Snubbys: LCR's vs. model 638

[piece of meat]

am interested in a j-frame revolver; based on the comparatively light weight, superior reliability, and power over comparative sized autos in .380.

was interested in the S&W model 638, like the hammer shroud AND the exposed hammer allowing for single-action pull. have heard lots of good reviews on the LCR's trigger despite being DAO. how does the LCR's trigger compare to the model 638's? also, would it be worthwhile to look into the .357 magnum LCR simply for the little extra weight it provides adding to shootability?

in the end, which would you guys recommend, between the S&W model 638, the standard LCR, or the magnum LCR??

 

[huntershooter]

No contest.
638.

 

[smoke5643]

Well not sure about the 638 but i have a m&p 340 and i enjoy shooting my lcr more thus it gets the pocket time.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

 

[harmon rabb]

The LCR's trigger is light years ahead.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've been carrying a S&W M642 for well over 10 years as a backup gun. I was recently with my FFL when he was logging in a new S&W M638 and a Ruger LCR and had a chance to handle both side by side.

The LCR had the much superior trigger out of the box compared to the M638. It is a longer pull, but much smoother and lighter. I'm sure it helped that the grips were shaped better also...gave a better index.

The LCR's trigger pull was pretty close to my tuned M642.

 

[Stasher1]

I hit my local gunshop a couple weeks ago to compare the two side-by-side and walked out with this...

The LCR I handled did indeed have a better trigger, but just didn't feel good in the hand. To me, it felt like a cheap toy. The 638 is only about 1.5 oz heavier, has a proven history of reliability, almost unlimited selection of holsters, and actually feels like a gun in the hand. Once you factor in the $50 rebate from S&W, it was also cheaper than the LCR.

Pretty simple decision, really.

 

[oldfool]

can't help but empathize with stasher, and his reasons why
but, for me, any new snubbie would have to have a better DA trigger than my model 60 snubbie, and everybody says... LCR for that

sure would like to try one, despite being less than in love w/ looks or materials
for me, DA trigger is what best defines any DA revolver, probably never will get over it

 

[Slamfire]

I like my BodyGuard. Have not played with an LCR.

Before you buy a pocket pistol in 357, shoot one. The things are loud and have a lot of recoil.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The DA trigger pull of the LCR is closer to the Colt D-frame than the S&W J-frame. When you go down to that sized gun, the longer trigger travel is actually a plus for trigger control.

The SA capability of a J-frame snubby is highly overrated and actually makes it harder for some people to properly manage the trigger

 

[GreenMTNLife]

I recently went with the LCR, the trigger was just too good to pass up. The proven reliability of the Jframe almost had me.

ps Is today Jframe vs. LCR day?

 

[amd6547]

I don't think of the SA capability of my M38 Bodyguard as over-rated at all, when I am hitting 10" steel plates at 40yds.
I completely understand why some choose DA only snubs, But I like the option of long range aimed SA fire, and have the ability to use it.

 

[moxie]

LCR. Better trigger. Better sights.

Haven't tried the mag LCR. And don't care to. The +Ps in the LCR are at the edge of rapid fire controllability. The mag version is 4-5 ozs. heavier, but I think controllability has to be a real issue. An SP-101 is a lot bigger and heavier, and full bore .357 mags are vicious in it.

 

[Fat Boy]

I think the trigger on the LCR is probably better for me, having shot one for about 50 rounds on a rental. I just can't get past the polymer thing...hopefully the LCR will prove out and be another solid performer from Ruger

Until then, an all-steel frame S&W takes top spot in my book

 

[weisse52]

I have shot and carried J frames for years. My most recent was a 642. I traded into an LCR and have been really impressed with it. I put it in the same class as a Glock. It may not be pretty, but it works really well.

Yes, the trigger is better. It may be me, but I think it handles recoil better as well. And, after trying a few rounds in a friends .357 J frame...no thanks, if a .38 +P cannot get job done then its time to wipe out something much bigger. It just hurts to shoot in a prolonged session.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I don't think of the SA capability of my M38 Bodyguard as over-rated at all, when I am hitting 10" steel plates at 40yds.

at first I read that as 400 yards, when you were talking about long range

I shoot my M642 out at 50 yards and haven't had a problem with 8" plates...paper plates are cheap at the dollar store.

I do stage the trigger a bit when shooting soda cans for side money out pass 50 yards, but everything inside 50 yards is shot DA...just like when I shot PPC

 

[oldfool]

there is zero doubt that a good DA shooter can hit anything at any distance in DA mode, that I could hit in SA mode, and the reasons for hammerless are obvious enough for those who pocket carry (no explanation required)

But I am not all that great a shot, never was (and don't pocket carry my 60)
Can hold my own with most average joes, if you give me a 6" k-frame with decent sights and sight radius, SA or DA, but limit my soda pop can shooting at 50-100 yds to SA mode... no point in my wasting my ammo trying that with a snubbie

still... I like a hammer on all of mine, any frame size
just don't look right without 'em, and I always like to throw in a few SA rounds every range trip, just because
blame 'ol Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, I guess.. always was fond of white cowboy hats too !

 

[amd6547]

I do good out to 25yds with DA, but for a sure shot at 40-50yds, I do better with SA...and that goes for my other S&W's, not just the M38 Bodyguard.
Plus, the Bodyguard does great for pocket carry with the shrouded hammer.

 

[Slamfire]

I don't think of the SA capability of my M38 Bodyguard as over-rated at all, when I am hitting 10" steel plates at 40yds.
I completely understand why some choose DA only snubs, But I like the option of long range aimed SA fire, and have the ability to use it

That's pretty darn good shooting. Forty yards is a long way for a snubbie.

 

[camsdaddy]

Wow I have a M38-1 that must be defective. I know Im the problem but Im no where that good with it and its skinny front ramp. I am looking at an LCR with a XS big dot. I have to admit that I may have a M38 up for sale and I grew up on S&W.

 

[amd6547]

Well, I shot those plates the first time I shot my M38...The club I belong to has three 10" swinging steel plates set up 40yds out, in front of a dirt berm. After I shot my new M38 Bodyguard at closer ranges, from 10' to 25yds, I couldn't resist giving the plates a try. After all, I shoot all my handguns at them. When I took the first shot, I could see the impact in the dirt left and high, just off the edge of the plate. I held low right and started hitting.
My M38 dates from 1969-70. I got at a gun show a few months ago in a trade. It looked pretty much like new, with the exception of one little ding on the right edge of the shroud.

 

[camsdaddy]

Our M38s could be twins. The original owner purchased it when he returned from Vietnam. I like it I just prefer the newer J frames and the LCR triggers. I guess Im odd. Im also selling a 19-5. Ive decided I dont have enough money to be nostalgic.

 

[Marshall]

in the end, which would you guys recommend, between the S&W model 638, the standard LCR, or the magnum LCR??

I recommend the gun you personally feel best with when holding it and pulling the trigger. I like them both. I do prefer to have SA capability however.

Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll like either one.

 

[samurai]

I'm looking at both now, and like the trigger and "feel" of the LCR best. I just bought the SP101 2 1/4" 357, so I guess the LCR will have to wait a while.

 

[smartshot]

LCR