Why choose an LCR over a J-frame?

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Elkins45

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I was looking at pocket revolvers at a gun show this weekend and I can’t figure out why someone would choose a Ruger LCR over a S&W J-frame, at least in 38 special. The Ruger seems bulkier, clunkier, harder to conceal and is more expensive based on the samples I saw.

What’s the appeal?
 
I own two J Frames and two LCRs
Model 36 3 inch barrel
Model 642 ( no lock )

LCR357 & LCR327

The LCR frame is larger than my 642
And being the LCR357 & LCR327 is steel frame they are a bit heavier …
The LCRs , to me have better triggers
Why I purchased LCRs is because of the calibers and triggers
The LCR357 ( 38spl +P &357mag )
The LCR327 ( 32 Long , 32 H&R & 327)
My 642 is my pocket carry choice
 
I sold my M&P340 and purchased both a LCR and a 442 the LCR was the one with an XS front sight and the Hogue boot grip. I ended up putting Crimson Trace grips on both and shot both equally well ended up giving the Smith Crimson Traces to my mom and putting the pretty wood grips back on it with the idea it was the pretty gun and the LCR was the ugly work horse. Well the work horse is still around and the 442 got traded for a nice M36 that's more or less a safe queen.
So I guess you could say it was the availability of the XS front sight model as I remember they were very close to the same price.
 
Not all j-frames have a lock.
Right, but many do and what they have at the counter is what matters. Not to mention many people want even look at smiths because of the locks Myself, I don’t really care I do prefer the older smiths but it has nothing to do with the lock.
I have a model 36, my wife has an LCR. She got it because it was easy to manipulate. Apparently, to her it was easier to operate than a J-frame, I don’t really see it but she picked it out.
 
With bantam grips the LCR is the same size, and lighter. 442/642 etc.(14.4oz to 13.5)
The LCR has a better trigger.
And I can put a decent front sight on the LCR, can't say the same for a sub $500 J frame.
(XS std. Tritium green in pic)
For pocket carry, with bantam grips, the LCR (for the $) is a better choice.
PXL_20220918_024955630.jpg
 
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I tried the Hogue boot grip on my LCRs, the 22lr was I able to shoot it and retain a solid grip and that is only due to the grip tape I added. Just feels like the pistol is squeezing out of my hands. SW boot grip is much better for me and wins in this battle round. Never understood why there isn’t a better grip selection for the LCR.
 
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I have a 642 and an LCR 38 special.

The LCR has a waaay better trigger, not even close, and the previous owner put nice sights on it.

I put the slightly larger grips on the LCR. It fits snugly in cargo pockets.

The 642 is slightly smaller and is a good back pocket piece for walking the dogs.

They're both nice pocket revolvers.

The LCR is a better shooter, due to the trigger.

The 642 looks more like a "real" revolver.


 
I bought my LCR about 10 years ago. I haven't looked at revolver prices recently, but at the time, J frames were notably more expensive and money was tight for me. Also, I have a bit of a soft spot for Rugers. Lots of folks who know more about revolvers than I do recommend the J frames, but I've never regretted buying the LCR.
 
Trigger and if you are a 327 Magnum fan, they are the easiest gun to get in that caliber. My local big box has had one or two of them in stock pretty consistently. Ammo is the probably though.
 
I was looking at pocket revolvers at a gun show this weekend and I can’t figure out why someone would choose a Ruger LCR over a S&W J-frame, at least in 38 special. The Ruger seems bulkier, clunkier, harder to conceal and is more expensive based on the samples I saw.

What’s the appeal?
I have had a LCR 357 for over a decade, and think it's superior to S&W lowend aluminum Jframes. I have carried it in a jacket and pants pocket as well as on the waist. Whether it's slightly larger or not is of no consequence and is a non issue.

Some benefits of the LCR are:
  1. No internal lock
  2. The cylinder is PVD coded stainless for excellent weather resistance and durability.
  3. It's less likely to rust or be problematic in wet and/or humid environments.
  4. It has a better finish.
  5. It has a better trigger hands down.
  6. It's higher quality and fit and fish
  7. The front sight is pinned, so it can be easily be swapped out for a fiber optic or tritium sight.
  8. Ruger cares more about their customers, abd Ruger stands behind their product whereas S&W is slacking in thise departments.

v3z3Jl5.jpg

I traded in my LCR for a S&W 686, so I no longer carry it. It's just a range toy now. It STILL looks good and the finish has held up great after all these years. Almost looks brand new. I've seen some older well used S&W aluminum revolvers and the finish is usually wearing off.
 
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I tried to like the LCR for a couple years. The main thing, I didn’t like was the trigger release. Sure, it has a smooth light pull but, the release is so long, I double stroked it way to easy. I realize I will probably never need to defend myself but, if I do buy some chance, I’m not taking the chance with that gun. I sold it and stayed with the J-Frame.
 
I hear comments as in Post 22 often. Yet I also hear the comments from folks who like their LCR revolvers.
I'm tempted to get an LCR but I've been happy with the three S&W J-Frames I've been using. I tend to shop for more J-Frames due to my good luck with them.

(I'd like a 638, maybe another 640, or a discontinued 649.)

To probably spend more for the LCR (they're going for $600+tax) vs. some of the J-Frames pushes me away from buying the, so far, unknown-to-me, Ruger LCR. Then there would be a need for a holster and some ammo to familiarization and I'd be in $1000 territory. I'm really going to want to spend $1000 for something I don't need or want that badly to buy an LCR. We'll see...
 
I hear comments as in Post 22 often. Yet I also hear the comments from folks who like their LCR revolvers.
I'm tempted to get an LCR but I've been happy with the three S&W J-Frames I've been using. I tend to shop for more J-Frames due to my good luck with them.

(I'd like a 638, maybe another 640, or a discontinued 649.)

To probably spend more for the LCR (they're going for $600+tax) vs. some of the J-Frames pushes me away from buying the, so far, unknown-to-me, Ruger LCR. Then there would be a need for a holster and some ammo to familiarization and I'd be in $1000 territory. I'm really going to want to spend $1000 for something I don't need or want that badly to buy an LCR. We'll see...

The “double clutch” on the LCR’s trigger is real. I have been dryfire training with my LCR38 for the last two months and I still get the false reset when I do a double or triple tap too fast. And truthfully, after shooting j frames for almost 30 years, I don’t see that ever getting better. Too much time behind a j frame trigger. Now my LCR22 and LCR22mag do not give me the false reset problems. I think it’s due to the heavier trigger return spring and maybe the heavier trigger pull in the rimfire calibers. Maybe the center fire LCRs could use a heavier trigger return spring and solve the problem.

Too many j frame grips, holsters, and stuff to make the switch.
 
I’ll take a J frame any day.

I’ve had a few LCRs, and always sold or traded them off. I’ve had more trouble with the “double clutch” on the LCR trigger. I guess I just have more time with the J frame, and you can’t very well teach an old dog new tricks.

And for me, I tend to pocket carry extensively, and the LCR is a bit bulkier than a J frame - to me anyway. YMMV.
 
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