M&P 340 vs Ruger LCR

Hello everyone, new to the forum. I would appreciate any advice from those who have shot both guns. I have arthritic hands and issues like trigger pull, recoil and ease of cylinder release are important considerations. Thank you in advance for your help.

Jim

I have a M&P 340. It hurts my hand and I have no arthritis. I also have a 642 and action on the 340 is smoother. It still has a heavy trigger pull but feels lighter than the 642. I don't have a Ruger so I can't compare it to the LCR.

Any light weight revolver is going hurt your hand more than a heavier one.

I would look for a used S&W 60 ( pre lock ) or a SP 101 if I wanted new.

Simply, the double action only trigger pull on the Ruger LCR can't be beat.

And I'm a hard core S&W guy.

I own a range of snubbies in the 11-26 oz weight range and can tell you neither gun is the best choice if recoil is an issue. They both share the ultra lightness that does not absorb energy. You might be better off to look at an Ruger Sp101 or S&W 60 series. Both are the same physical size as those mentioned but heavier and tame recoil much better. That said, the S&W line will allow you a MUCH wider range of replecement grips. Right grips =better ergonomics and less felt recoil.

From there, if you have issues with DA trigger pulls, consider something like the S&W 49/649 "bodyguard". This will allow you SA cock/decock ability ( with light SA pull) without loosing the snag free design of the hamerless.

I have the same arthritis, but my LCR357 does not cause me any recoil problems. especially if I load 38 spec +p instead of 357. The extra weight and Hogue Tamer grip eliminates much of the recoil. Actually, 125 gr 357 shoots just fine as well, but you will feel it. As was mentioned, the smooth clean trigger pull is a dream.

Ruger Sp101 or S&W 60 series Good advice.


As an owner of both 642-2 and M&P 340 if you are recoil sensitive you probably want to take a pass on anything 17 ounces and less.

The challenge, if you plan on pocket carrying anything over 16 ounces is a "brick" IMO.

The 642 or 442 would probably serve you ok for the pocket if you stick with standard pressure .38 and not venture into Plus P or .357. Adding a set of Crimson Trace 405 grips would help mitigate the felt recoil also. I have them on both 642 and 340.

The heavier the better and some Hogue Monogrips, big and rubbery would be a good choice again if you aren't going to pocket carry.

Can't speak to the LCR but the heavier (mass) the less felt recoil to a great extent.

As has been said, any lightweight revolver is going to pound your hand. I dislike it and don't even have arthritis. Having said that, I would sooner have the Ruger due to its more hand filling, cushioned grip and lighter trigger pull, and - a bit of a reversal of previous stances I've taken - in the .357 Magnum version. This will add some weight to it for less recoil, even if you never use magnums (which I think are best utilized in the SP101).