lcr vs. lcp

ruger

  • lcr

    Votes: 54 46.6%

  • lcp

    Votes: 62 53.4%
  • Total voters
    116
  • Poll closed .
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Rohrbaugh R9s. It's about the same weight as the LCR, quite a bit smaller for pocket carry, and a 115g bullet at 1200 fps out of the R9 will about equal or exceed the ballistics you'll get with +P .38 out of a snubby. And 7 shots compared to 5. And it's got about the best DA trigger pull I've ever felt on a auto or revolver.
 
Well, this has been one of the least productive threads I've seen in a while. Far more non-answers than answers. When I voted, it was 47/46. However, of the 51 responses posted, the vast majority are "neither of the above" or some variation thereof.

.38SPL+P vs. .380?
Is that even a question?
Click to expand...

How about "Seven rounds versus five--is that even a question?"
How about "Ten ounces versus fifteen--is that even a questiohn?"
How about "Magazine reloading versus speed strip (or maybe the j-frame speed loader)--is that even a question?"

And the Rohrbaugh post, coming after he said that he cannot afford both the LCP and the LCR--brilliant :rolleyes:

I own an LCP, but don't carry it (don't trust the caliber as a primary). I've also owned at least half a dozen J-frames (note the use of the past tense).

For me, neither is optimum. I would rather have either than nothing, but given the inherent limitations of both, the LCP would be my choice.
 
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Neither if any other option is around. But the LCR is so dang ugly I just couldn't carry it.
 
I have owned a KelTec. I have held the LCR, and poked around on it a bit.

Of the two, the LCR is more interesting to me.

Neither would be my choice for carry purposes.
 
Given only the choice of the two, I'd go with the LCP. I've got one, and it's so easy to carry, you'll probably always carry it on days you might leave the revolver at home. Mine has been 100% reliable.
 
LCR vs LCP

I know this is an older thread, but I'm interested to hear what people have to say now that both of these models have been on the market for some time.

I was recently faced with this same question, and chose the LCR. The three biggest influencing factors were the greater strength of the .38 SPL+P, the fact that revolvers are so incredibly reliable, and the fact that all of my handguns were semi-auto and I was itching for a revolver anyway.

I like the idea that if something malfunctions, be it the firearm or the round, I can simply pull the trigger again to cycle to the next round. No matter how reliable semi-autos have become I just don't believe they can rival that simple fact. I am a huge fan of semi-autos, owning just about every popular caliber, but I do like the reliability factor of my new LCR.

One thing that I do feel a bit uncomfortable with is the lack of a safety. I know it's really not needed on a double action only revolver. I know there is some kind of bar in there that keeps the firing pin from striking unless the trigger is fully pulled. I know safeties aren't 100% reliable anyway. There is just something about carrying a firearm without a safety on that bugs me a bit. This isn't any fault of the LCR or Ruger.

The LCR is also a bit bigger than I expected. While it doesn't slide into the pocket quite as well as the LCP would, it does go in there without any room at all to spare. It's quite a bit smaller than my .40 Cougar which I consider my medium sized concealable carry pistol, but quite a bit bigger than my .22 Bobcat (which was my only "pocket" size firearm, and it's just too small of a round for me to feel completely safe with).

The 5 rounds (LCR) versus 7 rounds (LCP) is only a small concern for me, as chances are if I am ever in need of actually using my carry piece 5 rounds would almost certainly be enough. I'm sure there is a chance that I could be up against more than two opponents. However, I'm sure the vast majority of instances are only one or two and I feel confident five rounds is plenty for that.

The only concern I have so far with the LCR is a very audible rattle when I shake it. I've done some research and this is very common. I've heard that it is very common not only with this model but all revolvers of this type and is perfectly normal and due to the transfer bar. I don't really like the thought of something inside my firearm being loose. I've heard from a couple LCR owners that theirs don't do this so I'm a bit confused. My concern stems mostly from the fact that I got the last one at my gun shop, so it was the display model which had been handled quite a bit. I can't imagine that it was caused by dry firing because the manual that comes with the LCR states that it is perfectly fine to dry fire it and it will not cause any damage.

I still keep my .40 cougar with 10 rounds under my pillow for when I'm at home, and a full clip for my AK next to my bed for really serious scenarios like a home invasion, but when I'm out walking around I feel very confident in 5 rounds in a .38 SPL+P LCR.
 
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I like the idea that if something malfunctions, be it the firearm or the round, I can simply pull the trigger again to cycle to the next round.
Click to expand...
If all stoppages were due to dud primers, that would be good. But revolver stoppages are often due to broken parts, bullets jumping crimp, primers backing out, crud under the ejector star, ejector rod working loose, and so on. And those stoppages cannot be cured by pulling the trigger again, or even by a simple clearing drill.
 
I would trust a LCP/Kel-Tec enough to carry but then again i am good at clearing a jam which is bound to happen with just about any short stroked micro pistol.
Click to expand...

for what it's worth, my LCP has never jammed in any way. i'm not saying it's the greatest thing ever, but a jam is certainly not "bound to happen". if it were, nobody would own them.


i carry my SP101 more often. the LCR just doesn't appeal to me for some reason.
 
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Thanks for bumping this thread. I was really impressed with the LCR I held & dry fired at a shop. Would love the chance to shoot it as well.

I have a Walther PPS 9mm 7+1 in a tuckable IWB. Not sure how well an LCR + pocket holster would disappear in my jeans pocket, but there's definitely some appear for me there as a BUG. Particularly the w. option of integrated CLG! Only 5 shot capacity is easy to overlook if a) you're shooting .38 +P, and b) there's another 8 rounds of 9mm available.

Oh - and I'm afraid I have nothing to add on the LCP...
 
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I think the decision would have t come down to how you carry the gun.

I like to put my LCP in my back pocket.... it basically just feels like a wallet in a #3 Blackhawk holster.

That being said I never really tried to sit on a revolver.

I think the LCR is a great option for for a lady as a purse gun. It is light, and the trigger feels very light and even. Definitely better than your average out of the box J frame Smithy.

I have a model 60 I have done some work on though, and the LCR trigger has got nothing on that... when I say work that means I changed the spring... not really much work, but it is not factory. That cost about a $2. I'm pretty thats the going rate to turn a J frame smithy into a sweet shooting small frame revolver. If you are really worried about recoil a Houge Monogrip will take care of that for another $20. Bottom line is I'm not sure the LCR is so revolutionary. So they user polymer... Does that really surprise anyone?

People have been reporting lighter than expected recoil from the LCR. Can't really speak to this, but is apparently also by design.

Can I have your LCR? I want one.
 
I may not be qualified to comment here, as I actually own and have used both!:neener:

I use the LCP a lot more, simply because it lets me conceal carry when I have no dress option -- my employer requires a specific style of dress that includes tucked in shirts, ties, dress pants, etc. and if you carry here, you better not ever get caught!!

The LCR, as well as my various J-Frames, simply are too bulky to meet my requirements.

As to those who denigrate the LCP -- it has never failed me, running flawlessly through hundreds of rounds. As for those who laugh at the .380 -- it is certainly not my first choice for CCW, but it is a whole lot better than harsh words and a dirty look!:)

When I can dress as I like -- I carry .45 ACP.
 
Solitude said:
I may not be qualified to comment here, as I actually own and have used both!:neener:

I use the LCP a lot more, simply because it lets me conceal carry when I have no dress option -- my employer requires a specific style of dress that includes tucked in shirts, ties, dress pants, etc. and if you carry here, you better not ever get caught!!

The LCR, as well as my various J-Frames, simply are too bulky to meet my requirements.

As to those who denigrate the LCP -- it has never failed me, running flawlessly through hundreds of rounds. As for those who laugh at the .380 -- it is certainly not my first choice for CCW, but it is a whole lot better than harsh words and a dirty look!:)

When I can dress as I like -- I carry .45 ACP.
Click to expand...
Very well said, Solitude. I personally prefer the LCR, but under the conditions you stipulate, the LCP is the obvious choice.
 
I own both and it is an apples to oranges comparison IMO.

If it were my one and only gun I would likely go with the LCR. If I had other guns and other carry options then it would really come to down to whether one wanted a small pocket auto in .380 or a small lightweight .38 special revolver.

The scarcity of .380 ammo would sway me to the LCR right now though.
 
LCR vs LCP

Hi, I am a newbie to handguns and so I am no expert. On the other hand I have fired around a hundred rounds in both the LCR and LCP thanks to a friend. The fact that I have a very limited background in hand guns also means I have very little in the way of preconceived ideas. I shot the LCR the LCP and the P3-AT all with laser sites. The P3-AT is virtually identical to the LCP.

LCR pros 1)Very concealable
2)Inexpensive (Relative to a Sig p238 Kahr etc.)
3) 6 shots plus one in the chamber
4) seems pretty reliable, we tried several .380 loads
5) No safety, double action, point and shoot once its chambered
6) relatively Accurate, with a laser sight standing we had a tight
(smaller than a head) group at 25 plus yards. W/O the laser,
forget it.
Cons 1) Hard double action trigger pull makes steady acquisition difficult
2) Light weight construction means this is not a tough gun that
you can push a lot of ammo through.
3) Tough to chamber a round for women (and men too) because of
its size.
4) Ammo is expensive and hard to get, at the mo anyways.

LCR Pros 1) The double action only trigger action is a dream compared
to the LCR or Kel-Tecs P3-AT
2) Much bigger bang with 38 +p. I don't care what any ballistics
say. I could feel the difference. Just look at the ammo.
3) Ammo is cheap and easily available.
4) Its a revolver, dead simple to use.100% reliable.
Pick it up, point shoot. Bang.
5) Doesn't spit hot cartridges in your face.
Cons 1) Only 5 shots. Should be enough, but.....
2) Not as concealable as the .380's

Those two cons on the LCR are big ones. I still can't make up my mind but am leaning towards the LCR. If you haven't felt the trigger on the LCR then you really can't make a comparison. Its night and day. I tried other comparable 38 special from S&W, Taurus, Charter Arms etc, none of them had a smooth double action like the LCR. The double action .380 are hard and stiff. I also have the impression I can practice with the LCR a lot without tearing up the gun. IMHO the LCR also makes a decent self defense for the nightstand that my wife would have no trouble using. Maybe that's a bad thing!

I am getting a concealed carry license. Decisions.....I want to try SIGs P238 because it is a single action 1911 style. The cost and availability of the .380 ammo really sucks. I can't see carrying anything bigger than the 38 special snubnose so 9mm and above in a semi is pretty much out. Whats the point of a concealed carry if I don't carry the thing 100% of the time?

Arghhhhhh
 
LCR vs LCP

Hi, I am a newbie to handguns and so I am no expert. On the other hand I have fired around a hundred rounds in both the LCR and LCP thanks to a friend. The fact that I have a very limited background in hand guns also means I have very little in the way of preconceived ideas. I shot the LCR the LCP and the P3-AT all with laser sites. The P3-AT is virtually identical to the LCP.

LCR pros 1)Very concealable
2)Inexpensive (Relative to a Sig p238 Kahr etc.)
3) 6 shots plus one in the chamber
4) seems pretty reliable, we tried several .380 loads
5) No safety, double action, point and shoot once its chambered
6) relatively Accurate, with a laser sight standing we had a tight
(smaller than a head) group at 25 plus yards. W/O the laser,
forget it.
Cons 1) Hard double action trigger pull makes steady acquisition difficult
2) Light weight construction means this is not a tough gun that
you can push a lot of ammo through.
3) Tough to chamber a round for women (and men too) because of
its size.
4) Ammo is expensive and hard to get, at the mo anyways.

LCR Pros 1) The double action only trigger action is a dream compared
to the LCR or Kel-Tecs P3-AT
2) Much bigger bang with 38 +p. I don't care what any ballistics
say. I could feel the difference. Just look at the ammo.
3) Ammo is cheap and easily available.
4) Its a revolver, dead simple to use.100% reliable.
Pick it up, point shoot. Bang.
5) Doesn't spit hot cartridges in your face.
Cons 1) Only 5 shots. Should be enough, but.....
2) Not as concealable as the .380's

Those two cons on the LCR are big ones. I still can't make up my mind but am leaning towards the LCR. If you haven't felt the trigger on the LCR then you really can't make a comparison. Its night and day. I tried other comparable 38 special from S&W, Taurus, Charter Arms etc, none of them had a smooth double action like the LCR. The double action .380 are hard and stiff. I also have the impression I can practice with the LCR a lot without tearing up the gun. IMHO the LCR also makes a decent self defense for the nightstand that my wife would have no trouble using. Maybe that's a bad thing!

I am getting a concealed carry license. Decisions.....I want to try SIGs P238 because it is a single action 1911 style. The cost and availability of the .380 ammo really sucks. I can't see carrying anything bigger than the 38 special snubnose so 9mm and above in a semi is pretty much out. Whats the point of a concealed carry if I don't carry the thing 100% of the time?

Arghhhhhh
 
What is wrong with ruger, I have never had any problems with any of the rugers I have owned. Also I bent the site on my mini 30 called to talk to them about oedering a replacement, they sent me a new one at no cost to me. They have great customer service if there ever is a problem.

Also why is everyone suggesting some other gun his question is abot the LCP or LCR not J frames.

I would go With the LCR( will buy one when work picks up)
 
Damn shame most responders didn't bother reading the OP post...

No experience with the LCR other then handling one at a local shop. I like it, but I have two snubbies now and not much interest in buying another.

I bought an LCP several months ago. It took me a while, but I've finally got enough rounds through it to consider it reliable...and it is.
I use this fine little pistol as a BUG rather then a primary weapon, so far.

Shoots great! Be forceful loading that first round...make sure you don't ride the slide forward. No jams or other failures using ball ammo or Hornady Critical Defense.

I haven't found the right holster for pocket carry. It does fit nicely in a vest pocket. It also fits nicely in one of the hidden pockets of the 5.11 Tactical Shirt (wife works at the Good Will, which is why I have a 5.11 Tactical shirt).

Anyway, full recommendations for the LCP. It had some teething problems, but it's a heck of a nice gun!
 
I am thinking about another LCP. I really like that little gun.. My wife took mine so poor me. but it is a good excuse for another gun.
 
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