Ruger LCR vs. S&W snubbies

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cjwils

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I am sure plenty of people have compared the Ruger LCR to S&W .38 or .357 snubbies, but I searched the forum for that topic, and found no meaningful results. So, what do you think about that comparison? I have one of the super light S&W snubbies, it's 11 point something ounces, which is a bit less than an LCR. I just want to know if I am missing something good by not also having an LCR. Thanks very much for your comments.
 
First, understand you're asking this on the S&W forums, so results may be a bit skewed.

I've owned a handful of LCRs and way more J frames. I found the LCR to have a superior trigger, less felt recoil, and be more durable. I've now had 3 alumuminum/scandium J frames break (2 frame cracks, 1 cylinder retaining lug worn off, and I will not be purchasing another one). If I needed another snubby revolver for practical purposes, the LCR would be my choice, followed by a steel J frame.

All that said, the LCR will never be as popular or iconic as the J frame, and nostalgia/tradition/"damned plastic guns, back in my day..." sells a hell of a lot of the revolvers in this day and age of reliable micro 9s.
 
I have a 1 7/8" .357 LCR, a S&W 340 Ti/Sc and a 360 Ti Sc. The 357 LCR weighs 17 oz, the S&Ws 11 or 12 oz depending on grips. As mentioned above, double action trigger and recoil mitigation favor the LCR - single action on my S&W 360 is superb. The trigger guard of the S&Ws hammer my trigger finger with heavier loads -- not so with the LCR.

Both Ruger & S&Ws shoot very high with 357 ammo. I developed a load that shoots pretty much to POA at 25 yds with both - 125gr Horn XTP with 7.0gr BE86 in 357 cases - target pictured below (laser zeroed after shooting this target. The S&W 360 is my foul weather, drop in pocket of rain coat gun loaded with 3 of the 125s and 2 Buff Bore 180gr.

Can't speak to durability as I don't shoot these a lot

Ruger offers a 38 special plus P LCR that weighs 13 oz w/1 7/8" bbl. With the Buf Bore 158gr at 1,040 fps from 2" bbl, you would have more power than you would probably ever need from a snubby.

thumbnail_IMG_4313.jpg


FWIW,

Paul
 
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I have had numerous J frame 38's over the years and they were all good. I only had steel frame versions so I cannot speak of the aluminum or scandium versions.
I have a LCRx38 3 inch that I got about 5 years ago. It has two redeeming qualities its light weight, and the durable finish. I do not find its trigger any better than a S&W. If it recoils any less or any more I certainly cannot detect it. It points terribly for me but when using the sights it shoots OK for what it is. It is not an heirloom quality firearm as J steel frame revolvers are. IMO they are a disposable revolver. If they break throw them away and get another. I will not get another in my case.
 
I found the LCR a little easier to conceal in some pants pockets, so it was my primary pocket gun for several years. I've been trying to cutback on a few excess guns and calibers though so finally sold my old LCR and just learned to live with the slight hump in my pocket area.
 
I'll muddy the waters and probably get me suspended for a few days. I've owned many J and I frames over the years and still own a few. I still own one LCR357 that was my wife's CCW pistol. The small revolver I find myself carrying and shooting most is a Taurus Ultralite 38 special.
 
I own both a 637 and an LCR..2" .38 spl's....I like an exposed hammer, I like shooting the 637 more....that said, I use the LCR as my carry, why? the entire gun is very durable, easy to conceal, and light weight ( I had the Ruger first!)...if I could keep only one, I'd keep the Smith over the Ruger
 
I have a S&W 60, 36 and a Ruger LCR in 38 Special. My first LCR was a 357 and it was (to me) BRUTAL to shoot more than about 10 rounds of 357 plus it weighed quite a bit more than the 38 LCR.

I’ve carried the 38 LCR about 90% of the time for the past 6 years. It still looks virtually new so, their finish is tough as nails. And no worries about the blueing getting dinged up on the 36.

I find the LCR more convenient with the shrouded hammer. Mine wears the Ruger boot grips to reduce size. It came with a red fiber optic front site which to me is a huge advantage over the Smiths. Wonderful trigger, very accurate and has been 100% reliable.

Depending on the style and brand of holster, your LCR may not fit a J frame holster. The trigger guard is more pronounced on the front side so; an LCR specific holster may be needed.
 
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Snub 38 LCR was my first gun. Hard too shoot accurately. You can't stage the DA trigger the same way and the trigger is heavy. The trigger can't be worked as easily either. I'm liking the Centennial J Frames with Apex kits.

And as already posted, the love affair with the S&W J is real.

I will never sell my LCR though and also have a 3" LCRx.
 
I’ve read numerous complaints over the years about the tendency to short-stroke the trigger on the LCR in rapid fire. I believe Claude Werner even wrote about it on his blog. My limited experience with the LCR proved to me the concerns were real, so I’ll stick with S&W’s.
 
hittman77 said:
1+ My first LCR was a 357 and it was (to me) BRUTAL to shoot more than about 10 rounds of 357 plus it weighed quite a bit more than the 38 LCR.

2+ carried the 38 LCR about 90% of the time for the past 6 years. It still looks virtually new so, their finish is tough as nails. And no worries about the blueing getting dinged up...

3+ I find the LCR more convenient with the shrouded hammer.

4+ Mine wears the Ruger boot grips to reduce size.

5+ The market has several choices for it, easily swapped out, thanks to their easy, pinned-on mounting. Smith could learn from them, LOL.

5+ It came with a red fiber optic front site which to me is a huge advantage over the Smiths. .
Click to expand...

1+ Congrats, you put THREE times the amount of .357 through your's as I did mine. Sold it, and just stuck with the lighter .38 version at the time.

2+ Absolutely concur.

3+ Also agree,

4+ A bit homely to look at, but superbly functional

Mister X said:
I’ve read numerous complaints over the years about the tendency to short-stroke the trigger on the LCR in rapid fire. I believe Claude Werner even wrote about it on his blog. My limited experience with the LCR proved to me the concerns were real, so I’ll stick with S&W’s.
Click to expand...

True, all true. It's either something that you can learn to overcome, or you switch to the automatic transmission, for easier driving... :D
 
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For me the LCR is slightly bigger in the non-measured dimensions making it harder to pocket carry. I’ve owned three.
I currently carry a S&W 442 with a trigger job. LCR still has a better trigger. But I carry the S&W more because it’s easier to conceal (for me).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I own both. I have about 6,000 rounds through my LCR 357. I would say about 60%, 357 and the other 40% plus p38



The trigger on the LCR is not better than the Smith & Wesson. It has a very long reset and is prone to short stroking under pressure. Whilt it seems like it's better when you first start shooting it, when you start working it in draw present and fire, and in high stress time situations, And on the move one handed, you start to see it's shortcomings.



I much prefer the Smith & Wesson trigger that has been properly broken in by just shooting it for a thousand or so rounds or a nice trigger job by a master like Nelson Ford or Frank Glenn.



That being said, what the Ruger LCR has going for it is recoil is a lot better with plus p and 357 rounds, and the ability to change the front sight is also a plus.



Not all speed loaders work with the LCR that work with the j frame, The LCR has a limited grip choice, And the LCR is a little bit bigger when it comes to pocket carry even with the boot grip.
 
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I have a deep affection for J-frames. I own a bunch of them, from a Baby Chief on up. I shoot them often, enjoy them greatly, and have no plan to get rid of them.

With that said, my primary carry gun for the past few years has been an LCR. I wasn’t looking for one, but I found one at a price too good to pass up, and after shooting it for a while it replaced my 642.

The .38 LCR weighs a bit less than an Airweight, and for me it has much better sights and a slightly better trigger. Yes, it is possible to “short-stroke” it, but this only happened to me exactly one time, during our “getting acquainted” period, and now that I’m familiar with its trigger it is no longer an issue.

Not too long ago I picked up a .22LR version which has proven not only to be an excellent training tool, but also the source of a tremendous amount of fun.

I will say an LCR will never beat an AirLite when it comes to pocket carry, but I’m on the skinny side, so that doesn’t work for me anyway.

To be honest, I view this as a “Ford v Chevy” question. I’m just pleased that in this age of the micro nine that we have options to choose from.
 
kaaskop49 said:
Odd (but enjoyable) thread. Interesting how many posters say they love, adore, respect, hold dear to their hearts, can't live without the one mfgr's gun(s),.......but they carry the other one!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Click to expand...


Not me. J Frame all the way. All others are inferior.

Except, when I feel like carrying the P365 or Kimber K6 or the occasional Colt D Frame.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
kaaskop49 said:
Odd (but enjoyable) thread. Interesting how many posters say they love, adore, respect, hold dear to their hearts, can't live without the one mfgr's gun(s),.......but they carry the other one!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Click to expand...

It has been said, “There are guns you show your friends, and there are guns you show to your enemies.”
 
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