637 vs LCR

[Ed Bulldog]

Please - I am requesting your opinion:

1) For EDC - your choice of 637 vs LCR-?

I have a Taurus 605 poly
I love revolvers and will have a limited budget
If cost was not a factor- I would purchase a SP101 3 inch 357 - revolvers cost is exuberant

Thank you

 

[Rodfac]

Currently, I don't own either, but have had 3 Smith 637's over the years....all were good to go out of the box and reasonably accurate for a 1-7/8" bbl'd revolver, and all were appropriated by various female family members....all of which still carry when necessary.

A friend's wife also showed up at our farm range with one, fitted with Crimson Trace laser grips that were/are the best feeling snub nose revolver grips I've ever laid a hand on. We did some range work with her and she did right well, never having fired any type of firearm before. Her 7 yd DA groups averaged ~4" with wadcutter reloads after an afternoon of relaxed training.

The exposed hammer is not really problem for concealed carry so long as you practice the draw movement. And does allow precision fire when wanted. And the light weight, encourages carry where a heavier piece might be left in the drawer....but for practice, even with moderate loads, the gun's a handful.

I tried it, using only the laser after we'd finished for the day. Shooting from the hip, using only the laser dot and got a 2" group at 25 yds. The gun's accurate I'd say. Also found that with my forearm extended, & the elbow locked to the strong arm hip bone, I had a hellofa solid, wiggle free position...the laser dot showed up very well at 25 yds at dusk in the evening too.

Also found out with her, that the laser dot highlighted her trigger technique, allowing her to correct finger placement and grip problems...it's a good/great training tool. I don't know if the laser would be useful or not in a defensive situation, but it might help in midnight, cross the bedroom encounters with an intruder.

Based on my experience with three of the 637's, I'd recommend one, it's a quality handgun.

Best regards, Rod.

 

[Bobaloo22]

I have two LCRs and for me and my wife they are great shooters and for edc

 

[L-2]

When carrying a revolver, among a few other revolvers, I'll grab either my LCRX (in .327) or or two of a few J-frames.
I don't actually have a Mod. 637, but do have the similar 640, 60, 642, and 638; i.e., they're both good.

It is a decision as to what to carry, but somehow I make that decision upon what to carry every day including whether to carry a revolver, semiauto, or sometimes both handgun types.

 

[Styx]

Please - I am requesting your opinion:

1) For EDC - your choice of 637 vs LCR-?

I have a Taurus 605 poly
I love revolvers and will have a limited budget
If cost was not a factor- I would purchase a SP101 3 inch 357 - revolvers cost is exuberant

Thank you

There's only a $100 cost difference between the SP101 and the LCR in 38 special. I would save up for a months or two more for the SP101 and get what you really want, or you can purchase a used SP101 for the price of a new LCR.

Based on the two options you mentioned, I'd vote for the LCR. It's the better of the 2 IMHO. You'll also get better CS with the superior revolver than what you get with S&W.

 

[Big_Al]

Go to a gun store and handle a 101, they are heavy compared to a 637 or lcr. I've had 101's and sold them, pretty chunky for a 5 shot ccw.

 

[lee n. field]

Please - I am requesting your opinion:

1) For EDC - your choice of 637 vs LCR-?

I have a Taurus 605 poly
I love revolvers and will have a limited budget
If cost was not a factor- I would purchase a SP101 3 inch 357 - revolvers cost is exuberant

Thank you

Pick one. LCR is comparable to an Airweight S&W.

 

[Styx]

Please - I am requesting your opinion:

1) For EDC - your choice of 637 vs LCR-?

I have a Taurus 605 poly
I love revolvers and will have a limited budget
If cost was not a factor- I would purchase a SP101 3 inch 357 - revolvers cost is exuberant

Thank you

The LCR will have a pinned front-sight which can easily be swapped for a fiber optic or night sight. It has the better trigger by most accounts. It also has the much, much, much more durable PVD finish. The 637's clear coat usually starts to peal.

The 637 will have more grip and holster options.

 

[reverseturn]

Well, I have the .38 LCR and while it is light weight and nice enough it is no fun to shoot. I imagine the 637 would be the same. I doubt either would really be enough of an upgrade over your Taurus. The big advantage of those two is less weight but since you like an SP101 that is maybe not what you are going for. I also have a 6 shot 3" barrel King Cobra which is light years more pleasant to shoot than the LCR. It is just a wee bit too big to pocket carry but I do.
If you want to upgrade I suggest looking at 6 shot versus 5 shot as the upgrade. If money is a secondary concern the Colt Cobra/King Cobra and Kimber K6 look like great options. The Taurus 636 in standard weight or ultra light looks like a nice budget option. I have 2 gp100s and a blackhawk so I am not biased against Ruger but the 5 shot SP101 seems a bit behind the competition.

All that said there is no hurry. Save your money and get what you want.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a S&W Model 437, the "blued version" of the Model 637 and a couple SP101's.

I do not have any experience with the LCR.

Yes, the SP101's are heavier than the Model 437. Something to consider. My SP101's are chambered in 327 Fed Mag and 9x19.,

But, I find my Model 437 is uncomfortable to shoot 38 Special +P ammunition. So I stick with standard 38 Sopecial ammunition. I'm sure I would find the LCR similar.

My Model 437 is machined for moon clips. Great for rapid reloads. I also have a Model 642, Model 442, and Model 638 machined for moon clips.

Except for the Model 437 which came from the factory machined for moon clips, TK Custom has machined my other j-frames for moon clips. They list the LCR in their range of machining the cylinder. Turn around time is quick.

 

[JimCunn]

I have three Airweight 637-2 revolvers. I lighten them up by another 2 ounces with titanium .357 Mag cylinders and center pins that I have reamed for 9mm and moonclips. I use 147gr xtp hollowponts. I also have three unmodified .357 mag cylinders for them but shoot only .38 Sp in those. .357 Mag recoil hurts too much to shoot.

They are a delight to carry and very accurate, but recoil is punishing in a 12 ounce gun.

 

[Tallball]

I have two SP101's, several S&W j-frames, and an LCR.

I prefer the LCR. It has the best trigger, easily. Might be the lightest by an ounce or so. (I have the 38 special version.)

I like my j-frames. They're shaped differently than the LCR. I carry my Model 642 instead sometimes, if it fits my clothing better. I don't want to carry one with a hammer spur.

The SP101's aren't my favorite. The trigger is normally stiff, the grip fits my hand poorly, and they're very heavy for a carry piece. With new hammer springs and an aftermarket grip I've learned to shoot them okay, finally, but they'd be bricks to carry.

Most of my Taurus snubbies have been fine. I don't have any that I happen to carry these days, but I would.

EDC

• Tallball
• Feb 10, 2019

 

[JERRY]

They Smith and Wesson will have far more options and after market accessories available. However, the Ruger LCR has a superior trigger. In fact my better half has pushed aside my 431PD and has commandeered my LCR327 solely for the trigger.

 

[JimCunn]

I polish the internals of my J-frames to smooth up the actions.
I typically set my SA trigger pull to about 1.5-2 pounds.
I do not do anything to the sear.

 

[Pat Riot]

SP101 .38 = 26 ounces.
LCR .38 = 13.5 ounces
637 .38 = 14.5 ounces
My carry Snubbies
442 .38 = 14.6 ounces
36 .38 = 20 ounces

My favorite carry piece is my 442. I have a model 36 that I occasionally carry. The 442 has been set aside twice. One time out period was for a Remington RM380 and the second was for a Glock 43. I sold the Remington and the Glock 43 resides secured somewhere in my living room.

I have not fired a Ruger LCR. I have handled them and pulled their triggers. I liked what I checked out. Between a carry gun with a hammer and a carry gun without I would choose “without” and go with an LCR.
One of the reasons my model 36 is only carried sometimes is because of the hammer. Pocket carrying a hammered revolver might prove hazardous if speed is of the essence and the hammer hangs up in your pocket.

 

[Styx]

@Ed Bulldog No one asked what you plan on using the revolver for? What role will need to fulfill? Will you be carrying it, and if so, how and were will you be carrying it on your body? Will it be for home defense or for range shooting only?

You already have a 38/357 20oz Taurus Revolver. Then you mentioned basically settling for a 14-oz 637 or LCR in 38 special only, but then said you really want the bigger, heavier, easier, and more comfortable to shoot Ruger SP101....

 

[buck460XVR]

Well, I have the .38 LCR and while it is light weight and nice enough it is no fun to shoot. I imagine the 637 would be the same.

Yep, kinda the bane of snubbie revolvers. I carry and shoot my 637 often. I reload my own ammo to the cusp of standard and +p velocities with a 125gr projectile and it is fairly tolerable to target practice with. Once you get into the realm of +p, not so much.

 

[Ed Bulldog]

@Ed Bulldog No one asked what you plan on using the revolver for? What role will need to fulfill? Will you be carrying it, and if so, how and were will you be carrying it on your body? Will it be for home defense or for range shooting only?

You already have a 38/357 20oz Taurus Revolver. Then you mentioned basically settling for a 14-oz 637 or LCR in 38 special only, but then said you really want the bigger, heavier, easier, and more comfortable to shoot Ruger SP101....

Thank you for you message and questions
To respond:

1) I plan to EDC the new revolver

2) at least for the Taurus 605 poly - I EDC cross draw vs strong side OWB - it depends on how the dominant shooting shoulder is functioning that day

Thank you

 

[contender]

i prefer a spur-less hammer for carry. A more fair comparison would be the LCR vs the 642.

The LCR has a superior out of the box trigger. The Smith trigger can be worked on for improvement.
Every LCR/LCRx i have shot had well regulated sights with a decent poa/poi. My last two Smiths were not.
The LCR has a pinned front sight for replacement choice. The 637 does not.
The Smith has an edge in aftermarket grip selection. the Ruger grip stud design is limiting.

you really need to handle both guns and see if you have a preference.

I carry the LCR. I settled on the Hogue boot grip. I am not in love with the grip, but it will do for pocket carry.

 

[Styx]

Thank you for you message and questions
To respond:

1) I plan to EDC the new revolver

2) at least for the Taurus 605 poly - I EDC cross draw vs strong side OWB - it depends on how the dominant shooting shoulder is functioning that day

Thank you

Well, in that case, I have nothing else to add that hasn't already been said other than a lot of people complain about it being easier to short stroke the LCR trigger. (I don't have that issue.) Oh, and S&W currently has a $50 rebate on J-frames until the end month IIRC, so the 637 will be cheaper.

Like @contender suggested, try to fondle both in person if possible. You can't really go wrong with either either though.

Here's my 12 year old LCR in 357. The finish has held up extremely well.

 

[Buckeye63]

LCR357
642
LCR327
Taurus 85NV