Ruger LCR vs S@w J frame

[remshooter]

looking for a new pocket pistol ,how does the polymer Ruger LCR stack up with S@W J-frame 442 ? how welll does the Ruger polymer hold up?and problems .Have a S@W mod 60 so 442 would be familiar , but looking for something lighter and no exposed hammer ,yes i know iam on a Smith site

 

[ContinentalOp]

The LCR is a fine revolver, and I haven't heard of any long-term durability issues.

I will add that when I was looking at snubs, I chose a J-frame over the LCR because I didn't like the LCR's reset. I like a strong reset and I was concerned I might short stroke the LCR trigger when firing quickly. But that's just a personal preference. Plenty of people are happy with the LCR's trigger.

If you can, I'd suggest you try one out to see for yourself.

 

[VictorLouis]

Had and carried an LCR for awhile. My thing was, Safariland didn't make a Comp loader for it. I won'd use HKS or the pricier models out there that operate simiilarly.

One other concern is grips. That factory Hogue with the finger-grooves is great for shooting. But, it can be quite 'grabby' in the pocket. The smaller, OEM 'boot' grip option is slick on the sides, with soft rubber on the front and back. HOwever, it's just about TOO stubby, FOR a snubby, LOL.

If you like the LCR, worry not!

 

[GeoJelly]

I have both LCR’s and some J-frames. I like the LCR’s DAO trigger better. I also like the fact that Ruger has engineered a steel insert (cylinder locking) into the LCR aluminum frames ... as did S&W with their scandium frames. Would probably only be an issue/benefit in the unlikely event of a high round count, though. But, as VictorLouis mentioned, there are too few aftermarket grip options for the LCR. Last but not least, you can put a front Tritium sight on an LCR.

 

[tlawler]

I’ve owned and pocket carried both. One advantage of the LCR is you can get one in .327 FM with six rounds. I loved the versatility of the .32 cartridge. Practice with .32 H&R Mag and carry .327 FM. Holsters are harder to find for the LCR, as they won’t fit in a J-frame holster.

 

[NYlakesider]

Been pocket carrying a .38 LCR for a while now. Since I moved out of the city to a more peaceful area most of the time the Ruger is good for me. Trigger does not bother me.

I changed out the original grips on it for the longer ones and its much easier to shoot and handle (+Ps). Funny at least to me the longer grip does not make it any more difficult to pocket conceal.

I also have a S&W 60 that has been carried on and off since mid 1970s and also a 642 (no lock version), but I like the little Ruger.

 

[mgriffin]

I have several S&W J frames and chose them simply because I'm a big S&W fan and I think the S&W's just plain look better. I EDC my 442 and sometimes my 640-1 or 640 Pro. I have a Ruger SR1911 on my nightstand and several Ruger .22's that I love to shoot. I think Ruger makes a great product and have never had a function problem with Ruger's.

 

[Sixgun100]

LCR

Put me in with the LCR recommendations. Multiple caliber offerings, with hammer or DAO, and very easy to carry. I previously had the .38 Special +P Model, which is their lightest offering. But, I just upgraded to the potent .327 Federal Magnum version. I agree that the unavailability of Safariland Speedloaders is a negative, but carrying Speed Strips right now. Here is mine in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake Holster with Speed Strip Pouch. Good luck!

 

[dusty3030]

.22 LCR replaced a 317 as my trapping/ farm companion. Also have a .38 LCR with laser grips that my wife carries while walking/ jogging. She still has her 442 as well but gravitated to the LCR as what I see her with more often.

 

[tlawler]

Been pocket carrying a .38 LCR for a while now. Trigger does not bother me.

I actually really liked the trigger on my LCR327. I wish the trigger on my 640 Pro was that good out of the box.

I have several S&W J frames and chose them simply because I'm a big S&W fan and I think the S&W's just plain look better.

No doubt an S&W J-frame is more aesthetically pleasing than the LCR, but I carried it for function alone. Plus I was less worried about damaging the finish on it.

I gave up my LCR327 in a trade that I couldn’t pass up and I’m on the hunt for another.

 

[reccpd101]

I own and like both the J frame and the LCR. I tend to carry my J frames. The trigger does not bother me on the LCR and, strangely, the recoil seems less. Forty years of J frames is a hard habit to break and I have lots of accessories for the S&W. If I carried a 9mm auto primary, my LCR 9mm would take over as BUG. I had the S&W J frame 9mm and did not like it at all. The recoil seemed stout although the S&W gun was heavier. Admittedly, I am picky.

 

[Mister X]

The LCR is a fine revolver, and I haven't heard of any long-term durability issues.

I will add that when I was looking at snubs, I chose a J-frame over the LCR because I didn't like the LCR's reset. I like a strong reset and I was concerned I might short stroke the LCR trigger when firing quickly. But that's just a personal preference. Plenty of people are happy with the LCR's trigger.

If you can, I'd suggest you try one out to see for yourself.

This pretty much mirrors my opinion. The LCR was simply a no-go for me due to the tendency to short-stroke the trigger in rapid fire.

From snubby expert Claude Werner... Comparing the LCR | tacticalprofessor

 

[JH1951]

Having used the LCR and quite a variety of J-frames, I keep gravitating back to my trusty Mod. 649. It is not the lightweight in the stable, but that is why I like it best. It is somewhat easier on the wrist and I am able to acquire and reacquire the target quicker with it than other options. For me, weight is an issue, but I do not find the lightweights as a 'better' option, rather, the opposite. Maybe there are some that think that is old school, and that's okay, because I resemble that remark. I can also somewhat enjoy shooting my little chunk of steel all day long without getting a sore wrist. Remember, the road to proficiency is full of bumps and turns, but you will get there sooner with a tool you actually learn to enjoy shooting. That said, others obviously have a different take on the issue......

 

[Collo Rosso]

Wife has carried a LCR for years now. Great revolver! Nice trigger out of the box, accurate and weighs about the same as a bag of potato chips. She purse carries and I put on the full size grip Hogue offers. Helped her deal with recoil. It will not win a beauty contest.

 

[dr. mordo]

I own a bunch of J frames, both new and old, an LCR327, and my Kimber K6S.

The LCR has by far logged the most range and carry time of the group, but the recently acquired Kimber is catching up fast.

At one point I planned to get all the LCRs, but I'll probly just pick up a LCR357 at some point and be good with it.

 

[charlie sherrill]

I like em all. I have a model 60 I carry cross draw while driving on a trip. It doesn't get tangled up in the seat belt carrying cross draw. I've got a high cap nine or ten nearby in the console if needed. Sometimes Smith, sometimes Glock. I've also got a LCR .38 cal for times when I'm lightly dressed. I practice with all of them and like the way they all function. If I were to get in a tight situation I would use whichever handgun to get to the trunk. As Bob Barker would say "Or you can have what's behind door number three!" I hope the situation never arises where I have to use any of them.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

IMO the LCR has the far superior trigger over the J frames.

K frame and up I prefer S&W DA revolvers. But for snubbies I think the LCR wins hands down.

 

[Protected One]

I own a bunch of J frames, both new and old, an LCR327, and my Kimber K6S.

The LCR has by far logged the most range and carry time of the group, but the recently acquired Kimber is catching up fast.

At one point I planned to get all the LCRs, but I'll probly just pick up a LCR357 at some point and be good with it.

I too love that Kimber K6! IMO it's everything a revolver needs for defensive purposes.

 

[Triggernosis]

Since you mentioned the 442, which implies that you may be looking at something lightweight, also take a look at the Taurus 856CH Ultra Lite - concealed hammer, six shots, and only 15 oz.