.38 or .357 for the 3 inch LCRx? *Update: Poll Added*

[mavracer]

For a 2" LCR I'd opt for a 38 for pocket carry and I did. But for a 3" gun where it's more likely to be on a belt I'd want the extra weight of the 357 version, my 3" is the even heavier sp101.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Since the price difference is only $100 I voted for the .357 Mag. Hey, even if you never carry magnum ammo the gun is stronger and will stay tight longer lol.

 

[TTv2]

I will have to think about this more. On one hand I don't currently have a 3 inch .357, but a couple .32's, and just one 2 inch .38. I do have plans to get the Taurus .357/9mm 7 shot with the 6 inch barrel. I don't think I need that many .357's and the interest was in the light weight of the .38, but the post above does make a point that the steel of the .357 will last, the Aluminum... IDK. How have the airweight S&W .38's held up over the decades?

I guess the deciding factor will be whatever is available at a good price.

 

[LeftyRed]

For a 2" LCR I'd opt for a 38 for pocket carry and I did. But for a 3" gun where it's more likely to be on a belt I'd want the extra weight of the 357 version, my 3" is the even heavier sp101.

From Ruger’s Spec Sheets:
Sp101 3” 357mag is 27 ounces
LCRX 3” 357mag is 21 ounces

 

[LeftyRed]

One suggestion. I now only have steel framed 5 shot revolvers as I found the recoil too unpleasant in my old S&W model 38 and COLT Cobra. They were ok with wadcutters, but + P really was lively. I found my S&W model 36 was easier to shoot.

Jim

Me too Jim. The heavier 865s I got shoot way better than the ULs I had. And if Great Scott ever sells me back my NYPD 36, it will never leave my side again. My Airweights are for dry fire/laser practice and ankle carry nowadays.

Jerry

 

[I6turbo]

My $.02: My .38 Special LCR (non-X) is the least-favorite handgun I've ever fired (out of probably 50 or so). It has a perfectly ok D/A trigger pull, smooth and about right for SD. I've never fired another gun that bothered me recoil-wise, but something about the LCR is simply painful and unenjoyable with either the factory grips or the aftermarket Hogues I tried. And I struggle to shoot 10" groups with the LCR at distances where I shoot 2" groups and smaller with my other 24 pistols I own or have owned in the past 10 years or so. If I were forced to buy an LCR to shoot .38s, I'd definitely opt for the .357 (which a friend of mine has and likes) in hopes that the additional weight would somehow transform the gun and it'd suit me better. YMMV