LCR - Which caliber??

[bluetopper]

38 Special, no comparison. No need for clips, plenty of power, easily found ammo, not the blast and loudness of 22 Mag and expense of hard to find ammo.
And if you reload you open up a world of possibilities with different projectiles and power levels.

 

[danez71]

(synopsis is at the bottom)


Dang.... some of you are revitalizing my interest in the 327. Mainly due to the ammo flexibility. I didn't realize the 327 is a 6 shot. More rounds is good!


I would not say I'm recoil sensitive. Ive shot 44-40's, 45LC & ACP, and 357s before. But shooting 100 rounds at a sessions isn't what I call fun. Shooting several 100's of 9mm doesn't bother me.

Originally Posted by dbmjr1 View Post

You are concerned that the 9mm will be snappier than the .38. Not so. In fact, the opposite is true.

I was surprised to read that, but now that I realize the that the 38 is about 4 oz lighter than the 9mm (357, 327) I can see why dbmjr1 experience is what it is (thanks for comparing the two, dbmjr1 )


Just for reference
My M&P9c = 21+oz
LCR 9mm/357/327 = 17+oz
LCR 38 = 13+oz.


Ive searched for the 9mm jumping crimp and I see enough reports to believe that the bullet may pull out a little, sometimes.... But I'm not seeing any 'problems'. Someone mentioned "widespread issues" and I'm just not finding that. (Its a fairly long cylinder for a short 9mm.)

I only saw 1 youtube of a guy that looks totally staged. The last shot jams.. he looks fake surprised.. opens it up and says it jumped crimp and then asks you to subscribe. It's like a 45 second vid. Convincingly staged, IMO. I didn't see any jams caused by this during a quick Ruger forums search either.

Hickok45 does bring up this issue and says at least twice that during his testing before the video that he couldn't make it happen. And in in his vid, he shoots about 8 or so cylinders and didnt have any issues at all. (hickok45>yankee marshal, imo)



If it is an actual problem with the 9mm, then Ill shift to either a 38 (probably in a 357 package) or maybe a 327.



(here's the synopsis)

If anyone can point me to evidence that its an actual issue that has caused actual problems for the 9mm, and not just an exaggerated internet or staged issue, Id appreciate it.


And, is the 327 here to stay? What about the longevity of the 32H&R mag and the 32S&W Long and shorts?

 

[Fiv3r]

I think the lcr shines best in the .38 flavor with a very close second to .357.

I'm actually thinking of picking up a 3" .38 lcr tomorrow as a hiking gun for the summer. I'm going to toss on some boot grips for easier packing, but I should have a better grouping than I get with my 642 pretty easily.

I really liked my lcr when I had it and regret trading it off. I had a .38 lcr in my shorts pocket when my daughter was born nearly 6 years ago. Loved it as a carry gun, but I could never shoot it as well as I would like.

I shoot an sp101 way better, but the lcr in .38 will always have a place with me.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

357 - I shot my friend's recently. It is slightly bigger and heavier than the 38, if I understand correctly. Since I am getting it for CC, I am going for the 38 because of size. Keep in mind I am not at all recoil sensitive, but I thought the 38 specials were easy to shoot from it. The 357's were stout, but not painful. I thought they were kinda fun, actually, but I shoot a lot of 44's and stuff.

The .357 LCR is a few ounces heavier, but it is dimensionally the same as the others.

 

[Tallball]

SM, thank you for letting me know that. I prefer to be correctly informed.

 

[WheelGunMan]

I purchased a Ruger SP101 in .357 for conceal carry. Put a set of Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips on it and installed lighter hammer and trigger springs. It's a pleasure to shoot and feels and fits great in my hand and carrys well in my Galco OWB holster. While it also fits well in my pocket holster, it's just a little too heavy.

I picked up a Ruger LCR in .22WMR for my wife, as she is not a fan of recoil. She hasn't decided if she is going to pursue a CPL or not.... So I've been carrying this LCR in the pocket holster and find it is extremely comfortable. While the .22WMR is a very capable round for CC, I personally have more confidence in the centerfire .38+P and up. So I am now in the hunt for an LCR in .357 as it weighs in at less than an ounce more. Even though I only intend to fire .38+P ammo from either revolver...I choose the .357 frame for its increased strength and added recoil absorption it offers.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

I just wish they'd bring out the LCR-X in more calibers (snubby or 3").

Andy

 

[Stumper]

Fwiw, You already have a bunch of feedback from every direction but I'll add to it. I am blessed with 3 LCRs. .38 spl-great for carry. Recoil is too sharp for extended shooting to be fun. .357 Mag- versatile. Due to greater weight, recoil with .38 spl is managable for more fun practice. With .357 it is "brisk". .22 lr.- Delightful plinker.
The .38 spl gets carried concealed sometimes.
The .357 in a holster makes a nice packing piece hiking in the mountains.....
The .22 in the same holster is almost unnoticed weight wise and gets to go fishing a lot.

I am a fan of the .22 magnum cartridge...but not in a snubby revolver. The performance increase over .22 lr does not justify the added blast and cost IMO and the .thicker brass of the >22WMR requires heavier strikes thus heavier springs and worse trigger pulls.

I don't own a 9mm LCR but I have shot a 9mm snub quite a bit. IMO the 9mm is a better revolver cartidge than the .357--- IN 2 INCH BARRELS. It is more effecient and far less blasty for nearly the same performance with 124/125 grain bullets.

 

[Tallball]

I brought this one home just a few minutes ago. I went to my LGS and traded two pistols I didn't want for it. After I shot my friend's I just had to have one. It is the 38 special. I look forward to shooting it tomorrow morning.

 

[danez71]

Tallball, Please do!

Originally said by Stumper

Fwiw, You already have a bunch of feedback from every direction but I'll add to it. I am blessed with 3 LCRs. .38 spl-great for carry. Recoil is too sharp for extended shooting to be fun. .357 Mag- versatile. Due to greater weight, recoil with .38 spl is managable for more fun practice. With .357 it is "brisk". .22 lr.- Delightful plinker.
The .38 spl gets carried concealed sometimes.
The .357 in a holster makes a nice packing piece hiking in the mountains.....
The .22 in the same holster is almost unnoticed weight wise and gets to go fishing a lot.

I am a fan of the .22 magnum cartridge...but not in a snubby revolver. The performance increase over .22 lr does not justify the added blast and cost IMO and the .thicker brass of the >22WMR requires heavier strikes thus heavier springs and worse trigger pulls.

I don't own a 9mm LCR but I have shot a 9mm snub quite a bit. IMO the 9mm is a better revolver cartidge than the .357--- IN 2 INCH BARRELS. It is more effecient and far less blasty for nearly the same performance with 124/125 grain bullets.

I agree about the 9mm in a 2" barrel.

I did some more searching and I'm seeing more bullet creeping posts but I'm still not seeing 'jams'.


I need to curb my eagerness for the 9mm and better wrap my head around that before committing to it.


Otherwise I'll be getting a 357 frame and shoot 38's for 'cost, availability, and comfort' (unless I find a real good deal on a 38 frame)

Or, I'll get the 327 for 'ammo flexibility which leads to comfort and some additional availability'.

 

[HankR]

Ive searched for the 9mm jumping crimp .... But I'm not seeing any 'problems'. Someone mentioned "widespread issues" and I'm just not finding that....If anyone can point me to evidence that its an actual issue that has caused actual problems for the 9mm, and not just an exaggerated internet or staged issue, Id appreciate it.

Hi Danez71,

It happens, and it's repeatable, but it's limited to certain brands/types of ammo. Here is a link to some testing I did:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-766374.html

Knowing what I know now, I still wouldn't hesitate to buy it, but I would make darn sure I know which ammo works and which doesn't (that is, test once you buy it). It's not a defect with the particular gun, per say, just a problem with really light guns in general when the case is clamped to the recoiling firearm.

In that same thread, C0untZero0 suggested using only ammo off of this list:

http://community.bobergarms.com/forum/topics/boberg-compatible-ammunition

I've tried other rounds since that post, but don't recall which worked and which didn't. Another poster at another time claimed that the rounds which failed for me worked fine in his gun, but he had failures with another type. YMMV.

 

[bannockburn]

danez71

If it were my choice I would probably go:

1) .38 Special
2) .327 Magnum
3) 9mm.

 

[Monster Zero]

I'd opt for the .38 my own self but if you want something different that's your choice.

Actually I'm kinda intrigued by the .22mag in the same revolver for my wife. If the bullet doesn't get 'em the muzzle blast will.

9mm? If that's what you like go for it. I'd go for an auto in 9mm, something like the CZ-Rami. But that's just me.

 

[200Apples]

.
I would think the little LCR shines with .38; sounds like a great overall package. I did not know a slightly-heavier version is offered chambered in .357 - THAT would be the ticket. You can practice and plink w/ .38s then opt for .38 +P or .357 for when things get serious.

As for .22 Mag/WMR, yes; the hammer springs are heavy, obviously, to ensure reliable ignition. I have an 11 oz (empty) S&W Model 351PD; a 1-7/8" barreled, alloy frame and 7-shot alloy cylinder .22WMR and it is a very snappy little piece. I always have ears on so I haven't noticed how much louder the round might be...

 

[PabloJ]

The speed loaders(pia to carry and use), moon clips (pia to carry), "speed" strips (fine to carry but pia to use---in reality they're slow strips) being next to useless I would tend to buy 9x19 ONLY if the cylinder can be reloaded by flipping rounds from pistol magazine. The only true reload solution is to carry two revolvers which for some stupid hard to fathom reason is sometimes called "NY reload". Since he already owns 9x19 pistols the choice is obvious and simple.

 

[ofitg]

Everybody has to scratch his own "itch". I like clip-fed revolvers, so I recently got the 9mm. Haven't shot it yet, but I imagine that factory rounds will feel a bit "snappy" with my arthritic hands.

Of course, I won't have to worry about cycling the action, so I can load reduced-power practice rounds if I choose to.

Going one step further, I note that the cylinder is 1.55 inches long - it may be possible to load a variety of different bullet weights which would never be possible in a semiauto.

 

[khari]

Danez71,
.327 seems to be going strong. There have been two runs of the Single Seven and LCR, and the SP101 has been solidly available for over a year. Demand for ammo is high also, which is a great sign. .32 H&R and .32 S&W/S&W Long aren't going anywhere.

 

[danez71]

Danez71,
.327 seems to be going strong. There have been two runs of the Single Seven and LCR, and the SP101 has been solidly available for over a year. Demand for ammo is high also, which is a great sign. .32 H&R and .32 S&W/S&W Long aren't going anywhere.

Thanks for that info.

The versatility of the 327 is very appealing but I don't want a cartridge that I have go on a scavenger hunt to get or HAVE to but on the internet. The 22lr is bad enough now.

That's what made me think more towards a 38/357.

Having all my semi's in 9mm and the availability of 9mm is what made really steer towards he 9mm LCR.


I'm going to visit a few brick and mortar stores to see what's on the self of the various 32s & 327. Unfortunately I think I'm only going to find it at 1 place near me, if that.



Question to everyone about the 9mm crimp creeping.

Obviously testing various brands and settling on one is best but in doing that, it somewhat negates the '9mm ammo is everywhere' aspect.

I want to be able to walk into most any store and buy ammo for it.... even if it's just plain ol' bulk pack stuff.


So the question is... can anything be done at home, with out reloading equipment, to prevent bullet creep on the 9mm?

 

[webrx]

I have the LCRX in 38 and the LCR in 22 mag

I like being able to shoot the 38 in SA or DA and the trigger is good in DA on this revolver, it is really nice in SA IMO. This is my primary carry when I carry a revolver. I like it, I am not usually a fan of DA only revolvers - funny, I prefer an SA only over a DA only, but maybe that is just me.

The 22 mag has a stiffer trigger - the stiffness sometimes pulls you off POA on the 22 mag, it is stiffer due to it being a rimfire, but is still usable if you practice and concentrate.

38 can be found just about anywhere, 22 mag ammo is not easy to find everywhere, and 22 mag it is not cheap, stock up a little when you find it. The lcr in 22 mag is extremely light when carried. I have a 357/38 SA and 22/22mag SA and a 22 mag rifle, so adding these revolvers did not add a caliber for me.

YMMV

d

 

[Jim Watson]

This is not the class of gun I shoot for fun, so I would probably get the .38 for its light weight and common ammo.

I understand the attraction of 9mm to you. I don't think bullet creep will be a problem with good quality ammo, but you may not be able to shoot just any Imitation Army Surplus cheapmart junk.

As you see, there is no One Right Answer, and you don't have to hire a lawyer if you change your mind later. Pick one and get busy.

 

[HankR]

... can anything be done at home, with out reloading equipment, to prevent bullet creep on the 9mm?

I think I remember somebody posting a link to a tool that squeezed the neck down tighter (on the already loaded bullet/store bought cartridge). There were several threads going at about the same time as the one I linked to earlier. Every couple of weeks a new thread on this popped up.

Mine worked fine with several of the most common/cheap "Walmart" ammo, including Winchester White Box, so I wouldn't say that this issue totally defeats the goal of ammo ubiquity. (Unless I just made that word up, but it sounds impressive either way).

 

[FLNT4EVR]

Definately 38/357 because of ammo availability ,and power factor. A38 caliber is a 38 caliber hole . don't count on 22 getting that big

 

[gonoles_1980]

I have the LCR 357, it's my carry gun, fits in a holster in my front pocket. Heavier than the 38spl, but I use 38+P's for self defense, practice with 357's.

 

[Pokajabba]

Thanks for that info.

The versatility of the 327 is very appealing but I don't want a cartridge that I have go on a scavenger hunt to get or HAVE to but on the internet. The 22lr is bad enough now.

That's what made me think more towards a 38/357.

Having all my semi's in 9mm and the availability of 9mm is what made really steer towards he 9mm LCR.


I'm going to visit a few brick and mortar stores to see what's on the self of the various 32s & 327. Unfortunately I think I'm only going to find it at 1 place near me, if that.



Question to everyone about the 9mm crimp creeping.

Obviously testing various brands and settling on one is best but in doing that, it somewhat negates the '9mm ammo is everywhere' aspect.

I want to be able to walk into most any store and buy ammo for it.... even if it's just plain ol' bulk pack stuff.


So the question is... can anything be done at home, with out reloading equipment, to prevent bullet creep on the 9mm?

Oh, when it comes to .327 you are going to be completely out of luck finding anything more than one box at one store. It just doesn't have the mainstream popularity yet, but if more and more of the LCR's sell and S&W, Taurus, Charter, and other revolver manufacturers jump back in, then you'll start seeing .327 a lot more.

That's all a big if and will take probably 5-10 years to see if it happens. Your only real chance of getting quality .327 jhp ammo is online, which you don't seem all that hip to.

My question to you is: why does it have to be a snubbie? Is there any way you could go up to a larger, heavier revolver that eliminates crimp jumping issues?

 

[Havok7416]

I have one in 9mm and it's fantastic. It can be a bit snappy, but it's not unmanageable. I use 124 grain bullets and so far no evidence of bullet creep.