Ruger LCR + big dot =can't hit a thing

F

Fullclip610

New member
First gun a few years back was a ruger LCR 357. Since then I got a few semis and rifles. Pretty accurate with the compact/full size semis but can't hit the broad side of a barn with the lcr w 38 spcl. From about 7 yards aiming right at the target And 75% of the shots I have no idea where they end up. Right after I got it with factory sites I was okay with it. On a suggestion from someone I put XS big dots on it, and now I can't hit a thing with it. Could there be an issue with how I put the sights on (took some finagling to get the pin in) or is it probably just me? ( I won't get upset!)
 
Focus on the front sight.

Focus on good trigger control and breathing. Don't make excuses, the Big Dots are excellent battle sights.
 
The most important factor with snubbie's is trigger control.

Yes the new sight may be 'off' relative to the point of impact on target, and you do need to learn their relationship, but once you confirm the two it's all about trigger control.

For me the LCR naturally points to point of impact, I've drilled the point where I can focus on a target, close my eyes, draw, then open my eyes and the sights will be aligned & centered on the target most of the time. That's not a nod to my skill but rather to the natural pointing of the pistol. After that it's all about mastering the trigger while keeping the front sight on target.

Have you tried to master 'staging' the trigger?
 
My LCR hits high at 7 yards, which is probably a normal and expected point of impact for a short-barreled revolver. It is right on further downrange. Snubbies take a lot of practice. Before spending money on different sight configurations, have another shooter try it.
 
The LCR requires a smooth squeeze of the trigger and consistent follow through.

My guess as to the reason why you're not shooting it as well as you original did is because you've gotten used to the lighter shorter trigger pull of your semi autos.

Hate to say it, but you probably just need to practice shooting with it more.
 
My wife has the exact same model and at 7 yards she hits dead center slightly up. She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's. Try going back to basics.
Doc
 
And 75% of the shots I have no idea where they end up.
Click to expand...


You need to get close enough to the target to see where your bullets are landing and if there is a pattern or hits are all over the place. Even if you need to do this at 3 yards. This needs to be done off a good rest to make sure it's the sights/gun or if it's you. None of the suggestions will do you any good till you know this.
 
Doc Holliday 1950 said:
She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's.
Click to expand...

Slight correction Doc, the HCD Lite load is not +P. Not that it's a bad round, I keep it in my Model 36 bedroom gun, but it is standard pressure. I think the lightest +p load they have is the 110gr+p which I use in my LCR357. It is manageable but a noticeable step up in recoil from the 90gr. There is also an in-between 110gr standard pressure but I haven't tried that one.
 
My wife has the exact same model and at 7 yards she hits dead center slightly up. She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's. Try going back to basics.
Doc
Click to expand...

Doc, remember that most 38 caliber and .357 Magnum revolvers are sighted in for 158Gr. bullets, so any lighter bullet will hit below the normal point of aim. If your wife can handle it, it may not be a bad idea to step up to a 125Gr. bullet in a +P round.

Did the holster work OK?
 
I sold my lcr because I couldn't hit a barn with the thing. Tried different loads, different sights. Nothing would work. Put hundreds of round though it with no better results. Not my first time shooting a snubbie revolver. I chalked it up as the grips were to small for my hands. The gun just wasnt for me. Its good for what it was made for but doesn't do any good if I cant hit what I am aiming at. Im sure it was me and had nothing to do with the gun but the LCR is the only gun I had a problem shooting.
 
Old Bear,
The Belly Band works like a charm. Now that the cold weather is here, I can wear it under my Winer Coat and draw it cross handed. Wife liked it too and got her one in the Lady's size. It has spots for 2 snubs and 2 spots for a speed loader or strips or whatever. I will remember your sage advice and pass this on to my "MUCH BETTER HALF".
Thanks for the gift. I will use it well.
Doc
 
It's probably definitely me but I was wondering if it could be the sights that were off. Especially bc I did ok with it before the new XS sights. I'll try the suggestions you guys mentioned. The trigger is a big difference than the SA semi triggers. I don't carry it so it's not that big of a deal. If I didn't have like ~1000 rds of 38 I would sell it but seems like kind of a hassle. Thanks all!
 
Fullclip,
Go to your range and ask the range master if he can help you set up a block
so you can rest your gun on it and try firing it at your target approx. 3-5 yards.
Maybe before that, remove the sights you put on.
We don't use fancy sites on wife's LCR 357.
Doc
 
Yeah, easy on the trigger. I have a LCR 357 and I shoot mainly 38special cast reloads and it's one of the most accurate little shooters I have. Shoots really good
 
IMHO snubbies are not beginner guns. They can cause a flinch and recoil is substantial. Your grip technique has to be quite good. However, in my experience they are generally MUCH more mechanically accurate than your average polymer pocket gun (I have several of both) they are just harder to shoot well until you have a good DA pull and no flinch.
 
Fullclip610, I can relate to your problem....I solved mine in two ways. Change of ammo and, forget using single action on a snub. I switched over to double action only when using a 2.250" SP 101, the groups shrunk.... Now I am able to do 2-3" 5 shot groups @ 10 yards with that revolver with no problem. Oh, and, practice is key.

38SP%20110_zpsf5df5rdx.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top