Ruger LCR Review: First Impressions of the New Light, Compact Revolver

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.

I think the cylinder is beautiful…

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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 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.

Mike,

Regarding a 3″ .22 for camping, check out the 8 shot S&W 317. LR not mag, but a super lightweight kit gun.

I will buy the first one of these I see and it will become part of my regular carry strategy.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I just bought an LCR and i love it bravo ruger !! It is a great concealed pistol that is light and you can feed it with anything in 38 or 38+ p i used to carry a large auto and this is a breath of fresh air .. good job ruger!

Went to the local knife and gun show today looking for a ccw for my wife. Went in looking for the S&W 642 and stumbled across the LCR. Right when she picked it up she said it flet great. Loved the light weight but still had the right enough girth to still feel in control. When we we got it home we heard “the rattle”. Thought we had been sold a bad gun. Thanks so much for the reasureance from all that this is not a problem. But I still don’t like it.

TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE RATTLE IN THE LCR IS !!!!! IT IS THE TRANSFER BAR !!! IF YOU GO TO RUGERS WEB SIGHT THE TELL YOU WHAT IT IS .. I LOVE THE LCR .ITS A GREAT GUN. MY RUGER REDHAWK 44 ALSO HAS A SLIGHT RATTLE THE TRANSFER BAR SAFETY. I’VE PUTT THOUSANDS OF ROUNDS THROUGH MY REDHAWK NO PROBLEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does it rattle where the hammer is, what is causing that? I called where i bought it and they said it was normal so i just want to under stand why it is.

The rattle question answered multiple times in this thread. READ!

Thanks for stopping in with a woman’s perspective, Gun Girl. As a long time S&W fan, I have been impressed by this little Ruger also.

–Richard

I have just picked up my LCR as I was buying yet another gun at my local range. I had looked at Snub 38′s before, (even own a Taurus hammerless Snub that my brother now uses, but this fit and weight were so good and then with the Crimson Trace addded I just had to have it. Shot 45 rounds same day (guess where the last 5 are) and I am now very happy. I am mostly a Lg Frame Auto guy and the only revolvers I shot are measured in lbs, so this size is rather new for me. I also have had a CCW for many years but hated the weight and lumps, so rarely carried. This LCR will solve that when needed.

NOTICED the RATTLE and Was very Concerned that my lazer was the problem until I saw the many comments here. Thanks to all of you for covering this. I will now stop shaking it. Laser Grips very nice.

LCR is a great at 10 and 15 yards and would not care at further out.

HOLSTER – IWB – Uncle Mike’s Sidekick size 16 is cheap and perfect fit. I had used this at the range to hold 2 Glock 17 clips for years.

wife had never fired a handgun before about a year ago I took her to a gunstore/range in Jacksonville and got her to try a 642 with CT laser grip. She shot 5 rounds in a 2.5in group at 10 yds. Wanted her to try something in semi auto but her hads couldn’t easily work the slide on anything. Then the LCR appeared, she tried it and loved it so I bought her one. The rattle isn’t really worth the mention since as others have said, this is a personal defense weapon and when you shoot a BG then you want to stay on the right side of legal anyhow.
Well done Ruger, this is a peach. Even though I paid full price for it.(should have waited a couple of months).
Currently carrying it with 135gr +P GDHP loaded, but would like to get my hands on some of the Federal 125gr Nyclads. Rarer than rocking horse crap. Oh and just who has stockpiled all the .38 SD ammo.

Just picked up a used, but unfired LCR today for $370 including 100 rounds of 130grn WWB jhp. I like it better than my wife’s 638, it is kinda fun and well worth the price I paid for it.
It will never replace my CDP or Wilson-built Officers ACP, but fun to throw into a front pocket on the way to the store.

TKB –

Chances are the gun will outlast us both. I would not have any reservations in putting thousands of rounds through it.

–Richard

I just happened to look at one at the gun store the other day. I picked it up and noticed the rattle and thought it strange. For those that think a rattle is no big deal…for me it is. Some of us that hunt pack a few extra side arms. You don’t want anything rattling when hunting so for me it is a big deal. And no I’m not hunting with a 2 inch barrel….back up defense only. My other thing is why would Ruger make anything that rattles ??? Once in awhile you hear about little kids killing themselves with a gun. Little kids are attracted to rattles and consider anything that does rattle as toys. Yes a good gun owner would never allow a gun to be in an area of a child but sadly that is not the case with some. The thing is I didn’t shake the gun to make it rattle. I was gently moving the gun to inspect it and it rattled. I was considering buying it and glad I didn’t for the rattle alone. Come on Ruger.

Give me a break (rattle & kids)–either you like the LCR or you don’t, not a big deal. But don’t fabricate stuff just to prove a point over a REAL non-issue. I too am currently in LE, and back in the 70 & and late 80′s Ruger revolvers were issued heavily just like the S&W’s, especially with the NYPD (detectives loved the SP-101 when it first came out), Chicago PD, and other East Coast agencies. To get on message–I like the LCR allot. I like the weight, sights, the mix of high-tech polymer, aluminum, and stainless. I like the grip, and love the trigger pull–WOW! I also like the “rattle”, helps me locate it in the dark, or I can alert someone when I have fallen down (maybe a little kid will find me). I like the LCR so much that I traded my 15 year old S&W 638 for this pocket rocket. Shoots good too–+P’s have a snap–but manageable.

at first didn’t like the recoil. then shot bout 10 rounds of federal low recoil 110gr. bullets & it was a piece of cake. then went back to 140gr regular bullet and handled it much better [ no +P ] yet. i think one thing that helped me with recoil is that a friend told me to hold my hand as high on the grip as possible. shot 50 rounds of 140gr this morn. and no problem. easy to pocket carry and easy to carry tucked in belt under buckle, stays there all day, doesn’t move and so light i forget it’s there.

All Ruger Revolvers Rattle – it’s the firing pin block behind the hammer. In the heat of the moment you will only hear 2 things – the sound of your heart beating and BANG…….

i have an lcr and can find nothing wrong with it. the rattle is so minor i don’t even notice it. mine has to be chin high to even hear it when you shake it and at belly button high i can’t hear it at all plus the sound is minor. very easy to carry, wish it had a 3″

For those who are looking for a good inside the pocket holster for a snubbie, you may consider the Mika Pocket Holster. I have used one for years and it is a quality product that has so far worked as advertized.

Greg,
You’re contradicting yourself a bit. If you’re shooting .357 in a snubnose you’d better be a darn good shot on that first round because it might take a while to get around to the second one. Very few of us can recover quick enough from that kind of recoil for a fast second or third shot. You are correct in that barrel length plays a part (although negligible) in velocity, more importantly however, is the fact that the .357 round really doesn’t get a chance to burn all of it’s powder in a snub nose. Also, the 38 round has come a long way since the old lead round nose law enforcement issue ammunition. There is some very lethal 38+P ammunition out there designed just for personal defense that some (try and stay with me here) .357 owners keep in their nightstand gun. The reasons are overpenetration, muzzle flash, and noise levels. Imagine shooting a hot .357 round in a hallway with no ear protection. And yes, the .357 is still king at stopping the bad guy!

I am a new shooter who purchaed an LCR with Crimson Laser grip. The rattle is of no concern to me. However,the recoil punishes the base of my thumb. I am going to try a fingerless glove, but am baffled by those posters who report the felt recoil is comparatively light. Why is my experience so different? Is it the laser grip? One poster suggests holding the grip at a higher point, but that seems difficult. Because it has a shrouded hammer, I can shoot with both thumbs aligned where the hammer would be, but that seems unorthodox. Any further sugestions would be welcome. I am shooting full metal jacket standard 130 grain ammo.

Thanks in advance.

Thank you, Richard. I will experiment with a modified grip, different ammo (although what I am using is relatively light), and a fingerless glove. I also may go back to the standard grip, abandoning the Crimson. I just purchased a Glock 19 for some serious instruction, but I would hate to abandon the LCR, which has so many nice features.

Thanks again.

After years of a modified NP3 finished S&W Mdl 39-2, followed by a Kahr K9, and a Ruger P345, I have finally found something which almost hides itself. My LCR, worn in an elastic wasteband holster seems to almost literally disappear, yet be reachable, from under any outside shirt or other cover, in an instant. As to accuracy, I can’t think of any way the trigger could be improved, and a careful shot at normal pistol range usually results in another, “thank you Ruger”!

My wife bought me a magazine with the LCR article in it. After reading the article I had to have the LCR. It is truly a beautiful pistol. My wife now has the LCR. Buying the LCR caused me to purchase 2 yes 2 LCPs (one is engraved – wife’s) and I bought the fabulous Smith and Wesson M&P 357 sig. with the 40 cal. barrell and 3 16 round mags,,,,all because of the LCR. Can anyone beat that one. P.S. I didn’t notice the famous rattle until I read hear about it.