Ruger LCR .357

[kaaskop49]

Anyone have any hands-on experience with the Ruger LCR in .357 Mag? Back in NYC, I heard rumors about frame stretching with the .38 version, but nothing concrete. The YouTube videos and Google posts sing happy songs, but I would prefer Forum experience.

Specifically, any issues with ammunition "crimp jump" as often happens with the Airweight J .357 models. Thanks in advance.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Cpo1944]

I am convinced it is "The Perfect Pocket Pistol"!
Just not pleasant to shoot, but in a dire situation who notices little things like recoil and noise?

 

[kaaskop49]

I am convinced it is "The Perfect Pocket Pistol"!
Just not pleasant to shoot, but in a dire situation who notices little things like recoil and noise?

Many thanks, jack, any hands-on experience?

 

[eb07]

Anyone have any hands-on experience with the Ruger LCR in .357 Mag? Back in NYC, I heard rumors about frame stretching with the .38 version, but nothing concrete. The YouTube videos and Google posts sing happy songs, but I would prefer Forum experience.

Specifically, any issues with ammunition "crimp jump" as often happens with the Airweight J .357 models. Thanks in advance.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I have over 4K of hands on experience... no crimp jumps period.

Here ya go:

Ruger LCR 357 Long Term Review | The Desert's Edge

Ruger LCR .357 Pocket Cannon | The Desert's Edge

38 Special +P vs. 357 Magnum AKA Reloading Self Defense Rounds For The Snub Nose Revolver | The Desert's Edge

Maintenance and Cleaning of the Ruger LCR | The Desert's Edge

Ruger LCR and Speedloaders | The Desert's Edge

 

[Cal44]

I have shot my LCR 357 a bunch with 38 special. Recoil no problem, and I find it easier to shoot than my 642 -- probably because it's a little heavier and has a bigger grip.

No crimp jump.

I haven't tried 357 yet in it.

I bought the 357 version because I thought the steel frame would be stronger.

This is the second LCR 357 I've had. The first one shot to the left of POA and the sights looked slightly out of alignment. I sent it back to Ruger and they replaced it with the one I have now. It shoots right on.

Very happy with it.

Dave

 

[Cpo1944]

Yes I have lots of 1st hand experience with the little jewel and no complaints.

 

[bigsteve113]

I have a .357 LCR and carry it daily. Great little revolver with one of the best double action triggers I've ever experienced. Handle .357's well for a 17 oz. gun.

I shoot mine a lot. The only bullet I ever had jump crimp was a .357 handloaded, home cast, 158 LSW. This bullet does NOT jump crimp at 38+P velocities, but it does at .357 Magnum velocities. All other loads, factory or handloads, .357, .38, or .38+P have not given me any crimp jump problems.

The reality of the situation is that ultra light .357's are gonna have crimp jump problems with SOME lead bullets, or aluminum cased bullets loaded to .357 Magnum velocities. It appears that the jacketed bullets, loaded in brass cases, are much more resistant to crimp jump. This phenomenon is not unique to the LCR, but appears to be an issue with all ultra-light .357's.

 

[Imissedagain]

We had one for about a year. Great for what it was designed to do. I ran a few hundred 357s in it with no problems plus lots of 38s. After 100 mixed 357/38 handloads my hand remembered it the next morning.
Sold it to a friend who needed it.
Bought a mint '71 Detective Special with that cash plus a wee bit more. Would not have let it go but .... Hey we're talking Colt DS.
Never fired it from my pocket but it should work.
Had I not bought a couple of new PPKs pistols that week I would never have sold it..... But I had a narrow time frame on the Colt and limited funds.
Wish they'd make an all steel version.
Can't beat the 357 round.

 

[claudel]

I handled one at the LGS when I was shopping for a pocket revolver.

It felt as if it had sand in the action ( brand new, unfired ).

Even the cylinder release felt excessively gritty, IMO.

I never got to test firing.

Hopefully they're not all like that.

I wound up with a 649-3 which is a bit of a pocketful compared to the LCR.

 

[canoeguy]

I have had two LCR's, one in .38 Special and my latest in .357 caliber. I like the LCR a lot, I have had a number of compact revolvers in the past, S&W 640 stainless, Model 36 Chief's Special, Charter Bulldog .44, and the Ruger LCR is the most capable in my opinion. The sights and trigger are what make it work, with the LCR I can hit with it out to 25 yards, not so with other compact revolvers.

I have an 8" swinging steel target that I practice with regularly, easy to get 100% hits shooting double action at 25 yards. This accuracy is what I can expect from full size revolvers such as Model 66 and 64. The grips also absorb a good deal of recoil from full house .357 loads.

I have plenty of handguns to carry, but the Ruger LCR has become my "Go To" carry revolver.

I bought this one used (.357 caliber)for $300, has some holster wear but is in good shape. I carry it in a Bianchi "Venom" holster, or just put it in a pocket of my fleece jacket....

 

[JaPes]

I owned one for a couple years. This was before Illinois passed concealed carry legislation.

I described perceived recoil as:

• .38 Special = feels like getting pawed by a kitten.
  
• .38 +P = feels like a friendly punch in the shoulder
  
• .357 Mag = Violent. Fun yet not fun at the same time.

For me, it wasn't a handgun I shot .357 Mag out of often. Trigger is one of the best I've pulled on a snubby. It doesn't stack. It's fairly easy to stage. I had about 1000 rounds of 38/38+P and 500 rounds of .357 Mag through mine. I didn't have any issues. No flame cutting, no frame distortion.

IMO, CCW is it's primary function. The only reason I let it go was because I couldn't conceal carry it.

I'm thinking of picking up a LCRx in 2016. Out of such a small barrel, I don't think .357 Mag doesn't have enough barrel length for the powder produce the prerssure for .357 Magnum performance. I'd go for the lighter revolver with 38 +P and an exposed hammer.

 

[Otreb]

I'm only a few hundred into mine so far, but I already shoot it about as well as my 442 that's been with me for about a decade.
It has a good trigger , pretty close to right on the money at 25yrds with full power .357mag ammo....and recoil is tolerable with the factory stocks, which is pretty amazing for a 17oz revolver.
It was runner-up in last months snubby match, FWIW.

 

[mstuhr]

Very impressive

Howdy Orteb,
Nice shooting. Nothing builds confidence like a pocket rod that thinks it's a match gun and shoots to the sights.
Thanks for the picture.
Mike

 

[casualoffender]

I usually keep 38+P in mine; I tried a few different .357 loads, some were okay, some too punishing. Research is ongoing...