Ruger LCR vs LCP? concealed carry newbie

[mdauben]

I looked at the Khar PM9, at $800.00 vs $400.00 I bought a Ruger LC9. I liked the Khar a little better but not $400.00 better.

If price is a concern, you might want to look at the Kahr CM9, then. Its like the PM9 with a few minor changes to cut the price. Street price seems to be around $425.

 

[Ironclad]

LC9. So much easier to shoot than a mouse gun. More power. I could probably conceal one buck naked if I had to.

 

[herkyguy]

I had an LCP for a few years and sold it. sure it concealed easy, but the trigger was no fun and the little thing was so snappy i took no pleasure at all in shooting it.

just recently stumbled onto an LCR with t he trijicon front sight and love it. should have gotten that LCR in the first place. I've carried half a dozen different guns and the LCR fits my grip perfectly, is light, easy enough to conceal, and accurate at self defense ranges.

just my thoughts.

 

[Mayvik]

LCP goes where most others cannot, and if 7 rounds of 9mm corto won't work, you should not be relying on pocket carry. Lots of subcompact options for IWB/OWB that offer more capacity and power for close weight and size. IMO 38 snubby only works for pocket carry if you wear looser clothes or coats with BIG pockets.

 

[35Remfan]

I have a lot a to think about. Great replies guys.

I now need to get a holster no matter which gun I get. I need to look at the LC9 and compare it size wise to the LCP.

Never knew that the LCR came was chambered in 357 so I need to look at that.

But I really believe that I will get the LCR in 38 special. I have the ammo and love the size.

 

[Kayaker 1960]

LCR

I looked at the LCR in both .38 and .357 configurations. The .38 versions is lighter, as much as I like .357 Mag, I think it is too much power for such a light gun and the extra weight makes it less desirable.
I have an SP101 that handles .357 mag OK but it's a lot heavier.

 

[Spats McGee]

I haven't had much experience with the LCP, but I did get to spend some time with a KLCR with the Hogue grip a while back. Even with the extra weight, as compared to the .38 LCR, I found .357s unpleasant to shoot, and difficult to control. I suppose I could have gotten used to it, given time and finances, but I didn't have enough of either to do so. Loaded with .38s, though, the KLCR becomes a pussycat in comparison to .357s, even if they're .38 +ps.

Yeah, it's wider than an LCP. Capacity is lower, and reloads slower. It is also very simple in operation. Revolvers are kind of "the original point and click" interface. I found the LCR to be very easy to pocket carry. I'm not any kind of expert on triggers, but I do rather like the LCR's trigger, too.

 

[moonzapa]

I own and use the Ruger LC9 pistol for concealed handgun carry. Thankfully, I haven't had to use it for it's intended purpose. The LC9 uses a single stack magazine and fits my hand and pocket very well and I like the fact that it is double action, only. I carry it with a round in the chamber and feel very safe and secure with it. I have considered the Ruger LCR in .38 special for my wife since she is now using a Glock 27 in .40 SW. She would carry it in her zip away handbag. Different strokes for different folks. My hunting buddy uses a 5-shot .22 mag deringer (Northern Arms?) that conceals very easily. I wouldn't scoff at a .22 mag pistol pointed at my innards. Just my opinion. They will all kill and it's up to you to find a pistol that fits your particular needs.

 

[MCMXI]

I haven't had much experience with the LCP, but I did get to spend some time with a KLCR with the Hogue grip a while back. Even with the extra weight, as compared to the .38 LCR, I found .357s unpleasant to shoot, and difficult to control.

What loads were you shooting? It makes a world of difference if you're shooting a 110gr at 1,200 fps, a 125gr at 1,100 fps or a 158gr at 1,070 fps.

 

[Spats McGee]

That's a good question, and one I can't answer very well. It's been a year or longer since I shot 'em, but I'd guess 125 grain. If you know of a more manageable .357 factory load, let me know.

 

[MCMXI]

I've shot all of loads shown below through my KLCRs and any load with a ME below 350 ft-lb is fine for me, even for extended range sessions. Loads above 350 ft-lb are ok for five or ten rounds but not much more than that.

 

[Spats McGee]

Thanks, 1858. Maybe I'll have to give .357s another chance.

 

[carlson1]

Original OP:
Ruger LCR vs LCP? concealed carry newbie
I am going to get my concealed carry permit within the month. I have narrowed my choice to either a Ruger LCR 38 special or LCP in 380.

Initially I was very interested in the LCP due to the size and that I can carry it without a holster. Front pocket carry is important to me. However, after a visit to Cabelas I think I have fallen for the revolver in the classic 38 special.

What should I get? I have plenty of 38 special ammo(few hundred rounds loaded, tons of brass and powder and bullets, and the dies to reload). Right now with the ammo crunch and high prices this is a big plus for me and really makes me LEAN toward the LCR.

So what do you think High Roaders? Why?

P.S. I believe both choices should be easily concealed in a front pocket of my pants.

LCP is a great little pistol. Don't forget about the S&W Bodyguard .380. DM Bullard makes a great pocket holster.