Ruger LCR 357 vs S&W 3" 36

[camsdaddy]

I currently have a 642 and a 4" 13. I have the itch for a new gun. On a local forum I have the opportunity to purchase a 3" Model 36 with a square butt for $300 or a 357 LCR for $400. I am now confused on what to get. I know that the LCR will fit in a pocket but more than likely this will be carried IWB. I will more than likely shoot 38 +p out of either. Im not sure about continued use of +p in the 36 then again I doubt I would ever shoot enough to make a difference. I just cant make up my mind. The LCR could shoot 357 though I doubt I will often. I think weight wise they are about the same. I cant buy both. Which should I purchase for daily carry and why?

 

[moxie]

They are both very nice guns. The 36 is about 4 oz. heavier and has of course the 3" bbl. and has a hammer.

The LCR is lighter, shorter, hammerless and has IMO better trigger (double action) and sights.

The LCR can be carried easily in a pocket with a #3 Uncle Mike's. The 3" barrel and hammer make the 36 a bit much for front pocket carry.

Both are perfect for IWB.

Even though it's lighter, the LCR is probably easier to handle than the 36 in .357, certainly in .38 +P. The LCR's polymer frame and superior grip just make for less felt recoil.

Two nice guns. You decide.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

Some of the 3" 36s are heavy barrel, some 3" tapered. Get It.

I wouldnt let the other one sleep in my tackle box, it might scare the fish.

 

[camsdaddy]

The 36 is a square butt with a standard barrell. I guess would be considered heavy. Moxie you pointed out pros and cons. Not sure if it helped but gave me more to consider. As for the LCR being ugly. No doubt a vintage blued smith is going to be prettier. I conceal carry im pretty sure barrel first the bad guy will not prefer one over the other. It will be a workhorse. Foolishly sold a Model 19 because it was too nice. I should have carried the rip out of it. Here in South Ga its got to be able to take the heat,humidity and sweat.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

In that case you won't like the 36, I would get 1 in a heartbeat, I had 1 with the heavier contour barrel 3". I don't care what the bad guy thinks.

 

[camsdaddy]

I reread my statement the 36 is the heavy. I wasn't real clear

 

[thunder173]

I have had a 3 inch heavy barreled Model 36 since 1985. It used to be my main CC. I still carry it quite often, IWB,..and occasionally OWB,...but it is not a pocket gun,...at least for me. The weight doesn't bother me at all. Carrying this wonderful revolver is like eating comfort food. Mine is the round butt version,..but I never could take to those skinny grips. I put a set of ProComp grips on it from a Model 60,..they fit and feel great,..and are just as easy for me to conceal as any other.

I carry with +P loads,..and routinely fire off my carry rounds every month or so. It is a joy to shoot. It's the one gun that will be the very last to go,.....and that'll be after I am gone.

I'd buy the Smith,....them maybe later buy the LCR,...if they are any good,..they'll be available. The Smith may not be.......ymmv

 

[camsdaddy]

Though it may be blasphemy the square butt would be quickly modified.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

Then please don't get it, Sq butt, Tyler T

 

[jawn]

I have an LCR in .357, and it does a fairly decent job with .357 magnum, all things considered. .38 special +P is quite easily manageable for all but the most recoil sensitive.

The double action only trigger is quite smooth, and it disappears in pockets (get a pocket holster, though).

Also, certain .357 Magnum loads throw some massively entertaining fireballs.

 

[sidheshooter]

I have had a 3 inch heavy barreled Model 36 since 1985. It used to be my main CC. I still carry it quite often, IWB,..and occasionally OWB,...but it is not a pocket gun,...at least for me. The weight doesn't bother me at all. Carrying this wonderful revolver is like eating comfort food. Mine is the round butt version,..but I never could take to those skinny grips. I put a set of ProComp grips on it from a Model 60,..they fit and feel great,..and are just as easy for me to conceal as any other.

I carry with +P loads,..and routinely fire off my carry rounds every month or so. It is a joy to shoot. It's the one gun that will be the very last to go,.....and that'll be after I am gone.

^^^Pretty much this, save for mine is a 1976, and it usually wears a barami hip/Tyler-t combo. Other than that, thunder just saved me a bunch of typing. Listen to thunder...

 

[Remllez]

The trigger on the LCR is what sold me, I don't know how they do it but it's the best box stock D/A trigger I've ever shot. They are also unbelievably light and easy to carry. As far shooting +P's go I think you will like the performance they offer. You can't go wrong with the class the Smith offers or the utility of the LCR. Good Luck!!