a beginner when it comes to gun knowledge. After doing a lot of reading over the last few days (much of it on this forum) I have pretty much decided on a Ruger LCR 22 w/ Lasermax. I would appreciate some feedback from the experts here on if this is a good choice.

Here's our situation. My mom has only fired a gun a few times in her life, but since my father died a few years ago she has been paranoid about being home alone. She wants a gun for self defense and peace of mind. I honestly only expect her to take the gun out and fire it on rare occasions, so the gun needs to be simple to load and use. I think a laser sight is also a good option for her.

She has also broken her wrist within the last year and it still gives her trouble, so recoil is a big issue. I've read a lot of posts discouraging a .22 for self defense, but I really think if I went with a .38 she wouldn't practice with it more than once. She said her wrist hurt for days after firing 5-6 rounds from my S&W. Do you guys agree a it's better to have a .22 that you're somewhat familiar with vs a .38 you never shoot?

Given this situation, I thought a .22 revolver with a laser sight was best and kind of decided on the LCR. Would love to hear your thoughts and/or alternative suggestions.
 
The LCR-22 is a good choice, for someone who really isnt into guns. Its a DAO revolver, and under stress, simple to operate. Of course, the 22 LR is at the bottom of self defense capability, but is a very good deterrent to a possible attach. Consider changing your mind about the laser. A Crimson Trace laser grip is an "instant on" laser. She will only have to grasp the gun in a firing situation to turn on the laser. The LazerMax has a power switch to activate the laser. When she needs the laser, her finger needs to be on the trigger, not fumbling for the on switch. Its a few dollars more, but your mother is worth it. Ruger sells the LCR with Crimson Trace or Lasermax, and if you cant get your LCR with Crimson Trace, they are available online, or Ebay, or any Local Gun Shop.
 
It isn't a bad choice, if it was me I would do the same thing I did for my wife. A Ruger 10/22 with a red dot sight & a 25 round magazine.

She can shoot it better than a handgun and now she has 25 rounds.

I know what people will say "revolvers are easier to use" or "that they never have malfunctions" They break as often as semi-autos or malfunction just as easily.

If the 10/22 is broken in & it functions well, go with it.

She will not be clearing her house if she hears a break-in she should stay put & call the cops. Just my 2cents!
 
I know what people will say "revolvers are easier to use" or "that they never have malfunctions" They break as often as semi-autos or malfunction just as easily.

No way.

I think the LCR-22 would be a fun choice for your Mom. Who knows? Maybe she'll do some plinking with you.
 
I watched some online video, guy said it isn't "the idealrange gun because of the DAO" I usually don't like DAO, but the trigger is so light its a breeze with DAO!
 
i have the lcr 22 and love it. very accurate and anyone can shoot tight groups with it.

for sd i would go with cci 40gr velocitor because it was the only .22lr round i tried that would kill a gator with one shot through the scull.

lets hope we get lcr in .22 mag!
 
I think the LCR-22 is a fine choice for your Mom. 8 shots of .22 lr in a reliable DAO revolver is perfect for someone with limited firearms experience and sensitivity to recoil. It will be cheap to practice with and should be enjoyable for her to shoot.
 
I think the LCR-22 would be a fine choice. i doubt most people would stick around after being shot or shot at with it.

In .38spl a good steel (S&W model 10?) revolver loaded with light 147g Wadcutter might be another good SD option. They kick very lightly and are consider good SD bullet even loaded light.

Did I mention the M10. A lot of used service models with little shot's fire through them, although they show holster wear are priced very cheaply but are still good guns overall.
 
I've never shot one but I do have the 357 LCR. I think the 22 LCR would probably "fit the bill" just fine. The next question would be is if she has any interest in a semi-auto? If so, then you might consider the Bersa or Ruger 22 semi autos.

If she would be more comfortable with a revolver though, the LCR would be a good one for her.

Now if you asked my wife though . . . she'd say "no gun . . get her a diamond ring and if an intruder comes in, blind him with the bling and then kick him hard till he goes down . . . . . "

that's why my wife doesn't have her own pistol but borrows my Ruger Super Bearcat when I can talk her into going to the range with us . . .
 
I have had my LCR-22 for a while now. I love it. For me it is my practice J frame. Way cheaper to shoot a lot than my 442.

Shoot what ever ammo you are going to load it with before depending on them.

Mine shoots Stingers just fine, and they are only mildly hard to eject. Velocitors lock my cylinder up on the first shot.

If you are going with a Laser Grip, get Crimson Trace. Like was said above you grab the gun it a firing grip, and the laser is on. Nothing to fool around with.

I shoot my LCR-22 in BUG Division in our Clubs OutLaw IDPA Match. I have a couple Speed Beez speedloaders and a loading block for it. I can beat my 442 Pro Moon Clip score every time with it.

Also the Tuff Products Model 1022 Quick Strip works well to load 7 rounds in the LCR-22. You need to load the Quck Strip in Pairs for cylinder clearance, which only lets you load 7 rounds. Loaded it looks like this: OOxOOxOOxO. I can load all 7 rounds in the LCR-22 quicker than I can load 5 in a J Frame using a quick strip.

Just My 2 Cents

Bob
 
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