LCR Alternatives

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2WheelsGood

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It looks like I'm going to buy my first revolver. My wife is having a hard time gaining any confidence with any of my autos (she's left handed, has a tough time racking the slide, clearing jams), so she suggested maybe I should get a revolver for her to try. Not being one to turn down the green light on any gun purchase, I think I'm going to take her up on it.

The .357 Ruger LCR is at the top of my list (with .38s for her to start with). My concern is its reputation for being a bit on the snappy side. I'm doing everything I can to make this confidence-inspiring for her. Is there something similar (price and caliber) that's a bit less snappy? Or is it really not that bad?
 
If you handload you can mitigate any felt recoil. 148gr wadcutters will shoot soft and still provide a defense load.
 
Smith Wesson 642 with full grips, shooting lighter loads.

I can do 100 rnds with total control and no discomfort,
and I have small hands.

The key is full grips.

attachment.php
 
I just bought a .38 special LCR and it was a bit snappy with +p rounds but not unreasonable. It did feel less snappy than some S&W snubs i've shot.

The .357 version is a few ounces heavier, it shouldn't be too bad with light .38 special loads.
 
oneounceload said:
If this is not for CCW purposes, look at K frames with 4" barrels; otherwise look at the steel J-frames or Colt snubbies
Click to expand...
Initially it's more just to get her comfortable, but definitely CCW is the ultimate goal.

Nematocyst, that looks like a great option. I hadn't seen one with a full grip.

The wadcutters sound like a great idea no matter what I choose.
 
2Wheel, full grips are great,
at least to start with.
You can always downsize later.

K's are an excellent idea.
I'd opt for a 3" barrel.

SW mod 60, 64 or 65 are nice
and eat both .38 spl and .357 mag.
 
btg3 said:
Has your wife looked at this link?
http://www.corneredcat.com/RunGun/rack.aspx
Click to expand...
Yes, definitely. Wonderful resource! She can rack it. She's taken lessons, and she's been through CCW training all using a Glock 19. It's more that it's taking away from her enjoyment enough that she's not motivated to shoot very often. I also think being a lefty isn't helping. The slide release is simply on the wrong side for a lefty. I know there are a few true ambidextrous autos, but I'm hesitant to spend the money if it's not going to fix the problem. I think if she can get really comfortable with the revolver, and get used to the noise and recoil, she'll find her way back to the autos where she can tackle the rest of her dislikes. Though I'd be more than happy if she stuck with revolvers forever... as long as she sticks with something.
 
I think if she can get really comfortable with the revolver, and get used to the noise and recoil, she'll find her way back to the autos where she can tackle the rest of her dislikes.
Click to expand...

Eh... I love my Colt Cobra but the way I got used to the noise and recoil was to get the .22 version. I don't like practicing with the .38, but I *really* like shooting the .22. The .38 gets carried, but the .22 gets 95% of the range time.

I haven't shot the LCR (it was on my short-list of guns, though), but I suspect if noise and recoil are dislikes there are better revolver options out there.
 
Having somewhat the same issue with my 105 lb daughter; even the 148 WCs were too snappy in a Smith 640 Centennial.
I would still suggest the weight of the steel framed Centennial to mitigate recoil and the humpback shape allows a lower bore axis; you can choke higher on the frame. My daughter has shot rifles, but handguns were a little intimidating. I taught her to shoot double action with a M63 in .22rf, but the bang and bounce of the .38 snub were too much.
I dug out the original, smaller grips for the gun to better fit her hands. Then a buddy cast me some 107 gr bullets, and I found some data I could use with Trailboss powder. The lighter bullets really lighten the felt recoil.
Eventually, I'll turn up the power level a bit.
Moon
 
If you want to keep her interested in handguns, a small frame like the LCR will discourage her quick, even with wadcutter loads. I've shot my LCR with 148gr loads that go 625 fps out of a 6" barrel and it is still quite snappy and for the novice would not be comfortable. I'm don't have a problem with heavy recoil so that evaluation comes with experience. The LCR and other guns like it not not beginner's guns.

Go with what the some of the others have suggested, a medium frame revolver in 357 Magnum. Use lower powered loads until she gains more experience and confidence.

As an instructor, my students new to handguns typically prefer the medium frame revolvers in 4" to 6" barrels over anything else. That's guys and gals.
 
I'll second the SP101. Its a little bit heavier than a J frame but the weight in a small .357mag is actually a plus.
 
Magnumite said:
I've shot my LCR with 148gr loads that go 625 fps out of a 6" barrel and it is still quite snappy and for the novice would not be comfortable.
Click to expand...
Out of curiosity, is your LCR a .357 or a .38? I see the .357 is about 4 ounces heavier, so that may help a little bit.

We're going to try to look at some tonight. The SP101 sounds like it might be worth a try. It's a fair amount heavier, and the price is still reasonable. The S&W 642 is on the short list too. She liked it at least from the photo Nematocyst posted. Ultimately I'll let her decide, though unfortunately finding a store around here with a range to test 'em out is tough. But hey, if she still doesn't like whatever we get, I've got another excuse to buy more! :D

Thanks to all.
 
Start her with a 22 pistol!

My wife was afraid of pistols having shot a full-house 357 once.

I started her with a Ruger 22LR semi-auto. Nothing more powerful for the first three of four trips to the range. That got her used to the idea that the gun was not going to hurt. It taught her how to line up the sights and trigger control. I did not have to reload anything, either.

If you don't already have a 22 pistol, what better excuse could you have. (money I spend on my eight-year-old grandson doesn't count, too.)

Try it, really, try it. It really works.
 
waldron said:
Try it, really, try it. It really works.
Click to expand...
I have a Walther P22, and she likes shooting that. But that gun is also incredibly easy to rack, and it's very small and manageable compared to my larger caliber guns. So I'm hoping she'll gain more confidence with the revolver then move back to messin' around with the other autos.
 
just to throw in another idea, you may look for a 327, or 32h&R..2 guns in one and then some.

you can shoot a variety of ammo through them, and are very light recoiling.
and as far as ccw they would work well, and good for small game/plinking etc.

I too love my sp101s, very nice revolvers, I have the 357 and 32 H&R.

Good luck
 
Nematocyst said:
Smith Wesson 642 with full grips, shooting lighter loads.

I can do 100 rnds with total control and no discomfort,
and I have small hands.

The key is full grips.

attachment.php
Click to expand...
I agree completely. I have the 442 with a full grip like you show here (and also the LCR). I MUCH prefer shooting the Airweight, much more comfortable.

2195079140053667879S600x600Q85.jpg


Personally, I would discourage .357 Magnum in a handgun this size. It will be brutal to shoot and very hard to get excited to practice with. I only go with full size .357's (like my GP100 with a 4" barrel) even though they are chunky to carry.

JMHO

Dan
 
Just came home with an SP101. Thanks for all the help. She mostly picked it out herself with a bit of guidance from me. If she hates it I'm blaming you guys. :D
 
What barrel lenght did you take home?

That is a solid item, start with the .38 specials of course and if you have something in .22 to start with that is even better. Let us know what she thinks.

Oh, I would do a lot of dryfire work ahead of time and get a really big target 3' or so and use it a 7 yards. Letting her see it hit paper really helps. Otherwise if you use some 8" target - who knows and she might get frustrated.
 
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