J frame vs Ruger LCR

[swsixgunner]

Anyone perfer pocket carry of the LCR over the J frame. If so why? Thanks

 

[Cal44]

I have a 642 and an LCR 357.

I consider them pretty much equivalent.

Both are about equally hard to shoot.

The LCR has the advantage of being able to handle 357 magnum, but I don't want to shoot magnum rounds from a small pocket revolver anyway.

The 642 looks nicer (subjective, I realize) but I worry about the finish on the 642, whereas I think of the LCR as less likely to show wear. I consider this a minor point in any case, because if I ever have to use a gun I won't be taking it out for people to admire.

Functionally (shooting) both are reliable.

LCR may have a slightly lighter trigger, but the 642's trigger is good as well.

I don't think you will go wrong with either.

I suppose if I were to carry one of these while backpacking, I'd select the LCR because there 357 magnum might be useful. But then, a M60 or M640 would also give you 357 magnum capability.

Dave

 

[Ashlander]

I have the LCR357, a Model 60-14 in .357 and a Model 360J in .38 Special. The 60 is the heaviest and most accurate. The LCR357 and 360J are far lighter with the 360J being a bit lighter than the LCR357.

The LCR357 with the hollow spot in the rubber grips really helps with recoil -- even with the .38 Special. And the Ruger double action trigger with it's two cam design is really super smooth. The double action pull is also slightly shorter.

So they're all good, but for the time-being I carry the LCR more often. I hate to say it, but if I have to shoot somebody, I'd rather the cops take a Ruger as evidence than one of my S&Ws.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I have shot and carried both.

I'm slightly in favor of the LCR because of the easier to change front sight, but if I already had a j-frame I would not sell it to get the LCR.

If there was a pre lock j-frame and LCR for the same price I'd go with the j-frame. YMMV.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I like the size and shape of the J-frames better. The LCR is a nice line of affordable, rugged revolvers, but I wasn't crazy about the LCR-22 I had, and traded it for a M67.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

The trigger on the LCR is smooth but feels "squishy" to me, imprecise and unpredictable. I prefer the trigger on my 642. I may try an LCR just for the heck of it (if I can find a 38 only) but I think I would buy another 642 or 442 first.

 

[ralph7]

Life is too short to carry a butt-ugly gun like the LCR.

 

[Old cop]

I've been carrying the small S&W so long (40 + yrs>) I cannot bring myself to even consider a Ruger.

 

[swsixgunner]

Very true Ralph it is a ugly gun. I carry a 638 now just wondering if a lcr was anything to look at adding. Think I'll stick with the smiths

 

[SAFireman]

I'll take a Smith J frame over a Ruger (plastic) whatever any day of the week.

If I want some 357 goodness, I will drag out the 640-1 or a 340. A few full-house 357 magnum rounds through the Scandium guns ought to cover any social issues that you may encounter. YMMV. Good luck.


....also, the 38 Special +P+ or just plain old +p will do nicely as well.

 

[Muss Muggins]

LCR in .22 WMR. It's ugly enough that I don't care what scrapes it up, and it's a great belly gun, which is all you're really talking about once you start talking pocket gun. (IMHO)

 

[PeteMitchell]

I've never shot, owned or even held either of the 2... but the smith wins. For obvious biased reasons that I don't even understand...

*Sighs* ... *gazes at Model 29 in holster* ... *smile widens*

Sorry... couldn't resist.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Having actually owned both, the LCR has a better out of the box trigger and a 2 finger Tamer grip that is compact and works extremely well. It's also very light and has an easily replaced front sight if someone wants something different.

The 638 and 642 I owned were nice, but I never looked back after owning an LCR. Life's too short having a gun that doesn't shoot as well as a well made gun that's lighter, cheaper and has less recoil. My brand new 2014 LCR cost me $360 shipped total. The biggest plus was my FFL didn't charge me anything for the transfer. Now I did have an older Talo Navy LCR a few years ago, but I stupidly sold it to put towards another purchase. I'm kind of glad I did though since they're now making them without locks under the grips. My Talo had one, my new one does not due to customer complaints according to a Ruger rep. I wonder when S&W will figure that one out.

I don't mind the look of the LCR. I think it has a "futuristic" look to it and actually like it. Thing is, it's a defensive firearm. Either way if I can shoot the gun well and it's reliable, I don't care what it looks like. The bad guy really isn't going to care what it looks like. I don't think he'll look at it pointing at him and go "Wow, that's an ugly gun. I now have all the confidence that I'm completely safe since ugly guns are worthless. Good thing you didn't have a J Frame or I'd be wetting my pants and laying on the ground in the fetal position"

 

[jack the toad]

I had both. The LCR was nice but I kept the 642.

 

[mchills]

I have an lcr 357. Good grips that handle 357 well. Not that you can shoot all 357s out of it ( I can do about 3-4 cylinders in a row at one time). Sweet trigger. No j frame experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Biscut]

I grew up not far from the SW factory and before I left for NY was LE right there! I never was a SW fan. My teeth were cut in 97 with Sig 229 40cal. I share so you know there is no SW Koolaid in my veins. I know who they hire and a lot of it aint pretty! Lots of what they hire is also top notch guys so both sides of the coin there.

I have the LCR 357 and 340MP. Had them both for about 800 rounds each. I keep round count records. 500 or so 38 with the bulk of the rest being 357. 340 is SUPERIOR in fit, finish, visual appeal, quality....And then some. Smaller and lighter as well. Trigger SUX!!! That is the added cost negative. $70 for a qualified smith to make more better!! Comes with Big Dot night sight. The rear U notch channel is awesome...love it! Machined like a piece of art.

LCR 357 has the Houge grip which is awesome. The concept of the LCR dead on. Trigger is excellent. Absorbs recoil much better than the 340 BUT also heavier and LARGER. Price is A LOT LESS than SW.

Big I HATE issue is the BS LCR cylinder release. I hate it. The SW release much beefier and easier to use bare hands....gloved I'd have serious issues with the LCR. I will carry mine on winter ice climbing trips and such so heavy gloves and light weight an issue for me.

DOn't get me wrong, I like the LCR and love the concept and am glad it was brought forth. For $450 great value for sure with a competent small revolver. But having the 340 to compare to quality is superior. Not to say they both wont go bang for 100k rounds...I couldnt answer that one...just yet!

I am not looking to ditch the LCR 357 but if I knew what I knew now..I would not have went LCR at all. I would have spoiled my *** and gotten 2 340PD. 1 with CT for every day like I use now....and 1 to put the ugly (but works) Ergo grip on to use in woods and fishing trips in black bear country.

Frankly, the 340MP won me over big time. It took 400 rounds or so...but I adjusted to it and now it fits like a glove. Getting on 1k rounds and I'm in tune much like I am with my duty Glock.

 

[Rpg]

In order of preference:

3) LCR. A distant third

2) modern (3 digit) J frames.

1) two digit J frames - leading by a mile.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[cal50]

I prefer the LCR for pocket carry.
The S&W is a great gun as well but I prefer the Ruger LCR in .357

 

[bmcgilvray]

The trigger on the LCR is smooth but feels "squishy" to me, imprecise and unpredictable. I prefer the trigger on my 642. I may try an LCR just for the heck of it (if I can find a 38 only) but I think I would buy another 642 or 442 first.

But everyone on forums says the LCR's trigger is best.

I agree with you that the trigger is awful. Imprecise trigger break and with about a mile of over-travel, it has about the same "feel" as the Arrow stapler used to put up the targets. The LCR's trigger is not conducive to accurate shooting.

 

[fdw]

I had a 38 LCR and traded it. Just wasn't a very comfortable gun to shoot no matter what.

I have to say, I've been eyeing a very nice J frame lately though

As far as the trigger and accuracy. It's like I couldn't a bull in the *** with a baseball bat.