ares338

A lot of people have commented on the recoil of the LCR in 357. Yesterday I took 3 different kinds of ammunition to try out on my home gun range. My revolver is a week old and as of yet I have only shot 38 target loads through it so it was time to test SD ammo if we're going to carry it.

I had 38 spcl 130 gr WWB, Speer 125 gr +P Gold Dot Hollow Points and finally some Remmington 357 125 gr Semi Jacketed Hollow Points. First the 38 WWB.....very little recoil and follow up shots are quick and accurate. Next the Speer +P.......again, felt recoil was minimal although you could tell you had a little more power. Follow up shots were quick and easy to regain sight picture. Last the 357 SJHP's......there was a very big increase in perceived recoil and hand punishment. I quickly learned that a extra firm grip solves any of the handling problems with the 357 ammo. I shot 35 rounds of eachntype of ammo.

If there were any reservations about using the 357 ammo through the LCR it wouldn't be because of the recoil.....it would be the noise and compression created. That said.....I will carry 357 ammo in my LCR when I pocket carry this little jewel. I was shooting from 5 to 10 yds and accuracy was right on target. I will say that the 357 LCR would not be for everyone but if recoil doesn't bother you then this would be a great carry piece!

kz1000

I guess it is all in what you are used to. Your hand strenght etc.
My thought about one for me is if it would be in the back of my mind (if all hell brakes loose)that this thing is really going to wack me if I don't watch my grip.

ares338

RE:I guess it is all in what you are used to. Your hand strenght etc.
My thought about one for me is if it would be in the back of my mind (if all hell brakes loose)that this thing is really going to wack me if I don't watch my grip.

That is very true. It's good that we have a lot of choices out there my friend?

terry_p

I really think the last thing on my mind if there is trouble and I am forced to use my revolver will be the recoil. For example I am in a shotgun deer hunting area in NH and my 12 ga shotgun is only accurate with a particular brand of 3" saboted slugs. When I verify zero each season they beat the shoulder up but when I am hunting and I shoot I don't feel recoil. Adrenaline is a great equalizer.

larry8

I suppose felt recoil is different in each person. I have a SP101 in 357 and when I got it I tried 38's first. Recoil wasn't bad. Then I got a box of 357 and tried it. Man, it just about kicked me over. Needless to say I won't be shooting 357 in that gun again.

North country gal

It's true that you are not likely going to notice recoil in a stress situation. On the other hand, I'm a firm believer in practicing with the exact gun and load you'll be carrying and if the recoil prevents you from practicing as your should, that is a bad thing. You don't want any unwelcome surprises when the chips are down. On something that light, recoil with a 357 is an issue for me. That's why I went to a GP-100. If I had the LCR, I think I'd opt for 38 Special or 38 +P loads and call it good.

fungun

Lcr 357 is on my short list, already enjoying the 22 version. Can't imagine the felt recoil will be worse than the 454 casull. 2 very different guns obviously, looking forward to testing it out myself and can always use 38's of course.

Outlaw450

Its only too much if you have Nancy hands.

bwinters

Recoil is why I own an sp101 in 357 not the other revolver.

andybothel

I carry 38+p in mine mostly because of the noise/compression/flash. If I had to use it indoors in the dark, I think that would be enough to keep me from making any follow up shots. While the recoil is certainly stronger than the 38+p and a handful, that's not why I choose to carry 38+p instead of 357.

I'm starting to carry my new XDS in 45. Recoil is certainly stiffer than the LCR with 38+p (IMO) but certainly manageable.

Ashlander

It's not the recoil so much as the pure loudness of the blast. If I have to shoot in an enclosed area, I want to be able to hear again (I am a musician). Plus P is good enough.

bearcatter

I planned on .38s in my LCR-357 before I bought it. I got the 357 model for the tougher construction. I also planned on the boot grip for pocket carry. My first trip to the range confirmed my choices. 130 gr .38 wasn't bad with the boot grip, but I wouldn't want to shoot .357 with it.

My carry round is 125 grain Hornady XTP in .38. That is more than adequate as a SD round. With .357 you run the risk of over-penetration, through the BG or a wall. Not so good for bystanders or people in the next room. Your aim better be dead-on for the BG's center of mass.

Jack D

I'm with you on that one. My SP101, 3" hurts with full load 357's. I load it with Speer Gold Dot .38's for home defense and .357's for woods carry only. My hands and wrist are not what they used to be.

ares338

It seems to be that most people with the Ruger LCR 357 are choosing to use the 38 caliber ammo in +P. I will most likely for now carry 38 +P myself. As for practice I will shoot at least 10 rounds of 357...I don't know but I may be a Masochist but I really like shooting this round...LOL. Anyway, I love this little revolver and the trigger pull is fantistic.

gstephens

I bought one when looking for a dependable light weight pocket gun with enough power to stop a threat be it 2 or 4 legged. I shoot my reloaded 38's for practice and then a few full house 110 gn mag loads just to stay aware of the recoil. With 110 and 125 gn. bullets the recoil is not that much different with 158 gn. 38+P. It is sharper and there is more bark but I wanted knock down.