The Ruger LCR vs S&W Airweights ??

[The Proffesor]

A female "trainee" in NRA PPITH class, asked me my opinion on the Ruger LCR as another CC option. ( she now CCs a 642 but wants a lighter gun) Her ?? was how the LCR compared to The various S&Ws.

I have no experience with the LCR, nor do any of my fellow instructors.

Any Advice ??

Thank you, The Proffesor

 

[Gary7]

My everyday carry is a LCR that I've put about 200 rounds through. And I just acquired a 360 (the scandium frame Airweight) from a fellow forum member. I haven't shot the 360 yet, but I can offer these observations.

Trigger: The LCR is DAO and the double action trigger is superior to that of the S&W. It's lighter and more linear and doesn't stack. For someone who doesn't spend a lot of time practicing, it's the ideal "point and shoot" weapon. The S&W trigger does stage better, however, if you're taking your time and trying to make an aimed shot.

Fit and finish: The S&W wins. However, I will say the finish both inside and out on the LCR's cylinder is as good as or better than I've seen on any revolver. The chambers are mirror smooth which aids in extraction and cleaning.

Lockup: The LCR wins. The cylinder on the LCR locks up a tad tighter than on the 360.

I think the LCR's grip design really aids in reducing felt recoil. I've fired some old Treasury Dept loads in mine and it wasn't bad at all.

The LCR at 13.5 oz is lighter than any of the std S&W alloy/steel J-Frames. If she likes the 642 and just wants a lighter version of it, she'll have to step up to the much more expensive 340PD. That's around 12 oz, but it's double the price of the LCR.

 

[jerryg22]

I just bought the LCR with the new boot grip and night sight package. It's a beaut. BUT, have her wait until the new S&W Bodyguard 38 comes out in a month or two. It will be light and come standard with Crimson Trace grips for less than $500.00 OTD! (Has cylinder release on top of frame)

 

[JayDubya]

"have her wait until the new S&W Bodyguard 38 comes out in a month or two. It will be light and come standard with Crimson Trace grips"

I'm a fan of Crimson Trace grips, and I wish that what you said were so. The new Bodyguard will use another manufacturer's laser sights, "Insight" as I recall.

Cordially, Jack

 

[jerryg22]

"have her wait until the new S&W Bodyguard 38 comes out in a month or two. It will be light and come standard with Crimson Trace grips"

I'm a fan of Crimson Trace grips, and I wish that what you said were so. The new Bodyguard will use another manufacturer's laser sights, "Insight" as I recall.

Cordially, Jack

I stand corrected. Insight it is.

 

[clayflingythingy]

I have an LCR. They are the same size as an SP101 and as such are too big for me to pocket carry. For me it is a belt carry only gun. The LCR has the bes DA trigger I've ever shot.

Me, I still pocket carry my 442.

 

[Gary7]

I have an LCR. They are the same size as an SP101 and as such are too big for me to pocket carry.

Yeah, I should have mentioned that the LCR is a bit larger than a J-Frame S&W.

Maybe I've just got big pockets, but I've carried mine plenty of times by just sticking it in my pocket. Doesn't print and carries comfortably that way.

 

[clayflingythingy]

Yeah, I should have mentioned that the LCR is a bit larger than a J-Frame S&W.

Maybe I've just got big pockets, but I've carried mine plenty of times by just sticking it in my pocket. Doesn't print and carries comfortably that way.

I'm a small framed fella and while my 442 can be drawn smoothly from any of my pants pockets I find the LCR is just big enuff to have a noticeable "hang" to it when wearing kakis.

YMMV

 

[GKC]

I sold my LCR, but while I had it, I carried it comfortably in my pocket in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I wish I still had it, since it was a good BUG. However, Ruger is now making a version of the LCR with a steel frame and in .357 magnum. I'm planning on getting one of those when they are available locally.

 

[meh92]

My everyday carry is a LCR that I've put about 200 rounds through. And I just acquired a 360 (the scandium frame Airweight) from a fellow forum member. I haven't shot the 360 yet, but I can offer these observations.

Trigger: The LCR is DAO and the double action trigger is superior to that of the S&W. It's lighter and more linear and doesn't stack. For someone who doesn't spend a lot of time practicing, it's the ideal "point and shoot" weapon. The S&W trigger does stage better, however, if you're taking your time and trying to make an aimed shot.

Fit and finish: The S&W wins. However, I will say the finish both inside and out on the LCR's cylinder is as good as or better than I've seen on any revolver. The chambers are mirror smooth which aids in extraction and cleaning.

Lockup: The LCR wins. The cylinder on the LCR locks up a tad tighter than on the 360.

I think the LCR's grip design really aids in reducing felt recoil. I've fired some old Treasury Dept loads in mine and it wasn't bad at all.

The LCR at 13.5 oz is lighter than any of the std S&W alloy/steel J-Frames. If she likes the 642 and just wants a lighter version of it, she'll have to step up to the much more expensive 340PD. That's around 12 oz, but it's double the price of the LCR.

I've carried a 642 for ~14 years. I've shot two LCR's on the past few months and Gary7's comments are identical to my experience.

 

[oneminute]

I have owned and carried several J frames over the years. Where I am J frames start at $500.00 and go to almost $700.00. I really wanted another J frame badly but could not justify that much money. The LCR cost me $375.00 NIB. It pocket carries just as well as any of my J frames but is much easier for me to shoot with my off hand than any J frame.
They are both great weapons and either will serve very well.

 

[CraigJ]

LCR

I have 2-642's and a LCR. The LCR grips are better than the factory Smith's but the LCR grips have to be modified for most speed loaders to work. The Speer 135 SB shoots excellent out of both. Personal preference will decide.
CraigJ

 

[The Proffesor]

Thank You Gentlemen.