442/642 or LCR?

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bogey3737

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Debating between a 442/642 and an LCR 38+P - for those who have owned / shot / carried both...what do you think?

Moved further south and looking for something a little easier to tote in shorts / light shirt than a Glock IWB. Already have a 640, but it's a bit heavy for pocket carry.

Carry load will be 135 +P Gold Dots.

Thanks!
 
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I recently went thru the same dilemma.

I have a 60-7 that is a fine little gun, but I wanted another J-frame that was an airweight hammerless and +P rated that would ride in a front pocket without to much notice...so the research went on.

I looked at the LCR a couple times and just never could make myself like it. The DAO trigger, IMHO, is smoother than the 642/442...but I liked the S&W better and eventually went with the 442. Coincidentally, I took it to the range today and shot it for the first time. The trigger wasn't bad at all...I mean...I was able to hit around where I was aiming and don't recall any stacking. It was a smooth pull but just not as smooth as the LCR. From what I have read they will smooth out some with use, so I need to shoot it more mainly to become more proficient with a DAO gun. Shooting DA is new to me so I definitely need to practice more.

From checking out the Ruger forum...just about every member over there who comments on the LCR really seems to enjoy it. So you probably can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

I shot a box of Winchester 148 g. wadcutters first before putting about 20-25 rounds of Winchester 125 g. SJHP +P's through it ... and there was a noticable difference. I'm not afraid of recoil, but I could definitely feel the difference in my hand.

Here's my 442...it's a great little gun.

IMG_0476.jpg


Good luck.
 
I've shot the LCR but picked a 442. Wish I'd done the 642, because I carry IWB and the carbon steel yoke on the 442 accumulates humidity during the day. I treated the gun like my Glock 26 to start with (i.e., I ignored it) and got some rust starting on the yoke - now I wipe it down at the end of each day with a silicone cloth and the rust hasn't spread. With a 642 that wouldn't be a problem you'd have to be as aggressive to prevent (I say this after carrying an all stainless 649 and treating it like the Glock, with no sign of rust after months of carry.)

BTW, if you want to see some scary accuracy out of these little things, put a Crimson Trace laser grip on one. (I have the 405, which is super skinny and concealable, but not much fun to shoot. My next one will be the fatter 305.) At 15 feet the other day, with a firm 2 hand hold and the gun at my belly, each bullet was basically just touching the last bullet hole. It's almost spooky to see a hole appear exactly where the red dot was when the hammer dropped.
 
I have the 442 as my edc...a few months ago I added a LCR22 for some cheap range da practice. Both are great guns but I find the 442 j frame a bit easier to conceal since its a tad smaller. About the triggers they are both good and what you would expect for the LCR22 a bit heavier but great practice and fun plinking. If I had the money though I would have got the S&W43c to mimic my 442 but the LCR is a nice trade off.
 
If you want one that's a joy to carry all day, every day, try the M&P 340. At 13.3 ozs you really forget its there. Now as to whether you want to load it with .357 or .38 +P, that's your call!
 
Have owned both the 442 and the LCR at the same time. Did not like much about the LCR. (It is long gone). Still have the 442 and carry it every day as a back up in an ankle holster or as a primary IWB (appendix). The 442 trigger will greatly improve after about 500 live rounds and about 1000 dry fires.
 
Here is a pic of my 642CT shot with target loads...

With practice (and a little trigger work), these snubs can be accurate...

Edmo

Targets001.jpg
 
Had several J-frames including pre-lock 442 and 642. Thought they were as good as it gets for snubbies. Then I discovered the 38 +P LCR. Loved the trigger and light weight. Bought a second one for my wife and then a 357 LCR for myself and then the 22 LR LCR (for fun). I sold off all the J frames except for a Mod 60 that a LEO detective previously owned.

I normally carry a .45 ACP Springfield XDM for SD but when my chronic back problem gets bad, I carry an LCR IWB strong side and another LCR in an off-side pocket holster. I like shooting 38 spc +P in my LCRs but with the 357 LCR I have more ammo options. Two 38 +P LCRs are just about my perfect light SD guns IMHO. With the light weight of the NY reload split between strong and weak sides my back doesn't notice them at all.


bogey3737 said:
Debating between a 442/642 and an LCR 38+P - for those who have owned / shot / carried both...what do you think?

Moved further south and looking for something a little easier to tote in shorts / light shirt than a Glock IWB. Already have a 640, but it's a bit heavy for pocket carry.

Carry load will be 135 +P Gold Dots.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
saenzrich said:
Both are great guns but I find the 442 j frame a bit easier to conceal since its a tad smaller.
Click to expand...

This.

I don't have an LCR, but buy all accounts it's an excellent pocket gun. I have the 642 and have had multiple brands of pants and shorts whose pockets are so shallow that they cause some issues concealing the 642.

With the 642 being 1/4" shorter I'd likely prefer the S&W because of that reason. It may not sound like much, but it's actually enough length to make pocket carry not an option with the LCR and some pants, but OK-enough with the 642.
 
LCR and never look back. Have owned, shot, and carried both. This is the easiest (drop in your pants pocket) and carry gun I ever had. Now if you are going to holster carry all the time, well just take your pick.
 
The only problem I've noticed w/the Ruger LCR is that it is a bit large (grips) if you plan on pocket carry. The Smith's have a better selection of after market grips to suit many carry options.
 
I have and carry a 442. I tried an LCR last year and it felt strange in my hand. I don't know what it was about the grip or the shape of it but I didn't like it at all. Shoot both if you can and then decide.
 
I handled the LCR and a host of S & W J frames when I was looking for a summer carry piece.
I went with the MP 360. Love that little J frame.
Dave N
 
I CC'ed a Ruger LCR for 2 years.

I sold it to fund other gun purchases.

It's a fine weapon and was very easy to CC, albeit the tamer grips are quite chunky.

Trigger is very good but shooting a box of hot ammo is a chore in such light guns.

The J frames are similar in that regard. I think the LCR's trigger is better but now not so much.

I sampled a new 642 yesterday that had a most excellent trigger.

I am going back to Smiths big time so my next purchase will be a 642.

From what I've gleaned from other's experiences, I shall treat it with renaissance wax to protect the finish. Then I will only clean it with Mpro-7.

I should add that the 642 I handled was incredible looking for such a cheap gun. Fit and finish was impressive.
 
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