I realize this is a S&W forum so there will probably be a bias. However I am considering a 642 Performance Center and a Ruger LCR. The only thing that interests me about the LCR is 9mm (my chosen duty ammunition). I will be carrying either as a backup on my ankle. I cannot carry anywhere else as my bodyarmor manufacturer states not to attach anything to it. Opinions? In revolver I can carry S&W, Ruger, Colt and Kimber. Colt and Kimber seem large for ankle carry.
S&W 642 PC or Ruger LCR
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I have a number of J frames in 32 (Long and H&R Mag), 38 and 357, and an LCR in 327 Federal. The LCR is famous for a very smooth trigger, and mine meets that standard. However, with its stock cushioned grip the bore axis of the LCR is well above that of the J frames, which I find makes it less comfortable to shoot than a J frame in 32 H&R Mag. (The full power 327 Federal is so close to low end 357 Mag ammo that my wrist can't tell the difference, and is so uncomfortable that I've only fired 5 rounds of the stuff. Lesser versions of 327 are not materially faster than the Buffalo Bore 32 H&R ammo I carry.)
The stock grip on an LCR also seems considerably larger than a boot grip on a J frame, but I don't know what's out there in smaller after market grips (if any.)
I've never ankle carried, but unless you're going to put it inside a boot I would think the J frame with a boot grip would be easier to conceal.
The stock grip on an LCR also seems considerably larger than a boot grip on a J frame, but I don't know what's out there in smaller after market grips (if any.)
I've never ankle carried, but unless you're going to put it inside a boot I would think the J frame with a boot grip would be easier to conceal.
TeaDub
Member
I ankle carried a 642 for many years as a BUG. I can highly recommend the model if the factory grips fit your hand. I was quite comfortable with the power of a good 38 Special load and carrying a couple of speed strips was very easy.
The 9mm LCR is interesting. I'd likely have to swap the stock grip for the smoother/smaller boot style grip to keep it from clinging to the pants leg on a draw. If you still have room on your duty belt for a speedloader, the 9mm would give you a faster reload if needed. Otherwise, the moonclips are subject to bending carried loosely in a pocket, etc. Reloading once from any left over duty weapon mags is possible as well.
I keep thinking about picking up an LCR. I'm so used to J-frame triggers, I find the LCR easy to short stroke. I'd have to spend a lot of time relearning the trigger.
Good luck in your choice. IMO, both would serve you well.
P.S. If you haven't ankle carried before, look at the Densantis model 044. I found it's D-ring closure held the weapon much more firmly than the neoprene ones offered by other manufacturers.
The 9mm LCR is interesting. I'd likely have to swap the stock grip for the smoother/smaller boot style grip to keep it from clinging to the pants leg on a draw. If you still have room on your duty belt for a speedloader, the 9mm would give you a faster reload if needed. Otherwise, the moonclips are subject to bending carried loosely in a pocket, etc. Reloading once from any left over duty weapon mags is possible as well.
I keep thinking about picking up an LCR. I'm so used to J-frame triggers, I find the LCR easy to short stroke. I'd have to spend a lot of time relearning the trigger.
Good luck in your choice. IMO, both would serve you well.
P.S. If you haven't ankle carried before, look at the Densantis model 044. I found it's D-ring closure held the weapon much more firmly than the neoprene ones offered by other manufacturers.
Rammer Jammer
Member
I prefer S&W for K frame size up to N frames. But for a pocketable lightweight 5 shooter I prefer the LCR for its far superior trigger.
photoman
Member
642PC.
The 9mm ammo compatability issue is overrated and, while the LCR trigger is lighter than a stock Centennial, I find really easy to foul up the reset. That might go away with a lot of practice but I'm heavily invested in the J frame so that's not likely to happen.
The 9mm ammo compatability issue is overrated and, while the LCR trigger is lighter than a stock Centennial, I find really easy to foul up the reset. That might go away with a lot of practice but I'm heavily invested in the J frame so that's not likely to happen.
Tanners Owner
US Veteran
I have a LCR in 38 and am very happy with it. I shoot it well, used in BUG IDPA matches with success.
The trigger is the smoothest I’ve experienced in a small revolver OOTB. That said, what Photoman mentions above re trigger reset is true. I’ve experienced it once at a match, instantly recognizing what I did wrong. It’s not a design flaw, but a characteristic you’ll need to accommodate in your training, like you would for the difference in cylinder release.
The trigger is the smoothest I’ve experienced in a small revolver OOTB. That said, what Photoman mentions above re trigger reset is true. I’ve experienced it once at a match, instantly recognizing what I did wrong. It’s not a design flaw, but a characteristic you’ll need to accommodate in your training, like you would for the difference in cylinder release.
Bowyer
Member
While I have never ankle carried a gun I have carried both the 642 in 38 sp and LCR in 9mm.
Both shoot great but the 642 is smaller and more easily carried.
The LCR 9mm in my opinion was a pain in the butt because moon clips won't hold up to much handling before they drop cartridges and while you can shoot the gun without moon clips, you can't eject the spent shell. I ended up selling mine for 2 reasons, moon clips and overall size compared to the J frames.
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Both shoot great but the 642 is smaller and more easily carried.
The LCR 9mm in my opinion was a pain in the butt because moon clips won't hold up to much handling before they drop cartridges and while you can shoot the gun without moon clips, you can't eject the spent shell. I ended up selling mine for 2 reasons, moon clips and overall size compared to the J frames.
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Thank you. My department dictates I only carry 38, 38+p, 357 or 9mm in revolver rounds.
I was looking at the Galco ankle glove, but will check out the DeSantis too.
Thanks everyone. I am leaning towards tgec642 PC since I carry M&P 2.0, 9c gen 1 and Shield gen 1. I do carry a LCP, but that doesn't sway me towards Ruger at all. I will go to a local gun store and check both out. I looked at the BG 38, but from what I have read, it is kind of low quality.
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Cal44
Member
I have an LCR 357, and LCR 327, and an LCR 9mm.
With full boat(e.g, American Eagle 100, Speer Gold Dot 100) ammo, the LCR 327 kicks just as much as and LCR 357 with my usual carry load (135 gr Gold Dot 357). But, of course, you can carry 38 sp and 38 sp+p in the LCR 357.
The LCR 9mm recoils a little less than then the other two LCRs.
But not a lot less. The recoil from the LCR 9mm is surprisingly high.
There are lots of grips out there for LCRs. The smallest is the Hoague Boot grip.
Another good grip I use is the LG-411 from Crimson Trace. But unfortunately, it has been discontinued so you would have to find one on the used market.
With full boat(e.g, American Eagle 100, Speer Gold Dot 100) ammo, the LCR 327 kicks just as much as and LCR 357 with my usual carry load (135 gr Gold Dot 357). But, of course, you can carry 38 sp and 38 sp+p in the LCR 357.
The LCR 9mm recoils a little less than then the other two LCRs.
But not a lot less. The recoil from the LCR 9mm is surprisingly high.
There are lots of grips out there for LCRs. The smallest is the Hoague Boot grip.
Another good grip I use is the LG-411 from Crimson Trace. But unfortunately, it has been discontinued so you would have to find one on the used market.
I’ve shot & carried a J frame for 50 years but rented the LCR @ a local range awhile ago. An earlier post mentioned short stroking the Ruger and I had a problem doing that too, mostly b/c I am so accustomed to the J frame trigger reset. I find the J frame easy to conceal in a pocket or ankle. Either weapon is a good choice, best of luck in your decision.
For ankle carry I'd get the LCR 38.
It weighs less than the "magnum" LCRs (9mm, 327, 357) and less than an Airweight J frame. The frame and grip design absorb a lot of recoil - IMO 38 SPL recoil from a Airweight is almost as bad as 327 from an LCR. And after it gets broken in, the trigger is better than even my 637 PC though the reset can be tricky.
CDNN Sports has them for $329, and runs free shipping deals once a month.
It weighs less than the "magnum" LCRs (9mm, 327, 357) and less than an Airweight J frame. The frame and grip design absorb a lot of recoil - IMO 38 SPL recoil from a Airweight is almost as bad as 327 from an LCR. And after it gets broken in, the trigger is better than even my 637 PC though the reset can be tricky.
CDNN Sports has them for $329, and runs free shipping deals once a month.
1. Quality
Both are quality revolvers, so even if you choose the one sub-optimal for your uses, you will still have a good gun.
2. Triggers.
LCR trigger is lighter than SW642, but L-O-N-G with an equally L-O-N-G reset that has a couple of mechanical hitches. If you are shooting fast and expect a shorter reset/return stroke, you can choke up the LCR more easily. This is a bit of a training issue and can be dealt with.
The SW642PC smooths the 642 trigger out, but it is still a bit heavier than the LCR.
If your other carry guns have a short or long reset, this might incline you to one or the other.
For my own part, I prefer the SW trigger and the trigger on my SW638 smoothed out after a few thousand dry fires and lightened a bit with a new spring set from Wolff.
3. Do you expect to carry a reload for your snubby?
If so, you must consider how much space you are going to devote to it. Moon clips are faster and easier than speed loaders or speed strips, but are almost as bulky as speed loaders and prone to bending to the point that they can not be used or bind up the revolver. IMO, a moon clip holder made of some stiff material is a must if you tote moon clip reloads. OTOH, a speed loader or speed strip can be tossed into a pocket. Speed strips are the easiest, flattest to tote and if you buy the leather belt-carry devise sold through Dillon, it is thin enough to slip into your pocket.
4. 9mm vs .38 Special
Average performance of 9mm vs standard .38spl and 9mm+P vs .38spl+P generally favors the 9mm.
But the .38spl has it all over the 9mm at the extremes. On the low end, .38spl 148gr target HBWC can not be beat for low recoil, yet still being effective. And on the high end, .38spl +P approaches mild .357mag (158gr LSWCHP @ 1000fps).
5. Weight & Size
SW642 both smaller and lighter than the 9mm or .357mag LCR. If you want mass to suck up recoil, the LCR does that better. If you want an easier carry, SW642 is preferable.
Good luck.
Both are quality revolvers, so even if you choose the one sub-optimal for your uses, you will still have a good gun.
2. Triggers.
LCR trigger is lighter than SW642, but L-O-N-G with an equally L-O-N-G reset that has a couple of mechanical hitches. If you are shooting fast and expect a shorter reset/return stroke, you can choke up the LCR more easily. This is a bit of a training issue and can be dealt with.
The SW642PC smooths the 642 trigger out, but it is still a bit heavier than the LCR.
If your other carry guns have a short or long reset, this might incline you to one or the other.
For my own part, I prefer the SW trigger and the trigger on my SW638 smoothed out after a few thousand dry fires and lightened a bit with a new spring set from Wolff.
3. Do you expect to carry a reload for your snubby?
If so, you must consider how much space you are going to devote to it. Moon clips are faster and easier than speed loaders or speed strips, but are almost as bulky as speed loaders and prone to bending to the point that they can not be used or bind up the revolver. IMO, a moon clip holder made of some stiff material is a must if you tote moon clip reloads. OTOH, a speed loader or speed strip can be tossed into a pocket. Speed strips are the easiest, flattest to tote and if you buy the leather belt-carry devise sold through Dillon, it is thin enough to slip into your pocket.
4. 9mm vs .38 Special
Average performance of 9mm vs standard .38spl and 9mm+P vs .38spl+P generally favors the 9mm.
But the .38spl has it all over the 9mm at the extremes. On the low end, .38spl 148gr target HBWC can not be beat for low recoil, yet still being effective. And on the high end, .38spl +P approaches mild .357mag (158gr LSWCHP @ 1000fps).
5. Weight & Size
SW642 both smaller and lighter than the 9mm or .357mag LCR. If you want mass to suck up recoil, the LCR does that better. If you want an easier carry, SW642 is preferable.
Good luck.
