I bought a pair of KLCRs about six years ago and have been carrying at least one every day since then. I use a CrossBreed OWB holster and typically carry the CTLG version since it's slimmer and disappears under my shirt. I wear a t-shirt in the summer months and no one knows I'm carrying. The revolver is light enough that I don't even think about it. I stopped looking for the perfect CC gun after I found the KLCRs.
Help me choose a new carry revolver
- Thread starter Cump
- Start date
- Status
BlueHeelerFl
Member
I used to own a 340PD and it was a handful with everything being so light (something like 11 oz?).
I'd like the idea of the slightly heavier 360 and the LCR, but I'd go with the LCR since I like their trigger pulls.
My recommendation for ammo would be 4 38's and the fifth and final round a 357. The 38's will give you better control and follow up shots. If you need a 5th shot the 357 will hopefully end the fight. It will also be a clear indicator that you need to reload. The excessive recoil isn't as big of a deal at this point since you will have to reload anyway
I'd like the idea of the slightly heavier 360 and the LCR, but I'd go with the LCR since I like their trigger pulls.
My recommendation for ammo would be 4 38's and the fifth and final round a 357. The 38's will give you better control and follow up shots. If you need a 5th shot the 357 will hopefully end the fight. It will also be a clear indicator that you need to reload. The excessive recoil isn't as big of a deal at this point since you will have to reload anyway
mcb
Member
Actually it could be a bigger deal. That fifth 357 Mag round stings you hands and now you have to reload that little revolver with you hands partial numb. A little snubby revolver is hard enough to reload quickly and you are likely making it slower and difficult by stinging your hands with that last 357 Mag. I am sure some guys could do it. Having tried it myself I realized it compromise my manual dexterity enough I did not want that liability. Trying before you do it for real.
If I were to get back in the .357/.38 snub game I would probably go with the LCR. I've had a couple of them as well as a 642.
I could never shoot an aluminum frame DAO .38 well regardless of the trigger, but I flat out sucked with the 642.
My steel frame 9mm lcr was a tack driver for me (well, among snubbies). I think the heavier frame helped. If I were to get another I would go .357 LCR and shoot .38 out of it.
I could never shoot an aluminum frame DAO .38 well regardless of the trigger, but I flat out sucked with the 642.
My steel frame 9mm lcr was a tack driver for me (well, among snubbies). I think the heavier frame helped. If I were to get another I would go .357 LCR and shoot .38 out of it.
cslinger
Member
The Ruger will have the better trigger out of the box. (I know I know but the LCR has a really good small revolver trigger). But will be bulkier.
The 442 pocket carries very easily and is a good weight for .38/.38 +P
The 360 is a very expensive 442 since most folks will put one cylinder of .357 Maggie through it and start to wonder if they threw the pin instead of the grenade.
Best all arounder I say 442.
If .357 is really in the equation take a look at the 640. Yes it’s heavier but still pocket carries fine and handles the recoil MUCH better.
The 442 pocket carries very easily and is a good weight for .38/.38 +P
The 360 is a very expensive 442 since most folks will put one cylinder of .357 Maggie through it and start to wonder if they threw the pin instead of the grenade.
Best all arounder I say 442.
If .357 is really in the equation take a look at the 640. Yes it’s heavier but still pocket carries fine and handles the recoil MUCH better.
OP
OP
Cump
Member
So I went against the very reasonable advice and ordered the 360, partly because it came in under 500, and largely because I shoot a lot of 357 wadcutter reloads at 38 levels.
I'll will post pics and report after trying rem golden saber 357, which I expect to be a carry option, after trying it in the 340pd...
I'll will post pics and report after trying rem golden saber 357, which I expect to be a carry option, after trying it in the 340pd...
JFrame
Member
Actually, your purchase rationale -- cost, plus the fact you shoot a lot of low-power .357 reloads -- sounds quite reasonable to me.
Congrats on your new acquisition!
.
OP
OP
Cump
Member
Thank you. It was a case of the poll and discussion getting me to figure out what I really wanted.
gotboostvr
Member
Lower recoiling loads magnums in the alloy J frames make much more sense. It sounds like you made the best choice even though it wasn't an option in your poll.
Hope you enjoy it!
Hope you enjoy it!
Monster Zero
Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2008
- Messages
- 587
Honestly, any of them would work just fine however you won't like shooting 357s in an 11 oz revolver. In fact you'll learn to be careful what .38 loads you choose for any of them.
I did vote, but really it's your decision. Isn't there one that you just like best, like a pretty young lady?
Go buy it and enjoy it.
If1HitU
Member
I have a LCR .38 SPL+P and i'm thinking about adding a LCR .357 Mag.That's my reason for choosing the LCR.357 on your thread.
I just traded a LCR (.38 +P) for a Smith & Wesson M & P Bodyguard .38 (+P) with Crimson Laser, Smith Model # BG38. The Smith is a much better revolver than the LCR, easier to shoot, very accurate, and fits in my pocket and draws much easier than the LCR. This Smith, I think, is discontinued but still can be found and is an excellent pocket revolver. I'm so glad I made the trade!
RealGun
Member
Even +p can hurt you in these little guns, so I vote for the one actually chambered for 38 and which can realistically be lighter weight, even lighter than the 442 like my 637 alloy gun.. A nice configuration otherwise. It's ugly though..
OP
OP
Cump
Member
I picked up the 360. Swapped the fde 3 finger grips for s&w boot. And put 20 rounds down range (which is what I had on hand that I would want to shoot out of it). Didnt but any 38 at the range because I was feeling cheap.
My 148 gr wadcutter reloads grouped about 2-3 inches, but right of poa (by abt 2 inches), which is typical for me with first-shots from airweights with the slower-moving bullet.
I also tried a cylinder of 125 gr Golden Saber in 357. The recoil felt about like shooting factory 158 grain 357s out of my Model 60. Doable. The group opened up to hand-sized at seven yards, but clustered around the bull.
I only had 5 to shoot in a speed loader, and they were my first shots from the gun. I think I can get the group-size down, and they will be a viable carry ammo.
I think other short barrel 357 loads would be good to try, though I will save the heavies for my gp100 and 686.
My 148 gr wadcutter reloads grouped about 2-3 inches, but right of poa (by abt 2 inches), which is typical for me with first-shots from airweights with the slower-moving bullet.
I also tried a cylinder of 125 gr Golden Saber in 357. The recoil felt about like shooting factory 158 grain 357s out of my Model 60. Doable. The group opened up to hand-sized at seven yards, but clustered around the bull.
I only had 5 to shoot in a speed loader, and they were my first shots from the gun. I think I can get the group-size down, and they will be a viable carry ammo.
I think other short barrel 357 loads would be good to try, though I will save the heavies for my gp100 and 686.
OP
OP
Cump
Member
I like shooting revolvers, and hotter .357 loads in a decent size revolver are probably my favorite among all handgun rounds. But I am NOT a fan of even a .38 Special in a super light weight gun. I find the LCR in .38 Special to be completely unpleasant to shoot, whether with the factory grips or slightly larger aftermarket ones. I'd train with it if needed, but do not enjoy shooting it. I keep intending to replace the LCR with some type of small Smith in hopes it'd be a little better but still nice and compact, but I haven't done it.
OP
OP
Cump
Member
Nice collection. A j-frame looks like it belongs.
Thanks. You're an enabler, aren't you?
And I forgot to mention that while I can shoot all of the other guns in the photo DA into eye-ball-socket size groups at 7-10 yards, I have to really work at it in hopes of keeping the LCR in a 6" to 8" circle. Accuracy wise, it makes me wonder if there's something wrong with it because I see a lot of reports indicating people getting way better accuracy out of them. It has a nice DA trigger pull, though.
OP
OP
Cump
Member
Thanks. You're an enabler, aren't you?
And I forgot to mention that while I can shoot all of the other guns in the photo DA into eye-ball-socket size groups at 7-10 yards, I have to really work at it in hopes of keeping the LCR in a 6" to 8" circle. Accuracy wise, it makes me wonder if there's something wrong with it because I see a lot of reports indicating people getting way better accuracy out of them. It has a nice DA trigger pull, though.
When it comes to guns I am, at least. I'd try some wadcutters or 38 cowboy loads in it. If that doesnt tighten your groups, maybe it is the gun. Then again most of us wouldnt want to be judged by our light-weight revolver shooting.
- Status
Similar threads
