Why Should I Buy An LCR Over A 642?

[Sulaco]

I am in the market for a pocket revolver and I only want to do this one time. I am very fond of the 442/642 S&W's and shoot them well. I've held but never fired the Ruger LCR and it seems like a nice gun.

I plan to use this as my primary EDC, home defense and something my wife can grab at the house if she needs it (she's not a shooter). I like the idea of wadcutters for better penetration and since I don't reload, I am looking at some of Buffalo Bore's ammo.

Is the LCR a better platform for long-term durability? That's really my only question since it's so new compared to the old Centennial aluminum framed Smiths which have been around forever.

By the way, I am only looking at the no-lock versions from S&W.

Thanks for any input either way!

 

[OldCavSoldier]

You shouldn't. Stick with the 642......that's my two cents.......

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

The only advantage of the .38 LCR over the 642/442 Smith that i can tell is the ability to swap out front sights. you can run a night sight which is nice.

 

[Fiv3r]

I think for a shoot little/carried often/bump in the night revolver, either is just fine. I have an old Model 36 passed on to me by my father in law. I love that gun. I was in the market for a pocket .38 so that I could retire it in his honor. Went in looking at 642's, LCRs, and SP101's.

Loved the feel of the SP101's stout-ness. Hated its weight for what it offered in firepower as this was going to be a .38 shooter only. I only fire .357 out of full sized guns.

That put it between the 642 and LCR. The contest was over after the gun shop guy let me dry fire the LCR. If you haven't yet, ask the guy behind the counter if you can dry fire the LCR. The cammed trigger on that lil' beaut is amazing. I think it's around 9lbs, but feels like 6ish. It's a butter smooth pull. Way nicer than what you find on a pocket pistol like the LCP (which I also own and carry).

When it came down to it, I wanted a .38 that could slip into my jacket pocket or on my belt and forget it was there. I wanted something reliable but cost effective was important too. The LCR just fit the bill nicely, and I have carried it almost daily when I don't carry the LCP.

As for long term durability, who knows. The LCR has an aluminum alloy frame. If you feed it a steady diet of +P, it'll probably stretch a bit. It probably won't fail, but might develop some wobble. These aren't guns designed to shoot 50,000 rounds through. Honestly, unless you reload, you'll probably go broke or buy 10 more guns before you wear one of these things out. I've got close to 500 rounds through mine in the last year and a half. Most of those were powderpuff .38 fmj target ammo.

Let's just say we low ball the life expectancy of the LCR to 10,000 of hottish ammo. I think they tested one to 20-25K before they noticed the stretching of the frame. But let's say 10,000 rounds of off the shelf .38 +P jhp at $18 per box of 20 rounds. That's $9,000 worth of ammo in a $400 gun before it started to think about maybe failing. That's not even getting into LSWC prices.

I'm 30 years old with a 17 month old daughter. Numbers like that tell me that my LCR failing will probably be my grandkid's problem. He/She will just have to buy their own gun or fall back on one of the 20 (just my current number) firearms I leave them

 

[HiVel1]

You should buy the one you like.

 

[SwampWolf]

Though I'm a big fan of Smith & Wesson revolvers in general, when comparing the Ruger LCR to a typical Smith J-frame, I much prefer the Ruger da trigger pull.

 

[22-rimfire]

An advantage to some for the LCR is the ability to get it in 357, 38spl, or 22LR. I personally wouldn't want one in 357 mag. It is one of those "why bother" type things to me. But the 22LR might provide a good practice revolver if you had the pair. I think the 642/442 is easier to conceal with the factory grips compared to the current LCR. I have a 442 myself.

 

[Remllez]

Trigger

 

[Haywood]

I have a 442, LCR357, and a SP101 DAO. The 442 fits the pocket best because of the grip. The SP101 DAO is the heaviest and is not that good in the pocket especially Dress Pants or lightweight Pants. The LCR357 has the best grip and the best trigger. I shoot the LCR357 the most and am more accurate with it. I like the looks of the 442 the best and used to carry it all the time as a back up. Since I got the LCR 357 I have carried it as back up and the SP101 is my main carry. I like carrying and shooting 357 Snubs the most so the SP and LCR are what I carry most of the time. If I had to pick One of the three it would be a ruff decision but, I would have to go with the LCR because it's 357 or 38. You will have to decide witch One fits you better, witch One you shoot better, and witch One you like the looks of better. You can't go wrong with any of them. Now that I have totally confused you, this is just my opinion. Good Luck in your choice.

 

[briang2ad]

I am considering an LCR.

If you get the 357, it has a steel frame and is more versatile, and 38s are easy to shoot. From everything I've read, they can make shooting a 357 in a sub very palatable. The problem with hot 38s and 357s in a snubbie is the punishing recoil. IT SEEMS that the LCR has solved this. (Another Thread).

 

[2WheelsGood]

If you get the 357, it has a steel frame and is more versatile, and 38s are easy to shoot.

Yes, the .357 is about 4 ounces heavier than the .38, so even if you never planning on shooting .357, it's worth it for the extra weight.

I just sold my SP101 and bought an LCR. The SP was great, but I love the LCR.

 

[Guillermo]

if both guns are new, go Ruger

 

[bergmen]

I have both (442/LCR+laser). The 442 is my pocket gun, the LCR with the light is the house nightstand defensive gun.

Dan

 

[Sulaco]

I just hit every gun shop/store in town (and we have a good many) and only one had a 357 in stock and they wanted about $75.00 more than I felt was fair. Hmmm, the hunt begins...

 

[OldCavSoldier]

I just hit every gun shop/store in town (and we have a good many) and only one had a 357 in stock and they wanted about $75.00 more than I felt was fair. Hmmm, the hunt begins...

Check out GunBroker.com

 

[Stainz]

A 642 launching +P 158gr LHPSWC's, like the Remington R38S12, produces a bit of a bump where the Ruger composite frame feels like it's coming apart, despite it's 'lighter' DA trigger. Dry fired, measuring trigger effort only, the nod does go to the Ruger NIB. But - it's hard to explain - the Ruger's trigger has a toy cap gun feel about it - and, to me, it doesn't instill confidence. This was consistent with the three Rugers I have shot. Admittedly, new S&W 442/642 series are not known for their 'soft' trigger. The five I have shot, from NIB to a terribly worn 442 that resembled a 642, were all smooth and predictable, and varied, as you'd expect, in trigger effort. One thing to remember re either choice - they are not plinkers - they are meant to save your bacon.

I know two guys who gave their old 642's to a family member - then bought the Ruger - now have new 642's! My 5 yr old 642-2, with IL, has never hiccupped - it has been 100% reliable. It has the original springs & boot grip - and has launched thousands of 125gr JHP homebrews as plinkers - and 1,000+ 158gr +P LHPSWCs, evenly split between the aforementioned Remingtons and Georgia Arms similar loads. It's also launched ~200 148gr LWC reloads. It's still tight. I'll keep my 642! It's in a Mika pocket holster as I type this - a 24/7 carry protector.

Stainz

 

[jad0110]

Trigger

Yes, though for me the nod goes to the x42 trigger.

Yes, the LCR is lighter, but a broken in J Frame is often just as smooth. But personally I greatly prefer the trigger return on the J Frames. The LCR's return is too weak and mushy feeling for my tastes.

Honestly though, that's just preference. Go with the one that feels right to you.

 

[Viper225]

I have had my 638 for 4 years now, and I have shot it quite a bit. I just picked up the LCR 22 and the LCR 357.

What I have found:

The LCR trigger pull is a little better than the S&W.
The LCR 357 is more pleasant to shoot 38 Special +P ammo through than the 638.
The LCR 357 is a little heavier for pocket carry. Enough heavier that you notice it.
I have installed the XS 24/7 Tritium front sight on the LCR 357 took about 10 minutes in my shop, and cost me $60. Installing the XS 24/7 on the S&W would require a gunsmith, which brings on shipping charges, and a healthy bill. My guess would be around $250 to have the night sight installed.
The factory Tamer grips on the LCR really soak up recoil, however they make the LCR a little more bulky through the grips than the S&W.

In our Defensive Pistol match last Saturday I shot both the LCR 22 and LCR 357 in BUG Division. I am reasonably sure I shot the LCR 357 more accurately than I would have the 638. The LCR 22 kicked tail on the LCR 357 however. My single run with the LCR 357 came in at 109.39. I ran the LCR 22 twice, the first run with a full speed strip reload came in at 101.97. The second run with the LCR 22 I loaded the Tuff Products Orange Model 1022 speed strip differently. I loaded 2 skipped a space, loaded 2 more and skipped a space, and loaded the last 2. Only loading 6 in the match. I indexed the cylinder on the empty chambers when closing the cylinder. Reloading this way went very well. Time 95.91.

Why did the LCR 22 do better. Several reasons. One was a quicker reload using Tuff Products speed strips to load both guns. I probably gained 1.5 seconds on each reload with the 22 after staging the ammo in pairs. Next I hit a Hostage in the shoulder with the LCR 357 costing be 5 points for the hostage, and another point for the round deflecting off the target support board into the Minus 1 point area. Then I was shooting a little low on the longer shots with the XS 24/7 Sight. At the match was the first time shooting the LCR 357 with the sight installed. I think If I made 10 runs 5 with the LCR 22 and 5 with the LCR 357 they would score a little closer together. Possibly a wash.

Now what about the 638 and the LCR 357. If I were running comparable speedloaders on both I am sure the LCR 357 would outshoot the 638 by a small margin. The combination of the grip, a little more weight, and the better trigger make the LCR 357 a little more shootable. Another thing I noticed. When shooting one handed both the LCR's seemed easier to hit with than the 638 normally does. Not sure if this was due to the grip, or the cam trigger, or a combination of the two. What I am finding out with the LCR's so far. The more I shoot them, the more I like them.

I see the LCR 22 and LCR 357 seeing a lot of range time. I will probably attempt to wear the LCR 22 out. I really like it for a practice J Frame size gun. I may be wrong, but I think the LCR 22 will be a much better seller than it's competition the S&W 43C. Ruger got it right with the LCR 22 being the same price as the LCR 38. They also got it right using the same Stainless Steel cylinder construction.

Bob

 

[camsdaddy]

I have a 38 LCR and see me buying a 22 LCR. I can buy a 22 LCR for about $200 cheaper than I could a S&W. I figure the more I shoot the 22 the better I will be with the 38. I konw that I currently shoot my 22's better but cant find a centerfire to match my current so I may buy a rimfire to match my centerfire. I must be realistic and unlimited shooting of any centerfire cartridge isnt an option.

 

[Stainz]

If the .22 LCR is solely to garner more trigger time to 'improve' your .38 LCR shooting, you are being disingenuous with yourself. Last fall, a local store had Zero 148gr LWC reloads for $7.49/50. You should be able to buy a couple thousand of .38 plinker loads for the cost of the .22 LCR and a few bricks of ammo. Shooting a .22 is nothing like shooting any cf round. Even a .32 S&W will give you a bounce, albeit a teeny one. For that matter, you could reload even more .38's for the .22 LCR's cost. Reloading opens up another can-o-worms, of course... you soon will no longer reload to shoot more, but will shoot more so you can reload more - it becomes an addiction.

Now, if you need an excuse to buy a rimfire, that's another case altogether. I've used the phase of the moon to rationalize a rimfire revolver purchase.

Stainz

PS I have rethought my answer to the OP's original question. You should first buy the LCR.... then buy the 642. The economy slurps - and needs your help! Buy at a LGS - keep Ma/Pa stores going... for a while... make them think they can retire!

 

[2WheelsGood]

If the .22 LCR is solely to garner more trigger time to 'improve' your .38 LCR shooting, you are being disingenuous with yourself.

I think most people would agree that practicing with a .22 isn't just cheaper, it's also an effective way to improve your trigger pull and train away your "flinches". Especially if you can do it with a gun identical to your larger caliber gun (like the LCR .22/.38/.357). I would love a .22 LCR to go along with my .357 LCR for that reason. Though I think it's ridiculous that the suggested retail is the same for the .22 and the .38. Hopefully prices will be better in the wild.

 

[Master Blaster]

Though I think it's ridiculous that the suggested retail is the same for the .22 and the .38. Hopefully prices will be better in the wild.

Why should they be any different if it costs Ruger the same to make and its the same gun except the holes are smaller and there are more of them? Some folks have this strange idea that a .22lr revolver should be much cheaper than a centerfire even if its essentially the same gun. Personally I dont understand it as two of my most expensive handguns are .22lrs. .22lr is fun to shoot and cheap, so you should spend more for a good .22 than for a good centerfire. A good .22lr can be more accurate than a centerfire, it can shoot 100 times as many rounds before it wears out or needs repairs. Its excellent for practicing breath and trigger control, and sight alignment.

 

[2WheelsGood]

Some folks have this strange idea that a .22lr revolver should be much cheaper than a centerfire even if its essentially the same gun.

Sorry, I don't believe the pricing of guns is that tightly related to exactly how much they cost to make. Ruger just released the SR22 for $399 (suggested retail). A Standard Mark III is $379 (suggested retail). Even a Mark III Target is $449 (suggested retail). The LCR .22, on the other hand, lists for $525 (suggested retail). You're telling me an LCR is that much more expensive to build than the others I mentioned? I highly doubt it. AND, you said it yourself, most of the design was already there because the LCR has been around for years. The rest of those don't have a bigger brother, so they all had more design costs involved. As I said, $525 is silly for that gun in a .22.

 

[22-rimfire]

Who exactly is paying $525 for a LCR-22? Prices seem to range from a low of $385 to about $450. But I realize you are comparing suggest retail prices. The LCR's are not inexpensive guns regardless of whether it is a 357, 38, or 22.

22's often cost more than their centerfire cousin because they typically don't make as many. Ruger makes LOTS of Mark III's in various configurations. I feel sure that is keeping the price down as is the competition from the Browning Buckmark and other 22 pistols.

 

[2WheelsGood]

The LCR's are not inexpensive guns regardless of whether it is a 357, 38, or 22.

I'm not suggesting they are (I love mine, and I think it's worth every penny). I'm just saying there's more to the price of the gun than what it costs to make.

Another example... It's $75 dollars more for a .357 LCR (suggested retail) than a .38. The .38 is made out of aluminum, and the .357 is made out of steel. There is absolutely no reason it should cost $75 more to make something out of steel as opposed to aluminum. So again, my point is that the market has far more to do with the price of a gun than manufacturing costs. It's all about what people are willing to pay.

Take a million dollar house from La Jolla, and put it in Detroit. Now what's it worth? In other words, cost to build something is only a small part of it's actual value and price.