Opinions

[Jack B.]

Smith & Wesson Model 642 Air weight or Ruger LCR both in 38 Special+P. Which one would you get and why?

 

[film495]

I would get the Smith & Wesson, purely out of thinking they are the, or were for a long time, premier pistol maker in the US. Lots good, but Smith & Wesson. My guess is it costs a bit more, but - Ruger always seems to just be right there with - a price point that makes it a hard choice. I own a few too many Rugers already, so - I try to diversify if possible.

 

[lee n. field]

Smith & Wesson Model 642 Air weight or Ruger LCR both in 38 Special+P. Which one would you get and why?

I've got both. Pick one.

The S&W has better aftermarket support. More aftermarket grips available. More holsters. The nice Safariland Comp 1 speedloads work with it (not the LCR). There are no real sight options.

The LCR is lighter, and a more modern design. All around a slick revolver. The Safariland loader does not work. (not many do.)

 

[SwampWolf]

I've got a couple of J-frames and one LCR. If you're after a small revolver for self-defense, I'd pick the ugly Ruger hands-down; the da pull is way lighter and smoother.

 

[SDGlock23]

The S&W looks better but the LCR has a better trigger.

 

[bannockburn]

Jack B

I would go with a S&W 642 mainly because I have been using J frames almost exclusively since the late '70s. I have over time become very comfortable with carrying and using them. That and the fact is I don't care all that much for the LCR's ergonomics; just not a good fit with my hand.

 

[LaneP]

I also have both. I like them both but the 642 is clearcoat over aluminum (vs anodized) and that is already wearing off the back strap. I've heard others have issues with that finish also. I think if I had it to do over I would go 442. But I do like the Ruger in general, maybe a touch better.

 

[Smaug]

I have a couple Ruger revolvers (Redhawk, SP-101) and a couple Smiths. (625, 19)

The Smiths invariably have the better triggers, both DA and SA.

Rugers appear to be more stout, but actually aren't because they're cast instead of forged. This is also why they cost less.
If the Ruger you're looking at is polymer, keep in mind that plastic doesn't age as well as steel does. As it ages, the elastomers evaporate out and it becomes brittle, no matter HOW good the plastic is when new.

I DID used to have a S&W 29 in .44 Magnum, that used to shoot its screws loose when I shot magnum loads. I never had a Ruger do that, but I don't really enjoy shooting Magnums anyhow.

 

[Pudge]

I think I'd go with the .357 LCR. It is a little heavier and has Tamer grips that I find make it more comfortable to shoot than the regular LCR, and it is still pretty light. DA, the LCR has a noticeably better trigger than the J frames I've shot. Although the M60 with ERGO Delta grips is a shooter, it's heavier (and uglier) than the LCR, but it is comfortable, points better, and is easier to shoot accurately.

 

[Tallball]

I have a 38 special LCR and a Model 642. I carry them both.

This is my second 642. My friend also has a 357 LCR that I shoot often.

The Ruger is 13.5 ounces. The Smith is 14.4 ounces.

The LCR feels even lighter than it is and has a far superior trigger. I put larger grips on it and carry it in cargo pockets. When I'm healthy it's my most common EDC.

The 642 is fine. I left the small grips on it and carry it in my back pocket when I'm walking the dog.

Their practical accuracy is not much different, even with the Ruger's superior trigger.

Whichever one fits your hand better is probably the best one for you. I'm comfortable with either one.

EDC

• Tallball
• Feb 10, 2019

Smith And Wesson Model 642-2

• Tallball
• Jul 12, 2020
• 4

 

[Rexster]

If I had to buy sight unseen, I would opt for the Ruger. If I can inspect the weapon, first, either would do.

 

[243winxb]

I Like S&W.
Ruger- polymer fire control housing. No like plastic. Retail more then the Smith.

I have S&W 2 J frames. A 337PD & an old M60.

Before buying anything, search for recalls.

 

[fxvr5]

Lots good, but Smith & Wesson. My guess is it costs a bit more, but - Ruger always seems to just be right there with - a price point that makes it a hard choice.

The Ruger is almost $200 more than the S&W.

Ruger $719
S&W $532

 

[cfullgraf]

I do not like shooting 38 Special +P from my S&W AirWeight revolvers. Otherwise, I like my 38 Special Airweight revolvers. I shoot mostly standard 38 Special ammunition.

If the Ruger LCR is lighter than the S&W guns, I may not like shooting even 38 Special.

But that is just me.

I cannot fault the reliability of Ruger revolvers so most of my feelings are perception, not reality. So, I cannot supply an objective opinion.

Buy the one that best suits your fancy.

 

[NeroM]

Picked the LCR, trigger felt better and liked the way it felt in hand.
Cost was not a factor, however when I got it - LCR was less $ than 642, don't believe that is the current reality. Happy with my choice.....

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The correct answer is Charter Arms Undercover.

Ive seen too many Airweights with cracked frames to ever buy another one myself, and no plastic revolvers for me either.

 

[jstert]

i had both 38 snubbies. i got rid of the new $450 ruger lcr. i kept the used $250 s&w 642. the 642 felt better to shoot, and there are more holster and aftermarket grip options.

 

[MacAR]

Had both, shot both. Kept the Smith at the end of the day. The Ruger was just too "bulky" to suit me. The Smith seems to be better made too, but as another poster says, the finish does wear some. That doesn't really bother me, though.

Mac

 

[Old Dog]

Nix the 642 and get the 442. Finish will hold up (moderately) better. And a plastic-framed revolver? Sacrilege...

Guessin' I'll have to try out the fugly LCR and see why a couple guys here say its trigger is better than the S&W. I've been shooting S&W revolvers against Rugers for a long time, and usually it's the Smith that has the better trigger.

 

[LeftyRed]

642 every time. It’s only real downturn is the lack to switch out front sights like the LCRs. Just have to live with some hobby paint on the front ramp and call it good.

The biggest faults the LCR has, that keeps me away from them, is the trigger with a false reset and the lack of grip assortment. Don’t see how most folks can pocket carry one of them.

 

[wcwhitey]

I have always carried J Frames. I know them and trust them. I have many holster options and speedloaders I see no reason to change. I have never shot the Ruger for comparison, I hear people like it. For me it is just ugly. I don’t have a closed mind but I have to feel good about a gun, aesthetics matter to me.

 

[Mark 40]

I've owned both. Decided the J Frame was better for me. In agreement with Lefty Red, could never find a grip for the LCR that suited me for pocket carry and I tried plenty.

The biggest faults the LCR has, that keeps me away from them, is the trigger with a false reset and the lack of grip assortment. Don’t see how most folks can pocket carry one of them.

 

[SwampWolf]

So, Jack B.-luckily for you the answer is clear...

 

[Haywood]

I had a LCR for about 3 years. I did not like the trigger return. It was to long and easy for me to not reset. I have a few J-Frames and like them way better. I also like the grip replacement options for a J-Frame.

 

[Jeff olson]

Smith & Wesson Model 642 Air weight or Ruger LCR both in 38 Special+P. Which one would you get and why?

Just my opinion and if you choose to beat me up so be it. Smith and Wesson hasn't made a great revolver in years. Let the bashing begin.