Considering an LCR

[buffalocannon]

Have aged and in my twilight years am thinking of obtaining a smaller fireman, strictly for self defense. I’ve owned larger handguns over the years but have turned them over, all except my .30 Carbine BH, such a great gun for putting trap-caught wild hogs out of their misery. Back in the day I had a Colt Detective Special. Wish I hadn’t let it go. I was looking the other day - couldn’t believe what they’re bringing now. Anyway, I think I like the LCR in the old gray hair round, 38 Special. Moon clips give me heartburn. Self defense is usually a 3 to 5-yard activity. What’s wrong with 148-grain wadcutters? Big hunk of slow moving lead?

 

[hittman]

38 LCR be a great choice.

 

[contender]

The LCR is a good solid choice to be used as you've mentioned.

And I used to shun moon clipped guns. Until I got to using one. Now I appreciate their uniqueness, AND their ability to reload quickly.

And wadcutters,, they are just fine for many things.

 

[JMD101]

LCR or 442/642, and 700fps wadcutters have been getting it done for 100 years. Light recoil, low deflection, cut a full caliber hole, and go deep. You will just be one more with millions of others carrying the same.

 

[Timbo23]

There are two versions of the .38 Special LCR; the enclosed hammer model (LCR) or the exposed hammer model (LCRx).
I like and have the exposed hammer model. Either are a good choice and wadcutters poke nice holes.

 

[hittman]

Front site on mine helps my view a lot

Oh and I added the boot grips from Ruger

 

[s4s4u]

I went with the LCRx, because I like options....

 

[rugerguy]

same here, did exactly that, dumped all my 9mm carryguns and thus ended up with a "free" LCRx in a .38 spcl +P, easier to grip and is actually lighter than any of the others were,,,,,,GOOD choice..

 

[rotor]

Very light gun. Can your elderly hands handle the recoil? Wife won't touch my .38 LCR.

 

[rammerjammer]

LCR is a great carry option.

 

[rugerguy]

Oh yes, with the slightly longer rubber grips, the LCRx offers much more to hold onto than say any J frame Smith and their normal " two finger" or even rubber boot grip,yes nice for a small, hideaway carry , but hey I carried a tip up Berreta 21 A, a "truepocket gun" for 20 years ,long ago when they first came out, fit in the inside pocket of my bike jacket perfectly,and yes even any sport coat of suit jacket, but as I said for me, the LCRx is just fine, no slide to have to try and rack back anymore........

 

[ned]

I had this lip put on a kydex pocket holster…..easy to pull gun out leaving holster in pocket. LCR with critical defense ammo so I can fight my way back to my rifle….a Jeff Cooperism

 

[Watertender]

LCR or Smith and Wesson 442 or 642 or 638 are optimal carry revolvers.
The 638 with the lock removed and a set of Wolff springs and a Tyler T-Grip is great. 110 or 125 grain jacketed hollow points are a good load. 148 grain wadcutters also work well.
The thumper is a Foster Impact Devices blackjack. It's about 10 ounces and hits like a freight train.

 

[buffalocannon]

Thanks for all great input guys. Great forum! Going to look for LCR in .38 Special and will probably load with wad cutters. Think I prefer hammerless. Thinking I will just put in coat or pants pocket? Is it just my imagination or has the world gotten a little bit rougher?

 

[buffalocannon]

Watertender, blackjack looks similar to something that back in day we called a “sap.” Carried it occasionally. Thanks.

 

[Watertender]

Watertender, blackjack looks similar to something that back in day we called a "sap." Carried it occasionally. Thanks.

Blackjacks are round. Saps are flat. Both will give you a guided tour of the solar system and make you hear cathedral bells!!

 

[Terry T]

The LCR in .357 mag. is a couple of oz. heavier which can help with recoil, not to mention more versatile. One can still shoot .38s of one's choice. The longer grip for the 3" model is available on the Ruger Web Site and fits the short barreled guns. Little harder to hide but much easier to shoot.
https://shopruger.com/LCR-LCRx-Hogue-3-Tamer-Grip-Black/productinfo/19947/
I use Tuff speed strips with their pouches for spare ammo carry.
https://tuffproducts.com/tuff-products/quickstrips/Terry T

 

[bergmen]

I have an LCR in 38 Special as well as an S&W 442. Very similar in that they both have a snub barrel and are DAO, 5 round cylinders. I have both on my CCW but the Ruger has a smoother trigger and easier to be more consistently accurate. I love them both though, excellent everyday carry handguns.

Dan

 

[JMD101]

I have an LCR in 38 Special as well as an S&W 442. Very similar in that they both have a snub barrel and are DAO, 5 round cylinders. I have both on my CCW but the Ruger has a smoother trigger and easier to be more consistently accurate. I love them both though, excellent everyday carry handguns.

Dan

I carry both, the LCR trigger may be smoother than the 642 but has a longer trigger reset than the 642. That said many won't notice.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

I carried this 38 LCR for several years in my coat pocket (in a pocket holster.) during the Winter months, and still do occasionally. But, it's mostly been replaced with a 6 shot Taurus 856UL with a bobbed hammer...Mostly because of the extra round, and the fact that I can shoot it a lot better than the Ruger.
Still the LCR is a fine lightweight revolver...

 

[redhawker]

Might want to consider the LCR in .327 mag. It gives you 6 shots instead of 5, and you can use .32 H&R in it for practice or if the .327 mag recoil is too much for you.

 

[Jim W]

LCR .357 in pocket holster loaded with .38 wadcutters is my everyday carry. With .357 ammo this thing is brutal. The wadcutters make it very manageable. XS Tritium sight is a nice upgrade.

 

[JackBull]

I use Underwood 38 Spl hard lead wadcutters in a LCR 357.

 

[s4s4u]

Very light gun. Can your elderly hands handle the recoil? Wife won't touch my .38 LCR.

My daughter feels the same way. I even went to 125's to ease the pain a little for her. +P is no fun at all

 

[JackBull]

My daughter feels the same way. I even went to 125's to ease the pain a little for her. +P is no fun at all

Try the wadcutters. Not sure much is gained with +P in a short barrel.

 

[buffalocannon]

Thanks guys!

 

[Watertender]

Thanks guys!

I have several friends who like the LCR in different variations. Everyone here tries to be helpful. Glad you liked the 638. I like S&W J Frames especially when they have a Tyler T-Grip. That seems to make them fit my hand perfectly.

 

[buffalocannon]

I consider you guys the experts. I’m still looking, because every time I talk to someone, I go down another rabbit hole. I should just pull the trigger on that LCR. Speaking strictly self defense, what do you think of the Bond Arms Roughneck and Rawhide in .38? I know it’s not a Ruger. Be gentle.

 

[edm1]

See if you can find a 632 or 432 UC to look at also. 6 rounds of 32 H&R, great sights and smooth trigger. It’s a very nice j frame

 

[WAYNO]

I consider you guys the experts. I’m still looking, because every time I talk to someone, I go down another rabbit hole. I should just pull the trigger on that LCR. Speaking strictly self defense, what do you think of the Bond Arms Roughneck and Rawhide in .38? I know it’s not a Ruger. Be gentle.

Give the LCR or LCRx a serious try.
Earlier in the year, because of a surgery, I was severely one handed. I already owned a LCRx but I thought I wanted the far more gorgeous S&W 638. Shooting the LCR and 638 at the range, side by side, I found for me, the LCRx to be so much more shootable and comfortable doing so.
And I also carry the LCRx with wadcutters.