Ruger LCR Review: First Impressions of the New Light, Compact Revolver
By
Ruger’s show stopping announcement is the new part-polymer revover: the Ruger LCR. The LCR, or light, compact revolver, is a five shot, .38 +P self defense gun and Ruger’s follow up to the run-away success with the LCP.
In production now, the LCR is a unique revolver, blending elements of the traditional small-framed revolver with the advancements of modern polymer guns.
The Ruger LCR has a steel cylinder and barrel, an aluminum frame, and a polymer handle. The weight unloaded is less than 14 ounces, though it feels even lighter.
The cylinder has recesses so significant that “fluting” would appear to be a monumental understatement. The polymer section holds all of the fire control components.
The front sight is relatively large for such a small handgun, and is easy to pick up in the wide rear notch. The serrated front ramp is pinned suggesting an easy swap to another sight if so desired.
The trigger is very smooth with no perceptible staging, and presses straight back. Compared to Ruger’s SP101, the LCR feels like a slick, custom job. The LCR I shot had a much smoother trigger than what is on my Smith and Wesson 642. The only complaint I had with the trigger is my tendancy to short stroke it. If you ride the trigger out, feeling for a reset, you will short stroke this gun. You must allow the trigger to ride all the way out before pressing again.
The balance of the gun is very nice. The weight shifted forward, which appears to help with recoil. Shooting standard pressure .38 Hornady 125gr JHPs, the gun’s recoil was almost non-existant. Ruger did not have any +P loadings on hand to shoot, but I imagine they will be a little snappier. However, even the standard pressure rounds seemed easier on the hand than similar loads shot in my 642.
The bottom line is I am impressed. Ruger is making a very nice, very concealable revolver in a respectable caliber. Some people may not like the modern look of the gun, but I was not put off by it. In person it is a neat little gun, and I expect it will sell very well.
Ruger says the gun is currently being produced and should be on the dealer shelves very soon. Ruger’s site states March 1, and I would be surprised if they did not meet this date. Two models are available. The standard model will retail at $525 and a model with Crimson Trace lasergrips will go for $792.
62 Comments
January 14th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I recoild in horror at first glance but then had second thoughts. After reading your review, I’m very interested in this thing. I would like to find a modern producton handgun that I can recommend to CCW applicants and others who ask. If they all show the same quality as your sample it may join the SP/GP rugers on my extremly short list.
January 14th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Mike,
Thanks for stopping by.
Yeah, at first I wasn’t impressed by the styling, but I have to say I was pretty impressed by it. The SP and GP Rugers are pretty bulletproof, but I have never really liked their triggers. This Ruger is much smoother.
One of the Ruger designers (engineer?) was on site explaining the camming action on the new trigger and it was pretty impressive.
I hope the production models are at least as good as what I shot today! If so, one will probably find its way into my pocket.
Richard
January 15th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I think the cylinder is beautiful…
January 16th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
What about the sights? I haven’t heard talk about them. What do you think? Also at what point does it turn to polymer below the barrel? It seems to me that aluminum perm attached to the barrel may not be forgiving. I wonder if the AL frame will be weak after a X number of rounds.
I like it and after a few days of looking at the pictures I can only come up with more questions - as with anything new!
January 17th, 2009 at 8:08 am
There isn’t much more to say about the sights. The front is a pinned, serrated sight that seems large for a revolver of this size. That’s good for visibility. But, it’s not so large that I would have any concerns about it catching on anything.
The rear sight is a notch, and seems to be a little larger than similar guns, which again is good for fast sighting.
I’m sure that you can put enough hot rounds through an aluminum frame and have it crack. However, my aluminum framed S&W 642-1 has had thousands of rounds (including quite a few 158 gr LSWC-HP +P) through it since the mid 90’s. No problems with its aluminum frame.
Chances are you will wear out before the Ruger.
January 17th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Will they come out with a larger frame .44 Special like the S&W 396 in this new model line??????
Paul.
January 17th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Hmm, also, with the grips on this gun - looking like sticky rubber - that is a terrible material for carrying as it will catch on your shirt or pocket when drawing. They should make another grip style referring to pocket carry.
Paul.
January 25th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Anyone who has even a LITTLE training knows that slippery handgun grips only benefit the bad guys. Stick with the rubber grips, and carry IWB or OWB. This revolver is PERFECT for belt concealment.
Pocket carry is only recommended by people who have never actually had to draw their weapons on a fast-moving aggressor. When drawing a pocket pistol at speed, you will either a) get your hand twisted and stuck in your pocket, b) shoot yourself in the thigh, 0r c) drop the weapon at your attacker’s feet.
Don’t be a noob.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I can see that “J” is entirely unfamiliar with the ASP semi-custom concealed carry pistol produced in the early 1980s or the background of the people whose experience contributed to its design philosophy. If he were, he wouldn’t be so quick to criticize smooth grips, or lecture others with whatever “training” he has. So, do us all a big ‘ole favor, J. Go research the ASP pistol series, read up on its history. When you’re done, you’ll know some “new” info about CCW pistols, which some of us have known for nearly 30 years. It might keep you from looking silly next time, especially when calling other people “noobs”.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
The rubber grips on the LCR are critical to the low level of recoil, one of ts major pluses.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Actually I think it looks fine, I did not recoil, snear, or visibly blanch when I saw it for the first time. It is just different. The grips as Chase said are critical to the low level of recoil, and should not be a problem in the pocket if the right holster is used. This new revolver is on my to buy list.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Ruger seems to specialize in the concealable pistols
February 17th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I would love to have one of these in .22 mag caliber with a three-inch barrel. It would be the perfect kit pistol for fishing and camping trips.
March 6th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
“I would love to have one of these in .22 mag caliber with a three-inch barrel. It would be the perfect kit pistol for fishing and camping trips.”
I’m with Jack, I always wanted the SPs to have a 22 mag. version. However if Ruger thinks for a heartbeat that this little honeydew will sell as a 22. mag, they will build it.
March 12th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I liked this gun from the first time I saw it (seems to put me in the minority). I am very interested in one once I get my ccw permit.
Thanks for the review.
March 16th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
After a month of debating, I’ve finally decided I want one of these. Now, when is the damn thing going to be available! lol. Thanks for the review.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Mike,
Regarding a 3″ .22 for camping, check out the 8 shot S&W 317. LR not mag, but a super lightweight kit gun.
March 31st, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I shot one this last Saturday at Ben Avery Shooting range in Phoenix during their yearly Outdoor Expo. I was truely impressed by the trigger, very smooth. Accuracy seems very good for such a small lightweight revolver, hitting 5 clay pigeons in a row from about 15 yds. I would surely like to own one when available.
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I will buy the first one of these I see and it will become part of my regular carry strategy.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I’ve already sold my Taurus .38 which was a bit heavy in the pocket. I’m working with my dealer here in Atlanta to get on the waiting list. Less recoil, lighter, laser …. I’m sold and I haven’t demoed one yet.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Repost from the LCR Is Now Shipping post;
I just got one yesterday and immediately took it to the range. All I could find was +P 158g ammo. Recoil was manageable but far from pleasant. 100rds later and I have a bruise and a blister to show for it.
I really really like it. Trigger is amazing compared to some of the other guns in this class. Very easy to shoot accurately whether pulling straight through or squeezing for the hammer drop. In a dimly lit indoor range the black sights on a black silhouette were a bit tough. In spite of this the gun points well and it was very easy to stay in the body mass of a small silhouette target.
Price paid was 440 plus tax.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I spent an hour at my local gunshop sticking it in holsters and failed to find one that either doesn’t swallow it or will allow it to seat properly. The trigger gaurd seems to be the biggest issue with finding a holster. Even the holsters fitted for the SP101 don’t fit well enough to trust.
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I just purchased one for my mother. I noticed that the gun has some kind of rattling noise in the area of the hammer. Has any of you that have shot an LCR noticed this?
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I did not notice any rattling in the demo LCR I shot. But, I have not had a production model out on the range yet. Can anyone else chime in with info?
–Richard
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I just picked up an lcr today and I too have noticed a rattling noise near the area of the hammer…not sure what thats all about.
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I got my LCR about a week ago and noticed a rattle. I called Ruger and they told me that it is a normal condition of the gun, and that it is the transfer abr that rattles. When I questioned them why they would make a gun designed for cc that has a rattle they had no thing to say other than it is normal for this gun. If you want a gun that is stealthy for cc do not purchase this gun. Other than the rattle the gun is great, but it fails in the area of steath, which is eaaential in a concealed firearm.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I just did a test and review on this weapon for my police department. All in all I was not impressed. The idea and concept is great, but it needs some refinement in my opinion. The recoil with target loads isnt all that bad considering the lightweight frame, but whe firing a good hot round (I chose the Hornaday Critical Defense) the recoil is significant. The small frame made it difficule to reacquire a good sight picture between shots. The one that I tested also had the rattle, and I too was unsure about that. I also had one malfunction. Not sure what the issue was, but the firing pin did not even scracth the primer on the round. The trigger pull is also a awkward. Is isnt smooth and there is what seems to be 2-3 different catches in it. Maybe once Ruger does some more R&D on it it has potential to be a great weapon, but as is, I feel that it needs some work.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I’m going to the range this weekend to shoot a few rounds…I’ll report back on my findings. One thing I do like about it is it’s light weight. I find my galco holster for SP101 works well with the LCR. Iv’e tried the speed loader and it works as well but does rub a little on the Hogue grips while chamber is open and loading ammo. I’m hoping this will be a good summer concealed carry weapon. Time will tell, if I decide to sell it there should’nt be a problem as this gun seems to be demand.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Ken,
Just how loud is that rattle? Sitting in a holster does it rattle more than loose pocket change? If it is louder than keys and change in your pocket, then yes, it may be too loud. But concealed carry does not require absolute silence, so the LCR may still be very good for CCW as long as the rattle is not too loud.
–Richard
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Brad,
Any chance you can compare the LCR you tested with a S&W 442 or 642? Having carried and qualified with a 642 for more than 10 years, I am quite familiar with the amount of recoil and smaller sights on small guns like the LCR. Frankly, I found the LCR sights to be much better than the 642 (larger front blade and wider notch in rear), and the recoil seemed less than the 642. Trust me: I’ve taken my 642 through a back-up gun course shooting nothing but 158gr +P LSWC-HP, so I know what recoil feels like! lol
I am a bit surprised by the trigger you described. That was the exact opposite of my experience. I hope Ruger doesn’t experience QC issues with these!
–Richard
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I can’t speak for the others but today I carried mine around in my holster and it did not rattle once. you pretty much have to shake the gun to make it rattle.
April 25th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I purchased the LCR this morning. I had my wife fire the first 5 rounds and she had 3 of 5 rounds within 3 inches of the bulleye from 25 yards. Hasn’t fired a round in anything since she graduated the academy in 2000. She handed me the gun and went and fed the horses. I am impressed with the revolver. I have a Rossi that I use on the range that is well… spotty at best. Trigger like beef jerky but the Ruger is a relief. I have the rattle too in the polymer. So what. I’m not hunting with it right and frankly, I’m not James Bond. If the rattle is an issue, Ruger will call on you for sure if you’re straight-up and register. I find it a good value and fun to shoot.
May 4th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I have had my LCR on order for almost a month now, sure wish it would come in. You guys are making me anxious to get it to the range.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:11 am
mom just bought one at our new cabalas today. she got the crimson trace model going to shoot it tomorrow with her. my first impressions were quite good, it feels nice and it’s highly concealable. i do have to disagree with j from Jan 25th. you only shoot yourself if your not trained or your a retard. put the pistol in your pocket if your comfortable with that. just make sure your practice drawing the weapon from the type of clothing that you normally wear. I’ve carried glock 21 in my waste band for years, no trouble.
June 7th, 2009 at 2:32 am
I picked up the LCR on Thursday (6/4)along with a pocket holster. (Sorry j).
It sure does rattle. A little more like a jingle to me… It sounds like loose change if you are moveing at a fast pace. I noticed the noise the first time I picked it up. (because I shook it).
Before I bought it I compared it to a S&W aerolight. I liked both, but the sheer lightness of the LCR overcame the cons, objections & finally it overcame the aerolight.
I do like the no slip rubber grip. I tried to get it to stick or get caught up into a shirt & jacket. Even when I went out of my way to try to do this the grip did not comply. ( as far as sticking) It felt very un-natural tring to do so. I could see someone who may be overweight or a gangsta haveing an issue getting it caught on baggy clothes. So far I am satisfied with it. Although I would rather take my Sprinfield XD on the next spy mission.
June 8th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I just bought one a few days ago after waiting 5 months for it to come in and I can’t think of anything I don’t like about shooting it. Very accurate. Less recoil than my girlfriend’s S&W’s Lady Smith w/ the same rounds. The ONLY thing I would have done differently is to run the top strap/fixed sight out to the front sight. I just think it would have looked better. That rattle is a little disconcerting. But I figured out how to make it stop - quit shaking it. It was fine when I carried it in a hip holster. Now, if only my .327 SP 101 would get here…
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Noob here. This is my first gun. I have never owner a gun before but decided to get more comfortabe
Around firearms and become an owner. I also will use it for light personal protection at home
And may get a carry license. At least this gun will be good for carry if I do get the lisence.
I had no preconcieved notions about looks. I liked the look of this gun. It looked like it meant business.
The smooth edges felt nice in the hand. It is a gun I wanted to hold. Visual appeal is a dumb reason
To buy a gun I guess but I’m a noob after all.
The shop owner also recommended it as simple and reliable and it sure is light. Mine has no rattle to speak of.
I have not fired it yet. I am getting to know the gun, practicing holding and workng with it while following
The rules of gun handeling. Mine has the laser grips. This guns trigger disabler is a small key that you must
Remove the grips to use. It also comes with a padlock that would defeat the purpose of having a gun at the ready.
The padlock fits into the cylinder and is clunky and does not operate smoothly. I did buy a pistol safe to use instead.
I also looked at the alltitanium Taurus just for the cool factor and the sw airlight.
June 26th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I have had the LCR for a month or so and I find it one sweet little gun. Accurate as a short barrel can be with a steady trigger pull. Just right for CC. It is fun to read all the comments about this gun that reflect personal opinion, just that, personal opinion. The gun is what it is. I laughed outloud at the writer who said the way to stop the jingling is to “quit shaking it” that is what I was thinking. The idea that it would alert a bad guy is ludicrous. The only thing I can think of that I noticed was that the speedloader did hangup a bit on the grips, but hey, the speedloader instructions even warn about the possibility of that and that was long before the LCR was born. All in all a great concealable in MY OPINION. LOL
June 27th, 2009 at 7:08 am
I’ve been carrying a Walther PPK/s for several years, highly aware of it’s weight wherever I stowe it. For this reason alone, I started shopping. The LCR was an obvious light-weight (13oz unloaded) contender for any carry position on my body. The simplicity and reliability of a double-action revolver quickly became attractive features. The trigger guard is slightly over-sized, but I conclude that there is a good reason for it. Any other design would/could create a snag point. The Crimson Trace grips are suitable for any environment. I cannot comment on the OEM equipment since the CT grips were pre-installed at the factory and I have not swapped them out for comparison since I’m satisfied with the CT and, of course, the laser. The laser makes low light targeting/shooting John Wayne style completely possible. In addition, the over-all design, trigger weight and comfort is exactly what my hand would ask for. Ruger got this one right. Disclaimer: I’m certain there is room for improvement…always is. This is an outstanding entry-level CCW due to simplicity, and it serves the experienced without much flaw. Strictly opinion, but you’ve got to be realistic when it comes to owning the right gun. I too have the rattle, but like someone earlier said, “don’t shake it.” If you can’t help but shake it, maybe you should stick to a can of pepper spray. You can shake it before and during the attack and still be affective. To sum it all up, the LCR stands way out in a crowd of personal defense weapons. I’m a proud and extremely satisfied owner. Any complaint about recoil isn’t realistic. There is a certain expectation one should have with firing a caliber of this size, in a gun this light and a barrel this short. Digesting 100’s of rounds in any one session isn’t practical. And, in reality, one would be charged with excessive use of force. There’s only 5 rounds in the cylinder, better use them accurately and sparingly. Kudos to Ruger!
June 28th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I have had and have been carrying my LCR for a while now and all I can say is Ruger made a great gun.It shoots and carries great.I think all other carry revolvers will be judged by the LCR.And I am not kidding!
July 1st, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Gentlemen,
I wonder if the rattling described here in comments about the
LCR, will stop after the revolver is shot in? Say maybe after
the initial first 200 rounds shot through the firearm. Oh well
just a thought after years of handling revolvers and pistols.I
am sure someone else has thought about this idea.
Greg Gross
July 4th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I’ve had my LCR for about a month, have put more 500 rounds thru it so far, and it still rattles( only if I shake it, don’t notice it any other time), but it doesn’t bug me…I’m not planning on sneaking up on any bad guys.
I like the gun, it has the Crimson Trace grips…. I thought the trigger pull was a little hefty, but this is the first double action I’ve had, my range master shot it and thought the trigger pull was easy.
“Brad” wrote “Is isnt smooth and there is what seems to be 2-3 different catches in it.” I’ve noticed this also, but am getting used to it and using it to my advantage when target shooting. Haven’t got into the fast, defensive shooting classes yet, to see how it is with that.
My husband doesn’t like it, he has a hard time getting used to the double action pull( compared to my Glock) and he says the recoil hurts his hand.
I am having a hard time finding a holster for CC for it that is comfortable to me…any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
All in all, I like the gun!
July 7th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Well I picked up my LCR about a week ago and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy the little fellow. I have put 55 rounds through it 50 WC and 5 GDHP +P and find it to be accurate, reliable, comfortable and a value at the price-point of $440 (which is what I picked up for).
I’m not gonna compare it to the competition, I am comparing it to itself and I like what it is. For a novel reinvention of the revolver I think Ruger did a great job with this one…but I would like it more if it didn’t rattle.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I just picked mine up today. Ordered it on Gunbroker for 399.95 + shipping. I love it. I have a good collection of “j” framed size guns in SW, Taurus, Sp101, and now this little thing. I think it’s a great concept. It does have a little rattle when shook, but I’m not planning on doing flips while carrying it, so it’s not a big deal to me.The trigger is great, much nicer than my 442 and 642 in double action only, and its not that much heavier than my LCP. I’m going to order some crimson trace grips and carry it.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I just bought one, the first time I held one I was blown away by the weight.
While I haven’t had a chance to fire it yet the fit and finish is along with all Ruger firearms i.e. excellent.
I will confirm as above a little rattle when shaken but that shouldn’t be a problem.
Great little gun.
July 13th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Anyone figure out what the rattle is? I am thinking about buying an LCR and it get good reviews but I think the rattle may bother me (I’m kind of paranoid). Would anybody advise on not purchasing this gun?
July 19th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Just a comment on the now famous “rattle.” IMO, it is a non-issue. It’s not very loud and seems to be part of its design execution. There seems to be some floating parts in the fire control housing that are the root of it. But, on the other hand, the trigger pull is better than any other compact revolver ever experienced. After purchasing this gun, I have to say that the more I learn about this gun, the more I love about it.
July 20th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
IT WAS A TOSS UP BETWEEN THE SP101 (2 INCH) AND THE NEW LCR. WE FIRED SEVERAL ROUNDS WITH BOTH FIREARMS AND MY WIFE AND I FELT MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE SP101. THE RECOIL OF LCR LEFT BOTH OF OUR HANDS BETWEEN OUR THUMB AND FOREFINGER SORE. THE FIT WAS JUST NOT RIGHT.
July 26th, 2009 at 1:58 am
I purchased a Ruger .38 LCR about a month ago. I contemplated getting the Crimson Trace version but there was only two regular versions of this pistol in one shop in all of the bay area and figured I could add the grip later.
I purchased 110 grain CorBon .38+P+ for defensive ammunition. WOW! Accurate out to 25 yards easily with 5 shots within 4-6 inches. Definitely a killer. I also painted the rather large front blade bright orange. Perfect. Probably won’t get the laser grips!
As far as the grips being rubber and hard to get out of my front pocket… B.S. This thing was NOT made for a holster. It is a front or back POCKET gut gun. It is made to be completely concealed! No holster. Even in swimming trunks! So Noob, sorry! This thing goes no holster, easily drawn, with me everywhere!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
This pistol is not a *target shooting* pistol. No need to complain about your fingers hurting after firing 100 rounds through it at the range. This weapon is meant for point shooting…. from the hip, from inside your vehicle or from your bed to the bedroom door, at short range. FOR DEFENSE. Go have fun with it at the range of course, but it’s merits don’t rely on it’s “all day range comfort”. If you don’t see what the weapon is used for then maybe it isn’t for you
August 11th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Comparing it to my 642 and 638, there is no contest. The LCR has a better trigger, is lighter in weight, is more accurate,and simply looks cool. This is one heck of a personal defense piece. When you think of all the other small frame revolvers on the market today, this is in a class of its own.
Ruger has a winner here, and you will soon see Smith and the others follow with their own versions. Kudos to Ruger for being the first!
August 31st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I bought one for my mom a few weeks ago and have been teaching her how to shoot. Since it’s a defensive handgun she probably won’t be stalking any prey with it, so any rattle won’t be a problem (hell, for that matter you could probably put bells on it and not notice it over the screaming and yelling that will probably be going on if she has to use it).
With 158 grain target loads it kicks like a mule, but it kicks a whole lot less than I thought it would being only 13 ounces. I haven’t had a chance to try low recoil 125 grain target loads in it yet.
For carry or protection purposes she has it loaded with 52 grain Magsafe rounds which probably won’t kick much at all (I’ll try 1 or 2 and let you know how much as soon as I get more)
As far as the trigger pull, it felt pretty good, and since it isn’t an “All day target gun” any real use of the gun will include gallons of adreneline, so you’d probably still be able to pull it if it had a Peterbuilt attached to it.
September 9th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Overall, a good gun. I’m not a muscular guy and this is a nice for around $500. I’m saving to get Bill Wilson Carry Pistol ($2800). Wonder if cash for clunkers (gun program) would let me trade in about 5 handguns for that. lol.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Thank you Rick Miller for finally putting the rattle to rest. I just bought one for my wife to replace an LCP (slide too difficult for her little hands).
We had a great belly life regarding the bells… I think that would be the case with my wife also. (Probably true for me as well.LOL)
Anyway, thanks for a good laugh… and a fitting end to the rattle concerns with a healthy dose of humor.
Great little gun… we chose it over the S&W 642 after shooting both… liked the Smith… loved the LCR!
October 14th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I just bought the lcr today. Been saving too long for it and finally got it. After hearing what the average price yall have been paying I feel very fortunate to have picked one up with a cash discount for only $380. I know this subject is getting old but… Last time I checked when you are using a weapon for cc you’re on the defence not the offence so needing a silent stealthy pistol is not “reasonable” to be the final decision to buy this awesome, well rounded, inovative new pistol. Just my two cense.
October 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I am buying a gun for my wife for her to keep on her side of the bed and for protection when I am out of town. I have a H&K USP compact w/stainless slide, night sights, and just ordered the new surefire X400 to mount on the rail for myself but she is not comfortable with my pistol and there is no reason for having a gun for home protection if she is not comfortable with it! So the soultion is to get her own gun that she is comforable with. We have been looking for a small revolver for her and have narrowed it down to the Ruger LCR and the S&W 642 in .38. Having owned both which would your recommend for a small frame female?
October 14th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Neither. Both firearms are best handled by people who have trained with them extensively and are prepared for the recoil, short sight radius, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I like the 642 and LCR a great deal. A 642 is in my pocket as I write this and I have shot the LCR quite a bit.
Frankly, your wife needs to go to a range and shoot several different medium to large handguns. They shoot much easier, the sights tend to be a lot better, and by trying out several different ones, she will find the best fit for her hand. Having it as a bedside gun means she isn’t limited to something she has to conceal. A full size Glock, S&W M&P, or 1911 would all kick less and offer more rounds on tap.
For what it is worth, my mother prefers a S&W Model 10 revolver with the 4″ heavy barrel (pre-lock) because of the super smooth trigger and lack of recoil. My wife loves her Glock 19. My ex-wife also liked a Glock 19, but her favorite gun was the Sig Sauer P220 loaded with the 230 grain Federal HydraShok. Other women I know carry full sized Glocks and Sigs. I can’t think of one that like the J-frame snubbies.
Of course, these are just my experiences. YMMV. Good luck!
October 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Just purchased my Ruger LCR this weekend and I love this gun! This gun can be concealed vey easily and when loaded it still fills like a feather! It does have a rattle, but when hidden who will know what it is? keys, change??
October 18th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Just my observations… the rattle is less pronounced when the trigger is partially pulled and gone when the trigger is fully pulled. Definitely something in the fire control housing, but I haven’t taken it apart to figure out exactly which piece (but I will).
Not to brag (ok, yes I am)… got mine for $325.
October 18th, 2009 at 1:09 am
Quoted from Ruger’s website:
“Like all newly manufactured Ruger revolvers, your LCR has a transfer bar safety system as part of the fire control mechanism. As a result, a hammer blow can be transmitted to the firing pin only when the trigger is pulled all the way to the rear. This is a positive internal safety feature. By design, the transfer bar is allowed some movement within the fire control mechanism so that trigger pull is not affected. Due to this necessary “play” in the transfer bar, a shooter will sometimes hear the transfer bar “rattle” when the revolver is shaken. This rattle caused by the play in the transfer bar is completely normal in the LCR.”
November 7th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
I snagged an LCR at a gun show this A.M for $420 and immediately went to the range. Put 50 rounds through it, and it shoots like a wet dream….. This little popper will be close by while I’m and home and will be in my pocket while I’m out and around. Not at all concerned about the rattles, I just want it to go BOOM when the hammer comes down. Ruger’s got a winner with this one.
November 7th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I snagged an LCR at a gun show this A.M for $420 and immediately went to the range. Put 50 rounds through it, and it shoots like a wet dream….. This little popper will be close by while I’m at home and will be in my pocket while I’m out and around. Not at all concerned about the rattles, I just want it to go BOOM when the hammer comes down. Ruger’s got a winner with this one.