S&W 442 vs. Ruger LCP Revolver

[19max99]

I own only 2 handguns both S&W made. I would like to buy a pocket revolver and was looking for a 442 until I read about the Ruger LCP. What about the handling and the trigger? Does it compare well against the S&W? How about the new design on the mechanics and the frame? Any recall or reliability issues?

 

[long colt frazier]

I bought an LCP when they first came out. It was incredibly easy to carry but when it came to actually shooting it, for me a dismal failure. I carry a keltec 9 now and a 442 in my man purse and a 1911 in the truck;-)

 

[MacA]

If you are talking about Ruger's pocket revolver I think you mean the LCR. The LCP is actually a pocket .380 semi-auto pistol. Ruger makes two versions of the LCR. One in .38 special and the other in .357 Magnum. I have no experience with the S&W 442, but I do own the LCR .357. For a small DAO revolver it is pretty nice. I like the trigger pull. Shooting .357 magnums is a handfull, but you can also shoot .38 special and .38 special +P loads.

I am a die-hard S&W guy, but after doing a little research I chose the Ruger to use as a pocket gun. But again, I have never shot the 442 so I can't give you a comparison between the two.

 

[Crazy88Fingers]

They're both good guns. Things like handling and trigger pull are very subjective, and you'll have to answer those questions yourself. I'd personally go with the 442 because I like metal guns. But either one will get the job done.

 

[kbm6893]

Both the Ruger LCR and the new S&W Bodyguard .38 are butt ugly revolvers with plastic parts that do nothing better than a S&W 642, 638, or 442. I have no idea why anyone would buy one.

 

[GeorgiaShooter]

Not sure if these help but I own a 442 smith and LCR, and they are different. I love them both but each have their own advantages. One issue with the LCR trigger return causing short stroking really bugs me most and hard to rid myself of this single issue. I think the 442 is in some ways a better point shoot tool but it's a back and forth struggle.

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?sq=LCR

 

[kreativecid]

The LCR has a very, very nice trigger pull. I owned two. My next pocket carry will be a no-lock 642 with exposed hammer. Yep, exposed.

 

[dallascj]

I had an LCR and currently own 3 j frames, including a 442. I liked shooting the LCR fine, but the thickness of the rubber grip made it uncomfortable for pocket carry. I sold it and still have the j frames. Hope that helps. BTW, I also own a Bodyguard 38.

 

[Old cop]

My EDC is a 442, perfect SD weapon and fairly easy to shoot accurately w/lots of practice. I also own the Ruger LCP .380. The latter had so many reliability problems it has been returned to Ruger twice. They could not fix it and are sending me a new replacement LCP. For my money the Smith J's, chose the one you like best, cannot be beat.

 

[Electraclyde]

Not sure if these help but I own a 442 smith and LCR, and they are different. I love them both but each have their own advantages. One issue with the LCR trigger return causing short stroking really bugs me most and hard to rid myself of this single issue. I think the 442 is in some ways a better point shoot tool but it's a back and forth struggle.

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?sq=LCR

I also had both the 442 and an LCR. The LCR gave me the same problem with "reset", especially when firing fast. I sold the LCR and now have 2 S&W 442's

 

[Tyrod]

My next pocket carry will be a no-lock 642 with exposed hammer. Yep, exposed.

Is this some kinda mod? If so, go into more detail. I know S&W makes a 637, an airweight J frame with exposed hammer, but it definately has a lock.

 

[GeorgiaShooter]

I also had both the 442 and an LCR. The LCR gave me the same problem with "reset", especially when firing fast. I sold the LCR and now have 2 S&W 442's

Well dont try to bring that LCR trigger reset issue up on the Ruger forum or call Ruger with the issue. You will basically be attacked insulted and ran away with tar and feathers. Evidentally the LCR fans can't stand to hear about the one glaring issue with it. The 442 on the other hand is a flawless Point Shooting machine in every way.

The short comings of the LCR are the fat bulky factory grip that everyone loves but really is not all that great in reality. Then the more sloppy feel the whole gun gets over time compared to the tight crisp 442, the trigger reset is the biggest issue and although people think it's all about target shooting and trigger pull the tighter 442 is actually the more effective point shooting machine. I hear people post about J frames being hard to master and I just shake my head. Both my wife and I get amazing accuracy with the 38+P rounds in the 442 and it's basically shooting better than ever.

If I had to buy one over the other tomorrow it would be the J frame, all black, with the CT short (not extended) grip.

 

[snubbiefan]

I don't know beans about the Ruger lock-up and I really don't know about the 442 either. My assumption is the 442 is the blued version of the 642. If that be the case...the 442 needs to be heavily carried, but little fired. The recent 642's are very, very soft in the area of the recoil shield and I would assume the 442 is also. I am a die-hard S&W fan, but the metal in the recent lightweights just does not appear to be as strong as the older lightweights, such as the model 38 for instance. The thing I most hate about the recent lightweights is the pin-trail scar across the recoil shield. They are made for carry and not range use...consider this if you plan to do a lot of shooting with the 442. It could be the 442 is stronger due to the coating process. It bears looking into. The pin-trail across the recoil shield of a 642 that has been swung open-n-closed some 40-50 times....will scare you to death and it does not get any better.

 

[kreativecid]

The no lock option has been available for awhile. I'm relatively new to the S&W revolver world and first saw the no lock within the past year.

Is this some kinda mod? If so, go into more detail. I know S&W makes a 637, an airweight J frame with exposed hammer, but it definately has a lock.

 

[valencman]

I own and like S&W revolvers and semi-autos so not bashing S&W. I purchased both a 442 & a LCR revolver and after carrying both daily (alternating), I actually preferred the LCR. 15oz. (442) compared to 13.5oz. (LCR) may not seem like much but I could tell a difference. I do just drop into my pocket and carry (no holster). If I used a holster would probably become a non-issue. Also, I have never had a problem with trigger reset. And with the Hogue grips, lighter weight no problem at all with recoil. P.S. I gave my oldest son the 442 as a gift and kept the LCR. So I must like it better. Just me.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Wow. A lot of super subjective talk, wild speculation, and some good old misinformation. At this point the OP's head should be spinning. I will only point out that if the 442's grip isn't to your liking then there are dozens of options to chose from. The same cannot yet be said for the LCR. And neither gun has what would be described as a short reset trigger. The rest is mostly petsonal taste. To that same tune, I prefer steel to alloy or plastic. But that is now me being subjective.

 

[snubbiefan]

I will be subjective like Maximumbob. If you are going to shoot the gun a lot....go ahead and bypass all the aluminum and plastic. It is not going to hold-up under serious fire.....meaning thousands of rounds.

If you want one to carry only and maybe fire occasionally, by all means help yourself to a lightweight. If you want one you can shoot every day, get one made from steel (blued or stainless) and a good holster to carry it in. I personally hate holsters and prefer a belly-band. Like may others, I have a drawer full of holsters that I did not like, but you can put a 155 Howitzer in a belly-band, cover it all with a shirt-tail.....and even sit down very comfortably.

 

[getoff]

shot both, like both. my go to is the 442. the lcr is nice, but not too many grip options. the j-frame grip market is pretty whatever you can imagine. i dont shoot it regular, my mod 60 fills that role. same frame size, same grips, just heavier. i do put about a 100-200 thru the 442 just to make sure every year. good luck!

 

[valencman]

People, not trying to come off as a butt hole, but we need to get over the alloy/aluminum and plastic (polymer) thing. Guns have been using these materials for decades now. Glock, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns come to mind with remarkable results. How many cherrished 1911,s can claim the round count many Glocks have on them without a overhaul or tightening up? And besides, a non-issue since most all gun manufactures warranty the firearm for life no matter the round count. I personally have never shot(nor can afford to) enough to wear out any firearm. My point is that the best gun is the gun that you will have on you when you need it for defense. I,ve heard it said a 44 magnum in the drawer or safe at home will do you absolutely no good when you need it on the street. A .22 you have with you will matter more. So saying that I carry my LCR everywhere I go because it is very comfortable. OK said my piece, so let me have it. I,m a grown man and can take it.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm a solid steel butt hole. I love steel in a gun. Stainless or carbon, I love steel. Forged or cast, but not that zinc stuff. That's on the no no list as well. And it's not a getting over it type problem. I have the utmost respect for poly frames and admit they work and aluminum alloy and the newer scandium additive aluminum alloy with a sideswipe at the titanium parts, they all work just fine if they are done right. But the secret of steel...

"Conan"The secret of steel - YouTube

Yep, good enough for Conan, good enough for me...