Newbie here, just thought I'd share some personal experience with these two fine revolvers. I do own both, bought the LCR for my wife to use for home protection about a year ago. Recently, I decided to purchase a small ankle carry gun for myself and was going to get another LCR, but figured, why have two of the same guns! After reading a plethora of various reviews and forum threads I landed on the S&W 442. I wanted an all black highly concealable gun, so that ruled out the 642 and I wanted it in 38special.

Ok, I took both to the range for a side by side test with two different ammo loads. This is what I found.

Out of the box both shot extremely well, I was using a target at close range 10-15 yards as, to me, this is really a belly gun, close up defense work, I'm not aiming to go target shooting for distance. For what its worth, and YMMV, here is what I found:

Weight: most of you may know that due to the use of resin etc the LCR comes in at 1.5 ounces lighter. This is great for any carry as I definitely noticed the difference, but you do sacrifice a bit in the recoil department. Nothing severe, but standing calmly taking shots with ears on in a nicely lit range, I could notice the difference. Now, when faced with a real life situation and shooting a real attacker under great duress, I don't think it would matter an iota, I think you could probably dump the entire 5 rounds in seconds and not know what the hell happened! Having said that, and facing down an enormity of posters on various websites who think this slight difference in weight is significant and ideal...well, I beg to differ. The 442 felt solid to me, the LCR, not so much. I may change my mind after ankle carrying the 442 for a few months but time will tell if that 1.5 ounces will really matter.
So on the weight issue I give my blessing to the 442.

Grips: The LCR is larger and felt better in my hand as I do have XL paws, but surprisingly, I noticed no difference in accuracy or comfort when shooting either weapon. The LCR grips are a bit tougher to conceal as they are definitely thicker, although not longer. Also the LCR grips are a bit stickier and I found it somewhat clumsy to pull out of my pocket even when in a holster. So here again I give the 442 the edge.

Trigger: It seems that whatever review or forum I came across ALL posters seem to indicate (many times begrudgingly) that the LCR has a much smoother and easier trigger pull. Well, that may be true but the length of that trigger pull is loooooong! Man, under duress I would think it might be prone to short stroking. Yes, the 442 is definitely harder to pull, but the length of the short pull sold me. Also, for some strange reason, during rapid fire drills I found that shooting the 442 had me placing my finger correctly on the trigger, right on the finger pad, however, the LCR found me sticking my finger further through and resting midfinger on the trigger. Still accurate at close range but definitely not as comfortable. As far as some complaints online about the 442 "stacking" trigger pull vs the LCR cam operation, well, I just didn't find any issues there with either, they both work. I was able to pull the trigger back very slowly on both and know when that round would fire.

Overall, I would rate both these revolvers as excellent, the LCR will do home duty with my wife who appreciates the lighter weight and easier trigger. I will procure the 442 as my concealed carry. They both do the job, just a bit differently.

Just my two cents...oh, and the 442 wins the beauty contest as well, that LCR just can't compare.

I will keep you updated on the ankle carry issue. Wanted to get a top of the line holster but the Galco ankle glove is on back order, I took a chance with the "Ready Holster/Tactical Supply" It seemed to be a middle of the road choice price-wise and thought it would be worth a shot. Pun intended...

Welcome to the forum. Nice comparison, my 442 carries easily in a pocket holster. I'm sure you will find the same in an ankle holster.

Welcome to the Forum!

You're right, either one will do. But, the LCR just doesn't do much for me. As far as the weight difference, my answer is the S&W M&P340, or the 340PD.

But, I will admit, the LCR has two things going for it, It is available in 9MM as well as 327 Federal Magnum. S&W did offer the 940, and 632 but.....

Nice report.
Thanks

I have a couple 442s, a 37 and a 36. I also have the LCR357. After shooting both since the LCR came out, I have decided I like the J-Frames best. The trigger on the LCR is a little smoother but the more I shoot the J-Frame the less I like the reset on the LCR trigger. I have 4000 rounds through the LCR. It took me this long to decide. This is my personale opinion. I still think the LCR is a excellent snub. If you like it and can shoot it well, they can take the rounds.

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Two Handguns every day

Thank you all for your comments and welcome. I am looking forward to carrying this snub for a long time. BTW, when I looked at the 442 in the display case it was one without the lock, when the salesperson went to the back for a fresh one it was one with a lock (something I initially didn't notice and wasn't pointed out to me)...while waiting for the paperwork to be cleared I took a better look and noticed it indeed had a lock, I asked them to look for a fresh one without it and lo and behold, one appeared. Talk about bait and switch! LOL, I'm sure it wasn't intentional as I've purchased a number of handguns there and this is a very busy time of year for them. But buyer beware. I have no use for that lock and although it will probably never be a problem, by NOT having a lock I know definitively it won't be a problem

442 vs. LCR. Oh boy... I own an LCR as well as a S&W 642 (sort of a shiny 442...). Both are good guns and the OPs observations are pretty much spot on.

The LCR, due to the larger rubber grip, is an easier gun to shoot. Much less felt recoil. The 642, which I carry with wood grips and a T-Tyler grip adapter, is more concealable and a better pocket revolver.

I like both handguns but, if I lost my LCR I'd just go buy another one. My 642, which shoots spot on to point of aim, is a far more valuable handgun to me. I'd really be upset if I lost the S&W.

Just saying.

Rich

I debated getting the LCR vs. 642-1 when I was shopping for a snub. What convinced me to get the 642-1 was the trigger return. The LCR just didn't have enough "oomph" for my tastes. For fast DA shooting the trigger return can be just as important as the trigger pull and I liked the stronger return on the 642-1.

Welcome to the forum !

Nice intro.

No experience with the LCR, but I've carry a 642 for a while. It's always with me cause it's easy to have along.

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SWCA #2817

Great review! Like hearing comparisons from folks like you. Nice change from the glossy magazine reviews that seem to like everything.

Just an update on the ankle holster (Ready Holster/Tactical Supply). I have been carrying now for several weeks and find the holster excellent. Very comfortable. I do NOT use the optional calf strap as I keep it low on my leg buttressed only by the top part of my sock (which I bunch up a bit). The sock keeps the holster from sliding all the way down). This works extremely well for me even at a fast walk or trot. I'm sure it could slide down more if I were at a fast run, but that is not likely unless I'm running from a bad guy and then it wouldn't matter

I considered both when I got my 442. I fired them side by side and did equally well with both. That said I prefer the 442 by a wide margin. It doesn't hurt that CTC makes a killer LaserGrip with a cushioned backstrap for the J's. The LCR LaserGrip is pretty mediocre in comparison.

I shot both of 'em back to back several years ago, at a range that had both on the rental board. This was shortly after the LCR came out and its trigger, especially, was getting rave reviews. I was not looking to buy either one, as I was committed to carrying automatics at the time - it was just a matter of curiosity.

I do recall thinking that the LCR trigger was a bit nicer than the one on my Model 49, the only S&W revolver I had at the time. (I had several other revolvers, all single actions, and all but one were Rugers, of which I was a fan.) But I shot the 442 better. As I say, I was not in the market for a snubby 38 at the time, but I do remember thinking that I would not be interested in owning an LCR.

And so it turned out. When I started carrying a revolver it was a 442. Then switched to a 438 for its available single action. And now a 640.

Welcome aboard, and thanks for the detailed comparison.

I don't know jack about the LCR, but I love the Centennial series.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Just to add a few comments.

The lcr has the advantage of having a cheap .22 model available. J frame 22's are ridiculously expensive for some reason, were the 22 lcr is the same price as the 38. I am a firm believer in having a .22 trainer, as close to identical as possible to my carry gun.

The J frame has the advantage in having more grips available, a better laser in the crimson trace, and my favorite J frame grip the Barami hip grip, and don't forget the ergo delta grip.

One thing the LCR has over the 442 is calibre choice, my latest LCR is in 327 magnum.

Attached Images

DSC04162.jpg (83.9 KB, 92 views)

As consumers we are very fortunate to have these TWO fine companies making and selling revolvers in the US. May it always be so.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

flyerdoc,

I enjoyed the write up. I couldn't help but notice, though, you seemed to give a logical edge to the Ruger in most categories, then picked the 442!

I haven't handled a LCR (and most likely won't), but looking at them side-by-side, I completely understand your reasoning. Smith for the win!

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Because of the metric system?

It's a tough choice between the two. For her birthday last year I bought the wife a CWP class and told her I'd buy any handgun she wanted. Always let the wife pick it out! We went to a favorite LGS and she decided on the LCR. After a little practice she could pick a fly off a ants @#$ at 10 yards. She picked it out, she's happy, I'm done!
Oh, I like it too.

Welcome. Nice review.
I also prefer the 442 over the LCR. I carry mine IWB @ 4:00. I put on the Hogue grips which extend the grip slightly but make for a much better draw and control and reduces felt recoil. I also did not care for the long trigger reset on the LCR. Both have +/_ 12 lb. trigger .
Both are fine guns , either is a great choice.

Nice write up.

I too, prefer the J-frame. Perhaps it is just that I have owned and shot them for so long. I'm lucky in that the Smiths seem to naturally fit my hand and "point" well for me. The LCR is a great, snub choice for many. There is nothing wrong with owning both.

As to ankle carry? I've found the one holster that just "works" for me. The older school Desantis model 044. I never liked the way the newer Neoprene ones felt. Too much movement on my leg. The 044 uses a D-ring that really locks in the gun. I finally bought a replacement after nearly 20 years of use (the velcro was losing some strength). I kept the original and may try to replace that velcro. It actually works "ok" still, so I may just keep it as is. BTW, the one holster fits all three of my J-frames. My 640 (no dash), my 638 and my 642. Love my Desantis.

Petepeterson,

Indeed, I am no Mr. Spock when it comes to gun selection, apparently

I think that in the end it is your "perception" of what is "right" that determines your selection. Not just numbers.

I will certainly take a look at this holster, it's only $59 on Amazon so it looks like a terrific buy, thanks for the suggestion.

Good report. I ultimately went with a PC 442 and the trigger is awesome! I really find it hard to understand how 10-15 yds is close distance for belly guns. Guess I am out of the mainstream LOL.