Please compare the S&W 340 PD and the Ruger LCR?

[spine60]

Well, thanks to this board I have been swayed and just bought a $&W 340 M&P with Crimson Trace grips over the Ruger LCR. At first I thought it was the 340 PD or no S&W, then when I really looked at it the M&P for me is the perfect compromise. It is only 1.3 ounces heavier and I was able to procure what I think is a really good deal on a used M&P (like new) with crimson trace for less than just the 340pd without the laser grips. Also I do like the night sight and the matching black cylinder. Here is the link to the gun that I bought:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/cat...roducts_id/411536583

 

[eggfarmer]

I have an SW 642 for carry and have since purchased a Ruger GP 100. I have to say the Ruger has a MUCH better easier to pull, better feeling trigger. If I had known more about Ruger when I bought the 642 (my first gun) I would have considered the LCR. They were on sale earlier this week at Riverviewsales.com (where I bought my GP) at a very good price. I am tempted to get it, try it out and keep the one that feels the best to me.

ADDED: I just looked at the photo of the 340 you linked to and I have to say it is a lot better looking than the Ruger. Good call on the grips, I have the CT for my 642 and they are a good practice aid for showing how steady or unsteady your aim is.

 

[M29since14]

Well, thanks to this board I have been swayed and just bought a $&W 340 M&P with Crimson Trace grips over the Ruger LCR.

I don't think you will regret it.

 

[poe]

What does the bad guy do,think,feel when you pull an 'ugly gun" on him?

 

[Haku]

I own both guns, and the LCR is the best hands down. I got it for $439.99 two weeks ago. I went out last Sunday afternoon and shot it. Handles great, does have some recoil but not as bad as the Kel Tec PF-9 or 340. Also I could hit the target at 25 yards. I could also fire it as fast as my Glock 23. It fires faster and smoother than my S&W Model 36. I also like the trigger pull it is outstanding. The LCR for some reason the way they got the action to work feels like a modern auto when you shoot it, even the recoil feels like an auto and not a revolver. The LCR also rides in the pocket quit well and feels good in the pocket. It does not poke you in strange ways, just rides there nice and comfortable. I don't care if everyone thinks the LCR is ugly I love that gun and it is a keeper. Test monkey I don't think so, the LCR is well tested you can read that anywhere online except here maybe. Anyway looks like you already made your choice

Best thing about this gun no Hillary Hole LOL

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

My wife has been carrying a Ruger LCP .380 for the past 9 months or so. She shoots it well, but sometimes has trouble with cycling the slide and doesn't like the long trigger pull. She finally said she would like to go look at revolvers, something like my S&W 642, so last Saturday we went to our local gun store. She looked at the S&W 642, 638, the Taurus Judge, and the Ruger LCR. She left the store with the LCR and a smile on her face! I must say I am impressed with the trigger pull, and the gun as a whole. As soon as we returned home she wanted to go put a few rounds downrange. Her first 5 rounds were almost center target at 10 yards using standard .38 ammo. I shot about 15 rounds through the gun and the recoil seemed lighter than my 642 and the trigger is a lot smoother. The stock grips are really comfortable and easy to get a quick grip on the gun. All of my holsters for my 642 fit the LCR, and that is a good thing because it will save me money on buying new holsters!

We went shooting again today and she did better than the first time out. She had many shots center target going into the same hole. I am lucky to do that using a CT laser.

I must say that if you are in the market for a new revolver, give the Ruger LCR a serious look-see. It's really a nice shooting gun. She paid just a tad over 500 out the door.

The one thing we discovered after reading the Owner's Manual is that the LCR does have an Internal Lock. It is a completely different design from the S&W J Frames, plus the grip has to be removed in order to lock/unlock the gun. I don't remember reading anything about a lock on Ruger's web site or news release about the LCR, but it's there just the same. I don't think they offer it in a No Lock configuration.

 

[38-44HD45]

Yesterday, I finally got a chance to shoot the LCR. Ugly little SOB got LOTS better looking after I shot it. The trigger is the only factory DA trigger on a snubby that I've encountered that equals or betters that of my 37-2. Very, very impressive! Shot right to the sights with some S&B 158gr. FMJ range ammo, and recoil was downright pleasant compared to the snubby I shoot most often, a 342.

 

[Practical]

Ruger track record on LIGHT WEIGHT plastic pistols is NOT good.

The 380 and the SR9 BOTH have been recalled.

Want to be the LCR will be recalled to?

 

[Haku]

The Ruger LCP 380 was voluntary recall because of possibility of a round going off when the pistol is dropped. I don't think the LCR will be recalled. Lets face it no one like the Hillary Hole (external lock) on the S&W guns. If this where not the case why is everyone so interested in is your revolver pre lock. That is all you here on boards. So as I see it S&W should recall all their gun with the Hillary Hole.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Lets face it no one like the Hillary Hole (external lock) on the S&W guns. If this where not the case why is everyone so interested in is your revolver pre lock. That is all you here on boards. So as I see it S&W should recall all their gun with the Hillary Hole.

The Ruger LCR does have an Internal Lock. It is hidden by the grip and it's use is described in the Owner's Manual. It is a different design compared to the S&W IL, but it is there just the same.

Described here, page 8;
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/...uctionManuals/66.pdf

 

[Bobwtn]

I agree with the weight, quality, etc. and I am a S & W fan 110%. But overall, I would go with any of the J frame-5 shot Smiths. The Ruger, I have handled, not shot or owned. It is ok, but I thought it to be a bit bulky in a small way. For me, I carry front pocket 90% of carry. Even a 1/4 inch more, here and there, is a negative to me. I love Smith 642, 60, 36, etc. THe newer +P rated are better, but I do love the older ones too. The Ruger grip is a bit thick for me, I don't use the standard "boot" grip that comes factory on Smiths, so I change to a old style service grip. I like small as possible for carry so I will not be noticed. I have a pocket gun as I sit and type in my left front pocket. It is in an Uncle Mikes cloth pocket holster.

 

[Haku]

Lee in Quartzsite

The Ruger LCR does have an Internal Lock. It is hidden by the grip and it's use is described in the Owner's Manual. It is a different design compared to the S&W IL, but it is there just the same.

No joke, I own one, do you. It is not the same, it has been proven that the S&W locks engage and disable the revolver, and yet no recall.
At least Ruger hides the lock. The S&W lock disfigures the revolver and is quite ugly. I own a model 36-10 nickel with a 3inch barrel. The lock is ugly with the nickel, it really stick out.

Look how nice the revolver look, but on the other side a ugly lock.

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

I had a chance to see and examine (not fire) this new Ruger LCR revolver over the weekend...

I was NOT impressed.

You can make a firearm TOO light to be controllable, even in 38 Special. Firing +P loads out of this would not be pleasant...even 158 RNL will be pretty stout. I cannot help but wonder about long term durability, either.

Looks like a toy; feels like a toy.

 

[Haku]

Nice point, but if you did not shoot the gun I don't see how you can assume how it performs. I am sure you have shot air weights and you think it is like that. But I have fire them also and I assure you it is not like them. The recoil feels lighter and different. I purchased a S&W 431PD 32 H&R MAGNUM. the gun felt real nice in my hand. I took it to the range and it would not fire. I sent it back to S&W they replaced the yoke and firing pin. It fired after that but would not dimple the rounds the same dept. Some of the dimple where so light I am surprise it fired them. Anyway I sold that peice of Cr_p and lost $200 on it. Could not trust it would fire when needed. The gun was made in 1 Feb 09, what a piece of junk. It felt great to hold it but did not perform.

So if you have not shot a gun I don't see how you can review it's performance.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

No joke, I own one, do you. It is not the same

Not sure I understand your statement. I never stated they were the same.

I own a S&W 642 with the Internal Lock, my wife owns a Ruger LCR with the Internal Lock. They are totally different in design and operation.

 

[Haku]

I see your lips moving but I don't understand a dam thing your saying

 

[jeep]

I looked at the Ruger and its cheap and ugly. Allso bigger in size than the 340-442,642. Ruger Lcr the answer to nothing and cheaply done and gaudy. Make mine a non-ILS 642 thankyou!!

 

[Haku]

Yah Jeep is right, the Ruger sucks because we are on a smith and wesson forums.

But in reality it is a nice gun.