I'm looking for a light pocket revolver and have narrowed my search down to a S&W 638 and a Ruger LCR. I have not had a chance to compare side by side at a gun store so what I know is from You Tube and google. It appears the Ruger has the smoother trigger (and perhaps easier) and the S&W 638 has a hammer guard but can still be fired SA. The LCRx is SA/DA but the hammer could be a problem with pocket carry. Both have excellent reputations. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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S&W 638 vs. Ruger LCR
- Thread starter frolic1
- Start date
Model12Win
Moderator
You neither need, nor want, an exposed hammer on a defensive revolver.
The "benefit" of being able to make a single action shot in a defensive scenario is grossly overplayed. In reality, learning to master the double action trigger is paramount as 99% of the time you will be firing this way in defense. There can also be some legal repercussions from accidentally pulling the trigger when the hammer is cocked, this has been discussed ad nauseam and you can look it up for yourself if you don't believe me.
I have a S&W 642, and while I love the gun, I think if I could do it all over again I might pick the LCR ("hammerless" version/DAO). The reason being the gun is a bit lighter, and has a better trigger out of the box. Also the front sight can be changed pretty easily on the LCR- on the S&W 638 and 642 and most other J-frames, you're basically stuck with the milled in factory front sight. On the LCR, just pop out a pin and you can stick a night sight in there. Very cool.
People absolutely love the LCR, it's a huge hit and is a total firearms success. A modern classic, I think I'd go with that.
The "benefit" of being able to make a single action shot in a defensive scenario is grossly overplayed. In reality, learning to master the double action trigger is paramount as 99% of the time you will be firing this way in defense. There can also be some legal repercussions from accidentally pulling the trigger when the hammer is cocked, this has been discussed ad nauseam and you can look it up for yourself if you don't believe me.
I have a S&W 642, and while I love the gun, I think if I could do it all over again I might pick the LCR ("hammerless" version/DAO). The reason being the gun is a bit lighter, and has a better trigger out of the box. Also the front sight can be changed pretty easily on the LCR- on the S&W 638 and 642 and most other J-frames, you're basically stuck with the milled in factory front sight. On the LCR, just pop out a pin and you can stick a night sight in there. Very cool.
People absolutely love the LCR, it's a huge hit and is a total firearms success. A modern classic, I think I'd go with that.
I hate looking at the LCR
However, it is a first rate revolver that has earned some pretty high acclaim for its utility.
You could file or hacksaw off every exposed hammer on every defensive revolver ever made and it would be a good start. They just don't have any business being on that type of firearm.
However, it is a first rate revolver that has earned some pretty high acclaim for its utility.
You could file or hacksaw off every exposed hammer on every defensive revolver ever made and it would be a good start. They just don't have any business being on that type of firearm.
testuser79
New member
I've owned both. LCR has a lighter pull, but I tended to short stroke it, some people have this problem, others don't. My 438 is identical to the 638 except the carbon steel cylinder and it's my favorite j-frame.
Anyway, for me, it's not the ability to fire single action that I like so much, it's the shape of the revolver. I can get a higher grip on my 438 than a 642 because of the rounded frame. It makes the revolver easier for me to control and more comfortable to fire. When I "choke up" on a 642, the top of my hand is over the frame.
As far as a hammer or no hammer, so long as it doesn't snag I don't see it as a problem. My N-frame and L-frame revolvers have exposed hammers and it isn't an issue. The 638 has a shrouded hammer, so it's snag free.
None of these guns are a lot of fun to fire for most to fire, although I like it for some reason. The best you can try is reduced recoil ammo, like wadcutters. Also, I think Hornady is making a 90 gr or so reduced recoil load, might be pretty comfortable to fire.
Anyway, for me, it's not the ability to fire single action that I like so much, it's the shape of the revolver. I can get a higher grip on my 438 than a 642 because of the rounded frame. It makes the revolver easier for me to control and more comfortable to fire. When I "choke up" on a 642, the top of my hand is over the frame.
As far as a hammer or no hammer, so long as it doesn't snag I don't see it as a problem. My N-frame and L-frame revolvers have exposed hammers and it isn't an issue. The 638 has a shrouded hammer, so it's snag free.
None of these guns are a lot of fun to fire for most to fire, although I like it for some reason. The best you can try is reduced recoil ammo, like wadcutters. Also, I think Hornady is making a 90 gr or so reduced recoil load, might be pretty comfortable to fire.
I have a 638 and love it. I HAD an LCR 357 and didnt like it. I have lots of snubs, and didnt like the trigger. It took me forever to learn how to shoot it well. Im used to a trigger that stacks, not one that stacks at first, then lets off for the rest of the stroke. This caused me to shoot low every time. I traded away the LCR and dont miss it a bit.
I like the ability to shoot the 638 in SA, so that I can see how accurate the revolver is. Shooting a snub in DA is challenging, but once you know how capable the revolver is, by shooting it SA, it boosts confidence. Of course, I would never take a SA defensive shot, but I like having the option for range practice.
I like the ability to shoot the 638 in SA, so that I can see how accurate the revolver is. Shooting a snub in DA is challenging, but once you know how capable the revolver is, by shooting it SA, it boosts confidence. Of course, I would never take a SA defensive shot, but I like having the option for range practice.