My review of the Ruger LCRx with 3" barrel

[Trebor]

My latest post at my Michigan Firearms Examine page is a review of the Ruger LCx with a 3" barrel.

A review of the Ruge LCRx with a 3" barrel

"The latest version of the Ruger Lightweight Revolver, the Ruger LCRx with a 3” barrel, transforms the design from a snub-nose carry gun into a handy general purpose revolver.

The innovative LCR design has been a hit with shooters since the original Ruger LCR .38 Special +P was released in 2009. That design was optimized for concealed carry with a five-round cylinder, 1.875” barrel and hammerless, double-action only, trigger. Since that time Ruger has expanded the line by chambering the gun in new calibers and adding new features. The LCRx model added single-action capability by introducing an exposed hammer to the available options but retained the short barrel length. In November 2014 Ruger released the LCRx with a 3” barrel. This newest variant is again chambered in .38 Special +P with an exposed hammer that allows both double-action and single-action activation. "

 

[Confederate]

The only reason I wouldn't own one of these guns in a shorter barrel length is because the barrel is too short. I'd buy a 2.5-inch gun, but cannot understand why a company would produce a .357 with a barrel length of 1.82 inches. A 3-incher would be great, though, and an extra round would be welcome. Actually, the original Security-Six (without the warning) also would be welcome, especially if they cleaned up the action a bit.

I have both the old Speed-Six and the SP-101, and tho they're all-steel guns, they beat the current GP-series any day for weight and balance. The .38+P model shaves a few ounces off the .357 model, but I think I'd take it any day over the .38 because, being a defense/tactical weapon, the increase in versatility is worth it. (I've yet to shoot my SP-101, but I've heard recoil can be brutal with it. I bought some Pachmayr Compac grips which most likely will solve that problem. But then I've fired derringers loaded with hot .357 rounds!

 

[kcofohio]

Trebor, interesting review. I like my LCR, and wouldn't mind adding the 3" barrel LCRx to go along with it.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Love the Lick Ricks!

Just wish it was offered in the .327 Fed Mag.

 

[edmo01]

I am a fan of the 3" LCRx...

Mine fills the "light weight hiking sidearm" role. With 38 +P defensive ammo from a 3" barrel I'm very well protected. With my lighter reloads I can easily take small game. It is so light I forget it is there and that is a big thing for a gun I might wear for several days.

The only dislike from my perspective is the almost vertical grip angle. I point handguns better with the more angled S&W J frame and GLOCK grips.

Edmo

 

[TruthTellers]

If they came out with one in .22 LR and .327, I'd be all over it.

 

[bannockburn]

Trebor

Good write-up! I have always like the concept of a larger caliber lightweight Kit Gun for hiking around the backwoods. Use to have any number of S&W J frames with the 3" barrel and a Rossi Model 88 which did a great job but was a little bit on the heavy side being made of stainless steel. Like others I wouldn't mind seeing it offered in .327 Federal Mag either.

 

[mesinge2]

I want that exact gun but in 357

 

[dirtengineer]

I want that exact gun but in 357

Amen!

 

[greenmtnguy]

I'd also like one of these for hiking/backpacking/kit gun use - though part of me doesn't want to buy a new gun for possible knock-around use and would rather spend less $$ on a used trade-in Model 10 S&W for such use

 

[edmo01]

I'd also like one of these for hiking/backpacking/kit gun use - though part of me doesn't want to buy a new gun for possible knock-around use and would rather spend less $$ on a used trade-in Model 10 S&W for such use

You would be well served by a model 10.

Edmo

 

[HexHead]

Finding holsters can be tricky for it.

 

[edmo01]

Finding holsters can be tricky for it.

I bought my LCRx 3" new and it came with a $25 gift card from Ruger valid at their online gift shop.

As a left-handed shooter I often have a smaller selection of holsters. However, Ruger stocks a leather Mitch Rosen holster for the LCRx 3" available for us southpaws. With the gift card it was a no brainier.

Nice pancake holster which fit the gun well and holds it close to the body.

Mitch Rosen Holster @ Ruger

Just an option...

Edmo