Ruger LCR - What's so great!
- Thread starter Jerry11826
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Jayhawkhuntclub
New member
My 357 LCR is a tack driver (relatively speaking). I've shot sub 2.5" 5 shot groups at 20 yards, unsupported. And the trigger is on par with the older Smith's I've handled (Ks & Ls). It does beat the crap out of me with 357s though. I prefer to shoot 38s. The 357 is nicer with 38s in it, since it weighs 17 oz instead of 13.5 oz as Mozin44az pointed out. Overall, it's a great gun.
Johnnymurad
New member
I really enjoy shooting my LCR, .38 is a pleasure to shoot and .357 is an absolute riot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s9hNelaiaQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s9hNelaiaQ
I really wanted to like the LCR, so much so that I bought one a few months ago. I found the design lacking compared to my j-frames, so I sold it...
My issues...
- Bulkier, because of the plastic frame and large grips, but only 1.5 ounces lighter than a slimmer aluminum frame. Why even bother making it out of polymer if you only save 1.5 ounces? I can barely tell the difference in weight. The price is virtually the same as an aluminum snub nose, too.
- Weird trigger. It's lighter, but the trigger reset is a lot longer than a j-frame. I could feel what I thought was the trigger reset, then pull the trigger and short stroke the revolver. In an effort to make a trigger that's lighter, they made one that's a lot easier to short stroke in rapid fire. To me, it shot like a revolver with a trigger return spring that's too light.
- Tight chamber. Rounds that were OK in two j-frames were very difficult to extract from the Ruger. Is Ruger cutting their chambers tighter than Smith?
Anyway, I contacted Ruger about the trigger reset. They said that was the design of ther revolver and nothing could be done, so I sold it.
My issues...
- Bulkier, because of the plastic frame and large grips, but only 1.5 ounces lighter than a slimmer aluminum frame. Why even bother making it out of polymer if you only save 1.5 ounces? I can barely tell the difference in weight. The price is virtually the same as an aluminum snub nose, too.
- Weird trigger. It's lighter, but the trigger reset is a lot longer than a j-frame. I could feel what I thought was the trigger reset, then pull the trigger and short stroke the revolver. In an effort to make a trigger that's lighter, they made one that's a lot easier to short stroke in rapid fire. To me, it shot like a revolver with a trigger return spring that's too light.
- Tight chamber. Rounds that were OK in two j-frames were very difficult to extract from the Ruger. Is Ruger cutting their chambers tighter than Smith?
Anyway, I contacted Ruger about the trigger reset. They said that was the design of ther revolver and nothing could be done, so I sold it.
There is a reason there is Ford and Chevys. I've bought guns I just didn't like, it happens. I've only handled one Ruger D/A gun I liked and it had a super action job done on it. Something about where the trigger is when it fired that wasn't comfortable to me. I think I'd have gotten used to it.
Strafer Gott
New member
BG 38 uses anodized aluminum for the frame and barrel shroud. The barrel is stainless.The grip is some sort of polymer, as is the Laser housing. +P .38 is comfortable to shoot. Trigger has a nice uniform pull, and breaks cleanly. Accuracy is good. I like it better than my cobra or agent for shooting straight.
When I tried both in the store, the Smith felt better. Plastic is as plastic does, my friends. Go bark at the Glock guys.
When I tried both in the store, the Smith felt better. Plastic is as plastic does, my friends. Go bark at the Glock guys.
Jerry, I think many of us have fallen prey to hype, whether it be firearms or anything else. I have to agree wholeheartedly with most of the posts here- certainly, there is a good reason there are Fords and Chevys....
The debate between the 642 and LCR is rather widely covered in this forum, and at the risk of repeating myself, I will just quickly sum up my personal experience with the aforementioned models.
My first pocket gun was the 642- was quite excited to have a quality revolver that I could conceal easily. At the range, I found myself not enjoying its bite, and, as result, didn't shoot it much. Then, the LCR hoopla began, and after holding it, had to have it. The innovative design did, indeed, make it more pleasurable to shoot, and the Hogue grips soaked up a lot of the recoil. I thought the trigger was a little smoother out of the box, but the reset was considerably long for me. Buying the gun for personal defense, I found that firing it fast resulted in a number of failures. And then, S&W brought out the Bodyguard 38 to compete with the LCR (imho).....With the integral laser, I thought it had merit, so I got one. I found it too thin to hold onto comfortably, and the LCR was a little bulkier in the pocket, with the larger grips.
My solution? I took the 642 to my local gunsmith and had the trigger smoothed out- also installed full-length S&W grips that allowed one more finger on the grip....I found it to be exactly what I first set out to get, and today, it is my very favorite gun to carry- and to shoot.
Conclusion- it's a very personal and subjective call. I could have saved a lot of money if I had concentrated on finding a solution before trying to rely on hype. Lesson learned for me. Sorry to ramble
Gene
The debate between the 642 and LCR is rather widely covered in this forum, and at the risk of repeating myself, I will just quickly sum up my personal experience with the aforementioned models.
My first pocket gun was the 642- was quite excited to have a quality revolver that I could conceal easily. At the range, I found myself not enjoying its bite, and, as result, didn't shoot it much. Then, the LCR hoopla began, and after holding it, had to have it. The innovative design did, indeed, make it more pleasurable to shoot, and the Hogue grips soaked up a lot of the recoil. I thought the trigger was a little smoother out of the box, but the reset was considerably long for me. Buying the gun for personal defense, I found that firing it fast resulted in a number of failures. And then, S&W brought out the Bodyguard 38 to compete with the LCR (imho).....With the integral laser, I thought it had merit, so I got one. I found it too thin to hold onto comfortably, and the LCR was a little bulkier in the pocket, with the larger grips.
My solution? I took the 642 to my local gunsmith and had the trigger smoothed out- also installed full-length S&W grips that allowed one more finger on the grip....I found it to be exactly what I first set out to get, and today, it is my very favorite gun to carry- and to shoot.
Conclusion- it's a very personal and subjective call. I could have saved a lot of money if I had concentrated on finding a solution before trying to rely on hype. Lesson learned for me. Sorry to ramble
Gene
I handled both the LCR and a stainless Smith & J frame the day I bought my LCR. They were around the same price but what sold me was the smoother trigger pull on the LCR and the nice comfortable grips. Insofar as accuracy goes, I don't think any Snubby is a tack driver, not designed for that. Over the years I have shot a number of Snub nosed 38s and about the best have ever done is about a 5" group from 25 feet. I have shot Smiths, Taurus' and others I can't remember the name and they are all about the same for me.
The first time I shot my Ruger LCR I managed to get all 5 shots onto the 8.5x11" paper target 25 feet but the groups were a bit scattered. As I have practiced with it the groups have tightened up considerably. People tell me that Snubbies take lots of practice to master. This is the first snub nose I have owned so I will keep practicing.
So far I love my LCR and it is my carry gun for those up close and personal dangerous encounters that might happen.
The first time I shot my Ruger LCR I managed to get all 5 shots onto the 8.5x11" paper target 25 feet but the groups were a bit scattered. As I have practiced with it the groups have tightened up considerably. People tell me that Snubbies take lots of practice to master. This is the first snub nose I have owned so I will keep practicing.
So far I love my LCR and it is my carry gun for those up close and personal dangerous encounters that might happen.
Master Blaster 2
Moderator
Plastics is the future.
S&W BODYGUARD ® 38 revolver. ... Lower Frame Material: Steel-Reinforced Polymer.
Ruger and even taurus. Won't be long thiil the all metal revolver goes the way of poly pistols.
S&W BODYGUARD ® 38 revolver. ... Lower Frame Material: Steel-Reinforced Polymer.
Ruger and even taurus. Won't be long thiil the all metal revolver goes the way of poly pistols.
I bought a new 38 LCR. It ended up as the handgun I disliked the most that I ever shot.
I was lucky to even hit a 14" x 14" paper target from 25 feet.
The worst part was how it battered the pad of trigger finger, it would be numb for a week after about 50 rounds.
I couldn't get rid of it quick enough.
The LCP I can put 120 rounds through it at a range session without any discomfort whatsoever and could outshoot my S&W 9C from any distance that I would shoot at an indoor range.
I was lucky to even hit a 14" x 14" paper target from 25 feet.
The worst part was how it battered the pad of trigger finger, it would be numb for a week after about 50 rounds.
I couldn't get rid of it quick enough.
The LCP I can put 120 rounds through it at a range session without any discomfort whatsoever and could outshoot my S&W 9C from any distance that I would shoot at an indoor range.
I purchased a Ruger 357/38 from my LGS about a month ago. He had a Ruger 13 oz LCR but it felt wrong in my hand. I told him to order the 357 for me and I am very happy I did.
What sold me on this revolver was the trigger pull which was way smoother than any S&W I tried so far (at least the ones w/o a trigger job). The 38 rounds are nothing at all as far as recoil. The +p 38's kick just a little more but are not bad at all. I have tried 2 different 357 loads; the 1st a 125 grain SJHP which was hand slapping fun and a 155 grain SJHP which was more like a small sledge hammer to the hand...lol.
I like the 357 round. Is it as easy as through a 6" barrel? Why no...but I knew that going in. When this LCR goes to the range after I shoot 38's for practice I always shoot 10 rounds of the 357 to stay in touch with it. Folks...what would worry me more than the recoil if I had to shoot in a self defense situation would be the tremendous blast without ear protection this baby produces but then again they are all loud!
You need to know what you are getting into before you purchase. By now you should be able to discern the difference between Internet hype, pure tripe and good hard facts. Research beforehand and don't be surprised!
What sold me on this revolver was the trigger pull which was way smoother than any S&W I tried so far (at least the ones w/o a trigger job). The 38 rounds are nothing at all as far as recoil. The +p 38's kick just a little more but are not bad at all. I have tried 2 different 357 loads; the 1st a 125 grain SJHP which was hand slapping fun and a 155 grain SJHP which was more like a small sledge hammer to the hand...lol.
I like the 357 round. Is it as easy as through a 6" barrel? Why no...but I knew that going in. When this LCR goes to the range after I shoot 38's for practice I always shoot 10 rounds of the 357 to stay in touch with it. Folks...what would worry me more than the recoil if I had to shoot in a self defense situation would be the tremendous blast without ear protection this baby produces but then again they are all loud!
You need to know what you are getting into before you purchase. By now you should be able to discern the difference between Internet hype, pure tripe and good hard facts. Research beforehand and don't be surprised!
I bought the S&W M&P 340. I shoot high end 158 grain .38 +P, or low end .357 magnum reloads. I get about 990 fps. The revolver is a hand full under those loads, but shoots quite well. Not as accurate as my 627. The 7 inch pattern at 10 yards lets me know that this is not for hunting. I never shot an LCR and does not sound like I am really missing anything. I almost bought into the hype also. Glads to learn I did not.