LCR in 22 magnum

I presently have a High Standard Mark IV in 22 magnum and am considering a LCR in the same caliber.

I checked previous posts and did not locate a specific thread, so I am seeking members input regarding this sidearm.

I like my High Standard and the nine shot capacity is an advantage but it is an older sidearm and has a mechanical issue of hanging up in double action occasionally, that I have not been able to resolve totally.

So tell me about it, please.

I have the 3" LCRX in .22 WMR.

No issues and no complaints. Very good accuracy with most 40gr loads too.

I have the snubby LCR .22wmr (DA only). It's my normal carry around the farm for snakes, etc. Mixed load out of rat shot and Hornady Critical Defense. Reliable, reasonably accurate at close ranges. Very heavy trigger tho - about 11-12lbs.

I have the short barreled LCR in .22 LR (DA only), like others have said its reliable, but the darn trigger pull is so heavy its very hard to shoot accurate.

My only thought is the length of barrel. The short barrel doesn't seem long
enough to let the bullet gain enough velocity to make it more effective than
a .22lr. Some? Probably, but enough to offset the additional ammunition
cost?

The NRA review of the short barrel .22mag version has an interesting
statement:
https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2013/7/24/ruger-lcr-22-mag-revolver/

NRA Review said:

While the .38 Spl. +P and .357 Mag. LCR models offer some of the best
stopping power available in pocketable revolvers, the .22 Long Rifle
version allows shooters to plink and practice with reduced-cost
ammunition.

Click to expand...

And that is from the .22Mag review. :shock:

YMMV

The "ballistics by the inch" website shows that a typical .22 mag. shot from a 3" barrel has 400 fps less than if shot from a 6" barrel. That's kind of a lot for me. Plus they cost more and are scarcer.

woodsy said:

The "ballistics by the inch" website shows that a typical .22 mag. shot
from a 3" barrel has 400 fps less than if shot from a 6" barrel. That's
kind of a lot for me. Plus they cost more and are scarcer.

Click to expand...

Then if you go to the 1.87 (call it two inch) version it drops an additional
200 fps. In fact . . . I just looked up the difference between .22lr and
.22Mag in two inch barrel, 40Gr bullets . . . wait for it . . . 25fps!

That's a large part of why I would wonder at a .22Mag in a two inch.

Everyone gets to make their own choice.

FWIW: the .22 magnum ammunition I have used seems far more reliable than the .22LR. I can't remember ever having a dud or squib with the magnum. I have had numerous with .22LR, sometimes multiples from one 50 round box.

The .22 magnum CCI shot load also carries a lot more shot than the LR equivalent and is much more effective, in my experience.

Pat-inCO said:

woodsy said:

The "ballistics by the inch" website shows that a typical .22 mag. shot
from a 3" barrel has 400 fps less than if shot from a 6" barrel. That's
kind of a lot for me. Plus they cost more and are scarcer.

Click to expand...

Then if you go to the 1.87 (call it two inch) version it drops an additional
200 fps. In fact . . . I just looked up the difference between .22lr and
.22Mag in two inch barrel, 40Gr bullets . . . wait for it . . . 25fps!

That's a large part of why I would wonder at a .22Mag in a two inch.

Everyone gets to make their own choice.

Click to expand...

That small difference between the lr & mag in the 2" barrel is due to the ammo. Nearly all .22 (lr or mag) is loaded for rifle length barrels, so it will be weak in a short barrel. The only mag round I know of that is loaded specifically for 2" barrel is the Hornady 45.gr Critical Defense. Which is what I use.

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rimfire/22-wmr-45-gr-ftx-critical-defense#!/

See this gel test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3opMF8iqC5k

GunnyGene said:

The only mag round I know of that is loaded specifically for 2"
barrel is the Hornady 45.gr Critical Defense. Which is what I use.

Click to expand...

At $12.49 for 50 from Sportsman's Guide that's more than 9mm ball.

Pat-inCO said:

GunnyGene said:

The only mag round I know of that is loaded specifically for 2"
barrel is the Hornady 45.gr Critical Defense. Which is what I use.

Click to expand...

At $12.49 for 50 from Sportsman's Guide that's more than 9mm ball.

Click to expand...

It ain't plinking/range ammo. Didn't say it was cheap. I also pay $32/50 for Hornady 9mm+P Critical Duty. That ain't range ammo either.

Pat-inCO said:

GunnyGene said:

The only mag round I know of that is loaded specifically for 2"
barrel is the Hornady 45.gr Critical Defense. Which is what I use.

Click to expand...

At $12.49 for 50 from Sportsman's Guide that's more than 9mm ball.

Click to expand...

Your shopping skills could probably be improved.

$9.99/50 here:

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/22913

9x19 said:

Your shopping skills could probably be improved.
$9.99/50 here:
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/22913

Click to expand...

And that is still over the cost of 9mm ball. :shock:
AND . . . Don't forget the shipping cost. :shock: . :shock:


Everyone gets to make their own choice.