S&W J-Frame .38 Special or Ruger LCR?

[bikemutt]

It was pointed out to me by my cousin that typical 110gr JHP +P round should kick less that the range-issued 130gr? FMJ rounds.

I guess when I was testing these revolvers I wasn't focusing too much on the round since rental fleet guns require range-issued ammo.

In this case, does the higher pressure of +P offset the lighter payload? In my mind I figured if the FMJ kicked hard the +P JHP would be more so. It never occurred to me the payloads would be so different.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've never shot 130gr FMJ. but I have shot 158gr standard ball and the 110gr +P may not kick more...but there was more crack and blast to it

 

[john w]

The LCR is plain Ugly. Buy a smith model 60 and load it with a good 38 special HP like hornady. There is no need for +p ammo as a good grade like hornady is only a few hundred fps slower and will get the job done as well as +p

 

[tomkatz]

Go with the J.

I love mine .

 

[Old John]

I bought a Ruger LCR, .38 special, last year. At the time the .357 magnum model was not available. That will be my next purchase. Meanwhile, I'm very happy with the LCR that I have.
I've shot various +P and regular .38 special loads through it. It's a great little gun, easy to carry & easy to shoot. With +P loads it has a little snap to it.
However my every day, all day carry is a Ruger SP101, .357 magnum.
I've also, over the years put various loads through it. I don't carry a Back up gun.
The LCR is my occasional gun,to drop in my pocket to go out the 80 yards to the mailbox, or when the SP101 would just be too obtrusive, to carry easily.

 

[ulflyer]

Old John: Have you tried the LCR in your Sp-101 holster? If it fits, what type is it?

I carry my LCR in a Fobus kydex made for the 101 and it fits perfectly. Haven't tried it in a leather one yet but want to find a suitable OWB to see if it pulls up a little closter than the Fobus.

 

[Bulldawg55]

J-frame has the classic look. love mine.
The LCR just does'nt pass the eyeball test.
I have to say the trigger is sweet though!
If going Ruger, the SP101 is a proven performer.

Of your choices the J-frame for sure!

 

[bikemutt]

Stopped by the range today to query the fellows about the relative kick from a 130gr FMJ versus 110gr JHP +P for these guns. Anyway, one of the sales guys reaches under the counter and coughs up a used LCR that was just traded. The consensus was 100 or less rounds through it, $360.

Since my luck as far as deals go is usually more along the line of Ned Beatty in the movie Deliverance, I was delighted and bought it on the spot

Guess I'll know more about the relative kick from these rounds by next week.

 

[Deanimator]

If the choice is between a S&W with a lock and the LCR, I'd pick the LCR every time.

 

[bikemutt]

BTW, I'll not even try to deny the LCR is a rather pedestrian looking piece. That said, I have other, much prettier guns, like my beloved Sig P230 SL, but looks aren't everything. This little one will hopefully never see the light of day, or the moon at night

 

[branshew]

Why didn't anyone suggest the new polymer S&W Bodyguard in .38 as a comparison to the LCR. It would be a more accurate comparison.

Personally, I would get the J-Frame (but then again, I've already put my money where my mouth is).

 

[9mmepiphany]

I was delighted and bought it on the spot

Congrats

Let us know how it shoots for you when you get a chance

 

[joepa150]

Can't go wrong with either. I recently was in the same position. 642 I got for $379 which was cheaper than the LCR. LCR was lighter but a bit wider. I thought the 642 pointed and felt better. Also the 642 looks nicer imo

 

[Deanimator]

I've never shot 130gr FMJ.

I've shot it out to 200 yards in a S&W Model 14. The recoil's not exactly punishing, but you feel it.

It's lousy self-defense ammunition. If I was extremely recoil sensitive, I'd much prefer bullseye 148gr. wadcutter loads, and would have more confidence in the terminal effect in the bargain.

 

[BlayGlock]

get the best.

He needs the LCR then. And I am not a Smith hater by any means:

I also had a 638 for the wife. Sold it because she did not like the recoil. It did not bother me though.

 

[Old John]

Yes, I have carried my LCR in my SP101 holster. It fits just fine and holds it tightly enough. It is a Galco strong side, open-top, high-ride pancake holster.I think the model # is: SM122B.
I've worn it for about 7+ years.

 

[speedway]

Smith

 

[bikemutt]

Alrighty then, picked the LCR up today and, since the range was right there, figured I'd buy some ammo and see if she goes bang.

I thought the Hornady Critical Defense rounds I purchased were +P, so did the salesperson, he was incorrect. These were 110gr JHP standard pressure rounds. Decidedly more civilized that the 130gr FMJs from my test shoot mentioned earlier.

But the quest is still on; I should have some +P rounds tomorrow and will followup.

Also, thanks to comments in this thread, ordered a Desantis Nemesis holster and front XS sight.

If anyone's out in this neck of the woods, don't hesitate to give West Coast Armory and Bellevue Gun Club a whirl. Seems to be a good place to do business and practice. Recommended.

 

[9mmepiphany]

You'll like the front XS dot, while I think their sight set theory is flawed, their front sight is very nice...I have one on a custom build 1911 that should be done soon