Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame - The Firearms Forum

tonygrz · 03-14-2011, 10:06 PM

Hi all,

After swearing off all my semi-autos when I got tired of clearing jams, baulky magazines, limp wristing, etc and not being comfortable or have the confidence carrying a semi, I want a good wheel gun for a CCW. Being from a small town, I can't really compare all the models I want to compare. I have a Ruger LCR but with the bulky rubber grips, it don't feel like I can hide it properly in a front pocket. The old S&W 36 with a small wooden handle would be great but the weight is a small problem. I recently saw (on the internet) the Lady Smith. It weighs only a few ounzes more than the LCR but I really like the small grip. Yep, the small grip is not handy for prolonged shooting secessions, but this is a carry weapon. If someone has both revolvers, can you give me a comparison on size and presentation.

Thanks,

tony

Helix_FR · 03-15-2011, 09:02 AM

I've shot both and you'll find that the airweight S&W's are a more controllable than you think even with that narrower grip. I own a 642-1 and carry it everyday. I choose it over the LCR. LCR is a good gun but it is a little thicker. The ladysmith (642LS) is hard to find (not to mention even smaller grips) so you would be better suited finding the 642, 640 or 440. Or if you want even lighter than the LCR there is the 642 on the Scandium frame. Pricey but really really light. No its not for popping of 100 rounds on range day, they will wear you out.

JLA · 03-15-2011, 09:53 AM

gimme a smith anyday. Dont like plaztik guns!

Alpo · 03-15-2011, 09:57 AM

I think JLA said it rather nicely. When the choice comes down to "S&W Revolver" vs. "Any Other Revolver", pick the Smith. You won't be sorry.

Helix_FR · 03-15-2011, 03:19 PM

Finger grooved grips for smaller hands. Thats the only real difference

Slabsides · 03-15-2011, 05:10 PM

+1 for the S&W 642. It's what I carry when I go light and it is my usual back up. Drop it in your pocket wrapped in a DeSantis Nemesis and forget about it.

I also agree that this is not a fun gun to shoot alot. It will be an absolute terror with +P ammo. Your hand and fingers will not stand much of it. This is true with any compact, lightweight gun of man-stopping caliber. Just remember that these style guns are for concealed carry, personal protection....not plinking cans every weekend (but you can if you like the abuse

)

I too have shot hundreds of rounds from both LCR and 642. The 642 just feels, operates and shoots better IMO. It's not a polymer-vs-metal thing (I carry a Glock daily), it's just personal preference.

You really need to find a range with rentals or find people with both so you can try them for yourself. Both are very good carry guns.

tonygrz · 03-15-2011, 11:37 PM

Thanks for all the great advice. I think I'm going with the "lady smith" because I have smaller hands and I like the small grips - they don't print as much and won't snag as bad as the rubber grips on the 642.

Tony

Helix_FR · 03-16-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slabsides

It will be an absolute terror with +P ammo. Your hand and fingers will not stand much of it.

Uh, yeah. Thats what I carry in mine, speer lawman +P. They do rattle your cage plus if your shooting at a indoor range, good lord its loud.

Old John · 03-16-2011, 04:08 PM

Ennh, It may not be a popular opinion, here, but....I went around to a couple LGS's and tried out the trigger on a few, both LCR's and S&W J-frames. I even tried a few Taurus ultra-light model 85's.
I liked the LCR the best. I couldn't find one in .357 mag. So, I got a .38 special. I really like the trigger.
My next buy, though, is going to be a .357 LCR.

When I got mine DSW & I went out on the hill to the target stand & put a box & a half of various .38 specials through it. It'll snap a little and sting some, after a box of shells. But it is an easy shooter, easy trigger, easy to hit with.
But, my regular EDC is a Ruger SP101, .357 mag. I carry the LCR, sometimes, when I dress up. Or, to drop in my pocket when I walk the 85 yards, down to the mailbox. I'm really content with my LCR.
Oh, DSW's regular EDC is a 9mm Keltec PF9. She's content with that.

Slabsides · 03-16-2011, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

Uh, yeah. Thats what I carry in mine, speer lawman +P. They do rattle your cage plus if your shooting at a indoor range, good lord its loud.

I got a 50rnd box of Remington 38spl+P HP for my 642. There are 40 rnds still in the box. I shot 5, put 5 back in it and I was done.

I can barely make it through a box of 50 standard pressure loads. Yea, it sounds like a much bigger gun than it really is with +P.....oh and the fireball

....

Bodyguard · 03-16-2011, 08:16 PM

I have to agree with Old John. I have a Taurus 357 snubbie, I sold a Colt Detective, a Charter Arms Undercover and a lightweightS&W (series escapes me, as does my memory) in favor of the LCR in 38spl. before the 357 came out. The trigger on the LCR is by far the best, the weight is the least and it's a right on target gun, great for close up work. I will eventually trade it off on a LCR 357. Of course I still prefer the security6 for a full size revolver but that's a different category.
Bg

Old Guy · 03-16-2011, 09:58 PM

I have both a Smith and an LCR. They are both great guns, but I too like the LCR trigger better.

utdavidhunting · 03-17-2011, 08:02 AM

I have a SP101 I really like it, I like the 357 over the 38 spl. mine is the 2 inch barrel.

tonygrz · 03-17-2011, 01:57 PM

Yes, the trigger may be better on the LCR but that big rubber grip sticks in my pocket even when I'm using a pocket holster. That's why I was going to get a Lady Smith, smooth grips that would come out faster and cleaner.

Tony

BluewaterTactical · 03-19-2011, 12:43 PM

First post here guys. I carry the LCR everyday and love it. I know when they came out witht he LCR in .357 they also came out with a "boot grip". So they have the hogue, boot grip, and cimson trace. I work part-time for an ambulance service on my days off from FD, and the thick hogue grip is a little bulky in my ankle holster, but it works for me.

03-14-2011, 10:06 PM	#1
tonygrz V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cross Plains, Tx Posts: 90	Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame Hi all, After swearing off all my semi-autos when I got tired of clearing jams, baulky magazines, limp wristing, etc and not being comfortable or have the confidence carrying a semi, I want a good wheel gun for a CCW. Being from a small town, I can't really compare all the models I want to compare. I have a Ruger LCR but with the bulky rubber grips, it don't feel like I can hide it properly in a front pocket. The old S&W 36 with a small wooden handle would be great but the weight is a small problem. I recently saw (on the internet) the Lady Smith. It weighs only a few ounzes more than the LCR but I really like the small grip. Yep, the small grip is not handy for prolonged shooting secessions, but this is a carry weapon. If someone has both revolvers, can you give me a comparison on size and presentation. Thanks, tony -->

03-15-2011, 09:02 AM	#2
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,628	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame I've shot both and you'll find that the airweight S&W's are a more controllable than you think even with that narrower grip. I own a 642-1 and carry it everyday. I choose it over the LCR. LCR is a good gun but it is a little thicker. The ladysmith (642LS) is hard to find (not to mention even smaller grips) so you would be better suited finding the 642, 640 or 440. Or if you want even lighter than the LCR there is the 642 on the Scandium frame. Pricey but really really light. No its not for popping of 100 rounds on range day, they will wear you out. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

03-15-2011, 09:53 AM	#3
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,328	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame gimme a smith anyday. Dont like plaztik guns! __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

03-15-2011, 09:57 AM	#4
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,667	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame I think JLA said it rather nicely. When the choice comes down to "S&W Revolver" vs. "Any Other Revolver", pick the Smith. You won't be sorry. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

03-15-2011, 03:19 PM	#5
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,628	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame Finger grooved grips for smaller hands. Thats the only real difference __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

03-15-2011, 05:10 PM	#6
Slabsides Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama) Posts: 926	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame +1 for the S&W 642. It's what I carry when I go light and it is my usual back up. Drop it in your pocket wrapped in a DeSantis Nemesis and forget about it. I also agree that this is not a fun gun to shoot alot. It will be an absolute terror with +P ammo. Your hand and fingers will not stand much of it. This is true with any compact, lightweight gun of man-stopping caliber. Just remember that these style guns are for concealed carry, personal protection....not plinking cans every weekend (but you can if you like the abuse) I too have shot hundreds of rounds from both LCR and 642. The 642 just feels, operates and shoots better IMO. It's not a polymer-vs-metal thing (I carry a Glock daily), it's just personal preference. You really need to find a range with rentals or find people with both so you can try them for yourself. Both are very good carry guns. __________________ /l ,[____], l---L -OlllllllO- ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

03-15-2011, 11:37 PM	#7
tonygrz V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cross Plains, Tx Posts: 90	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame Thanks for all the great advice. I think I'm going with the "lady smith" because I have smaller hands and I like the small grips - they don't print as much and won't snag as bad as the rubber grips on the 642. Tony

03-16-2011, 04:08 PM	#9
Old John Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 49	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame Ennh, It may not be a popular opinion, here, but....I went around to a couple LGS's and tried out the trigger on a few, both LCR's and S&W J-frames. I even tried a few Taurus ultra-light model 85's. I liked the LCR the best. I couldn't find one in .357 mag. So, I got a .38 special. I really like the trigger. My next buy, though, is going to be a .357 LCR. When I got mine DSW & I went out on the hill to the target stand & put a box & a half of various .38 specials through it. It'll snap a little and sting some, after a box of shells. But it is an easy shooter, easy trigger, easy to hit with. But, my regular EDC is a Ruger SP101, .357 mag. I carry the LCR, sometimes, when I dress up. Or, to drop in my pocket when I walk the 85 yards, down to the mailbox. I'm really content with my LCR. Oh, DSW's regular EDC is a 9mm Keltec PF9. She's content with that. __________________ 'Til later.... Hang in there,and Hang on! Life is a Journey... Not a Destination! Old John Last edited by Old John; 03-16-2011 at 04:10 PM.. Reason: spelling

03-16-2011, 08:16 PM	#11
Bodyguard Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: So Central Kentucky Posts: 24	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame I have to agree with Old John. I have a Taurus 357 snubbie, I sold a Colt Detective, a Charter Arms Undercover and a lightweightS&W (series escapes me, as does my memory) in favor of the LCR in 38spl. before the 357 came out. The trigger on the LCR is by far the best, the weight is the least and it's a right on target gun, great for close up work. I will eventually trade it off on a LCR 357. Of course I still prefer the security6 for a full size revolver but that's a different category. Bg

03-16-2011, 09:58 PM	#12
Old Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beaufort County, NC Contributor Posts: 343	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame I have both a Smith and an LCR. They are both great guns, but I too like the LCR trigger better. __________________ Old Guy ___________ NRA Life Member GOA Life Member

03-17-2011, 08:02 AM	#13
utdavidhunting Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame I have a SP101 I really like it, I like the 357 over the 38 spl. mine is the 2 inch barrel.

03-17-2011, 01:57 PM	#14
tonygrz V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cross Plains, Tx Posts: 90	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame Yes, the trigger may be better on the LCR but that big rubber grip sticks in my pocket even when I'm using a pocket holster. That's why I was going to get a Lady Smith, smooth grips that would come out faster and cleaner. Tony

03-19-2011, 12:43 PM	#15
BluewaterTactical Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2	Re: Ruger LCR vs S&W lightweight J Frame First post here guys. I carry the LCR everyday and love it. I know when they came out witht he LCR in .357 they also came out with a "boot grip". So they have the hogue, boot grip, and cimson trace. I work part-time for an ambulance service on my days off from FD, and the thick hogue grip is a little bulky in my ankle holster, but it works for me.