Ruger LCR .357 for Home Defense

Hard to beat a .357, but if you're not concealed carrying it why choose a gun intended for that purpose?

For a strictly HD gun a 4" GP-100 is a better option IMO.
 
Before you seriously consider a 357 in such a light [but wonderful] firearm, shoot it. It's not going to be a gun you'll be practicing with a great deal, as the discomfort from the recoil and muzzle blast will be far more intense than need be.

In my opinion, there are better options for both for CCW and/or home defense. The smaller the firearm, the more training you'll need to master it.
 
If you are limited to a single firearm, it's as good as any.... but Nof50 is right. A .357 wouldn't be my first choice for the house (I have neighbors, and a kid upstairs.) YMMV
 
My friend has the 357 version. It is nbd at all to shoot with 38sp, and not bad with 357's. I bought the 38sp version. It has an aluminum frame instead of steel and is four ounces lighter. I couldn't shoot it well until I put larger grips on it.

For HD I much prefer a larger steel 4" revolver. For CC the LCR is my favorite.
 
I have a 4" GP100 for home defense and 2.25" SP101 for cc. I would like to get the LCR also in .357 as we near the warmer seasons. In the LCR I would load with 38's as well.

In terms of the caliber, there aren't too many rounds better than .357, in my opinion. 38 is also an adequate round to defend yourself with. For those that disagree, ask them if they'd like to catch one center mass from a distance of seven yards? If their answer is no, then it's a suitable defensive round. If they say yes you should question their ability to make logical decisions to begin with.
 
The only comment that I can offer is a 357 Mag discharged in confined quarters is so loud that it will deafen you for a while and when dark, the flash will blind you for a few moments.
 
I was intending to purchase the .357 for its weight and loading with .38 ammo
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Then just get the 38 Special model that is 4 ounces lighter. Not at all bad to shoot with light target loads. A bit more snap with +P self defense loads. But at the price of good SD ammo you probably won't be shooting much of it anyway.
 
The only comment that I can offer is a 357 Mag discharged in confined quarters is so loud that it will deafen you for a while and when dark, the flash will blind you for a few moments.
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Do not discount permanent noise-induced hearing loss.
 
I think there is too much "talk" when it comes to picking a carry gun & focusing on weight. Plus or minus 8oz to a pound...is not that big a deal, with a good belt and a good holster designed to fit that model of gun. I think weight is over analyzed and over hyped in gun marketing - and in light guns in .357 mag - you might end up with something you really don't like..../ looking at a steel gun in a 2 1/2" or a 4" ...doesn't weigh much more and is a much better choice in most cases.

Before you buy...go to a range and shoot as many revolvers as you can in .357 mag - from snubbies to 4" barrels.

A S&W model 627, 8 shot, N frame, in a 2 5/8" barrel...is easy to shoot and is certainly a solid carry gun in my view - and easy to carry in a good horsehide Kramer IWB holster for me, if I want to carry a revolver instead of one of my 1911's.

I've fired the LCR's ....they're too small to fit my hands ...unpleasant to shoot in .357 mag, especially in rapid fire ...making their effectiveness in my hands poor at best vs heavier and slightly longer barrels...and slightly larger frames...that I find much more effective and way easier, and more pleasant, to shoot with a couple of boxes of .357 mag in running drills.
 
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You didn't say anything about barrel length. In a snubbie, that 357 is going to waste a lot of powder.

I had a LCR and absolutely hated it. Couldn't hit the broad side of a barn (OK, not really). Traded it in for an SP101 and couldn't be happier (and accurate). The SP101 is a lot heavier but it shoots fantastic.
 
The LC in LCR should stand for learning curve--that much is true. It took a few trips to the range, but I'm happy with the groupings I get with it. It's one of those "it is what it is" type of guns. It's designed for very good concealability and up close self defense. I wouldn't get the 357 version and shoot 357 through it though! lol
 
...a 357 Mag discharged in confined quarters is so loud that it will deafen you for a while...
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I wish it were only for awhile. I was totally deaf for maybe 20-30 seconds and then was really badly hearing impaired for quite awhile longer. It did improve, but my left ear never got back to normal even after years.

That was one shot of full power .357Mag without hearing protection in a confined area.

I never heard the shot. Auditory exclusion is real, but it doesn't do a thing to protect your hearing.
 
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