Would Anyone Rather Carry a Ruger LCR than their J Frame??

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I've looked at and handled a couple of the LCR's and they seem like a pretty nice CCW piece. The 357 seems to be the one that is most popular.

As I was thinking about small carry style revolvers I thought about whether there are many Smith lovers and collectors that have either went with the LCR as their first carry revolver instead of the J frame, or if anyone has put their J Frame back in the safe and started carrying the LCR.

What do you guys/gals think? Would you ever consider carrying the LCR instead of a J Frame? Why or why not?

You know the way things are these days with gun sales and availability, one could easily make the case that the LCR is the best and most economical choice, especially if you are on a budget. I also think that the LCR has a better grip that seems like it would soak up recoil better than the standard, stock grips that come on the 357mag J Frames. Those are the 2 things that I would consider when I finally do go and get my first carry revolver later this year.

I still want a J frame, a 640, 640 Pro or a 649, but I wouldn't feel totally dejected or less protected if I had to go with a Ruger LCR 357.

What do you all think of the comparisons?

Thanks for your time.

Nalajr

 

[7shooter]

I carry an LCR in 38 special. I shot the LCR in 357 and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't think the 357 would add much street effectiveness ( see Greg Ellifritz's research ) out of a short barrel and the increase in blast and recoil were a down side. I have quite a few J frames both light weight and standard but lately have been going with the Ruger because of the light weight and superior felt recoil probably due to the excellent grip design. It is also quite accurate at typical self defense distances. They have great triggers right out of the box whereas I have had to have modifications to my S&W's to get similar triggers.

 

[caryg]

Simple answer No. I like steel guns, especially the model 60 Smith Wesson. I had a LCR and it just didn't do it for me. I guess my old school of all steel and all Smith's are hard to get over.

 

[Nframecollector]

Personally, I wouldn't own let alone carry either one of these revolvers!

 

[Fchewy]

I have both and like both, i have a couple of J Frames and a LCR .357, for me the J's are better pocket guns and the LCR is a belt gun, i am drawn more to the J Frame because they do seem to fit my hand better but the LCR seems to soak up recoil better and i can shoot it longer. the grip is thicker on the LCR.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I own several Ruger revolvers (Redhawk, Blackhawk, GP100, Security Six, and a Single Six) but the LCR's grip design and cheap polymer feel could not make me give up my J frame's.

Some people really like the LCR's mini finger grooved grips that have no room for your pinky finger. They are designed more for concealment than comfort. What I can't understand is why a gun that has been on the market for 6 yrs now (2009) you can only find 3 types of grips for? (two rubber one's made by Hogue and one expensive set by Eagle Grips.) For someone like me who hates finger grooves, the LCR gives me little options, especially in wood–which is what I prefer. The only good thing I can say about them is that they have nice triggers... Also don't get me started on holsters. That's another problem with the LCR... no options out there.

 

[nitestalker700]

NO!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ralph7]

I like Rugers and own a few, but not an LCR.
Just my myopic point of view, but those things look terrible to me.

Same reason I would never drive a Prius or that nasty looking Pontiac Aztec.

 

[perfectcircle1]

........no.........

 

[XTrooper]

No; not a chance.

 

[Realgunner]

No; never.

 

[Biggfoot44]

A J Frame is what it is , and is its own selfdefining niche. No desire to use a LCR "instead" .

For a first ( and presumably only at least for a while ) carry revolver within the Ruger line , I will give a hearty endorsement for the SP101 instead.

 

[Wee Hooker]

One of the greatest things about J frames is the never ending choice of grips available for them. Grip comfort= Control and less felt recoil. The right grip is especially important in ultralight guns in hot loadings. You just don't get that flexability with the LCR.

Besides, there is just something about trusting my life to a B branded, polymer framed, (and butt ugly) 357 revolver that doesn't sit well with me. Sure I'm sure it would work if that's the only option I had . Fortunately, S&W offers a pile of J frames for every taste and budget. I'll stick to my 360pd thank you.

 

[Cpo1944]

The .357 LCR is great and it is Steel not plastic.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

A friend has the LCR in 357 and I have a number of j-frames. I personally pocket carry a j-frame every day. In a side by side comparison the LCR is slightly bigger in every direction. Those slight differences had a big difference when it came to pulling the gun from my pocket. So in short NO I will not be acquiring an LCR to replace my j-frames.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Nope.........

 

[ranger7]

The .357 LCR is great and it is Steel not plastic.

All the LCRs have a lot of polymer.

I had 4 or 5 J frames and was a big fan. Reluctantly tried an LCR and fell in love. The trigger is fantastic out of the box. The polymer frame absorbs some of the recoil with heavier loads and the stock Hogue Tamer grips help the recoil even more. I still have one Mod 60 J frame but I carry one or more of my 4 LCRs. When I want to carry a wheelgun with a higher capacity I carry a Performance Center 327 8 shot.

 

[gdog357]

No not in this lifetime!

 

[Cal44]

I don't carry, but I have a few J frames and an LCR 357.
I like them all. My 642 (current production with no lock) would be my first choice for a carry gun. The LCR 357 would be second choice. I might even go the NY reload method and carry both.

For the range, or home defense, I'd go with my M60 with it's 3" barrel and target sights. It's way easier to shoot and more accurate.

I also have a late 70's vintage M36-1. 3" barrel, fixed sights. I like that one best. It's in perfect shape, has been rarely used, and almost no turn line.

The M36 with it's deep blue and no holster wear wins over all the others in appearance. But it comes out in good weather and goes to the range sometimes, but I won't carry it -- it's just too nice.

BTW, the grip frame is polymer (fancy name for plastic) on the LCR 357.
But the frame around the cylinder, the cylinder, and barrel are all stainless steel. It's steel where it counts, IMO, and that (plus the choice of cartridges) was the reason I bought the LCR 357 rather than the 38 version.

 

[71velle]

I just bought my first revolver a 642 and will shoot it for the first time today. But, when checking out the LCR and pulling the trigger fast I was either out running it or short stroking it, either way not a problem I want when it counts. Plus the LCR was a little bigger than I would like in the pocket. All this and not a round down the pipe.