Ruger LCR 38 or S&W 37 Airweight?

[smokey30725]

The lgs has a like new lcr 38 for 350 and a very nice older blued airweight model 37 smith for 400. I can get either for about 50 bucks less than the marked price. My intended use is for a tackle box and woods gun. Biggest threat around north Georgia for me is feral dogs. I like the weight of the lcr and trigger pull, but the smith just has an allure all its own. What would you guys pick? The gun will get dirty and wet at times so I don't want to rile the smith purists.

 

[hardluk1]

smokey I would look for 642 ,442 or with the hammer the 637 airweight bought new. Around here they sell for 369+ or - a couple dollars brand new. Just need a good gun shop. There only 449 new. Lots of people seem to like the ruger lcr but for me It will be the all metal sw and still a bit lighter. Triggers on the sw and rugger to me are not far enough apart to matter.

 

[1KPerDay]

For your purposes I'd get the LCR. And I own a 37.

 

[JERRY]

for your purposes, the LCR would be my choice.

 

[FireInCairo]

I owned the S&W 642 aireweight. It was a very well operating gun, but the ergonomics weren't nearly as comfy as the Ruger LCR. I have since given the 642 to a relative and intend to get both the LCR-22 and the LCR-38 (his and hers concealed carry).

My assessment is that they both are great functioning, quality weapons. All that being equal, I would go for the Ruger as they feel so comfortable.

 

[ljnowell]

I bought an LCR over an airweight back in February, and I dont regret it a bit. Nice little gun and carries wonderfully.

 

[MillCreek]

For your application, and noting the tackle box, wet and dirty part, the LCR would be my choice due to corrosion-resistance.

 

[PabloJ]

Buy the 37 if you want nice revolver if plastic frame is what you're after might as well get a Glock pistol. LCR .38 must have resale value of stale loaf of bread.

 

[critter]

LCR!

 

[ljnowell]

Buy the 37 if you want nice revolver if plastic frame is what you're after might as well get a Glock pistol. LCR .38 must have resale value of stale loaf of bread.

And you would be wrong. They are selling used for nearly what new ones do, and they have lots of people buying them. The reason to not buy a glock is because glock doesnt make a 38special revolver, that wasnt the question.

Its great that you dont like plastic, but you dont have any clue of what you speak apparently.

 

[JerryC]

LCR, I have 3 (.22, 38+P and .357) and love them. Nice accurate gun that doesn't kick too much for it's small size.

 

[Moon]

I'd get the Smith. I just got rid of an LCR. Interesting gun, but it was wrong for me. The LCR trigger is popular with most people, but in my case, it invited short-strokes. I suspect that it has to do with the return spring being weaker than on a Smith. Regardless, I'm too accustomed to shooting Smiths to switch platforms, especially if doing so invites error. I shot all over the place with it as well. Mine had a CT grips on it, which drops the weight down to 13oz (a Smith is 15oz); the missing two ounces seemed to make a big difference in accuracy.

Also, a Smith is very easily customized whereas an LCR is not. Don't like the trigger? Get a $20 spring kit. Don't like the grips? Then take your pick of dozens of affordable alternatives. Need a holster? Every major type is configured for the Smiths. The LCR has aftermarket support too, but the options are far fewer than what is available for a j-frame.

 

[MillCreek]

Buy the 37 if you want nice revolver if plastic frame is what you're after might as well get a Glock pistol. LCR .38 must have resale value of stale loaf of bread.

Boy, I will take all the LCRs I can carry if I could find them at that price! I am lucky to see a used one at $ 375 in this area.

 

[Tok9]

Try both at the range before you make a decision. Have you ever
shot a LCR? They have really smooth triggers.

 

[gnb]

Also, a Smith is very easily customized whereas an LCR is not. Don't like the trigger? Get a $20 spring kit. Don't like the grips? Then take your pick of dozens of affordable alternatives. Need a holster? Every major type is configured for the Smiths. The LCR has aftermarket support too, but the options are far fewer than what is available for a j-frame

I guess you didnt read the part where he said the gun was going to be kept in a tackle box and probably be wet & dirty. Thats reason enough to get the LCR, nevermind the fact that its way easier to shoot accurately thanks to that trigger that you dont like. Plus the grips are rubber & better at reducing recoil than most grips made for smiths. I carried S&Ws for years, Ill take the LCR any day.

 

[The Man With No Name]

For what you intend I'd get the LCR. If you really want a Smith then wait for a stainless steel model for the additional corrosion resistance over a blued model.

 

[DFM914]

LCR definately! Great gun, smoothest trigger out of the box you will find.

 

[smokey30725]

Thanks for all the replies. I was leaning towards the lcr and you guys helped push me over the top. I will pick it up at lunch tomorrow.

 

[Fonzie2k]

Even though you've made a decision I figured I would weigh in since I just bought an LCR last week.

I looked at a couple smiths and Taurus revolvers and the salesman brought me the Ruger and I bought it right away.

This thing is a monster to shoot with +p but you likely won't be doing much of that, and it's still easy enough to shoot the 5 rounds that you would use in a self defense situation. Regular .38s are a pleasure to shoot and practice... I carry this thing with a De Santis Nemesis pocket holster and it feels like I'm just carrying an extra cell phone. The grip is also extremely comfortable even though it can't support a pinky.

I highly recommend the LCR. I don't believe in having a little carry gun that I don't look forward to practicing with, This thing is a joy to shoot and I'm going to shoot it every chance I get.

 

[easyg]

Ruger all the way!

 

[XD 45acp]

I'll stick with the Smith

 

[Haywood]

I have both except my LCR is 357. I would go with the 357LCR because you have the option to shoot 38, 38+P and 357. If an angry dog was thinking I looked tasty I want a 357. You have to practice shooting the 357. It is painless with the Tamer Grip but, it does buck a bit.

 

[skt239]

And you would be wrong. They are selling used for nearly what new ones do, and they have lots of people buying them. The reason to not buy a glock is because glock doesnt make a 38special revolver, that wasnt the question.

Its great that you dont like plastic, but you dont have any clue of what you speak apparently.

I have to agree. Some people will say anything to sound like the ultimate anti-plastic guy, even at the risk of sounding completely mis-informed.

Gnb,

The trigger on the LCR might be better for you but for a lot of us (myself included) the smith has the better trigger. Also, I buy holsters for all my guns, even the ones I don't intend on carrying, I know plenty of people who do the same. So holster options are always a plus and the same goes for grips.

 

[Boomie]

I'm a huge S&W fanboy but if I needed a pocket rocket I'd probably get the LCR. I was very skeptical, then I shot a friend's. Now I'm sold on the concept.