LCR or 442?

[FishyOne]

I want to buy a snubby revolver for concealed carry. I've decided not to go with a semi-auto and am looking at a Ruger LCR and a S&W 442.

Can you guys recommend one over the other or another snubby that fits the bill?

Any input is appreciated!

 

[novalty]

Just went through a similar search, and ended up with a Ruger SP101 (hope I made the right decision). But I handled and dry fired both the LCR and the 442, and don't think you would go wrong with either choice. If you can get out and handle each of them, you might find one has a grip that fits your hand better. Both I would guess are going to feel pretty snappy with +P rounds, given that they both weight in around a pound. Both have 1 7/8 barrels, and have almost identical OAL's, and both will conceal well. Another one in the same category as the LCR is Smith's Bodyguard, which I found their cylinder release a little intriguing, being mounted on the top. Good luck in your decision, I know it's a tough one given the number of great carry revolvers available.

 

[Old cop]

While both are good I prefer the 442 b/c the selection of after market grips will be wider, allowing for everything from belt to pocket carry. From what I've seen the LCR has a rubber grip that is a comfort at the range, but could pose a problem if you want to pocket your gun. The LCR does have a slightly better trigger, but I'm used to the J S&W's.

MY EDC has been some sort of J (a 442 now) for a long time so my opinion my not be unbiased.

 

[GKC]

While I don't have either one now (I opted to go with the Shield when it came out) I have had both revolvers in the past. My personal preference would be the LCR in .357, loaded with .38 special (such as Hornady Critical Defense.) The LCR is a little bigger and heavier, but I found it to be more comfortable, and the trigger is so much better. I carried mine in a Mika front pocket holster.

 

[JCS&W]

I wanted to add a smaller, easier to conceal revolver and I too looked at the Ruger LCR, in .38 and .357 and the M442 and M642. In my opinion, the LCR had the best trigger. The LCR is also a little different looking, and I liked the way it looked. However, I went with a M642 for a couple of reason. As was mentioned earlier, a vast selection of grips are available for the M642, so I was able to pick up some nice CT laser grips at a very reasonalbe price to help in my target acquisition. Secondly, I acutally shot the M642 more accurately than the Ruger, even without the CT grips. So, I went with the M642.

 

[FishyOne]

Thanks for the input! I am leaning towards a LCR chambered in 357 and loaded with 38 sp P+.

 

[Moonman]

FishyOne,

If your plan is to shoot 38+P's, why not just purchase the standard LCR 38 which is +P rated.

Shooting 357's in snubby type revolvers is BRUTAL, +P's are bad enough.

357's can OVER PENETRATE and leave you with legal issues in a defensive shooting situation.

Snubby's are EXPERT type revolvers and as such require a great deal of continuous practice to remain proficient with them.

 

[snubbyfan]

I chose a 442 because it's a long established design, has a lot of aftermarket support and I'm not too hip on the idea of a plastic revolver. The weight savings is minimal and it seems as if a polymer was used just to make it "new" and "modern."

 

[Gamecock]

Fondle both, see which feels better to you.

I have a 642. When the LCR came out, I was surprised how much better it felt in my hand. If doing it over, I would buy the Ruger.

But it's about how they feel to you.

 

[C Islander]

Only you can decide what's right for you. Me? I've got a 442.

 

[FishyOne]

Thanks. Im leaning to the 357 chambering because it's a slightly heavier/beefier revolver that should make the P+ rounds more manageable. Am I right? That's just my thinking. It's only $50 more and dropping $400 for a 38sp P+ vs. $450 for the 357 isn't that big a deal.

I handled the LCR and 442 at a local shop today and the LCR's Hogue grip was really nice. 442 is a sweet little revolver though and I am a Smith guy at heart.

 

[GKC]

FishyOne,

If your plan is to shoot 38+P's, why not just purchase the standard LCR 38 which is +P rated.

I know you didn't address this question to me, but since I bought the .357 model vs the .38 model, I'll give my answer. I bought the .357 model since it is about 3 oz heavier than the .38 model, which didn't significantly impact the way it felt to carry, but I thought it might help with recoil and durability. Also, the .357 model has a steel frame versus the aluminum frame on the .38 model, which should help reduce flame cutting.

 

[samwood]

The 442 is great, but I have to say that the LCR has a better trigger is more comfortable for me to shoot even with the smaller Ruger Hogue boot grips.

 

[photoman]

Either will work well. If I was a brand new shooter, I would probably go with the Ruger because of the trigger is fantastic right out of the box and it's easy to put a good front sight on the Ruger.

 

[fonejack54]

I've had two 642s and a 442. I bought an LCR and fired about 30 rounds thru it before realizing the recoil was terrible. The trigger was better until you put the Apex kit in the Smiths and then there's NO comparison. Get the Smith and if you do go for the LCR, get the .38.
When considering a gun, I will look at how many people are selling theirs pretty quickly. Try that,it may help you decide.

 

[jack the toad]

I've owned an LCR but sold it. It's ok. I currently own several S&W J's including 642's and 442's. That says where my decison lies.
Although haven't owned one but know folks that do, have you considered the BG38?
BODYGUARD 38 - Smith & Wesson
I still prefer the J though.

 

[gonzogeezer]

I agree the LCR has a better trigger out of the box, but I did the Apex trigger job on my 642 and that improved things a lot. Also, grips can be changed on the S&W Airweights, although not on the BG38. I owned one but sold it and kept the 642.

 

[rock doc]

I bought a 642 for the front pocket, but the cylinder bulge was too noticeable, at least to me. I decided on a LCP because it is much slimmer. Triggers on both are terrible, but I don't shoot either too often.

 

[jtpur]

I sold the LCR and bought a 442. The wife thought the LCR was too snappy and hurt her hand. I prefer the LCR trigger, but the grip on the 442 is more comfortable. Same price range, both great guns.

 

[Gamecock]

I dry-fired my 642 a few thousand times. That smoothed out the trigger considerably. Also strengthened my off-side hand.