I have a LCR .38. I shoot .38 standard velocity and carry+P. Is the additional weight of the LCR .357 an advantage for better trigger control, I mean less likely to pull the muzzle off target, and faster recovery. I'm working on practical short distance shooting not slow fire staging the trigger. I'm shooting mostly 125 gr standard velocity .38 and plan on getting in one session a week shooting 50 rds per session. I don't usually pocket carry but use a IWB holster so I don't think additional weight is a carry issue for me. I have no intention of shooting .357 from a LCR. If I were to sell my .38 and buy used it would be close to break even. Buying new would cost $75-$80 including FFL fees. Don't know I would get any benefit from a 3.5oz heavier gun for my purposes. Any with owning/shooting both with standard .38?
Another LCR .38 v .357 Question
- Thread starter bowzette
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In terms of recoil control the additional weight of the steel revolver is advantageous. The negative factor is having to clean the longer .357 chambers after shooting .38 Special's in it. If you are going to use a belt holster (IWB or OWB) consider the LCR versions with a 3" barrel, that for what you have in mind would be better yet.
I had an LCR in .38 and it was kinda stout to shoot even +p in it. While I appreciated everything about the revolver, I knew that if I wanted to really shoot a .357 snubbie, I was going to have to go heavy for me to enjoy it. Enter the SP101. Yes it's heavy, but I belt carried the LCR anyway. I love that gun so much.
I will say, I'm giving the 3" .38 LCR serious consideration. As a light camping gun, I think it might be just the ticket for carrying something on wooded hikes when a .22 might not be enough. Plus my Mkiii weighs quite a bit for what it is, even with it's polymer frame.
I will say, I'm giving the 3" .38 LCR serious consideration. As a light camping gun, I think it might be just the ticket for carrying something on wooded hikes when a .22 might not be enough. Plus my Mkiii weighs quite a bit for what it is, even with it's polymer frame.
short barrel
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There is an LCR with a 3"? I might need one of those. My biggest complaint of J frame Smith's is the too-short barrel, not even 2 inches.
I picked up an LCR at a gun show 2 weeks ago, first time ever. The light weight made me think again about owning one.
I picked up an LCR at a gun show 2 weeks ago, first time ever. The light weight made me think again about owning one.
Rapidrob
Member
As stated above. you can shoot any .38 Special load out of your .357. Or if you want to,fire full house .357 Mag. The only real disadvantage is bullet safety after it is fired. The .38 may or may not stop a bad guy in Winter garb.
Th.357 was developed to go throught this. In fact the early adds showed the bad guys engine in his get-away-car being shot and stopped my the .357 Mag.
The same bad guy in his winter clothing will most likely have the .357 Mag bullet leave his body. You are responsible for where it goes. Something to think about.
Th.357 was developed to go throught this. In fact the early adds showed the bad guys engine in his get-away-car being shot and stopped my the .357 Mag.
The same bad guy in his winter clothing will most likely have the .357 Mag bullet leave his body. You are responsible for where it goes. Something to think about.
2.25"
I have had the 3" model on my list for some time, but I may go with a gp100 of a similar flavor.
The 2.25" sp101 is everything I need in a concealed blaster. I usually carry a .380 mouse gun every day, but the sp101 gets the nod when I want to pack something more serious.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I pocket carry a 15oz S&W M442 daily loaded with a .38 Special +P bullet. If I feel the need for a heavier handgun I carry a 19.5oz S&W M36 instead. (but it's been a long time since I felt the need)
If I really want weight my 23oz M640 in .357 Magnum gets the call. One is hardly larger than the other. IMO the Ruger SP101 is just too large for what it is. I would rather carry a snub nose K frame or snub nose Six-Series revolver than an SP101 and gain a round.
If it were me I would not replace a perfectly good revolver with a more expensive version of the same revolver merely to gain a few ounces. For as little +P ammo the OP shoots I don't think it's worth the cost or trouble to switch.
If I really want weight my 23oz M640 in .357 Magnum gets the call. One is hardly larger than the other. IMO the Ruger SP101 is just too large for what it is. I would rather carry a snub nose K frame or snub nose Six-Series revolver than an SP101 and gain a round.
If it were me I would not replace a perfectly good revolver with a more expensive version of the same revolver merely to gain a few ounces. For as little +P ammo the OP shoots I don't think it's worth the cost or trouble to switch.
I have a KLCR w/ Crimson Trace grip that I love. I've never fired a .357 load from it, but it is very pleasant to shoot w/ Remington 125r .38+p loads. I got the KLCR as I prefer stainless for the frame, and knowing the CT grip was harder and less forgiving of recoil than the squishy Houge grip I figured a little extra weight wouldn't hurt. I couldn't be more pleased with my choice.
I pocket carry the little KLCR around the house all the time and don't notice the weight at all. Something I couldn't say about the 2.25" SP101 I had prior to the KLCR. For the slight cost to upgrade, I would think it money well spent just for the fact that you would be able to practice with +p ammo that matches your carry load with little to no discomfort.
I pocket carry the little KLCR around the house all the time and don't notice the weight at all. Something I couldn't say about the 2.25" SP101 I had prior to the KLCR. For the slight cost to upgrade, I would think it money well spent just for the fact that you would be able to practice with +p ammo that matches your carry load with little to no discomfort.
SlayerOfBunnies
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Same can be said of 9mm etc. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
AJChenMPH
Member
Sounds like you've made up your mind, which is fine...but just to add one other consideration, the trigger on my KLCR is noticably heavier than the trigger on the .38 LCR that I handled at my LGS. So you'd have that to contend with as well, and it may negate any accuracy advantage you might gain with the heavier weight.
gamestalker
member
Although my personal choice is the .357 mag. frame, a 38 spcl. with honest to goodness +p loads will have no problem defeating even the heaviest of clothing, or largest of 2 legged attacker.
My +P 125 gr. JHP's loads will puch in excess of 1200 fps., this is some serious self defense levels that will take care of business.
!40 gr. +P JHP's are pushing better than 1100 fps, also very effective for SD situations.
158 gr. +P JHP's are still super sonic at 1050 fps, and also very effective as SD.
Now compare that to full throttle .357 magnum, and things don't look as good, but that can be deceiving I think when considering what is really necessary for an effective SD round. But basically add 400 + fps to the 125 gr. JHP, several hundred + fps for the 140 gr., and 200 + fps with a 158 gr. bullet and you have a full house .357 mag..
GS
My +P 125 gr. JHP's loads will puch in excess of 1200 fps., this is some serious self defense levels that will take care of business.
!40 gr. +P JHP's are pushing better than 1100 fps, also very effective for SD situations.
158 gr. +P JHP's are still super sonic at 1050 fps, and also very effective as SD.
Now compare that to full throttle .357 magnum, and things don't look as good, but that can be deceiving I think when considering what is really necessary for an effective SD round. But basically add 400 + fps to the 125 gr. JHP, several hundred + fps for the 140 gr., and 200 + fps with a 158 gr. bullet and you have a full house .357 mag..
GS
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