Ruger LCR or S&W 642/442?

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justsumguy12

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I'm looking for a small pocketable revolver, and I imagine either of these will fit the bill, but which one? Which one has more recoil? Anyone own both and tested them side by side?

Thanks!
 
S&W.

I've had a 642 for a couple years, and have had a couple 442 and various other J frames. I also have a GP 100 and an SP 101 that is my every day carry, so I have no real loyalty to either S&W or Ruger.

I picked up an LCR a month or so ago and quick sold it. Yes, the trigger is smoother on the LCR, but that's about it. Fit & Finish, overall feel and shootability can't be compared to the 642.

The Hogue tamer grips on the LCR felt promising in the hand when I first picked it up, but after shooting, I wasn't all that impressed.

For me (and this will vary shooter to shooter), the 642/442 aims much easier and point shooting is very natural. With the LCR, I couldn't point shoot to save my life (pun intended) and aimed fire was really hindered by the crappy black plastic rear "sight". Now that may have changed with the XS Dots that are now available.

Overall, I was not impressed the LCR and sold it at first opportunity.
 
my experience has differed a bit.

i've been carrying a S&W 642 for over 10 years. mine has had it's action tuned and is very accurate out pass 25 yards...enough to win money from non-believers

to date, i have handled about 5 LCRs but have only had a chance to shoot one...the others were at the SHOT Show and at various FFLs. the LCR immediately feels better in the hand. good weight and pointing characteristics, as well as a superior out-of-the-box trigger feel.

the one i shot felt much more comfortable than the 442 and 342 that we were comparing it to..the only thing i didn't like was the laser grips. i'm not a big believer in lazers or point shooting, but the LCR did point very well. it easily outshot the S&Ws and was almost as nice as my 642
 
I have owned a S&W 638 Bodygaurd in the past and loved it. I had the opportunity to buy either the S&W 642 or the Ruger LCR. I went with the LCR after discovering the finish is a synergetic hard coat that has past the mil-spec salt spray test. After shooting the LCR, I decided I made the right choice. It is easier to shoot and conceals just as good. I also liked the price over the 642. Both are excellent guns and whichever you chose, I am sure you will be happy.

On another note, I am adding the boot grip and an XS night sight to my LCR, something you cannot do with the 642.
 
The LCR has a better trigger and handles the recoil better in my hand.
 
They are all great little carry guns and should work for you.

The Ruger has a smoother trigger and a little less recoil to me but either gun should suit your pocket carry needs very well. They all have the same features that make them a great choice for CCW.
 
My advice:

Definitely shoot both. With +P ammunition.

There are enough of them out there, especially the 642 and 442, to find one to shoot.

I put 85 rounds of +p ammo through an LCR last night. I didn't have a S&W to compare. I shot it side by side with a Kahr PM9. It was my first time shooting that, too.

My groups were smaller and more consistent with the Kahr. Felt recoil was a lot less, too.

A lot of people talk about the LCR handing recoil better than a J-frame. If that's the truth, I'd definitely shoot some +P thru a j-frame before I made my decision.
 
I have the Ruger LCR in .357 now and it is SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET to shoot. All I can say for the LCR is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, WHAT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA RUSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. rich642z
 
I don't have a 642 & an LCR, but I do have a 642 and an SP101. The finish & feel of the 642 is better, but the fit is far better on my SP101. They both seem reliable to shoot. Ruger springs are generally easy to change out if you're not happy with trigger pull.

Again, I don't know how the LCR is in this respect, but I find that the 642 is difficult to use speed loaders on, while the SP101 sometimes has troubles ejecting - once in a while a shell will jam up against the grip & wedge under the star.

My advice is to shoot 'em both if you can. Both makes are pretty good.
 
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