Ruger LCR Opinions?

[JCooperfan1911]

I am in the market for a small revolver for carrying on my evening/night rural walks and around the house ideally using pocket carry for both uses.

Ruger’s LCR has my attention at 13.5 oz. I am interested in the .38 special model.



Is this a quality revolver? I plan to train with it often, will it hold up to long term firing? Also I have mentioned some say it’s too big/bulky for pocket carry. Is this true? I know many people carry J-frames in the pocket but is the LCR that much bulkier and suitable only for waistband carry?

Thanks

 

[Dan-O]

I think you should follow the advice of your handle. Why not 6 vs 5? They smooth out very well with some trigger finger time.

Ruger’s are overbuilt, not overrated. Customer care is the opposite of terrible.

 

[Doug444]

I have the LCR in .38 Spl, and when I carry it it's often in a pocket, with a pocket holster. Pretty innocuous. I haven't shot it a ton, so I'm not that knowledgable about the longevity, but It's still going fine so far. I do really like the trigger and carry it with Hornady Lite .38 spl loads (90 gr I believe), mostly because my wife carries it more than I do.

 

[ericuda]

Maybe fine for target work but not enough capacity for self defense.

 

[TTv2]

LCR is fine and often have heard they are some of the most comfortable snubs ever made to pocket carry.

Personally, I would take a long look at the 9mm LCR before jumping on the .38. Cheaper, more available ammunition in a 4oz heavier steel frame vs the aluminum .38 frame. Nothing that 147gr +P can't do that 158gr .38 can and at a higher velocity too.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Trigger is nice in them. I have one and like it well enough. Front sight is easier to replace than a J frame Smith, if that matters to you.
I never found a grip which fit me well with the LCR though. Aside from that, I like it.

 

[Anchorite]

I’ve actually had 2 of them. Current price check leaves me asking why they are priced as they are … supply vs demand, I guess.

Why have I had two? First one I bought off a county deputy that wanted to go with a semi-automatic pistol as his BUG, so I got the LCR for a great price.
Carried it (pocket), shot it, let the wife carry and shoot it. Impressions: great LW piece. Seemed a little awkward when it was carried (like my M49 S&W humpback 38). Shooting it was like having a ball peen hammer hit you in the center of your hand - and this was with standard 38S loads. I could only muster a few cylinders and I had to rest and my hand was numb.

So I sold that one. Next LCR had a fiber optic front sight and was used, so I thought I’d give the little contraption another chance. I was intrigued with the FO insert as I have a few pistols set up the same way. I genuinely like the LCR and thought it would be great low-maintenance carry piece for me in the humid northern gulf coast atmosphere and somewhat salty air where I hang out.
I still came away feeling like I was hitting my hand with a ball peen hammer with standard pressure loads.

Both specimens shot fine and operated w/out any errors, I just could not personally warm up to it, as much as I wanted to. I have carried a 442 and a 49 humpback for years, along with a a Colt DS and Agent and. SP-101 and a Speed Six. To this day I think I’ll stick to the J frame if I need a 5-shot revolver. I like the added weight (fee ounces, yes), and the shape, compared to the larger Ruger grip and semi-humpback configuration. YMMV.
I’d still recommend you try one out and shoot it before you plunk down your hard-earned greenbacks.

 

[KevininPa]

I have the 9mm version. It frequently gets pocket carried. At one time I had a 637 j-frame in .38 Special. Couldn't stand shooting it. Too light. The 9mm LCR is the same frame as their .357, so it's heavier. The 9mm is quite shootable out of it. Their moonclips are easy to snap rounds in and out of. And the moonclips make for a quick reload. It's more accurate than I am. My personal choice for the grip is the Pachmayr Guardian. The pinky extension that pops down makes it easier to grip and shoot. I got this to replace my LCP. Never could cotton up to that snappy little thing. Wish Ruger would make those in .32 acp. So there's my two cents for what it's worth.

 

[TTv2]

I’ve actually had 2 of them. Current price check leaves me asking why they are priced as they are … supply vs demand, I guess.

Probably because a lot of people have similar experiences to yours and decide to move on, but NIB LCR .38's have always been pretty cheap, I remember seeing the copper cylinder ones selling for under $350 new. I figure the aluminum frame is easier and faster to cast and machine.

And your experiences are the reason I am far more interested in .32 or .327 Magnum revolvers. The lighter projectiles make a big difference in recoil and the smaller diameters mean good penetration due to sectional density.

 

[LeftyRed]

I had LCRs, and they just seem cheap and very “cap gun like”. They were no way “over built” like most Rugers. The only grip that felt right was the OEM bulky rubber grip and I never liked carrying it due to size. I only have J Frames now.

 

[357 Terms]

The bantam grips really make a difference when pocket carrying compared to the stock grips.
Quite a few sight options available, trigger is pretty good.
I haven't shot mine a whole lot, so I can't comment on durability.

 

[Styx]

I've had one (357 version) for over a decade now. The finish has held up great. I've pocket carried it in a cargo pants pocket, fanny-pack, and jacket pocket. It should fit in a pants pocket just as easily unless you wear skinny or fitted jeans.

As far as recoil goes, it's better than other featherweight handguns like the Diamondback DB6, S&W aluminum frame Centennials, and even other 9mm single stacks I've fired. I believe that's due to the stock Hogue grips that's also cushioned inside. It hurts like hell to shoot 357 magnum, but 38spc was just fine.

I currently a S&W 640 Pro, M60, two M686, and a M69. I also own a Taurus, Kimber, and new Colt revolvers. IMHO, the fit and finish is great as is the trigger, it feels like quality, and I love that the front site can be changed. I installed an XS Big Dot tritium night sight on mine.

Why choose an LCR over a J-frame? Is a fairly recent thread, and if you read all of the responses, the overwhelming number of people who own one like and perfer them over S&W aluminum frame revolvers. Almost all positive reviews. If you search this forum and others, you'll see that the reviews are also favorable.

I threw a laser and an aftermarket grip on just for ghits and singles, but I carry with stock grips and no laser. Took this picture 4 years ago which at the time was around 7 years of ownership. FYI: The 357 model that I own frame is made out of stainless steel, but the 38spc frames are aluminum. I have no experience with the 38spc model, but I haven't heard of any problems over the years either.

 

[Tallball]

My friend has an LCR in 357 that he's carried for a number of years. After I shot it, I knew I wanted one. Soon afterwards I found a used 38 special model and bought it.

The 38 special model is four ounces lighter than the 357 or 9mm models. The recoil is somewhat sharper due to the weight. I have enormous XXL hands and had to put slightly larger grips on it.

That being said, it's my favorite carry piece. The trigger is amazingly good and I'm very accurate with it. It weighs almost nothing. I bought it used and it had been shot some. I've shot it a bunch more. Still no malfunctions or visible wear.

I carry the LCR in a cargo pocket most of the year. I have a nice S&W j-frame (642) that I carry in the back pocket of jeans sometimes, but I prefer the LCR due to its amazing trigger.

 

[Styx]

I am in the market for a small revolver for carrying on my evening/night rural walks and around the house ideally using pocket carry for both uses.

Ruger’s LCR has my attention at 13.5 oz. I am interested in the .38 special model.

View attachment 1136358

Is this a quality revolver? I plan to train with it often, will it hold up to long term firing? Also I have mentioned some say it’s too big/bulky for pocket carry. Is this true? I know many people carry J-frames in the pocket but is the LCR that much bulkier and suitable only for waistband carry?

Thanks

FYI, the S&W Pro Series Model 442 only cost $462.65 retail online, and comes with a $50 rebate. It's 14.6oz.

The Standard 442 is $432.63 plus a $50 rebate.

The LCR 38 spc is $500 online, and the 9mm/357 is $650.

As far as those who say the LCR is too bulky for pocket carry, here's a comparison with small S&W J-frame. While the stock grip is bulkier, the outer footprints are practically the same.




Here is the LCR overlaid over 442. The will almost be the same size if you swap out the LCR grip to the boot grip simular to the 442.

 

[NeroM]

Plenty of threads in this forum supporting the LCR format. I was shopping for a snubbie shortly after they were introduced; a time when one could usually go into LGS and see a real selection of various models from various makers. While I had S&W in mind, liked the feel and fit to my hand of the grip- trigger was nicer than other makes/models - went home with an LCR 38 SPL. Think of it as my last resort, when other approaches have not worked. Carried it in a pocket holster in coat/jacket , cargo pocket, motor cycle vest pocket, tackle bag, etc. Have shot it some, a mix of 145 TCFP handloads, Hornandy +P critical defense loads and more recently 150 gr WC from Buffalo Bore and Underwood. Can easily bust on edge clay birds at 10 steps, I did put a dollop of white fingernail polish on top of front sight ramp. The Finish looks fine, no signs of wear, comfortable to shoot, even with the 158 gr SWC +P Buffalo Bore load. If something happened to it, would no doubt replace it with another LCR.

 

[lee n. field]

I am in the market for a small revolver for carrying on my evening/night rural walks and around the house ideally using pocket carry for both uses.

Ruger’s LCR has my attention at 13.5 oz. I am interested in the .38 special model.

Is this a quality revolver?

Yes.

I plan to train with it often, will it hold up to long term firing?

Should.

Also I have mentioned some say it’s too big/bulky for pocket carry. Is this true?

Depends on your pocket.

It is not significantly different in size or "carryability" from (as an example) a S&W 642.

I know many people carry J-frames in the pocket but is the LCR that much bulkier and suitable only for waistband carry?

Thanks

I pocket carried a .38 LCRx for at least a year.

 

[unclenunzie]

I have LCRs in 38, 357, and 22lr. I also have a half dozen or so of j frames. All work well. The after market for grips is small compared to the venerable j frame. For pocket either will do and both provide good support. The finish on the rugers is tougher imo. The ruger trigger is longer but has almost no noticeable stacking. But I think you can run the J faster if need be due to the shorter pull and faster return.

I think it comes down to preference. Personally for me the J carries smaller.

 

[Pudge]

I think LCR's are great. Prefer the .357, the added weight makes a much bigger difference shooting than carrying. But shooting .357s out of it, small doses.

 

[Mosin77]

I have smaller hands than average and, for what it’s worth, find the LCR in .38 not unpleasant to shoot. I also don’t mind the LCP .380, which a lot of guys find unpleasant.

I’d carry an LCR happily because I think they’re a slightly nicer gun than the Smiths in terms of long term finish durability and I like the trigger more. You could do a lot worse as a companion for an evening walk.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Thanks, all.

So when carried in the front pocket of cargo shorts or other pants with large pockets, and using the bantam grips, would it be appropriate to assume the .38 LCR makes a manageable pocket gun?

 

[unclenunzie]

Thanks, all.

So when carried in the front pocket of cargo shorts or other pants with large pockets, and using the bantam grips, would it be appropriate to assume the .38 LCR makes a manageable pocket gun?

Yes it would. Though I advise trying the bantam grips before if possible. I found they feel like they are going to squeeze out of my hand, I can't get enough hand on them. The shape is smaller at the bottom and larger at the top. I don't use the bantams, but others seem to like them.

 

[Styx]

Thanks, all.

So when carried in the front pocket of cargo shorts or other pants with large pockets, and using the bantam grips, would it be appropriate to assume the .38 LCR makes a manageable pocket gun?

With typical cargo pants or shorts, the stock or the bantam grips will work in my experience.

 

[contender]

i have the 357 and 327 magnum versions. To those ends i mostly shoot std 38's along with 32 H&R magnums and 32 Long's as i am not as tolerant to recoil as i use to be.

i pocket carry either model with the boot grips using the Mika pocket holster with the round cut bottom to fit my pockets better. nowadays i mostly wear dickie's pants along with a few Lee xtreme comfort pants...both have the slash pockets. Its comfortable for me and not a giant bulge that screams gun. Your chosen pants brand can make a huge difference as to whether a gun is suitable or not for pocket carry. More so than any debate about the size differences of a boot grip Smith or Ruger.

my preference is for the 32 as i like that sixth shot and reduced recoil.

The Smith will be slightly smaller and offer better grip options. I was disappointed with the QC on my last two Smiths. I will probably never go back to a Smith as i think highly of the LCR quality, trigger, and decent poa/poi.

 

[Steve51]

I have the Ruger LCRx in 38spl.+ P. I like the exposed hammer and the option of firing single action. I use it for conceal carry with speed strips and I carry it in the woods during mushroom hunting season. For some reason snake shot is more deady with this revolver than any of my other .357 revolvers - maybe due to the short barrel.

 

[defjon]

I will read the rest later. The lcr makes a fine pocket gun. Thr smaller bantam grips ruger sells make it tiny.

I recommend the 357 for versatility. Steel cylinder vs aluminum. Only a couple ounces more and still carries great.

There's been over 10k clocked through the lcr model with no meaningful wear. It'll hold up to practice.

Since you want to practice, and good on you, the 17 ounce 357 soaks recoil better. Run 38s through the 357 for better range days.

I went from lcr back to 642/60, trigger preference only. I'd grab another lcr if a good deal presented.