Dang it, I Picked up an Ruger LCR .22lr today. Couldn't help myself

[TennJed]

Was in Sportsman's Warehouse today and they had a Ruger LCR in .22lr. I knew better than to hold it. Once I did it was no turning back. I have a thing for small guns (they fascinate me) and I have had an itch for a small .22lr revolver. The LCR just felt too good in my hand. The trigger is very nice. Seems like this will be one of the ultimate plinking fun guns.

Yeah I know I didn't "need" it. Heck I don't even have a LCR in 357 or 38, this just seemed liked the best value in a small light weight .22lr revolver. I am already trying to rationalize a LCR in 357 purchase. I am hopeless.

Anyway, I will post a range report as soon as I get it out. Anyone else have one? Interested to see how other owners feel about theirs.

 

[weblance]

I have the LCR-22 also. I like it alot. It shoots to point of aim easily. The trigger is heavier than my KLCR, but I knew it would be and I understand why it is. 22 needs more impact on the rim for reliable ignition. I actually bought this for my wife. She has limited strength in her hands and wanted something for around the house when Im gone. I also have the Single Ten, a new Single Six, and an SR22P. All are awesome, and I would recommend any of them when someone askes.

 

[TennJed]

I have the LCR-22 also. I like it alot. It shoots to point of aim easily. The trigger is heavier than my KLCR, but I knew it would be and I understand why it is. 22 needs more impact on the rim for reliable ignition. I actually bought this for my wife. She has limited strength in her hands and wanted something for around the house when Im gone. I also have the Single Ten, a new Single Six, and an SR22P. All are awesome, and I would recommend any of them when someone askes.

I also have a Single Six and a MKIII from Ruger. I also made another mistake, I held a Bearcat. I have never really looked to hard at the bearcat before, thinking the Single Six would be all I need. As I mentioned before, I like small guns and the Bearcat really really appealed to me.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

The Bearcat and Single Ten both have barrels designed for .22LR only. The Single Six has a slightly larger barrel to accommodate the .22 Magnum.

 

[tubeshooter]

Congratulations! I'm sure that LCR .22 will be a lot of fun.


I'm in the same boat, want a Bearcat too. Hate what they're charging for them new, though. Hoping I stumble across one on a good deal down the road.

 

[Shoobee]

http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/index.html

Not a bad gun.

Too short to be a good backpacking handgun though.

And I would not trust my life with it as a back up. For that I would want at least a .380 if not a .38 instead.

So I am not sure what useful purpose these serve.

Why did you get it? What do you have in mind for it?

The Ruger products I like most are their 10/22 and their 22/45.

 

[TennJed]

http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/index.html

Not a bad gun.

Too short to be a good backpacking handgun though.

And I would not trust my life with it as a back up. For that I would want at least a .380 if not a .38 instead.

So I am not sure what useful purpose these serve.

Why did you get it? What do you have in mind for it?

The Ruger products I like most are their 10/22 and their 22/45.

Well I got it because I didn't have one. If I only bought handguns for defense purpose I would only own 2. A small concealable handgun and a larger one for home defense/ backpack type are the only 2 handguns anyone really needs. Anyone who buys more do do to satisfy a need they create in their mind.

I needed this because guns are my hobby. I needed this because I like small guns. I was lacking a small da revolver in 22lr. This gun should be a lot of fun. Probably will not use kit for much other than fun. I do plan on this being my pocket gun when I go fishing though. This would be my perfered handgun when I walk up on a snake

 

[22-rimfire]

Why did you get it? What do you have in mind for it?

What an innocent but loaded question. I guess you are hoping for the home defense or carry gun application... I also bought one and have no earthly need for it, so the answer is "just because". I had nothing in mind for the LCR-22 other than it might be fun to shoot now and then. Bought a SR22 also and like that one a lot. Both are cool little 22 handguns.

 

[David E]

Dang, can't a fella buy a gun for, oh, I dunno, fun?

 

[Shoobee]

22-rimfire -- What an innocent but loaded question. I guess you are hoping for the home defense or carry gun application... I also bought one and have no earthly need for it, so the answer is "just because". I had nothing in mind for the LCR-22 other than it might be fun to shoot now and then. Bought a SR22 also and like that one a lot. Both are cool little 22 handguns.

I walk into gunshops often to buy ammo, and I often look over their display cabinets to see what is new and what is popular. But I have never had the urge to buy anything just because it looked good.

I still need a good backpacking 22LR, and I am not sure whether to get a pistol, revolver, or rifle.

Otherwise, I have a home protection pistol in 44ACP 10+ 1, a home protection shotgun in 12 guage pump 8 + 1 (no sport plug), a scoped hunting rifle in .300 RUM, and a hiking/scouting/backpacking revolver in 44 rem mag.

I do not believe a zombie invasion is imminent anytime soon, so I have not obtained a 5.56mm yet nor do I plan to. I don't ride a horse nor have a gun rack in a pickup truck so I don't need a lever action either. Besides the 22LR, I have everything already that I could ever need.

I just don't see a use for myself for a snub nosed 22LR revolver. And it makes me wonder why there is a market for it? I can imagine a few. But none that applies to me.

Of all my guns, the 45ACP is the most fun, because it does not hurt at all to shoot (unlike the 44, the 300, and the 12 gauge, which all hurt), and because its the one I practice my quick-draw with.

So it wasn't a loaded question. It was a hard question.

 

[TennJed]

I walk into gunshops often to buy ammo, and I often look over their display cabinets to see what is new and what is popular. But I have never had the urge to buy anything just because it looked good.

I still need a good backpacking 22LR, and I am not sure whether to get a pistol, revolver, or rifle.

Otherwise, I have a home protection pistol in 44ACP 10+ 1, a home protection shotgun in 12 guage pump 8 + 1 (no sport plug), a scoped hunting rifle in .300 RUM, and a hiking/scouting/backpacking revolver in 44 rem mag.

I do not believe a zombie invasion is imminent anytime soon, so I have not obtained a 5.56mm yet nor do I plan to. I don't ride a horse nor have a gun rack in a pickup truck so I don't need a lever action either. Besides the 22LR, I have everything already that I could ever need.

I just don't see a use for myself for a snub nosed 22LR revolver. And it makes me wonder why there is a market for it? I can imagine a few. But none that applies to me.

Of all my guns, the 45ACP is the most fun, because it does not hurt at all to shoot (unlike the 44, the 300, and the 12 gauge, which all hurt), and because its the one I practice my quick-draw with.

So it wasn't a loaded question. It was a hard question.

I would assume there is a large market for it, as a cheaper trainer for the many many people that use the LCR 38/357. That is the intended target market, and I am sure it is a big one.

Throw on top of that all the people that may have been, or would be on the fence about buying the LCR as their CCW gun. Knowing you can buy the same model in .22lr to get trigger time with, might be the thing that completes the sale.

If you ask me it is a very good idea and could really help the overall sucess of the LCR line (not that it needs help)

Then you got the random wierd market people. I fall into that category. I got guns that serve every purpose I could ever have. But, and here is the weird part, I enjoy firearms Not trying to seem snarkey or argumentative, but your questions comes off as you see no need to buy a weapon that doesn't serve some sort of super serious need. I clearly stated in the opening post that I had no use for the gun other than fun. But you asked why I would want one because it serves no purpose to you. Well it serves a very big purpose to me. I want one, can afford it, and it will enchance my enjoyment of this hobby.

I would be willing to bet most guns I buy in the future, will be for curiosity, history, or fun. No offense, but when you finally aquire enough guns to feel safe, don't stop buying. Try out something that might be fun

 

[22-rimfire]

Shoobee, it might make a very good backpacking 22 revolver. You would need to practice with it and if shooting squirrels was your possible use, a longer barrel would probably be better. But I know what you mean about "purpose". I thought you were nudging for someone to say personal defense and to begin that discussion regarding the effectiveness of a 22LR. With the popularity of CCW, it seems the snubs have garnered a lot of interest. Years ago, Colt made the Diamondback revolver in 22 and a 2.5" barrel like it's 38spl brother. It was not popular at all and sold poorly. But it is one of the purdiest little 22 revolvers ever made...

I also need few new handguns like TennJed. I suppose something could change in that regard. I buy things now because they interest me.

 

[Shoobee]

I agree that a snubbie would make a good CCW gun. But I would want a .38 or a .38 special at least. Those two pack quite a punch.

 

[Maia007]

I am considering one. And not that I need to "justify" the purchase to anyone, but my "purpose" might include:

It might be a fun way simply to enjoy shooting. Just for the sake of simply being alive and enjoying one of things I like to do.

It might serve as an "understudy" gun to the .38 snubs I have for other purposes.

It might warm me up to the possibility of the LCR as a .38 that I might use for other purposes.

It might allow me to get more practice in the basic shooting fundamentals with the revolver platform for a better mastery of grip, sights, smoothness of presentation, seamless delivery of shot after shot....that sort of thing and with less anguish concerning ammo cost.

It might be a gun that I could use to share my passion for shooting to a deserving kid.

 

[spotch]

I know I'm a little late here, but having just shot my LCR 22 for the first time a week or so ago, I figured I'd chime in with some reasons to get one.

1. Makes for a near-perfect trainer for the larger LCRs
2. Teaches trigger control (somewhat stiff trigger compared to many other revolvers and semi-autos teaches you how to pull it smoothly while keeping the sights on target)
3. It's *a lot* of fun to shoot. Tons. That alone is more than enough justification IMHO.
4. Super-low recoil makes it an excellent trainer even for people with extremely weak hands. Exchangeable grips means it also works well for small hands.
5. If someone is intimidated by the recoil or flash of 38spl or 9mm carry-size guns, the lcr 22 is still entirely approachable and enjoyable. For these people, being accurate with a 22lr is way better than carrying something you're terrified of shooting and have no practice with whatsoever. It's also a great way to train someone without worrying about them developing a flinch from the pain/blast.
6. Does all of the above for *FAR* *FAR* less than any larger caliber handgun. At the price I bought mine it will pay for itself within about 1500 rounds of 38 special (assuming you buy teh 38spl in one or two huge bulk shipments... if you're buying it a few boxes at a time it will pay for itself much much faster)


So basically, it's a gun that's free after a year or two's worth of use (depending on how often you shoot), that's a ton of fun to shoot and can be enjoyed by EVERYONE.

The question SHOULD be, why NOT buy one?

 

[saenzrich]

I agree I just picked one up for 356.00 shipped to my FFL from Gunbroker. After my transfer fee of 15.00 it was right at 370.00...not bad for a cheap plinker.

 

[bdjansen]

Why would anyone need a backpacking gun? Seems like easily discarded extra weight to me.

 

[HiVel1]

I bought a 357 and a 22 at the same time after selling my 38 (LCR's all) cuz it had some problems. I am glad I got the guns as the 357 is a jewel and the 22 is a really fun shooter that is also an accurate training gun for my trigger finger. I just like these guns -0K? Reason enough to buy anything IMHO. I married my wife because I liked her-49 years ago -so??

 

[robinkevin]

Why would anyone need a backpacking gun? Seems like easily discarded extra weight to me.

People who backpack in the wilderness usually want to have a firearm of some sort rather this be a rifle or handgun. Why? Everything from self defense from both animal or human, to survival if something would go wrong and they need to hunt for food. Depending on where you are backpacking would determine how much weapon you need. For example people who backpack in Alaska usually carry .357 or larger for protection against bears...

Back on topic. A person can never have too many firearms and a small .22 is just fun not to mention like others have a great trainer weapon. Trigger control after all is more than likely most important part of shooting.

 

[FMJMIKE]

I bought a LCR22 on a whim too. Shoots great !!! More accurate than I expected. I carry it while working in the yard. A little insurance for poisonous snakes or a wild chipmunk ...........

 

[TreeDoc]

I don't justify my gun purchases anymore. I buy and shoot. If I get bored with it I sell or trade it away. Just purchased a NAA 22 mag shorty. Don't know what heck the I need it for, but it is a hoot to shoot.

 

[TMann]

Could one of you all describe the trigger pull on the .22 LCR? Is it just like the .38 LCR, but heavier? Anyone know how it compares to the .22 SP101?

My main carry gun is a S&W 442. I've been thinking of getting a small .22 revolver for cheap practice.

TMann

 

[meanmrmustard]

I agree that a snubbie would make a good CCW gun. But I would want a .38 or a .38 special at least. Those two pack quite a punch.

.22 LR, being low or no recoil in most applications, are inherently more accurate with less muzzle rise than their larger bore counterparts. Agreed, hit your target with a .38, it will perform better. However, to those who are worth their salt, most know of small bore grouping capabilities over heavy hitting and heavy recoiling guns. Miss your target with your .38, and there still is no hole in the baddie. Put a few fast fired well aimed .22 in the cranium or thoracic area, and the baddie isn't going to care that he was shot with a .22....cuz he be dead.

Before flaming, I do not advocate .22 for woods protection against predators larger than a yote. But, of the two legged variety, hell yes.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Dang, can't a fella buy a gun for, oh, I dunno, fun?

Somewhere down the line, some folks must've let fun go by the wayward, and all I'm hearing these days are "niche weapons" and "applications". Where are the days of shooting for shootings sake?

 

[spotch]

Tmann,

The trigger pull is stiffer than the other two lcr's, but not terrible. And from what I can tell its about as good a trigger you're going to get on a small 22lr revolver due to the needs of the cartridge. I think its an excellent idea for practice and it really is a fun little gun.