Ruger LCR vs. S&W snubbies

[Erich]

Leaving the SP-101 out of it (I have a couple, but they're not in the call of the OP's Q), I have a couple LCRs and several J-frames. Here are my thoughts.



The J-frames have better trigger reset. Ruger DA revolvers have that longer reset that makes it easy to bollix it up and miss a chamber (and I've been shooting them since the Eighties, and still have issues with this). (Sometimes I'll go 100 rounds between problems - I really know these triggers - but then I'll mess it up. Bad design, IMHO. I find the reset on the LCRs to be more problematic than those on my Speed Six or SPs, by the way - probably due to the LCRs' light weights.) The Js are tough as anything, too - my 640-1 will gobble up full-bore .357s with no issue.



The LCRs have a marginally better trigger pull. Smoother. No one has tried to put a lock on an LCR (and I've had a lock fail on a J-frame and don't want one on my gun - please don't make this about the locks; I mention it only because it's a consideration of mine and it's why I bought the LCRs instead of the Js I could find at the time). Equivalent gun for gun, the LCRs are marginally lighter than the Js. The LCR's stub frame allows for a variety of stocks to be installed - but it's not nearly as versatile as the J-frame in this regard (fewer designs are available).



I use the LCRs with factory boot grips for pocket guns, which works great - but I do it with great hesitation due to the DA trigger reset issue. A 1% failure rate (admittedly due to user error, since the Ruger DA reset is unlike any other design's).


My J-frames strike me as better guns overall, primarily due to the DA reset issue. If I were doing it over, I'd buy a lockless 43c instead of my LCR-22 and a lockless 442 instead of my LCR-38. If I were recommending one to my brother, that's what I'd recommend.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

I prefer the LCR. Better trigger, very durable finish.

K Frame size and up I prefer S&W over Rugers. But for me the LCR is the pinnacle of pocket snubbies.

 

[kaaskop49]

It has been said, "There are guns you show your friends, and there are guns you show to your enemies."

Never heard that one. Mind if I use it?

As to Erich's fine post, that trigger return/reset issue goes back to the late 80s when SP101s in .38 were approved by NYPD. Two officers told me of this problem with their SPs; don't know how they resolved it. Perhaps Ruger strengthened the trigger return spring. My SP sits forlornly in the safe...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Frailer]

Never heard that one. Mind if I use it?

I didn't write it (and I don't know who did), so feel free!

This would be a boring place if we only bought guns we intended to use as tools.

 

[Mister X]

A blog entry from Claude Werner comparing the LCR to a few J-frames.

Comparing the LCR | tacticalprofessor

 

[diyj98]

The trigger on the LCR is not better than the Smith & Wesson. It has a very long reset and is prone to short stroking under pressure.

That was the primary reason I sold the two LCR's I had. The fact I could get the to do it while dry firing bothered me that it might happen when I really needed it not to.

 

[snubbyfan]

Since my right hand went all gimpy, I modified my favorite carry snubby with a spring replacement, smoothed the guts some with an extra fine Arkansas stone and replaced the grips (or is it stocks?) with something a bit more hand filling.

At that time I had heard about the trigger pull on the Ruger LCR and decided to see for myself.
I went to the local gun shop and tried one out. It was nearly as nice and my modified trigger and nicer than an unmodified J frame trigger.

 

[garddogg56]

Thanks for the review guys good thread.I like them both I agree with the LCR reset but got over it after getting use to it.The trigger is smoother on the LCR,I shoot them both just fine

 

[Bill Lear]

I am sure plenty of people have compared the Ruger LCR to S&W .38 or .357 snubbies, but I searched the forum for that topic, and found no meaningful results. So, what do you think about that comparison? I have one of the super light S&W snubbies, it's 11 point something ounces, which is a bit less than an LCR. I just want to know if I am missing something good by not also having an LCR. Thanks very much for your comments.

The only model listed by Ruger even remotely close to "11 point something ounces" is the .38 Special that tips the scales at 13.5 - respectable for sure, but not 11.
The .22LR model is portly 14.9 ounces (because nobody would seriously carry a .22LR for defense so who cares it it's 4 ounces heavier than a M43C)
The .357 mag and 9mm are both monsters at 17.1 ounces.

I point this out to show that my personal issue is that I - and probably most others, choose to carry a J-frame because they want the lightest revolver possible for 99.99% CARRY, and MAYBE, one-day, IF...actual shooting - 0.01%!

I don't carry a measured 12.6 ounce M360 with Titanium cylinder to go down to the range and bust out 20,000 rounds just to "stay in shape," I carry it for that 100th of a percent chance I might have to actually shoot someone! Anyone who genuinely buys into the idiocy that one must shoot their J-frame to pieces because some self-appointed "expert" says so should probably choose another form of self-defense.

So, for the SAME money, why would I buy the LCR over the J-frame all things being equal? To most eyes, the LCR is about as unsightly as Ruger could figure out how to make it! I have to wonder if they're sitting over there in AriDzona laughing like hyenas every time the cash register cha-chings, "We got another one" referring to how many have actually paid money for what is probably the ugliest revolver in the world. It could be the BEST revolver in the world - kind of like we keep getting told by various self-proclaimed "experts" that KORTH makes the best revolvers in the world, but they are still butt ugly - "Steampunk" comes to mind!

Certainly the LCR is a "good" revolver, but other than having some plastic exterior components it's not very exciting. Since MOST who buy and carry alloy frame J-frames seldom shoot more than a few boxes through them in a LIFETIME, the whole "durability" thing is ridiculously overblown. If I want to shoot a revolver millions of times I've got an ample supply of much more durable models, I simply don't NEED to attempt to destroy any J-frame. I realize the internet is rife with those who DO want to shoot donated J-frames to destruction, but that's what the world recognizes as "Agenda driven" and has nothing to do with real people in the real world.

So, having said all that, for me, the choice of any J-frame over any LCR model is that if I'm going to pay basically the same money...I'm going with the gun that LOOKS much nicer and is in fact much LIGHTER with it's aluminum or scandium frame and titanium cylinder over the one with plastic bits and a funky-steampunk cylinder design!

Now, should Ruger choose to introduce a .22LR with plastic frame and plastic cylinder with steel chamber liners, plastic barrel with steel insert, and really focus on making a 9 ounce or less, 9-shot .22LR revolver priced competitively with the M43C at a 11 ounces, I might look at it.

It's not exactly like S&W just showed up to the table and doesn't know how to build revolvers!

[I just paid a small fortune for a new model Colt Python that has a better, more reliable, smoother action than ever did the original batch. Just easing through the maybe 8 pound DA pull is astounding, but what REALLY made me willing to pay the asking price is that the Python is truly one of the most beautiful, most symmetrical revolvers ever made, and the new model is even more so! You can only go so far trading on "what's inside", whereas beauty will take you ALL THE WAY (Airborne!)]

 

[Frailer]

I point this out to show that my personal issue is that I - and probably most others, choose to carry a J-frame because they want the lightest revolver possible for 99.99% CARRY, and MAYBE, one-day, IF...actual shooting - 0.01%!

I don't carry a measured 12.6 ounce M360 with Titanium cylinder to go down to the range and bust out 20,000 rounds just to "stay in shape," I carry it for that 100th of a percent chance I might have to actually shoot someone! Anyone who genuinely buys into the idiocy that one must shoot their J-frame to pieces because some self-appointed "expert" says so should probably choose another form of self-defense.

So, for the SAME money, why would I buy the LCR over the J-frame all things being equal? To most eyes, the LCR is about as unsightly as Ruger could figure out how to make it! I have to wonder if they're sitting over there in AriDzona laughing like hyenas every time the cash register cha-chings, "We got another one" referring to how many have actually paid money for what is probably the ugliest revolver in the world. It could be the BEST revolver in the world - kind of like we keep getting told by various self-proclaimed "experts" that KORTH makes the best revolvers in the world, but they are still butt ugly - "Steampunk" comes to mind!…

I respect your opinion, and I appreciate you laying it out so clearly. As I stated myself, there are circumstances in which the AirLite revolvers are without peer. And I wholeheartedly agree that the LCR is butt-ugly.

But, to be fair, there are those of us who like to shoot our carry revolvers with some frequency, not because some "self-appointed expert" told us to, nor because we want to "shoot them to destruction," but rather because we want to maintain a reasonable level of proficiency with these challenging-to-shoot guns…and we actually enjoy shooting.

Much of this discussion hinges on opinion and individual preference, and in these arenas one person's views are as valid as any other's. The only objective, quantifiable point I'd quibble with is the contention that an LCR and a 360 cost about the same. If you can tell me where I can find a Sc/Ti J-frame for within 20% or so of an LCR's cost, please let me know. I might buy two, so I can shoot one and carry the other.

 

[CurtisC]

Some people are fine with the LCR trigger reset. I, however, have had major problems with short-stroking it when simply trying to shoot it quickly. Under extreme duress, I am not confident it would go boom every time I pulled the trigger.

I ruled it out on that basis alone.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Has a LCR that locked up while dry firing before I ever put ammo in it. Sent it back and Ruger replaced the entire guts of the gun. Swapped it with some boot for a stainless Colt Series 80 government model. Done with both the Ruger and Smith plastic revolvers. Stick with a century old J frame lock work. It works. Found a nice pre lock 638-2 and am quite happy with my small revolvers. If it's steel I want nothing is better than an SP101 snub-maybe a K6 but for light weight alloy revolvers ya can't beat the S&W's.

 

[Old cop]

I own both. I have about 6,000 rounds through my LCR 357. I would say about 60%, 357 and the other 40% plus p38



The trigger on the LCR is not better than the Smith & Wesson. It has a very long reset and is prone to short stroking under pressure. Whilt it seems like it's better when you first start shooting it, when you start working it in draw present and fire, and in high stress time situations, And on the move one handed, you start to see it's shortcomings.



I much prefer the Smith & Wesson trigger that has been properly broken in by just shooting it for a thousand or so rounds or a nice trigger job by a master like Nelson Ford or Frank Glenn.



That being said, what the Ruger LCR has going for it is recoil is a lot better with plus p and 357 rounds, and the ability to change the front sight is also a plus.



Not all speed loaders work with the LCR that work with the j frame, The LCR has a limited grip choice, And the LCR is a little bit bigger when it comes to pocket carry even with the boot grip.

I rented the LCR and repeatedly had the trigger short stroke experience. While this is a training issue I've been shooting J Frames for about 50 years and handling one comes second nature. I own both an older Model 60 & a 340PD and the latter is the one carried daily. Hard for this old dog to learn new stuff.

 

[inspcalahan]

I've carried J frames for years and years, out of convenience because honestly, they are about as difficult to shoot at anything more than contact distance as it would get.

Then I met the new Colt Night Cobra (not so new now..) and I haven't looked back. It isn't quite as small but you sure can shoot it better. The extra round is a bonus but simply put, it's a fighting handgun if you need one. I'll trade up a few ounces in weight and a bit in size, which is easy as i'm 6'4" 230, for a gun that you can shoot hard, fast, reload and do it all again, all while getting hits and not destroying the bones in your hand.

I call it progress for revolvers.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I own a LCR, shoot it in our IDPA Back up Gun matches- it simply works for me so am happy with it and see no need to replace it w/ J frame.

 

[seldon14]

No one has tried to put a lock on an LCR (and I've had a lock fail on a J-frame and don't want one on my gun - please don't make this about the locks; I mention it only because it's a consideration of mine and it's why I bought the LCRs instead of the Js I could find at the time). Equivalent gun for gun, the LCRs are marginally lighter than the Js.

LCRs have had internal locks actually. Not sure when they started, or stopped for sure, but there are LCRs with internal locks, you have to remove the grips to access them.

 

[Radny97]

LCRs have had internal locks actually. Not sure when they started, or stopped for sure, but there are LCRs with internal locks, you have to remove the grips to access them.

Yes they were very early in production. I had one, ended up selling it because it would shoot without the cylinder being all the way closed causing a safety issue. That safety issue was somehow related to the internal lock and I think that's why they got rid of it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mikeruns]

I bought a used like new condition LCR hammerless 2" in .22 lr...
The trigger is HEAVY...but with practice it is pretty accurate...the .22 is more expensive usually and when I spotted it at a show marked $300 I just went for it. 8 shot capacity and as a kit gun it is very handy and keeps a cherry model 34 snub from gettingbounced around and I just don't worry about bumps and bruises on it. I hear the centerfire versions have better triggers but I've got a 642 in .38 and a 2.25" SP101 .357 that cures that itch already...cheers! Love the 642 fwiw... The gun is very light and the difference between 11 or 14 ounces can't be any different feeling in my pocket or holster...maybe if a person weighed 70 lbs or is very weak, then they could see a big difference in either fly weight gun fwiw...

 

[BigBill]

I am currently testing a Ruger SP-101 .357 with 2 3/4" inch barrel.
So far I am impressed.

Ive owned a ruger Police servicesix 357/2 3/4" barrel since'76.its been awesome but I dont care for snobbiest

 

[twodog max]

I got my LCRx out a shot it some after this thread started. It always went boom and at 7 yards was certainly adequate for defensive purpose. It is one revolver that if someone comes by and want to buy it there will be a new owner and I will go back to carrying my 19-5 2 1/2 incher. Yes it is heavier but mine had the pretty off it years ago by honest use and I shoot it much better. Much better.