Choose a .38: 642 vs. LCR?

[TrailWolf]

Just sold my LCP as I miss my 642 and, even though never had ONE issue with my LCP in 300 rounds, just not warming up to it...

So, as I can get them for about the same price - if you could start over with a .38special snubbie, would you go for the 642 or LCR?

I want to place my order tonight.

Thanks

 

[Jabr0ney]

I own a 442(same as 642, just in black), never had a problem with it. Trigger got better after dry firing a lot with snap caps. Also there is a huge selection of holsters and after market grips so you can get exactly what fits your needs best. Heard the LCR has a better trigger. My only grip with the lcr is lack of grip and holster options. You really wont be disappointed with either. But my opinion is go with the 642!

 

[56hawk]

So... Why do you say 38 Special, and then have a 357 in your poll? Because personally I would go with a Smith in 357.

 

[mdauben]

I'd go with the 642, but I'm a Smith man. Honestly, I would not feel disadvantaged with a LCR, either, its more personal taste than anything.

As far as the final choice, even the thought of shooting full bore .357 ammo in an ultra-lightweight snub revolver makes me wince. I would rather shoot .38 +P even in a .357 snub, so why not just stick with one chambered for .38 to begin with.

 

[TrailWolf]

So... Why do you say 38 Special, and then have a 357 in your poll? Because personally I would go with a Smith in 357.

.357 as I want to leave a few options open...

I reality I doubt I would ever carry .357s, but I like having the option since I have a few other .357s - also feel that it would help with resale down the road. I can get an LCR in .357 for $440 out the door where the LCR in .38 is about $370 out the door - same as the 642.

Would love to go S&W .357 J-Frame, but I just cant justify the price - not worth it to me in the least, unless I could find one for under $450.

 

[TrailWolf]

I'd go with the 642, but I'm a Smith man. Honestly, I would not feel disadvantaged with a LCR, either, its more personal taste than anything.

As far as the final choice, even the thought of shooting full bore .357 ammo in an ultra-lightweight snub revolver makes me wince. I would rather shoot .38 +P even in a .357 snub, so why not just stick with one chambered for .38 to begin with.

I agree - .38 +P were unpleasant for me, but for just about $50 more I can get the LCR in .357 and like the idea of versatility and to help with resale if necessary...

Is it to the point between the 642 and LCR that I should just got for the cheaper of the two?

 

[jungle]

Skip them both and buy an SP101. Yes, it is heavier, but it is something you can easily practice with under real world conditions without pain.

It will easily outlast and outshoot your other choices. If you can find a 3" all the better.

 

[56hawk]

Would love to go S&W .357 J-Frame, but I just cant justify the price - not worth it to me in the least, unless I could find one for under $450.

Ah, it all makes sense now. Might be able to find a used one for that price, but it looks like new ones go for closer to $600.

 

[Bullnettles]

Another vote for 642. I've had both and just feel safer with the revolver.

 

[bergmen]

Well, my wife and I ended up getting both. We started with the 642 for her, 442 for me. Then we visited a gunshop and felt the trigger on the LCR and had to have those too.

We like 'em both but I find I carry my 442 far more often than the LCR since I put an extended grip on mine for more comfort:

Both are fun as heck to shoot. I don't think I could give up either one.

Lotta help I am.

Dan

 

[spotch]

I voted lcr 357. I read a ton of reviews that raved about the trigger and comfort/shootability, held one and dry fired it, loved it, bought it, ended up loving it way more. I'm fairly recoil averse but the lcr357 with 38spl or +p is no big deal whatsoever. It's actually quite fun to shoot IMHO.

 

[firesky101]

YMMV, but I find the .357 in an LCR to be no more punishing than a 4" k-frame. They say the polymer frame absorbs recoil, I am not a scientist but there may be something to that. I voted you step up to the KLCR, but of course I said that... it is what I did.

 

[YJake]

If you are seriously considering pocket carry the 442/642 models are the best option period. The LCR .38/.357 is heavier and has larger stocks that stick to clothing.

The X42 models come with okay stocks but S&W wooden magna stocks can be had for the ultimate in concealment and snag-free draw. (Not to mention classy )
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764770_-1_758004_757843_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N


Want finger grooves and more to hold on to? Order a set of Secret Service stocks.
http://www.eaglegrips.com/guns/Secret-Service-Rosewood-SW-J-Frame-Round-Butt-Grips-Smooth.html


Want the best value in a handmade pocket holster? Mika is your man.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

Of course, there are a million other fine grip options out there as well as holster options.

-Jake

 

[weisse52]

I have owned both. A 642 is in my pocket right now. You cannot go wrong with either one. I see no reason to own a .357 in a gun that size. Can you say flinch....sure you can!

 

[spotch]

If you are seriously considering pocket carry the 442/642 models are the best option period. The LCR .38/.357 is heavier and has larger stocks that stick to clothing.

The X42 models come with okay stocks but S&W wooden magna stocks can be had for the ultimate in concealment and snag-free draw. (Not to mention classy )
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764770_-1_758004_757843_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N


Want finger grooves and more to hold on to? Order a set of Secret Service stocks.
http://www.eaglegrips.com/guns/Secret-Service-Rosewood-SW-J-Frame-Round-Butt-Grips-Smooth.html


Want the best value in a handmade pocket holster? Mika is your man.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

Of course, there are a million other fine grip options out there as well as holster options.

-Jake

The 38 special lcr weighs less than the 442/642, and if the recoil-reducing grips on the lcr bother you there is a smaller boot grip available from Ruger and rosewood grips offered by eagle (iirc).

Fwiw.

 

[nelson133]

I carried a 442 for several years as a backup. Bought an LCR in .357 and traded the 442. Even after years of dry fire and range time, the 442 trigger never got as nice as the LCR out of the box. I also found that I shot the LCR much better.

 

[mavracer]

Have both if I could only have one I'd take an LCR with the XS sight and boot grip.

 

[ForumSurfer]

I really liked my LCR with the hogue grip and I wish I had never sold it. It shot really well and had a fantastic trigger. I'm not a revolver guy, but when I shot both the LCR and 642 side by side with no preference or brand loyalty...the trigger on the LCR felt worlds ahead of the 642.

 

[fatcpa]

Over the last couple of years I have owned all three. I started with a S&W 442 and liked it pretty well but it wasn't a lot fun to shoot. I bought an LCR and it was a lot easier on the hands and wrist and I shot it enough to become fairly proficient with it. I made the jump to the LCR 357 and was surprised that I was able to shoot full load 357's without any ill effect. Wouldn't call it fun, but I could shoot enough to feel OK with carrying it. A while back I decided I wanted to pocket carry and so I went back to a S&W 642. The LCR's are a lot more comfortable at the range because of the Hogue grips, but those grips make them noticeably bigger in the pocket. I didn't realize how small the 642 was until I changed back. I decided that I could take some discomfort at the range in exchange for the difference in the way it felt in my pocket. I kept the last LCR and it sits on a shelf by my front door. I put XS big dot front sights on the LCR's when I bought them and that made a world of difference in accuracy to me. If you go wth the LCR and don't mind the extra 3 or 4 ounces, go with the 357. It is a hoot to shoot! I'll have to agree with some others that the trigger on the LCR is better, but for some reason, I can "stage" the trigger on the 442 better.

 

[easyg]

LCR all the way!

 

[wlewisiii]

When I faced that decision, I went with 642 & my selection reflects that. However, after about 6 months I came to the understanding that I could not comfortably shoot anything that light with ammo that I could trust. :banghead:

I currently carry a G19 instead until I can pick up a 3" Model 10 or 13. Steel K frame, that's the real ticket

 

[Bush Pilot]

Have both guns and prefer the LCR, much smoother trigger and easier to shoot.

 

[jad0110]

I own a 642, and if I were to do it all over I'd go with the 442. LCRs have smoother triggers, but x42s generally smoothen up with use. The deciding factor for me is the x42's trigger return. I much prefer the firmer, more positive return of the x42 to the mushier LCR, but YMMV.

 

[MQP]

Friends,
I have both.
I shoot them both.
The LCR trigger is way better.
I carry the LCR.
Q

 

[chubcobear]

Light to pocket carry....

.....so therefore LCR. Trigger smooth, easy to stay on target.