442/642 or LCR?

[Tyrod]

I have a 642 and a 442. I would say the finish on the 442 is far more durable than the 642. I haven't worn off any paint yet on the 642, but the paint just feels soft to the touch. Either will handle +p on occasion if you're worried about that and either can be had in lock or no lock options. Although S&W lists the lock vs no lock versions at the same price, some retailers will charge more for a no lock version. I prefer the Wilson spring kit for my J frames.

 

[bogey3737]

642 it is...thanks!

 

[mbliss57]

I tried the LCR and didn't like it. I have a 642-1 that I am currently breaking in and getting used to. I am not dazzled by the trigger. I plan to put an Apex trigger kit in to help with trigger pull, But I love the size and fit in my pocket and the DAO for safety. I just need more practice. Some days I am good with it at the range, some days not so much.

 

[retiredsquid]

I've owned a number of J frames and still have a 3"
Model 60 357. I sold my 360PD and bought the 357 LCR and haven't looked back. The LCR in a Blackhawk pocket holster works for me for almost two years now.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Some people can't get past the looks of the LCR or the fact that it's polymer. But I don't know how you can do better than a 357 LCR. It's powerful, versatile, got an awesome trigger, affordable, light and amazingly accurate. I've shot sub 2.5" 5 shot groups at 20 yards, standing and unsupported, with mine. I can't do that all the time...but it can. I'd love to see what she'd do in a Ransom Rest.

 

[357 shooter]

The LCR , to me , seems "large" compared to a 442/642 , since I was looking for a concealment revolver as compact as possible I went with a non-lock 642-1.

And the LCR to me just looks cheap compared to the J-Frame. The cylinder on my old 1970s Wasp cap gun looked better. As to the polymer , I still call it plastic and if you are going to make something cheap at least sell it cheap. I also saved money going with the 642.

 

[eazyrhino]

Hate to be that guy but I like good looking guns and Rugers are butt ugly. Only Ruger I've owned is a mkll government .22. Nice, but still ugly. No offense to you Ruger owners. I know there are many. Just my opinion.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

The LCR , to me , seems "large" compared to a 442/642 , since I was looking for a concealment revolver as compact as possible I went with a non-lock 642-1.

And the LCR to me just looks cheap compared to the J-Frame. The cylinder on my old 1970s Wasp cap gun looked better. As to the polymer , I still call it plastic and if you are going to make something cheap at least sell it cheap. I also saved money going with the 642.

I paid $390 for a new 357 LCR. What does a sub 20 ounce 357 Smith sell for? I'd say $390 is pretty cheap for a 17oz 357 that will out last all of us. Admittedly, $450 is closer the the average for this gun. I can understand why you might think the LCR looks cheap compared to a 642. But to be honest, I think a 642 feels cheap and has a mediocre trigger compared to the LCR. In fact, I think it's funny you mentioned old cap guns. I get that pot-metal feeling when I play with a 642. But hey to each his own. Nothing personal, I love Smiths. But some are more impressive than others.

 

[palmettosunshine]

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.

On the contrary I fired exactly ONE cylinder in the LCR and promptly traded it. I now carry the M&P 340. Liked the trigger on the LCR, hated the recoil. YMMV.

 

[valencman]

I fire Hornady Critical Defense +P in my LCR for practice and never bothered by the recoil. I guess recoil just feels different to each of us according to our hand strength and hand size. Best to shoot each for yourself, and then come to a decision. As to the M&P 340, that was not in the original question (642/442/ or LCR) and I can not comment on since I have never owned or shot one of those.