Ruger Forum

allabtslfdef · March 17th, 2011, 04:29 PM

So tonight before walking out the door to a class I was taking, I was thinking which gun I was going to carry. I was wearing shorts and a tucked in not so loose t shirt. I decided my 85ul in a cargo pocket with a reload. While I was choosing I started to think about a nice slim gun with good power. I was thinking about an LC9. Nice slim profile, decent capacity and a good caliber for protection. Then my question came up... Which gun would provide better ballistics. The LC9 or The LCR 357 (using 38+p).

Here is my argument. Both bullets are about the same size chunk of lead. The 38 has more powder and will move quicker but its coming from a short bbl. The nine holds more ammo but it is also a quick round coming out of a short bbl. So I am confused which would be better for SD. Does it come down to preference of revolver or auto, capacity, convenience? Not sure. Looking for some opinions. Thanks in advance.

Jason

ikar · March 17th, 2011, 04:44 PM

I prefer the .38+P load with a backup speedloader of .357. But then again I have always favored the revolver over the automatic because I was trained on the S&W model 15.

78CJ5 · March 17th, 2011, 04:50 PM

I would carry the revolver and a reload, just my .02

Rock67 · March 17th, 2011, 04:59 PM

I haven't fired the LC9, but I have fired the LCP. I don't feel comfortable with LCP design. Revolvers are more reliable and simpler to operate than automatics. I've fired several hundred rounds with my LCR. That's got my vote.

I agree with ikar in weapon choice (LCR .357) and loaded ammo (.38+P), but disagree with ikar's choice of reload. I would use the same ammo (.38+P) for load and reload. I would carry to reload in Tuff Product's 5-shot strips.

allabtslfdef · March 17th, 2011, 05:34 PM

Both guns are the same weight, its looking like the difference is basically coming down to caliber and preference of auto or revolver. I am starting to prefer revolver in this role.

Ruger® LCR® Double-Action Revolver Models = LCR

Ruger® LC9™ Centerfire Pistol Models = LC9

Can someone post any links to ballistics between 9 and 38+p out of short bbl?

Jason

Spike12 · March 17th, 2011, 05:55 PM

Sometimes I wonder why Ruger went with 357 in the LCR and not 327. Would seem to make more sense and a better combination unless they think the 327 is a loosing game...

allabtslfdef · March 17th, 2011, 05:59 PM

Probably because the 357 is still WAY more popular than the 327. They may make another one next year. Who knows.

Jason

drake437 · March 17th, 2011, 06:02 PM

Here are some from Speer...not exactly what you are looking for but provide a point of reference. I was amazed at the 327 mags.

Speer Ammo - Ballistics Tables

Lefty · March 17th, 2011, 06:22 PM

one or the other is better than nothing, carry something AND a knife!

allabtslfdef · March 18th, 2011, 12:24 PM

Lefty, I carry at least one gun and two knives ALL the time. I was just posing the question for when I can talk my wife into letting get another gun lol. Thanks for the tip though. Be Safe.

Jason

off road · March 18th, 2011, 12:34 PM

Hornaday Critical Defense is designed for short barrels and will not pack up and fail to expand because of thick clothing. If you click on each caliber, you can compare ballistics (although some stated ballistics are for longish barrels):

Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Handgun :: Choose by Product Line :: Critical Defense®

allabtslfdef · March 18th, 2011, 06:06 PM

A friend not on here suggested going with the nine if it is a main gun. More fire power and if its a SHTF scenario you are more likely to find someone with 9mm ammo vs 38 or 357 ammo. I think that's a valid argument. Also it was mentioned that if you carry a backup gun make it a revolver because if for some reason you have to hand it off to another person to use, revolvers are pretty hard to screw up.

Jason

imjin138 · March 19th, 2011, 03:09 PM

I have both guns, and I fired both of them I normally would say the LCR but with shorts and a t shirt the LC9 is very flat and easy to use. I am keeping Remington Golden Sabers in 147 grn in mine.

The LCR is sitting next to me on the computer table, and in winter in my coat pocket that is what i would carry.

OpsMgr · March 19th, 2011, 07:12 PM

Shooting the .357 well is a chore and just not possible for most. Loading the LCR with .38 +P is wise for a carry wheel gun. With that said, when choosing between an LCR with .38 +P and the LC9 , I'll take the higher round count of the 9mm LC9. YMMV...