LCR Opinions

[Searcher1970]

A local shop has a used S&W 642 for $420 and new LCR's for $459. I was wondering what the opinion of the LCR was? I've seen some favorable reviews but I'm not sure about the durability.

 

[NinjaFeint]

I have shot both and I like the trigger on the LCR better but that is subjective. It also feels better in my hand. The smith is also a fine gun. I wouldn't pay that price for either as a new LCR is $399 here and a new 642 is $449.

 

[Cosmoline]

Mostly good reviews so far, but there was at least one FTF reported on this forum. I'm going to wait another year and see how things hash out.

The down side of that strategy is if the LCR hasn't had any recalls or major problems it's a virtual certainty the price will go up. They're already selling like hotcakes.

 

[John Wayne]

I would go with the 642. I have nothing against the LCR personally, but the grips are too large for pocket carry. The 642 has been around longer, that's a good price, and there are more holsters available for it.

 

[wyocarp]

They both shoot well. Buy the one that you like the feel of better. The price makes no difference.

 

[ArmedBear]

I'm with John Wayne. $420 is a good price for a 642. I'd buy it.

I have a 642 and it's been flawless. It also operates and feels just like other S&Ws, so it doesn't matter if I'm holding a 642 or a 629, I don't really have to think about what I'm doing when I load it or fire it. My wife can play around with my old Model 10, and the practice applies to the CCW gun. If you have no other Smiths, that's not a real issue.

 

[Lord Samwise]

Mine gave me a crash and burn- you can read all about it in my post- http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=487528
waiting to get it back before I weigh in again.

 

[MK11]

Very happy with mine. Grips have been no problem for pocket carry and are MUCH more comfortable to shoot than the open back 642. Don't believe the "carry a lot, shoot a little" hype. You've got to work with these guns constantly to shoot them well.

Downsides: Safari speedloaders don't work at all with the LCR and the HKS can insert rounds fairly easily but gets stuck on the grip when trying to withdraw it.

 

[CJCmajor]

me and my dad did a side by side comparison of these two last year, i was in the same situation you currently are. both my father and i, favored the 642. we felt the LCR had somewhat of an awkward recoil. For some reason, on both of us it felt like it had alot of "twist" on recoil. It even gave my dad a blister. While doing this i fell in love with the 642 and one ended up following me home. You should check out the 642 club on this site, lots of great info!!!!

just my 2 cents

 

[CZF]

Unlike my J frame bought last year.

My new LCR didn't freeze up with 5 shots of factory ammo!



http://elsiepeaforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5755.0

 

[Invisible Swordsman]

I have both and lke both. I go back and forth between the LCR and my 638 carried in a pocket holster. I find the standard LCR grips a little large for my preference, so I'm waiting for someone to make an aftermarket grip closer in size to the boot grips.

I find I can shoot the LCR a little better due primarily to the fuller front sight.

 

[Willy G.]

$389 with rebate for my new 442, couldn't pass it up. Love the trigger on the LCR, available after I bought the S&W.