Ruger LCR as first handgun?

[Mitlov]

Ruger LCR as first handgun? edit: S&W Bodyguard 38 discussion as well

I have shotgun experience (can shoot a 25 straight from the 16-yard-line and a 24/25 from the 20 yard line with my BPS in American Trap) but never owned a handgun before. Shot several handguns and handled a number of options, both semi-automatic and revolvers. There's not a range near me that loans handguns, so before anyone suggests that, it's not an option. And due to a couple factors (I'm an attorney and some of my recent cases involve unsavory characters, and there's a methadone clinic moving in near my office), I'm going to get myself a CCW license.

I've had a lot trouble finding "the right" gun for me because (1) I'm a small guy with small hands (making double-stack pistols just uncomfortable, and making many guns too big to conceal on my person), and (2) I'm a left-hander (making non-ambidextrous models not an option).

Of the handgun models I've tried, loved shooting the Kimber 1911 but a full-size service pistol is not what I'm looking for; was lukewarm on the Ruger P95; disliked the kick and difficulty of aiming a S&W J-frame (though I liked its size); felt the Glock 19 Gen 4 didn't fit me ergonomically in any way; felt the Beretta PX4 was simply too big for me, and liked the Springfield XDM and XDS, though the slide-release being right-handed only didn't please me.

But recently I've become very interested in the Ruger LCR. The reviews of better recoil control than the S&W Airweight I've shot are appealing, and I like the simplicity of operation of a revolver. And subjectively, I think snubbies are kind of cool and like the image of a revolver more than an autoloader (not that subjective aesthetic tastes matter as much as utility, but there you have it).

Whatever I get, I'm likely to practice with live ammo once or twice per month, practice with snap-caps daily at least for a while, and may start conceal-carrying on a daily basis as soon as I feel comfortable with it.

But on the other hand, I still see a lot of comments about snubbies being an expert-only gun, difficult to use beyond 5 yards or so, and the kick still being quite strong. Am I crazy to consider an LCR instead of, say, a Springfield XDS, as a first handgun?

 

[History.Doc]

I don't think you are crazy. I recommended the LCR for my mom, who is a pretty inexperienced shooter. She likes it for its simplicity, and the recoil is manageable. Happy shooting.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Strongly recommend that you shoot before you buy. I tried the .38 LCR when I was new to handguns and it wasn't a good experience, even though I really wanted to like it. It was just too painful to shoot. I spent the next couple of years shooting (and carrying) full-size pistols before trying the LCR again, and I found that now I could handle it - bought myself a .357 version and it has become one of my favorite guns.

 

[pikid89]

maybe a Snubnose S&W K frame would suit you better....still small but alot more manageable as a first gun (models 10, 65, 19, 66, etc)

 

[Stress_Test]

If you do get one, get the 357 version and then if you shoot .38s out of it the recoil won't be bad at all.

You may have a hard time hitting anything with it at any range past spitting distance though... I do anyway. The short sight radius and double action trigger make it tough. It's amazing how the rounds just can't seem to find their way onto the paper!

Make sure you get the standard Houge grip and not the boot grip, btw, if you're worried about recoil.

Edit: By the way, have you looked at an M&P 9mm compact? I bought one a little while back and the grip is pretty small, especially if you use the small backstrap. Fully ambidextrous controls too. There are 9mm single-stack options out there but recoil starts to be an issue at that size if you're concerned about it.

 

[JohnBiltz]

If you really want one and the recoil is too bad I understand they just came out with or are about to come out with one in .22 magnum.

There are a number of single stack 9mm out there now, Shield or the new Springfield. I'd give them a try.

 

[marv]

I've had a .38LCR for a long time now. It is my EDC when my pockets permit it. I would recommend lots of dry fire practice with snap caps. Also you can have some light loads made up for practice. Better yet, you can get the very same gun in .22LR for cheap practice. If you can find the ammo. Lastly, "Gun Digest Book of the Revolver" by Grant Cunningham is a very good read. It is available from Amazon in print and on Kindle.

 

[IdahoSkies]

+1 on the .357 and use 38s. I was absolutely surprised at the amount of recoil it had. Great little piece, but very light, which you pay for in recoil. But very handy.

 

[Mitlov]

Hadn't even thought about getting the 357 model for the extra weight on the LCR, but that sounds like a smart move if I go that route.

By the way, have you looked at an M&P 9mm compact? I bought one a little while back and the grip is pretty small, especially if you use the small backstrap. Fully ambidextrous controls too.

Ooh, I like the 1911-style safety (if I'm going to have a light striker-fire trigger instead of a double-action pull, I'd rather have a manual safety--just personal preference) and the ambidextrous slide release. It doesn't have quite the subjective appeal that the LCR does to me, but it looks like a very sensible/practical option. I'll see if I can find one in person around here to inspect.

 

[Dave P.]

I have ( in the last year ) basically taught 3 women to shoot,
Two had never fired a gun before. All 3 now have their CPL.
And all three chose the LCRs. None of them find recoil to be
an issue. I was able to let them try some different guns, then
suggested they go to a couple of shops and look around.
They all bought the LCR and have had no problems with
them. I think they have a great "stock" trigger pull and
very soft recoil for a small gun. The one lady shoots about
once every 6-8 weeks maybe 50-75 rounds and the other
two about the same amount ( rounds ) but maybe every
3-4 weeks.
Great guns for the price.
Dave

 

[9mmepiphany]

The LCR is a much better choice than the S&W J-frame both in the feel o f the trigger and the grips. The action is much better out of the box and it is very shootable.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should start your learning curve with light recoil target wadcutters to get the correct technique down before moving onto harder recoiling loads. With a bit of practice, I also recommend getting instruction, you should be able to keep a cylinder full in about 2" at 5-7 yards...the smooth DA trigger really helps.

You might also want to take a look at the Kahr 9mm pistols. They have a variety of models in steel (K), polymer (P) and economy (CW) to fit your weight, finish and price requirements

 

[horsemen61]

I carry the LCR in 357 and I have to say I love it I love shooting it I love carrying it IMHO it is a great little revolver now with that said I don't go to the range and fire off a ton of full house 357s mostly 38s cause they are fun to shoot ymmv

 

[critter]

The Ruger LCR in .38 is one I bought VERY slightly used. Owned it about half an hour. The moment my wife picked it up, she declared it "HERS".

It has been her CCW ever since. She loves the thing and can shoot the heck out of it.

 

[Skyshot]

The LCR is a perfect carry revolver. Just remember it's not a target pistol. But, with trigger time you can become fairly accurate with it at reasonable handgun distances. To me that means 25 yards and under. Stay with the low power .38's to practice with, this will help you overcome the flinching factor that you will most likely get shooting +P or 357 mag loads, and they're cheaper too. Find a good +P load when you carry. You may be able to tolerate a .357 Mag in the snubbie. I've been shooting all my life and I'm 59 and I don't like the .357 in a snubbie. It's fine in full size revolver, but huge muzzle blast in the short barrel. I highly recommend the LCR model that come's with the night sight.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I like the springfield XDs in .45, but you are leaning towards revolvers. In that case I recommend a Ruger SP-101 with a 2 or 3" bbl. You'll enjoy the 3" version better, and in a proper holster should be easily concealed, even for a smaller guy.

I have a J frame 642 Airweight, but I may be parting with it since I don't carry it anymore and it really serves little purpose. Not that fun to shoot either. Now the Ruger and the Sprienfield get shot all the time.

 

[italianbreadman]

You're not crazy at all.

I honestly think that anyone who calls a snubbie an expert gun is crazy. There's nothing more simple than a revolver, especially one with an internal hammer and double-action-only trigger.

I would get the .357 LCR for a few extra ounces to mitigate recoil and to give you the versatility of shooting the full- or low-power .357 loads, .38 Special +P, or plain Jane .38s.


Maybe you'd like a .380 ACP single-stack pocket gun, too?

 

[9mmepiphany]

I honestly think that anyone who calls a snubbie an expert gun is crazy. There's nothing more simple than a revolver, especially one with an internal hammer and double-action-only trigger.

I believe that statement is usually attributed to Massad Ayoob and was used in reference to the S&W J-frames.

During that time the S&W K-frame was the standard revolver used by most LEOs and many shooters. It was a gun that could be fitted to the vast majority of hands, had a smooth action and was easily shot with very good accuracy.

The J-frame had none of these attributes.
1. It's small grip frame made it hand to hold onto
2. The reduced size of the action changed the geometry of the action parts to produce a less than optimal trigger stroke.
3. The reduced clearance between the open cylinder and recoil shield required a much more precise technique to align the fresh cases when using speedloaders.

The fact that many people choose to buy the J-frame based on size, does not suddenly make it a easy gun to be proficient with.

I carried a 642 for many years, had it's action tuned and shot thousands of rounds through it in practice. It is still one of the hardest guns to shoot accurately at speed. Slow fire isn't a test, as it gives up nothing in accuracy out to 50 yards, but multiple shots at a respectable speed is really a chanllenge

 

[italianbreadman]

I believe that statement is usually attributed to Massad Ayoob and was used in reference to the S&W J-frames.

During that time the S&W K-frame was the standard revolver used by most LEOs and many shooters. It was a gun that could be fitted to the vast majority of hands, had a smooth action and was easily shot with very good accuracy.

The J-frame had none of these attributes.
1. It's small grip frame made it hand to hold onto
2. The reduced size of the action changed the geometry of the action parts to produce a less than optimal trigger stroke.
3. The reduced clearance between the open cylinder and recoil shield required a much more precise technique to align the fresh cases when using speedloaders.

The fact that many people choose to buy the J-frame based on size, does not suddenly make it a easy gun to be proficient with.

I carried a 642 for many years, had it's action tuned and shot thousands of rounds through it in practice. It is still one of the hardest guns to shoot accurately at speed. Slow fire isn't a test, as it gives up nothing in accuracy out to 50 yards, but multiple shots at a respectable speed is really a chanllenge

In that respect, I completely agree that the statement makes more sense. Meaning that snubs are more challenging compared to larger revolvers.

Unquestionably, and in all genres of firearm, the proficiency necessary to shoot well increases as size decreases, but in today's gun landscape, there are far more complicated weapons that require specific and deliberately trained expertise to operate.

 

[HexHead]

We're I you, I'd consider the S&W Bodyguard .38 over the LCR. The cylinder release is on top, making it ambidextrous for left-handers. That it comes standard with an integrated laser is icing on the cake, and a great training aid for dry firing.

Otherwise, I was going to recommend checking out a Gen4 Glock 26. The mag release can be moved to the other side for a left handed shooter. My wife has small hands with short fingers and the Gen4 without the additional back straps feels perfect to her. The 26 also feels very different from a 19, I had both. What was it about the ergonomics you hated?

 

[Mitlov]

We're I you, I'd consider the S&W Bodyguard .38 over the LCR. The cylinder release is on top, making it ambidextrous for left-handers. That it comes standard with an integrated laser is icing on the cake, and a great training aid for dry firing.

I thought about the Bodyguard 38, but the laser appeared to be right where my thumbs would be on the right side of the gun. Because of the placement of the laser housing, it seemed like it would be less comfortable for a left-hander than the LCR would, despite the ambidextrous cylinder release.

See the big laser housing on the right side:

I could be mistaken though...I haven't found one to try out in my hand yet.

Otherwise, I was going to recommend checking out a Gen4 Glock 26. The mag release can be moved to the other side for a left handed shooter. My wife has small hands with short fingers and the Gen4 without the additional back straps feels perfect to her. The 26 also feels very different from a 19, I had both. What was it about the ergonomics you hated?

The grip felt too big, and the distance from the webbing of my hand to the trigger seemed a bit too long. Also, I didn't like the trigger feel.

 

[italianbreadman]

Nah, your thumbs really shouldn't be anywhere near that. More like where the grip meets the flat part of the frame. You'd be fine with the Bodyguard in terms of thumb placement.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

If you like the size of the S&W J-frame for carry, and the 15-oz 642 Airweight is too snappy for .38 Special in your hand, consider going to a steel-framed Model 60 (which aesthetically is totally old school and blows away the LCR in that department). The 20-oz weight of the M60 puts it right at the edge of too heavy for pocket carry.



Or, you can go super light with the less powerful .22 Magnum AirLite. Very easy to carry at 11.5-oz and holds 7 shots instead of 5. .22 Magnum is not ideal, but there has been recent development of new self-defense loads for this cartridge which make it a viable carry option IMO.

One other option would be to get the 15-oz alloy J-frame and shoot lighter power defensive loads in it. Hornaday makes light recoil loads - yes, they are marketed to women, but who cares?

Good luck with your choice. The LCR has a different look and feel and is a little larger than a J-frame, but they are viable choices for carry.

 

[Manny]

I don't think you're crazy at all, I think you are choosing the best tool for the job. A KLCR .357 with a Crimson Trace grip is my carry gun and the only way I can think of to improve it would be to add a tritium front sight, which I'll be doing shortly. I shoot 125gr +p .38's in it and the recoil isn't bad at all, though the CT grip does allow for more felt recoil than the standard grip. I also have a LCR-22 w/ the same CT grip for practice and a last ditch backup.

I love the KLCR to pieces and it's my constant companion and has also replaced my Glock as my bedside gun at night since I already have the KLCR out and am entirely comfortable with it.

I suggest getting the CT grip if you can as I find it really enhances drumfire practice by visibly "tattling" on poor trigger management etc.. It also makes dealing with the shot sight radius much easier, gives low light capability and just might possibly avoid a shooting by the application of the red dot on an assailants person. It may just discourage them without having to pull the trigger, which would be a far better outcome for all involved.

If recoil is an issue, .38 148gr wadcutter target loads have very light recoil and a good reputation as a defensive load. If you can afford it an LCR-22 is a wonderful training tool, though the trigger is nowhere as good as the .38 or .357 versions and there is no optional more visible front sight ( at least thusfar) that maintains the proper POA/POI.

The LCR gets two HUGE thumbs up from me!!!! And I believe with a modicum of practice you will be amazed at how well you can shoot the little LCR.

 

[fxstchewy]

I really like my KLCR .357, i think it has less felt recoil than my SP101 using the same load, easy to carry also, would be a great choice.

 

[italianbreadman]

I really like my KLCR .357, i think it has less felt recoil than my SP101 using the same load, easy to carry also, would be a great choice.

Wow. If you're not exaggerating (are you?) then that's incredible. .357 out of my SP101 feels just fine and dandy.