Ruger LCR as first handgun?

[Mitlov]

Thanks everyone for the head's up about the Bodyguard 38 as well. I was wary of S&Ws because of the painful recoil on the J-Frame Airweight I shot, but Hogue makes a "tamer" grip for the Bodyguard 38 similar to the one that comes on the LCR (though it looks like the Bodyguard's tamer grip has a pinky rest and the LCR's tamer grip does not). Also, the Bodyguard allows you to have the laser with the tamer grip, whereas the LCR makes you choose between the two.

And the ambidextrous cylinder release is appealing, as is the significantly lower price of the Bodyguard (comparing laser-equipped model to laser-equipped model).

On the other hand, a lot of reviews suggest that the LCR has a better trigger. Anyone here care to weigh in? Are there other advantages of the LCR over the Bodyguard, or is it just a matter of personal preference?

 

[DNS]

Shooting the light weight snubs isn't all that fun so the beauty of the LCR is the .22 version to practice with. Heck, I actually carry the .22 version as my primary due to some injuries that don't really allow me to tolerate a lot of recoil.

Also keep in mind that while snubs look small the overall length is about what a full size auto with 4" barrel would be. Mine fits snugly into the same off-body carry that my 9mm Sigma rode in.

 

[Manny]

The excellent trigger of the LCR is one of the things that initially attracted me to them, as my old S&W 640 trigger wasn't good at all. I loved the size of the 640 for carry but didn't like the trigger or the non-removable, poor visability stainless front ramp sight and could never shoot it with acceptable accuracy even after alot of practice. So I sold it and went to an SP101 which I could shoot very well, but at the price of more size and weight and loss of the concealed hammer which took the gun out of the pocket gun catagory. I liked the 640 for that pocket carry capability, I just didn't like the gun. When the LCR came out, a friend got one for his girlfriend and raved about the trigger, accuracy and light recoil. When I tried one out I knew I found my answer. The size I was looking for in a much more "shootable" package than my old 640. The LCR resolved every issue I had with the 640 and I can shoot it very well and don't find the recoil to be objectional at all, even with the CT grip, whose shape and size I love. IMHO the LCR is superior in every way to comperable S&W's. However as always, YMMV...

 

[italianbreadman]

The excellent trigger of the LCR is one of the things that initially attracted me to them, as my old S&W 640 trigger wasn't good at all. I loved the size of the 640 for carry but didn't like the trigger or the non-removable, poor visability stainless front ramp sight and could never shoot it with acceptable accuracy even after alot of practice. So I sold it and went to an SP101 which I could shoot very well, but at the price of more size and weight and loss of the concealed hammer which took the gun out of the pocket gun catagory. I liked the 640 for that pocket carry capability, I just didn't like the gun. When the LCR came out, a friend got one for his girlfriend and raved about the trigger, accuracy and light recoil. When I tried one out I knew I found my answer. The size I was looking for in a much more "shootable" package than my old 640. The LCR resolved every issue I had with the 640 and I can shoot it very well and don't find the recoil to be objectional at all, even with the CT grip, whose shape and size I love. IMHO the LCR is superior in every way to comperable S&W's. However as always, YMMV...

Compared directly to your SP101, is it a hugely noticeable difference with the LCR?

 

[warhwkbb]

My wife chose the 38 LCR as her CCW. When trying out different snub-nose revolvers, the standard grip LCR was super comfy. Much more pleasant than any of the J frames. She ended up going with the CrimsonTrace LCR and has been very satisfied. She can make one ragged hole at 7 yds with it. For her, the automatically activated laser was worth the slightly increased felt recoil of the CT grip.

 

[fxstchewy]

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

My Sp101 has Badger boot grips that while look and feel and also conceal great are not the best using magnums, the KLCR while lighter has the Hogue grips and IMHO the polymer frame soaks up some of the recoil.

 

[italianbreadman]

My Sp101 has Badger boot grips that while look and feel and also conceal great are not the best using magnums, the KLCR while lighter has the Hogue grips and IMHO the polymer frame soaks up some of the recoil.

I see. I have the Badger Boot grips, myself. Sounds good.

 

[flatlander937]

I came real close to buying an LCR myself... loved the way it fit my hand, loved the trigger, etc... but I held a Kahr CM9 and it was basically the semi-auto version of it.. and it fit my hand better. Also I'm more proficient at reloading an autoloader than a revolver as I'm sure most are.

Go see if you can handle and dry-fire(or better yet live fire) a Kahr CM9 or CW9(slightly larger). I love my CM9 and shoot it better than my 1911.


For the record I still plan on getting an LCR at some point because I agree revolvers are just plain cool

 

[Sheepdog1968]

My wife has medium to small size hands. She can shoot many semi autos that were ok in terms of the way they felt in her hands. She absolutely loved the way the Ruger SRc 9 mm felt in her hands. You may want to check that out as well before making a decision.

 

[Manny]

Compared directly to your SP101, is it a hugely noticeable difference with the LCR?

I haven't fired the two at the same time, so I can't give you a direct head to head. Actually the SP hasn't been fired since a couple weeks before I got the KLCR and may be on the trade block.

All I can say is I didn't notice any major difference between the two, but recoil was pretty much a non-issue with me. I didn't expect to have any issues firing .38's and I didn't. Recoil and it's effects on shooters is maybe as much mental as it is physical. Fear it and it becomes noticable, accept it and it's not a big deal. The CT grip is very comfortable, the KLCR has no sharp edges to gouge the hand and at 17oz it's light, but not rediculously so. It doesn't hurt my hand and is very controlable shooting the +p 125 gr UMC load that I use for practice.

Concerning guns and shooting in general I find noise/muzzle blast to be much more of an issue than recoil. I fired my brothers TC Contender in .45-70 and didn't mind the recoil a bit, but the muzzle blast and concussion from firing under a covered shooting spot made my teeth hurt. I moved out from under the roof for the next shot and found it far more comfotable. This is one reason I shoot .38's in the KLCR rather than .357's. The muzzle blast with a full house .357 is vile and makes my ears hurt without wearing muffs and earplugs, especially firing indoors. .38's attenuate the noise enough it again becomes a non-event.

If I get a chance to shoot this weekend I'll take the SP and do a comparison.

 

[italianbreadman]

I haven't fired the two at the same time, so I can't give you a direct head to head. Actually the SP hasn't been fired since a couple weeks before I got the KLCR and may be on the trade block.

All I can say is I didn't notice any major difference between the two, but recoil was pretty much a non-issue with me. I didn't expect to have any issues firing .38's and I didn't. Recoil and it's effects on shooters is maybe as much mental as it is physical. Fear it and it becomes noticable, accept it and it's not a big deal. The CT grip is very comfortable, the KLCR has no sharp edges to gouge the hand and at 17oz it's light, but not rediculously so. It doesn't hurt my hand and is very controlable shooting the +p 125 gr UMC load that I use for practice.

Concerning guns and shooting in general I find noise/muzzle blast to be much more of an issue than recoil. I fired my brothers TC Contender in .45-70 and didn't mind the recoil a bit, but the muzzle blast and concussion from firing under a covered shooting spot made my teeth hurt. I moved out from under the roof for the next shot and found it far more comfotable. This is one reason I shoot .38's in the KLCR rather than .357's. The muzzle blast with a full house .357 is vile and makes my ears hurt without wearing muffs and earplugs, especially firing indoors. .38's attenuate the noise enough it again becomes a non-event.

If I get a chance to shoot this weekend I'll take the SP and do a comparison.

Sounds good, but jeeze, wear some ear protection!!!

 

[Manny]

Sounds good, but jeeze, wear some ear protection!!!

I DO wear ear protection, most often Surefire ear plugs, but some of the high pressure magnum loads are annoying enough that I put on ear muffs as well. I've worked around engines and machinery for over 30 years and make every attempt to guard my hearing. Still it is a bit diminished after that many years, mont likely from stupidity when I was younger and thought I was bullet proof. I had both plugs & muffs on when I touched off that .45-70 and while my ears were OK the concussion was so intense it was like a physical blow. The Contender barrel was ported and directed the gasses upwards reverberating fiercely off the roof. So much so that I was covered with dirt that it shook off the ceiling.

 

[Haywood]

I shoot a LCR357. Some 357 Ammo is not bad some hurts to shoot. 38 and 38+P is sweet. I have around 3000 rounds through mine. Easy to carry every day as main carry or back up. Most of the shooting was done with mid range 357 ammo.

 

[Mitlov]

I'm still incredibly torn between the LCR and the Bodyguard 38 (and after looking at more semi-auto options, I just feel more comfortable with a revolver as my first handgun). Does anyone feel that either the LCR or the Bodyguard 38 would be a serious mistake, or is this just a personal preference matter between two good options?

 

[italianbreadman]

Does the Bodyguard come in .357? I don't think so, and that would make up my mind right there.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I don't think it would be a mistake as your comfort is paramount...as long as you accept that the revolver's cylinder will add width and reloads will require a bit more dexterity

 

[Haywood]

I didn't like the Grip on the S&W Bodyguard. I also didn't like how you activate the Laser. I would rather have CT Grips.

 

[Stress_Test]

I'm still incredibly torn between the LCR and the Bodyguard 38 (and after looking at more semi-auto options, I just feel more comfortable with a revolver as my first handgun). Does anyone feel that either the LCR or the Bodyguard 38 would be a serious mistake, or is this just a personal preference matter between two good options?

\

Relax man, it's not a marriage

If you buy it and later decide that you just don't like it, then you can always sell it or trade it for something else.

I have agonized over buying decisions before also, but I finally decided that you can't ever REALLY know if it's a good choice unless you take the plunge and then use the gun for a while to decide whether or not it's a good fit for you.

I don't think you'd be unhappy with the LCR. I bought mine pretty much just for s**ts and grins, but I ended up really liking it. It's not a very good "range gun" per se, meaning it's not something I'd shoot a hundred rounds through at a time, but it's still fun enough to shoot, despite the difficulty it making good hits. And when I feel like really making some noise, I load the Remington 125gr SJHP magnums!

 

[Mitlov]

One local store had both the Ruger LCR and the S&W Bodyguard 38 in stock. Tried both (not firing, mind you, just ergonomics and trigger and the like). Totally subjective, but I LOVED the LCR and HATED the Bodyguard. For me, the former had a far more comfortable grip, a better trigger feel, and nicer sights.

Guess that decides that. Should get my CHL early next month and I'll probably pick up the LCR right after that. Thanks everyone for the comments!

 

[tomrkba]

Gun Digest Book of the Revolver by Grant Cunningham is a very good book. Pay particular attention to how he does trigger control. Buy the print version of the book since the photos do not come out correctly on the Kindle. Converting the file to another format may help.

I understand the LCR trigger is somewhat of a game changer, but buying a snubby as a learning gun is a terrible idea. The problems of trigger control (not as much of a problem on an LCR), grip, recoil and sight picture can be masked by the short sight radius. Trigger control is the most important variable and will take the longest to master. Shooting fast adds recoil to the equation and cannot be accomplished without serious practice. It is very important to reduce the impact of variables so the shooter may focus upon mastering the fundamentals of shooting.

The snubby exaggerates errors in trigger control, grip, recoil and sight picture. It is much easier for an instructor to troubleshoot one or two problems in technique. It is for this reason, since you are going to buy a revolver, that you buy one whose grip fills your hand, allows proper placement of the finger on the trigger without touching the frame (see Cunningham's chapter on fit) and has at least a four inch barrel. A five inch barrel is better, but a revolver with a four inch barrel is easier to carry. The Ruger SP101 with 4.2 inch barrel is now available. S&W made some J-Frames with five inch barrels in the past. Consider a Ruger GP100 or S&W Model 686. There is no reason not to buy the bigger gun since you can get both! Learning to shoot a revolver fast and accurately, along with the associated skills of reloading and tactics, is difficult enough without making it deliberately difficult with a snubby revolver.

Never forget that the purpose of the gun is fighting. The fundamentals of shooting only prepare you to learn the next step. Operating a revolver in a competitive or tactical environment is very different from the calm of the standard gun range. Rapid fire is an essential skill and is more difficult to do accurately with a revolver. People claim that reloading a revolver is simple and easy; it is not. It is a complicated process prone to error. The stresses of competition and fighting will cause the shooter to make mistakes. Try reloading a J-Frame, LCR, or SP101 while moving quickly. You will find dropping cartidges, missing charge holes or wedging one against the frame is very is easy to do. This is something to practice constantly using all methods you use (speed strips, different speed loaders and possibly moon clips) since the skill degrades quickly. Make a two day defensive course for revolver shooters a priority. Also do some ICORE, IDPA and IPSC competition where you will meet good people who will teach you good techniques that will improve your shooting. Your skills will improve much more quickly and you will avoid learning bad habits.

 

[Deer_Freak]

When the 357 mag LCR was first introduced every law enforcement officer in the area bought one for an ankle gun. Fast forward a couple years. Every time I went to a gun range a police officer was there trying to sell an LCR. No one complained their gun had broke or said anything bad about the LCR. I have no idea why they wanted to sell the guns but they did want to sell them.

 

[warhwkbb]

a 17oz ankle gun sounds like a dumb idea anyway. It sounds to me, like a snub 38 is perfect for the OP's intended purpose. I can recommend the LCR with enthusiasm, but I wouldn't pass up a good J frame either.

 

[hentown]

I'd never recommend a revolver of any kind as a first handgun to somebody who wants to actually enjoy shooting handguns. I could blather on for another 1000 words, but anybody who's experienced in shooting small, lightweight revolvers and small, lightweight semi-autos will understand.

 

[5thSFGroup]

LCR

I purchased a LCR .38 spcl for my wife. She does fine with it. I did load her some 125 gr rounds over some Clays powder to get her used to the pistol. She then went to a 158 gr load and does fine.

Your problem with the LCR is going to be the double action. You will need to practice, practice and continue to practice to stay proficient. I use a laser on my Sig but not on any of the small carry guns. You do not need it. This is a point and shoot weapon...just figure on a close quarters confrontation.

All that said, my wife likes the Smith version better....she likes the single action option and the trigger pull is better for her on the Smith. I agree on both counts.