bearcatter

I was going through some old gun mags, and found I had saved Guns & Ammo's exclusive first review of the LCR, when the .38 version was first released. Dick Metcalf got VIP treatment at Ruger's New Hampshire plant, and the article has some technical details I haven't seen anywhere else. I can't do the whole article here, but some interesting points:

Ruger polled visitors at the 2007 SHOT show to get ideas for the LCR's design.

The LCR was designed by Ruger engineer Joseph Zajk, and took two years to develop.

Metcalf refers to LCR standing for "Lightweight Carry Revolver". I've usually seen "Compact" for the "C".

The screw-in barrel is machined for a precise barrel/cylinder gap with no fitting.

The black finish is Rockwell C60, as hard as many files. Ruger tested it with a month in saltwater, and all sorts of chemicals on it, with no effect.

The crane is stainless, and the only investment-cast part of the LCR.

The lock pins, including in the barrel shroud, are titanium to reduce mass and stop cylinder unlatching under hard recoil.

The bushings for the center pin and firing pin are through-hardened stainless steel (these aren't necessary on the later stainless frame 357 model).

The upper screw is unnecessary, there "just in case" and for appearance.

The crane pivot screw goes into a threaded titanium insert in the polymer housing.

Prototypes were fired in excess of 10k rounds with no gun malfunctions or changes in dimension. (They did not "stretch" or "shoot loose").

Several interesting photos too, with the LCR in various states of disassembly.

weblance

I have read all the points you mention. The LCR is an incredible engineering feat that most people dont even think about. Sure they know its a "plastic" revolver, but thats about as far as their concern goes. Leave it to Ruger to be on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to new product innovations. I think Ol Bill would be proud of this one...

spotch

crap, it's a shame you can't scan that!

bearcatter

Google Image the LCR to bring up some photos of it partially disassembled. There are several online articles about the different versions, but most are the fluffy type where the writer obviously wants to keep getting free guns to write about.

This article was the only one I've seen that detailed so much of the design and engineering that went into LCRs. Just add the details I listed to one of the fluffy articles.

bearcatter

I finally found the article on G&A's website, in two different versions. The second one loads v-e-r-y slow, but the first one is missing a few pictures.

Dated January 24, 2009; but the article was in the March issue that year.


A Brand New Spin | Reviews | Guns & Ammo


Ruger Lightweight Carry Revolver Review - Guns & Ammo

NoahsArk

Thanks for the links bearcatter. This is the most in depth product and development engineering review I've seen. The LCR is engineered to amaze!

BP

bearcatter

I wish I could have found the links for the first post.

I wasn't wild about buying a "plastic" gun, but the more I've read, the more I like. On the LCR, it seems like good design, not just saving a buck to raise profit.

ColoradoChris

So many reviews told of the quality of the LCR that I had to have one. Ruger is really making some nice firearms. Next choices for me are the SR22 and then an SR9c .

jlh820

I've found that the Guns & Ammo site always runs slow.

JimB120

Thanks Bearcatter, that was an interesting read. Reminded me of all the reasons I love this gun.

I bought my LCR 38 early, but got one with the lockup problems, so I stopped carrying it.

The problem causing screw seems to have been replaced by Ruger with something steel, and it seems to be holding up, so it may get back into the game as a Light Carry Revolver soon.

bearcatter

My LCR-357 has been great since Day One, and Ruger stood good on a bad LCR-22 with a replacement that is just fine. I like 'em both. They are my CCW team, for serious carry and practice.

NoahsArk

Great little revolver indeed! Friends do a double take as soon as they pick it up. They are amazed by the size and weight. It was my summer pocket CCW of choice. Looking to get a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake holster as another option.

ColoradoChris

Love mine so far. Only about 500 rounds through it so far but it's been great.

exlogger

No offense guys, but a plastic revolver just doesn't seem right. When they have been in production for 20 years.... I might give them some consideration.

bearcatter

I have been very much a Mr. Hates Plastic from the first Glock I saw, but I can except the LCR. At first I thought, okay, it's not serialized so I can buy a spare. Nope, Ruger won't sell the plastic frame.

At least in this case, it's a chunk of plastic, very beefy. It's only cut out where it has to be, for the movement of a part.

I would still prefer to have a pair of solid stainless fixed sight snubbies with traditional grips in .357 and .22. Nobody makes that but Taurus, no thanks. Even Charters now have a plastic grip frame filler/trigger guard.

My light and smooth triggered LCRs do me just fine.