The LCR is new engineering and materials. Its really an unfair comparison taking a "vintage" J frame and putting them in the same category. The LCR has the best DA trigger pull out of the box (IMHO) and is really, really smooth. Nothing to snag or get caught on either. I like the headroom and versatility of the .357 chambering in a small package. I carried a 36 for several years and its a great little gun but I like my LCR hands down a lot better.
Would Anyone Rather Carry a Ruger LCR than their J Frame??
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Nakanokalronin
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I know this thread is a few months old but.....
I've had a 638 and 642 Airweight and once I pulled the trigger on the LCR 38spl, I was highly interested. Once I shot the LCR, I was sold.
Less recoil and a much better out of the box trigger. I did a trigger job and installed a spring kit on my 642 that made it as smooth, but not as short. I usually use a small semi-auto for pocket carry, but my LCR does duty when I'm bike riding or doing any other outdoor activities.
I've had a 638 and 642 Airweight and once I pulled the trigger on the LCR 38spl, I was highly interested. Once I shot the LCR, I was sold.
Less recoil and a much better out of the box trigger. I did a trigger job and installed a spring kit on my 642 that made it as smooth, but not as short. I usually use a small semi-auto for pocket carry, but my LCR does duty when I'm bike riding or doing any other outdoor activities.
Stainz
Member
I dry and live fired (Speer +P 135gr GD) two different LCR examples at the range soon after they were released. To be blunt, I was unimpressed - and thought what an obvious upgrade my much carried & shot 642-2 was by comparison. The trigger felt cheesy while the hammer hit sounded like a toy gun my little brother once had. I couldn't hit the SPC drop 8" round plates at 12-15 yd with it while I couldn't miss with my more familiar box-stock 642. Stoked with Remington +P 158gr LHPSWC's, the 642's recoil was no worse than the LCRs' with +P 135gr GDs. The LCR did seem lighter. I didn't compare it to my 3" 60 Pro - it just wouldn't be fair.
Both LCR owners were back to carrying 642's the last time I saw them. In general, I wouldn't think this to be the best venue to pose such a question in - but that's me. I got my first S&W, a 625MG in .45 Colt, after Labor Day 2002 - it spelled doom for my then many Ruger revolvers, from .32 - .454 - SA & DA alike. My only Ruger now is an 'Old Army' c&b bp revolver. I've piddled with their new models at the range, but haven't found one yet better than a S&W I already had. YMMV.
Stainz
Both LCR owners were back to carrying 642's the last time I saw them. In general, I wouldn't think this to be the best venue to pose such a question in - but that's me. I got my first S&W, a 625MG in .45 Colt, after Labor Day 2002 - it spelled doom for my then many Ruger revolvers, from .32 - .454 - SA & DA alike. My only Ruger now is an 'Old Army' c&b bp revolver. I've piddled with their new models at the range, but haven't found one yet better than a S&W I already had. YMMV.
Stainz
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Check your state and local laws. Here is you defend yourself they take your gun away and you need to get a lawyer and it's still iffy if you it back. I'd rather ccw something that I may have to part with so it's something I can easily replace. I'd hate to lose a s&w. I hope and pray I'll never need to use it but it's there if needed.
I been rethinking about getting something that's cheaper for ccw carry. I seen a Rossi in 357 recently.
I been rethinking about getting something that's cheaper for ccw carry. I seen a Rossi in 357 recently.
Nakanokalronin
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What was cheesy about it? It's short and to the point. So short and smooth that many S&W fans have switched over. It just seems like you couldn't connect with it and you're more used to the 642.
This part is not directed towards anyone. I was actually surprised to see this thread here since it's a S&W forum. On other forums the favor seems to be more for the LCR out of the box which is how I feel after owning both. Since the J-frame was and still is the go to snub, I could see why people would stay with what they know. I think some just don't like the idea of polymer on a revolver either. As a carry piece it shouldn't matter how it looks since it's not a fashion accessory. I like the "futuristic" look just like I like the classic streamline looks of metal revolvers.
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Shooter 9
Member
I have owned 2 Rugers. The LCR and the LCR .357. I just purchased my second Smith, a mod 60 and most recently a mod 38 Airweight. On my trigger gauge the LCR was right around 9lbs. I haven't tested the Smith's with the gauge yet.
From my own not an expert, "how does it feel" feel, the LCR was pretty darn smooth. I practice with the LCR .357 and it's my carry until the mod 38 shows up. I do fairly well with it at the range. The mod 60 takes considerable more effort on my part to fire than the LCR. It definitely is a "stiffer" trigger compared to the LCR. Granted I only have one S&W to compare, but I have dry fired other Smiths. And that was the main reason why I bought the LCR. Not for looks, not for grip choices, but because I felt I had a better chance of hitting what I was aiming for with the LCR. Recoil is much milder with the LCR, mostly due in fact to the hogue grips. Definitely keeping the LCR, but can't wait to get the nickel mod 38 and see how the trigger is. She is a looker....
From my own not an expert, "how does it feel" feel, the LCR was pretty darn smooth. I practice with the LCR .357 and it's my carry until the mod 38 shows up. I do fairly well with it at the range. The mod 60 takes considerable more effort on my part to fire than the LCR. It definitely is a "stiffer" trigger compared to the LCR. Granted I only have one S&W to compare, but I have dry fired other Smiths. And that was the main reason why I bought the LCR. Not for looks, not for grip choices, but because I felt I had a better chance of hitting what I was aiming for with the LCR. Recoil is much milder with the LCR, mostly due in fact to the hogue grips. Definitely keeping the LCR, but can't wait to get the nickel mod 38 and see how the trigger is. She is a looker....
This reply pretty well nailed it.
Although, today I have a 60 IWB with a Simply Rugged holster. But, 99% of the time it's the 38 Sp LCR on the ankle.
Sold my 357 LCR. Just didn't need the extra weight.
jdyer225
Member
I would never carry a revolver that isn't a s&w. Just my preference. The LCR's seem pretty good though.
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Nope.
Having owned an LCR, I'll say they are nice guns but I just prefer the J.
Robinett_11B
US Veteran
The LCR doesn't have as positive of a reset compared to my 640-1. There's a big enough difference as to be off-putting to me.
Robinett_11B
US Veteran
...it's also ugly - especially compared to the 640 
cjtraining
US Veteran
M649 always
NO................
Started with an LCR .357 and ended up buying the 638 J-frame, not looking back on the sale and new purchase. The 357 LCR trigger was too heavy, I have tried the 38 version and it was a lot nicer, I have honestly thought about buying a LCRX, but I'd like to see Ruger make a larger LCR with maybe a 3" barrel.
I like my Smith way too much, but I am not a brand snob. Ruger does make some nice firearms.
I like my Smith way too much, but I am not a brand snob. Ruger does make some nice firearms.
Stainz
Member
The LCRs had shorter pulls and while one was smooth, the other one was gritty. Both had weak returns compared to the 642. The well-broken-in 642 probably took a longer, but more 'assured', pull, but it also has no side play - which both LCRs did have - and they were nearly new. This - and the trigger's 'feel' (I don't recall... is it 'plastic'?) - and it's less distinct DA break - combined to earn the LCRs I shot the 'cheesy trigger' remark. YMMV.
Stainz
OT I was a dyed-in-the-wool 'Rugerista'. I owned every SA caliber Ruger made. When I couldn't buy a BHG in .44 Caliber, I made one from a BHG frame 'in the raw'. DA was another matter - my first-ever DA revolver was an early .454 SRH followed by a .45 Redhawk and my only Ruger I bought used - a .32 H&RM SP-101 - everything else was bought new. I quickly found out that Rugers are delivered as 'works in progress'. Perhaps their QC inspectors are visually and tactile feel handicapped, leaving that chore the new owner's responsibility. Oddly, my SRH was the closest to perfection while the SP-101 was the most distant, right out of the box. After a couple of days of ownership, my new RH went back to Ruger - returned in a month with another batch of new parts. I had discovered S&W several years earlier - the Rugers' days here were numbered. I guess I have a jaded view. YMMV.
Stainz
OT I was a dyed-in-the-wool 'Rugerista'. I owned every SA caliber Ruger made. When I couldn't buy a BHG in .44 Caliber, I made one from a BHG frame 'in the raw'. DA was another matter - my first-ever DA revolver was an early .454 SRH followed by a .45 Redhawk and my only Ruger I bought used - a .32 H&RM SP-101 - everything else was bought new. I quickly found out that Rugers are delivered as 'works in progress'. Perhaps their QC inspectors are visually and tactile feel handicapped, leaving that chore the new owner's responsibility. Oddly, my SRH was the closest to perfection while the SP-101 was the most distant, right out of the box. After a couple of days of ownership, my new RH went back to Ruger - returned in a month with another batch of new parts. I had discovered S&W several years earlier - the Rugers' days here were numbered. I guess I have a jaded view. YMMV.
palmetto99
Member
I got a chance to shoot an LCR a few years ago at an IDPA BUG match. I liked the trigger a lot. It was box stock. All of my carry J-frames have had trigger jobs. BUT, the LCR is a little larger when compared to a J-frame and not as easy to pocket carry (which is how I carry a J-frame typically). Plus, the J-frame is just plain better to look at (and that counts for NOTHING!). The LCR is a good compact revolver, but I'll still carry the J's.
Fackler Rebel
Member
I guess I'll stick with my space age revolver, the S&W 325PD.
reb
reb
BearBio
Member
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha............
I think my 640-3 is a fantastic handgun. I added a rosewood combat grip to it and I use it as my "BBQ gun". However, I end up using a G26 for EDC for the same reason a LCR might be a better choice. Here in Mississippi no matter how legal the shoot is, you're going to lose that gun for at least 6 months to a year until the investigation is complete. I'd rather hand them a $600 gun than a $800 one. The LCR has a definite cost advantage over a steel J frame.
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