Experience with Ruger LCR in 22LR?

[DT Guy]

My wife is exceptionally noise and recoil shy; more than anyone else I've trained or shot with. It's not just related to firearms, either; it's systemic across all sorts of noises and such.

I've come to the conclusion that there will be no overcoming it, largely because she is not a 'shooter', and doesn't really have the desire to work to overcome it. :banghead:

She currently shoots a Walther P22 for range fun, and does very well with it (she's a good shot, just not interested.)

With all that said, she's reluctantly agreed she needs to get her CCW, and the only weapon I'm finding that makes sense for her is the LCR in 22LR. The P22 hasn't demonstrated the reliability a carry gun would need, and I'm thinking the simpler the manual-of-arms, the better. Eight shots of 22LR is better than nothing, and I really believe that would be the alternative; if the gun's too loud, she just won't shoot/carry it.


So I'm wondering if anyone's had any experience with the LCR in 22LR, particularly in regards to reliability? And one reason I've provided all that boring background is I'm wondering if there's a gun I've overlooked, something that might fit her needs better than the Ruger?

I would appreciate any opinions-thanks!


Larry

 

[rcmodel]

because she is not a 'shooter', and doesn't really have the desire to work to overcome it.

SO, you want to force her to get a CCW and carry a gun anyway??

Buy her a giant economy can of pepper spray, and go buy yourself another gun you want.

You simply can't force someone to love guns and train with them enough to be safe & proficient, if they have no desire to do so.

And by your own admission, she simply doesn't.

rc

 

[DT Guy]

I don't believe I stated I was 'forcing' her to get a gun. In fact, "she's reluctantly agreed that she needs to get her CCW" was how I put it, and that's based on her concerns because of incidents in our area.

I also did not say she was afraid of guns-not at all. She strongly dislikes blast and recoil, specifically. She is a competent, but disinterested, shooter.

And if, like I do, you consider a gun a tool, is there really a need for interest and fascination with one to use it to defend yourself? Does a carpenter really have to 'get into' his hammer to use it? Do we have to be car buffs to want a safe, reliable vehicle to drive to work?

You seem to be projecting some sort of coercion on my part, and you're wrong. She has decided she NEEDS a carry gun; unlike many of us, she does not enthusiastically WANT a new gun, but that doesn't mean we don't need to make a good choice in selecting one for her.

And as an OC instructor, I'll leave your comment about the pepper spray; having sprayed literally HUNDREDS of people, both live and in training, not ONE was prevented from continuing an attack. Worlds of difference between that and a firearm of any sort.

So, thanks-I guess.

 

[colt38]

I've owned a LCR22 for better than a year. I've put at least 500 rounds down range and it has functioned 100%. It's surprisingly accurate and the double action only trigger is pretty good.
I've never carried it for cc but I would trust it to go bang when the trigger is pulled.

colt38

 

[Stress_Test]

I have the same problem with noise sensitivity. Don't know why or what causes it; just one of those things. Even ordinary stuff like a door slamming or somebody's loud cellphone going off can catch me by surprise and make me jump. Sounds like your wife's the same way.

It's definitely a hassle on the range; I usually spend anywhere from the first 10 to 30 minutes jumping out of my skin if there are semi-random big caliber shots being fired. If it's a steady barrage (crowded range) it's easier to get used to faster. But after a time I DO get used to it and settle down.


I say all this to make the point that the noise and recoil thing is just something she'll have to work at to get de-sensitized to. Sticking with a .22 LR is good to keep the noise and blast to a minimum. I'd go with longer barrels rather than shorter for the same reason.

The bad part is it sounds like she doesn't want to spend the time it takes to become "used to it".

 

[DNS]

Love mine but the triggering pull is around nine pounds to set off the harder rimfire primers.

Smooth and consistent pull though.

 

[DT Guy]

I'm glad to hear they're reliable, at least. .22 ammo in general seems somewhat less reliable than centerfire ammo, and at least a revolver won't hang up like a semiauto would.

I've heard that about the trigger pulls, also, but it makes sense; I know a Smith J frame .38 can handle a much lighter pull than a J frame .22, simply because of the impact needed by the rimfire firing pin.

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.


Larry

 

[Defc0n]

Don't have the 22LR version of the LCR but I do have the 357 version. Along with the long(ish) trigger pull I would also like to add that you need to make sure you allow the trigger to reset completely. I'll admit that I have been a little eager while practicing and didn't let the trigger reset completely while drawing and firing two/three quick shots.

Beyond that though its always been 100%. With some light hand loads there is almost no kick with 38spl rounds, but if you must go with the 22 because of the reasons you have mentioned then go with that.

 

[fxstchewy]

Owned one for a while now and i like it, i don't use it for carry but mine has been 100%.

 

[David E]

Have you considered .38 wad cutters in a steel gun? Could get a lighter trigger pull and a larger bullet than the .22

 

[DT Guy]

I've given some thought to the .38 with ultra light loads, but she's been adamant that a .22 is what she wants.

I've often advocated starting shooters on .22's, with heavier calibers saved for later, and this is just why; impressions formed early on become ingrained, and are hard to overcome later. At some point, handing a girl a .357 and giggling while you convince her to touch one off (no, I'm not the one who did it) can be very counterproductive.


Larry

 

[Kendal Black]

I'm glad to hear they're reliable, at least. .22 ammo in general seems somewhat less reliable than centerfire ammo, and at least a revolver won't hang up like a semiauto would.

I've heard that about the trigger pulls, also, but it makes sense; I know a Smith J frame .38 can handle a much lighter pull than a J frame .22, simply because of the impact needed by the rimfire firing pin.

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.


Larry

I certainly agree with that! Both that .22LR ammo is not tops in reliability and you want a revolver, therefore, to shoot it. CCI Mini Mags seems to do consistently better than most in the matter of lighting off when the rims are whacked.

I have not owned the LCR, but I think it is a good gun on cursory examination. The trigger pull is at least not as horrific as the S&W 317 I was carrying for a while due to carpal tunnel problems.

Eight shots of .22 (you say she can shoot pretty well) is a long way indeed from being unarmed.

PS: Tuff QuickStrips, thank me later

 

[TennJed]

I have one and for her needs it is perfect. Shoots where's pointed.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

I had one and it is certainly reliable. I never had a single problem with ignition or extraction of any ammo. The LCR is also ruggedly built for a small firearm - it can handle being banged around in a purse or whatever.

8 shots on target will solve most problems. The .22lr will allow excellent accuracy and quick follow ups.

The rimfire LCRs have stiffer triggers that the centerfire LCRs, but it's not bad. I found the Ruger quite competent but ultimately hard to love. I bought mine for a fun plinker, and it was less capable in that role than it might be in a defensive role.

 

[OregonJohnny]

I didn't see it mentioned yet, but Ruger also makes the LCR in .22WMR. It's 6 rounds instead of the .22LR's 8, but I think I'd take the 2-round deficit for a slightly better self-defense cartridge. Especially since a few ammo companies have developed some great short-barrel .22WMR defensive ammo.

Hornady's .22WMR 45-grain critical defense round penetrates as deep in ballistic gel from a 2" barrel as their .380ACP 90-grain Critical Defense round does from a 2.75" barrel. I believe Speer also makes a new .22WMR short-barrel hollowpoint round. So if .22 rimfire is her absolute tolerance limit, the magnum is the way I would go.

Having said that, I think a Ruger SP101 (or other steel .38/.357) loaded with very light recoiling, 158-grain JHP or SWC bullets is a great compromise. This combo is very gentle in the recoil and noise department, but still a big step up from .22LR. And a monumental leap in performance and reliability, as well.

My wife is tall but very slim and petite, with hardly any tolerance whatsoever for blast and recoil. The light .38 Special loads in the SP101 mentioned above are not exactly enjoyable for her to shoot, but she at least gets through 10-15 rounds before she's had enough. And I've smoothed the trigger out, which is so much better than the LCR triggers I've felt.

This subject can be a big challenge for husbands and boyfriends. It can be a long process. But have patience and listen to her. Hey, at least she sees the NEED, even if she doesn't WANT.

 

[grimjaw]

I have the .22LR LCR. I got it because after having surgery to repair damage in my wrist, it became uncomfortable to do many things, even shake hands. Shooting even light .38 loads in my Airweight J-frame didn't agree with me. But I still wanted a revolver I could pocket carry. I am a fan of the J-frame ergos, and what I would have preferred was a 317. Those are prohibitively expensive new nowadays, and rare to find used locally.

The LCR has a fairly consistent, if heavy, pull. However, I personally don't like the grips that it comes with. It's not quite as svelte or light as a J-frame but will still fit in a pocket. I haven't put through many rounds through mine but it worked fine for the ranges you'd expect to employ it. If you want a .22 revolver that's made to carry, you don't have many other options. I think the Taurus line of .22 caliber revolvers all have adjustable sights, not real great for pockets or purses.

If .22 was available today at reasonable prices I might keep the LCR for a fun gun. But I'm selling mine (it's in the forum if you're interested). Nothing wrong with it regarding reliability, just wish I could afford a different gun.

 

[swmp9jrm]

My wife has an LCR .22 magnum as her first handgun - she picked it herself. She has a hard time being accurate with it due to the hefty trigger pull - 16 pounds as measured by a Timney gauge. I contacted Ruger about whether this is 'normal' - they said for the .22LR and .22 magnum the normal trigger pull range is 14-18 pounds. So I'm in the market for an SA/DA .22 magnum revolver for her until she gets her finger strength built up. She really likes the LCR's, but needs something that she can shoot single action until she's more comfortable at the firing line.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have an LCR in 22LR. I think it is a reasonable choice for carry if a person is uncomfortable with a larger caliber for whatever reason. The only issue I have had is sometimes the empties are a little hard to eject from the cylinder. At self defense distances, I have no problem with the trigger, but it would never do for any kind of precision shooting as far as I'm concerned. Lots of fun to shoot!

 

[Viper225]

My brother and I both have one. Neither has not fired EVER.

I carry Stingers in mine. They eject hard, but function fine.
Velocitors on the other hand will lock mine up on the first shot.

I have not fired any CCI Segmented through it so far.

I like mine just fine.

For a reload I carry a Tuff Products 10 Shot Quick Strip. Load it like this with 7 rounds:
OOXOOXOOXO
Skipping a round between pairs gives you cylinder clearance to do a Quick Strip Reload 2 at a time. Index on the empty chamber before closing. It only holds 7 but this is as good as I have came up with for a reload you can pocket carry. I can do a tactical reload of 7 as fast or faster than I can Speed Strip reload a 5 shot J Frame.

A 22 in her pocket is way better than a 38 in the dresser drawer.

Bob

 

[DT Guy]

Thanks for the info.

Viper, wondering how it would work to find a small, smooth .22 magazine and carry that as an 'ammo carrier'? Thumb the rounds out and into the cylinder?

Of course, one would have to resist the urge to jam the magazine into the butt of the revolver over and over under stress....


Larry

 

[bullseyebob47]

i have the lcr 22 with at least 2,000 rounds of mostly federal bulk and other cheap ammo like bulk remington through it with no malfunctions while shooting. ejecting spent shells is a different story. imo this gun can be part of a new york reload but thats it. its very accurate up close and 50+ yards away. but what will a .22lr round nose from a 2" barrel do in ballistics gel or scull?

 

[stressed]

Just be sure to get a longer barrel for her. A .22 is pretty loud out of a snubby. Noise don't bother me too much but it's a high pitch pop that bothers me.

 

[Manny]

I have one and my my only two issues with it are the somewhat stiff trigger and the fact that the front sight can't be changed to something more visible. All the replacement fiber optic or tritium sights available are the wrong height to maintain the proper POA/POI. I wish someone would come up with a fix for that, the trigger I can live with.

 

[Jim NE]

Hope I'm not getting off track since the OP asked about .22 LCR's. Just wondering if he ever considered a .32 H&R magnum for a recoil shy shooter? You can shoot .32 Smith and Wesson Long cartridges in them, and I'm guessing they'll be more potent than a .22. And this ammo has been showing up in gun shops a lot more than you would think...around here, anyway. You can even go down to the .32 S&W ("short") for extra low recoil, but I'm not sure they would be any better than a .22lr (or even as good). I believe Ruger SP101's were available in .32 H&R, so the heavier weight might eat up recoil better than the LCR. Downside: Not the capacity of the .22.

Just a thought. Good luck in your quest.