J frame, LCR, OR ..... ?

[rfhall50]

UPDATE ... Musr be 2" barrel or less.

Not looking for any Ruger bashing, just an honest, hopefully first hand experienced opinion.

BACKGROUND
Been carrying a Charter Arms Undercover 38 for many years. Love the slim, no-print image in jeans. Along with our double action 6 stage matches, we are now doing a J frame stage at the end. Great for those of us that just carry, but rarely practice with our carry gun. I am looking to get a new carry/j frame type match/SASS on occasion "something different" stage kind of gun.

REQUIRED
5 shots
MUST be able to use speed loaders
Will be sent to Tom at TK later for moon clip cutting.
38 Special +P minimum, 357 certainly Ok
Laser NOT required
Prefer light weight / airweight

QUESTION
For those more J frame style experienced than I, what would y'all recommend and why.... LCR, S&W J, or ...?

Thank you in advance!

Bobby

 

[Tanners Owner]

I have a LCR and am very happy with it. It's my daily carry gun. However, if you want it for "gaming" the LCR has some minor disadvantages. Specifically, speedloader availability is limited. Also, there far fewer accessories for the LCR than for the J frame.

Points for the LCR IMHO include great DA trigger out of the box, lightweight, accurate.

I'll advise what many do, try them out first before you buy to see if the LCR or J is right for you. We all have different hands & preferences.

Good luck

 

[adwjc]

RF,

those old Charter Arms Undercovers were sweet shooting revolvers, the only one I have as slick is my 640.

Since you specify airweight, get the 442 or 642, unless you want the .357, then you'll have to go with a 340. The airweights and airlights are great to carry, not so much fun for a lot of range time.

If the actual shooting of the J frame is where you are focused, the stainless steel 60 or 640 is the way to go, and if you get one of the Pro Series, you can save the trip to TK.

 

[dave7v7]

442 pro is already cut for moon clips and should only cost $25 more than the standard model.Downside of the J-frame ? Only one.With repetitive use they crush your nerve between your thumb and web.lots of people change the grips but then that makes them less carry able.They are fantastic carry guns and a true engineering marvel.

 

[ridgewalker]

The 442 and 642 are equivalent but the 442 is black and the 642 is silver finish. Certain models of the 442 are stainless coated black and some models are carbon steel. I think it is the Pro that is stainless and that is what I would recommend if you decide you want the black.
The 442/642 are all great except for the front sights which are not easily replaceable. If you are not planning to pocket or ankle carry, then I would recommend the steel 640 Pro which has excellent sights and is heavy enough to be comfortable to shoot a lot.
If you want something light but need good sights, then the M&P 340 has great sights too. For me, it is so light that it is not comfortable to shoot very much, especially heavier loads.
I had a LCR 357 and didn't keep it long. I just don't feel comfortable shooting a plastic revolver.

 

[629shooter]

Given your "requirements," I would go with a M&P 340. But, that is just me.

 

[Louchia]

I agree with some comments above. I have a 442 Pro. Great carry gun and has the moon clips you would prefer. If you are bothered by recoil on the web of your hand, you can get a Hogue grip to replace original. I have one on mine and the recoil is greatly minimised. It is a little larger and gives pinky support and still conceals well. It's my ED carry.
I found the Rugar to be a very nice gun with a very nice trigger action. However I found the shape of the trigger less comfortable.
As mentioned, you should get them in your hand and rent for range test is you can.

 

[Boogsawaste]

My younger brother has an LCR, and to be honest (aesthetics aside), I really don't like them. It feels like a toy to me. Kind of loose and, well, plastic. As far as looks, while it shouldn't matter for a defensive handgun, I would have a hard time getting one because their look doesn't appeal to me.

As far as trigger, my opinion is too many people gripe about their triggers on j frames and such. As long as it's smooth without any catches I'm good. These aren't target guns and if you can't hit center mass with a stock pocket gun at 5 yards or less, maybe they're not for you.

This is all just my opinion of course. I have experience with j frames and an LCR.

Edit, I'm also a big fan of other rugers.

 

[David R]

This is what I carry. I like the single action opportunity.

637 with CT laser grips. I know you do not need the laser. The stock grips fit my big hands better than the CT, but its all a compromise.

David

 

[Mister X]

S&W 642/442, 640 pro series are all already cut for moon clips although I wouldn't recommend Moonclips for carry. The 642/442 are cheaper, lighter and easier to tote, especially if you pocket carry and are .38 Special +p. If you want .357 magnum and don't intend to pocket carry, the 640 makes sense and is a better shooter and overall more robust weapon.

I would choose an S&W over the Ruger every time. Better triggers, more compact, better customer service, better resale value, better aftermarket support and overall better quality.

And stick with the concealed hammer varieties due to their advantages for self-defense and there is absolutely no need for single action. The j-frame isn't a target gun and you are not going to be doing any sniping with it in a hostage situation so being able to cock it is a liability. And since you won't shoot it SA in a self-defense situation, no need to practice with it that way.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

RF,

stainless steel 60 or 640 is the way to go, and if you get one of the Pro Series, you can save the trip to TK.

My 60 pro-series is not cut for moon clips.

 

[307-Niner]

For what you're describing, I'd recommend the 442 Pro.

For the life of me, I can't understand why people say not to carry moon clips...

 

[Mister X]

For what you're describing, I'd recommend the 442 Pro.

For the life of me, I can't understand why people say not to carry moon clips...

The problem with Moonclips is fragility of the clips themselves, as even a small bend will tie up the gun. Plus they kill your ability to top off the cylinder. With some models cut for Moonclips, you can use them without the clips, but it will increase the risk of case under extractor jams. On a carry gun, stick with speed-loaders and speed-strips.

 

[Abflyboy]

I'm partial to the 60 or 360. I have both and carry the 360 everywhere all the time. The 60 will tame a bit of recoil with magnum loads due to it's increased wieght.

Been looking hard at a M&P 340 though . . .

 

[clayflingythingy]

Having three J frames and two LCR I will state: happiness is a J frame.

YMMV

 

[gallegosmike]

For just plain shooting pleasure, go with a LCR. I own three of them; 357, 38 special, 22 LR. They all have great stock triggers and easy to swap out sights. I also own four J frames; 337, 340 , 317 1-7/8" and 3". Both of my Ti cylinder j frames are great to carry and not so fun to shot! The 340 with 357 ammo is nasty to shoot! Almost as nasty to shoot as my 296!!!

Mike

 

[rfhall50]

To all Responders and Respondettes ...

Thank you !Thank you !Thank you !

All was very informative. I now have a lot of reading/checking/test gun renting to do. But thats the fun part. Will continue to check back in case anyone has additional thoughts. Again,Thank you !

Bobby

 

[USAF385]

I've owned and carried a J frame for 6 years or so and I love it.

I owned an LCR 9mm for a few weeks and traded it.

I think the biggest thing was the LCR just felt awkward in my hand. Poor balance and stability, and I even tried the larger grips it came with and the smaller boot grips.

 

[Otreb]

The LCR and various airweight J frames are both solid choices. The LCR is trickier for speed loaders vs the j frame, but more comfortable to shoot by a bit. If running moons, the speed loader issue won't be as bad in the LCR and merits consideration, too.
If you're competing with s&W guns in the 6 stage, I'd stick with the brand for BUGs too, though, same trigger and everything.