Any Feedback on the Ruger LCRx with 3-inch Barrel?

[il.bill]

Anyone who can offer some feedback on the Ruger LCRx .38 Spl. 5-shot Revolver with 3-inch Barrel? I have one coming in - I ordered it thinking it could nicely fill the niche for someone looking to buy his or her (or their) first handgun.

I have neither handled nor shot one yet. I have sold a couple of LCR DAO snub nose revolvers in .357 magnum. Both of the buyers stated that full load .357 loads can be brutal, but .38 special feels pretty manageable in the light handgun. I get a number of people who ask me for suggestions on their first purchase. The explanation usually goes along the lines of "looking for something for home defense that could maybe be used also for concealed carry later on if I get my permit".

My wife and I currently use a S&W Model 10 4-inch heavy barrel revolver loaded with semi-jacketed hollow points and kept in a drawer in the middle of the headboard on our bed for our primary 'home protection' firearm. That works well for her and her arthritic hands and fingers. At times even the S&W DA trigger pull is problematic for her, but then cocking the hammer and shooting SA is a nice alternative.

While it is certainly not ideal for all situations, I am thinking that with the simplicity of operation, the nice (I expect) LCR DA trigger pull, and the option of firing it SA, an LCRx 5-shot 3-inch revolver could work well as a reasonably priced and effective first handgun. I have to wonder about how well it shoots - it is of course no 4-inch heavy barrel S&W Model 10 for .38 special, but is it serviceable?

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. What do you folks think?

 

[TruthTellers]

I have a lot of thoughts on the LCRx, most positive. I think for someone who is buying a first handgun and is uncertain if they want to carry or just use for home defense or for target shooting, the LCRx is a good choice. It can serve great in all three situations. Obviously it is bigger than the LCR, so to carry it is a bit more difficult; it all but eliminates pocket carry unless you have some real deep pockets. Even then, it's still very, very light.

For home defense I'd like to see it be a six shot or more, but that's not possible in the LCR size. I think the 3" will be better for inside the home, better than the LCR as it will have more power, little less recoil, and better sights.

As for the "kit gun" label Ruger wants to tack onto it... IMO, I don't see a .38 as a kit gun. IMO, a kit gun is either a .22 or a .32, with a LCR in .327 I would like to see it put in the 3" LCRx by this time next year. That would be a good "kit gun" with the options of low power .32 for small game and .327 for bigger stuff.

As for the DA/SA of the LCRx, I cannot disagree with you that is an extremely good feature. Even with how smooth the DA pull is, a SA pull will always be easier to shoot and hit with at longer than normal distances.

Is the .38 LCRx suited for every possible use? No, but in just about every scenario I can imagine it seems to have more positive features than negative ones. I believe being so light and the .38 being a light shooting round makes the LCRx a gun anybody can learn on and enjoy shooting.

 

[Manny]

I'm hoping Ruger will introduce a .357 mag version of the 3" LCRx. even though I only fire .38+p's in my snubby KLCR, I like the little bit of extra weight and have more confidence in the stainless frame. I also like knowing I have the flexibility to fire .357 in addition to .38's. Options are always nice to have.

 

[Jlr2267]

I have a 3" LCRx, and while it makes a good a pack gun, I don't think it's a good choice for HD or carry (much better choices) or as a first gun. In my experience, the recoil even with standard 38sp turns some new shooters off (I have tried twice w/the same result). The light weight also makes it more difficult to hold on target...especially in DA. Your model 10 would be a much better choice, IMHO.