J Frame to Replace LCR

[dubshooter]

I recently picked up an LCR in 9mm for my new on duty BUG. It was perfect because I carry a 9mm as a duty gun and could share the ammo. But a couple things

1. In looking to get a Sig 1911 in .45 issued soon to replace the Glock. So the ammo sharing will be out

2. The Tamer grips just don't work for my hand. As much as I love the LCR, after extended range shoots my webbing by the thumb blisters to the point of bleeding. I cannot find a way to grip this thing to make it work out. I don't want to get rid of it, but it just doesn't fit like a j frame.


Now, what I'm considering.

A 640 or a 642.

I like to shoot the guns I carry. And I like to LIKE to shoot the guns I carry. Which is why I am leanin towards the 640. I carry my BUG on duty in my left cargo pocket. A buddy has a 640 and I tossed it in there to carry around the office and the weight difference didn't really feel too different than the LCR in the cargo pocket

Off duty, I carry mostly OWB or AIWB, and minimally in the pocket. I think the 640 would slip into a pocket better than the LCR due to the profile, just a bit heavier.

But the 642 is definately lighter, would carry easier, but wouldn't shoot as well.

Whatever my choice, I have to be able to qualify with it out to 25 yards (total of 7 shots at 25 yards). I'm about 78% sold on the 640, and there's a slim chance my buddy might sell me his -1. But if he doesn't, I will have to make my decision.

And before anyone says it, I know. I will buy both. But one of them will have to be bought first, and only one will get the pocket spot on duty.

 

[Cal44]

I use Hogue G10 grips on my LCR 357.

They are OK for up to low end 357 magnum.

Enable you to use a three finger grip.

Although it doesn't show, they are thinner than the stock LCR grip and work better for me for pocket carry.



Here is a picture:

 

[Cal44]

The bigger Hogue rubber grips are also very comfortable.

They are better for shooting full boat magnums, or hot 9mm loads.

But not as easy to pocket carry due to size.

I tried them, and settled on the g10's above.

Ruger LCR No Finger Groove Rubber Tamer Cushion Grip Black | Hogue Inc.

 

[Edmo]

I own both a 640 and have owned two different 642s with one remaining in the house. I like both my 640 & 642, however neither has been without troubles...

My 640 Pro Series just returned after it's fourth visit back to the mothership to fix glaring oversights in fit, finish, and function. It has had two new barrels fitted and several sets of sights replaced in those four visits to S&W. I think they finally finished "building" her on the last visit.

My first and current 642 has been flawless, but my second 642 broke a trigger pin and was deemed unrepairable. I applied its replacement credit towards my 640...

Now to triggers and recoil. Both the 640 & 642 have long and somewhat heavy triggers which require practice to master. Welcome to double action J frames. Over time they will smooth out and your trigger finger will strengthen allowing you to shoot these guns more accurately. Now to recoil. Shooting +Ps in the Airweight is a bit snappy yet quite easy in the steel 640. Shooting 357 Magnums in the 640, OUCH!! It is a handful.

I would say both are fun to shoot, but I wouldn't consider them range guns.

Reference your comment on Sig 1911s... I have an Emperor Scorpion commander sized 1911 and it is a really nice defensive handgun. I think you will be happy with a Sig 1911. Sig makes a solid version of that platform.

Another option for backup carry since you are familiar with the GLOCK system could be a G43. It is accurate and easy to carry. Like every GLOCK I've owned, my G43 has been flawless... Check with your GLOCK Blue Label dealer for LEO discounted prices.

Edmo

 

[kaaskop49]

attn dubshooter

Hey, partner. You seem to be leaning toward the 640, so why not fall all the way! My 640 is the earlier .38 model which is a bit smaller and carries more easily, but does not have the .357 advantage. I do have the 'close cousin' Model 60 in .357 and find the steel frame enables shooting mag loads WITH PRACTICE.

Getting ugly out there, partner, as you gotta know. Go for the Mag 640. Stay safe. Check 6.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Bill In Texas]

Between the two you mentioned, and for the reasons you stated, I think I would go with the 640. Another to consider might be a Model 60 with a three inch barrel. A little bigger than the 640 in barrel length of course, but that might be helpful to your intended use. Full house .357's through it can be done! Hope this helps!

 

[eb07]

I compared both the LCR and the J-Frame here ( .38 specials/357 for LCR not 9mm)

They are both great revolvers, it comes down to preference and which trigger you like. If you go LCR I recommend getting the slightly heavier 357 version.

Smith and Wesson 442-1 and Ruger KLCR Comparison Part 1: Specs and Speedloaders

Smith and Wesson 442-1 and Ruger KLCR Comparison Part 2: Range Report

Hope this helps!

 

[hanno]

My 640 has been flawless and is my primary concealed carry. I think the 640 is a good choice for your BUG

 

[dubshooter]

Yeah. The more I look, the more the 640 calls. And don't start with the model 60 3". That's on the short list too. But I think the 3" would be a bit big for on duty BUG and prefer the concealed hammer.

I found a .38 special 640 for a good price. But can't jump In until July 1 (wife said I can't talk about guns until July or I might get shot with what I buy). So July 1 it is

Leaning towards the Pro model, depending on price. Better sights would be nice. But also larger. Again, all comes to the $$. This one will be reimbursed by the department, but I do need to have some money left over for uniforms.

Thanks for all the help guys

 

[DevilDog72]

For what it is worth, I bought the 642.... really wanted the 640... still want the 640. If I could have a do over.... and if frogs had wings...

 

[Marshal Tom]

I would be more concerned with weight than .38 vs. 357. Most of us shoot .38's in +P rather than the punishing .357 in these little guys and with todays ammo such as 135 gr. Gold Dots and the like, they are plenty good enough for SD especially as a bug. I have a M&P 340 with the big dot night sight that will shoot either one and carry . 38's in it due to the pain of shooting .357's in it. Good size, weight and good sights.

 

[Packard]

Yeah. The more I look, the more the 640 calls. And don't start with the model 60 3". That's on the short list too. But I think the 3" would be a bit big for on duty BUG and prefer the concealed hammer.

I found a .38 special 640 for a good price. But can't jump In until July 1 (wife said I can't talk about guns until July or I might get shot with what I buy). So July 1 it is

Leaning towards the Pro model, depending on price. Better sights would be nice. But also larger. Again, all comes to the $$. This one will be reimbursed by the department, but I do need to have some money left over for uniforms.

Thanks for all the help guys

I have the 640 Pro. The sights were off from the factory and they declined to re-set them. I added laser sights instead. If you don't plan on using the moon clips then the 640 plus laser sights is a better deal than the 640 with sights that have you shoot too low.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Many try to match their bug with their duty gun.
Unless this is required or ammo is free [ I wish]
This is neither practical or desirable.
You are talking about two different systems.
The primary is big heavy carried in the open , the bug is light ,small,
And the BG is not to know you have it.
You go into trouble with your primary and get your dead butt
out of Dodge with the BUG.
Also, are you going to take the bullets from your primary mag,
and load them in your Bug???????
Kind of slow, even compared to reloading an M-60 S&W.
Fine the BUG that fits your carry option, use the shell that fits it's size
weight and that you can hang on to and HIDE IT.....
This is an OOPS gun .
That is what the BG thinks when he / she hears a sudden loud
noise and feels a sharp pain when they though you were unarmed.

 

[buckshotshorty]

Before you give up on the LCR, you might consider a set of Pachmyer Diamond Pro grips . They might be a cheap fix.

 

[deputysam]

Shop carefully if you are planning to purchase a SIG 1911 for a duty g until. I bought a SIG 1911 model TTT. It wasn't until after I got it home that I discovered it does not fit hard polymer retention duty holsters. The slide is thicker than 1911 milspec dimensions. The reply when I complained to SIG? Too bad. The best 1911 variant for the money is the Springfield TRP. I have two, one I carried on duty and one for the range.

 

[Mnspring]

Just my 3 cents, (Inflation).
640 all the way.
Have two now, seldom carry my 60, (old one no dash in 38 spc),
And sold my 642.
Autos are fine, I just like Revolvers better. I feel they can take more abuse, and are just like the 'Timex Watch'. (Takes a licking / Keeps on Ticking)

 

[Legacy Defense]

If you are going to actually shoot the gun, go for the 640.

I just replaced my wife's 642 with a 640 pro. She doesn't shoot nearly as much as I do, but the trigger stud broke. The gun had been through several Front Sight classes and occasional shooting at the range, nothing excessive. I decided I didn't want her to have another non steel gun.

The 640 Pro is better on ALL counts, actual sights, can do 357, etc. It did NOT however fit in the ankle holster for the 642, the sight was too tall, and possibly the barrel to big around, not sure, it wouldn't go in far enough.

 

[USAF385]

As far as the 642 vs 640, I personally would never even entertain the idea of owning a .357 with less than a 3" barrel. The magnums are practically a waste out of such a short barrel. I appreciate my 642 for what it is.

The LCR.... I couldn't like it no matter how hard I tried. The grips on LCRs cause the middle finger to ride too low in relation to the trigger finger for me. The reason is easily seen in the two pictures posted so far in this thread. I tried a few grips for the LCR and just didn't like it.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I love these Ergo grips on my scandium J frame. They do look odd but feel and point great. Pardon the finish but this revolver lives in my back pocket every day.

 

[petewoodland]

Pete in AZ

Having carried a model 60 for nearly 50 years I am comfortable with the weight of a steel J frame. That said I tried an LCR and have had a 642 that were both a joy to carry but a bear to shoot. Pachmayer Decelerator grips are a great addition but will be a little less concealable. Whatever your decision I would suggest you find "carry" ammunition that you are comfortable with and plan to fire it and replace it on a regular basis. Pocket carry generates a lot of pocket lint and it all seems to find its way into the gun. Good luck