Ruger Forum

Stirfry · August 3rd, 2012, 08:38 PM

i have a .38 LCR and shoot it all the time. i love it. shooting .38 and .38+p is not an issue, and unlike others on this site i feel very little difference between shooting the LCR and the much heavier SP101. i also do not feel the need for a .357 as a carry/defense round when .38/.38+p will do just fine. in addition, for a defense gun, you should be shooting DAO anyhow, so the lack of a hammer spur is totally irrelevant. finally, the trigger on the LCR puts the SP101's trigger (and just about any other DA revolver) to shame. the trigger it is by far the leading reason to chose the LCR, in my opinion. the light weight is simply a bonus.

JimB120 · August 4th, 2012, 06:18 AM

I have the LCR in .38 and love the weight, feel, trigger and accuracy, however there have been problems with them, and I will not carry it. I still cringe every time I pull the trigger, which I don't do very often anymore.

I would get the 357 if you intend to carry it.

Slightly heavier, but no problems I've heard of like the polymer frames, and you can still shoot .38.

bearcatter · August 4th, 2012, 07:02 AM

I have the LCR-357, but never planned to use .357s. I front pocket carry, with the Hogue boot grip, not the bigger Tamer it came with. The recoil is not bad, even with the boot grip, shooting 130 grain .38.

First range trip, I found that the sights were set for 12 yards. I only fired 1 box, 50 rounds, and got four inch groups on the bull at that 36 feet with the last half of the box.

It's a keeper for me. I'm considering whether to get the LCR-22 for cheaper practice.

ilerman · August 4th, 2012, 02:36 PM

I was considering the LCR myself. I decided on the SP101 though. Personal decision based on the size of the gun and how it felt in my hand. The LCR is a spectacular deisgn though.

Romac · August 4th, 2012, 06:09 PM

I went and handled one today, and I think I'm in freakin love. The gun felt just fantastic in my hand. Way way lighter then I was expecting, but I love the grip and the sights. I think this is what I'm going to go with.

ColoradoChris · October 9th, 2012, 08:33 PM

I got the LCR 357 for my carry weapon but since the backlog for the CCW appointment is two months out here in Colorado I have yet to try it for that. Shooting it has been joy and I've tried 38 Special, the +P as well as the 357. Many complain about the kick of the 357 but I found it manageable. The sights aren't the greatest so I'll be changing it out soon.

weblance · October 9th, 2012, 09:38 PM

I have the KLCR and LCR-22. The only complaint I have(and its minor) is they are DAO. I have since retired my KLCR and went with a S&W 638. That said, the LCR is a great pocket gun, and will serve well in that role. Check into Tuff QuickStrips. Its a great way to carry extra rounds for a revolver, and then you wont feel undergunned with only 5 shots. They come in 5,6,7 and 8 round capacity. I carry an 8 in my left pocket. If you still feel undergunned, you could always carry a NY reload. Yup.

andybothel · October 10th, 2012, 04:30 AM

My three carry guns are LCR with 38+p, XDS with 45, and LCP with 380. All three have proven reliable enough to carry.

LCR was my first gun, and it's a great little gun. Much more enjoyable to shoot than other similar sized revolvers that I've tried (S&W, Taurus, Charter Arms).

I think it's a great first carry gun because of its simplicity and reliability.

My wife asked me, "So a revolver is a beginners gun?". The answer was no, a revolver is good for beginners, but that doesn't mean it's ONLY for beginners.

As far as caliber, I used to think 380 was inferior, especially since I was carrying my XDS in 45, but have put those thoughts to the side. I think it would do just fine, and I haven't found anything more concealable than a LCP. I can now carry in clothing situations I previously couldn't.

Off all the guns you mention, the only one that I've heard a considerable amount of negative reviews on, is the LC9. That being said, I've heard good things as well. I haven't shot one, so I can't really give my own opinion.

Good luck on deciding what you want to get!

TNWNGR · October 10th, 2012, 05:35 AM

A lightweight 38 Special or 357 Magnum 5 round revolver is quite a handful if you’re not familiar with revolvers in general or are recoil sensitive. With this in mind it would be prudent for you to shoot either an LCR or S&W Airweight revolver in 38 Special before you seriously consider buying one for yourself. The SP101 or a S&W M-36/60 are far more comfortable to shoot with the SP101 being a real pleasure with 38 Special ammunition instead of 357 Magnum.

conditionyellow · October 11th, 2012, 07:50 AM

I've been carrying for quite awhile and started with a S&W body guard. I felt under gunned so I switched to a G-23 for awhile. Wanted to standardize my ammo and get a smaller "foot print" so switched to a G-26. Did that for awhile and then bought an SR9C to carry. It worked well but in the heat of "hell's kitchen" (SW Florida) I tried a .38 LCR and it's working out real well for pocket carry. I only wish I waited for the .357 to come out. I probably wouldn't shoot them much in it but it's nice to know I could. And resale is a consideration. I'm now trying to get used to my SP-101 2.25" for pocket carry. It's doable but there is of course a semi-substantial weight difference. Although I carry 2 6-shot speed strips I guess I "roll the dice" on a 5-shot carry gun but hope if needed all will be over with three or less shots. Like many have said before me, try some out before you buy. And if you're lucky enough to have the money buy them all!

conditionyellow · October 11th, 2012, 07:51 AM

I've been carrying for quite awhile and started with a S&W body guard. I felt under gunned so I switched to a G-23 for awhile. Wanted to standardize my ammo and get a smaller "foot print" so switched to a G-26. Did that for awhile and then bought an SR9C to carry. It worked well but in the heat of "hell's kitchen" (SW Florida) I tried a .38 LCR and it's working out real well for pocket carry. I only wish I waited for the .357 to come out. I probably wouldn't shoot them much in it but it's nice to know I could. And resale is a consideration. I'm now trying to get used to my SP-101 2.25" for pocket carry. It's doable but I can notice a semi-substantial weight difference. Although I carry 2 6-shot speed strips I guess I "roll the dice" on a 5-shot carry gun but hope if needed all will be over with three or less shots. Like may have said before me, try some out before you buy. And if you're lucky enough to have the money buy them all!

jpunt · November 6th, 2012, 04:06 PM

I have a SR9c but am finding it a bit heavy to CCW with an IWB holster. With a paddle holster it's no problem but, I am not going to open carry except for at the range. I have been considering the LCR. Based on the reviews it looks good. I am interested in CCW, mostly IWB. I'm in NH so it seems regardless of the season this would be a good choice. Thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated.

SR22PSHOOTER · November 6th, 2012, 04:29 PM

I had looked at the LCR for some time then decided on a SP101 in .327 FED MAG it gives you 6 rounds instead of 5 and is a very powerful round. When I first got permit to carry I got a Ruger LCP and had it for two years, then sold it after I found my new favorite carry firearm the Beretta Nano.

The LCP's trigger was horrible and it was not enjoyable to shot at the range. I decided I wanted a 9mm and I saw the Beretta Nano on display and bought it without much thought. Haven't regretted it yet, the wife even likes it. Very easy to shoot, carry and maintain.

I don't know what all the hype is about the M&P Shield but I did not like it when I finally found one to look at. In my opinion the grip is too thin and seems like it would not be very comfortable to shoot. And not to mention all the stuff it could snag on. Personally I would not get a Shield.

Another one that I really like but it is pricey is the Springfield Armory XDs in 45. Very nice and comfortable gun, wish I had the money to buy one ...

Also if you like the DA/SA of the SR22 the Sig Pro 2022 is a great firearms, I have seen people carry it IWB. It is a great firearm and functions in the same manner as the SR22.

Hope you get something that you like.

postjr · November 6th, 2012, 04:47 PM

Both my wife and I have .38 LCR's, we love them.
Easy to carry, good to shoot.

pazzo · November 6th, 2012, 06:43 PM

I have the G26, Shield 9, LCR 357, LCP and SP101.
I've had the LC9 - no likey

The G26 is a great gun, but slightly too thick for all day CC in Texas heat.
The LCP is used for jogging and occasion backup/pocket carry.
The SP101 is new and used for range only. No holsters as of yet, but accurate in single action.

The Shield is EDC and the reason the G26 has taken up a spot in the safe and will be sold.

The LCR 357 is easy to shoot all rounds including .357 mag with hogue grip. I often shoot a box of 50 .357 rounds when practicing.
.38 and .38+p is very comfy and easy to shoot and I do carry the LCR and don't feel under gunned at all.

Really like the KLCR, great gun and 2nd fav to the Shield.