Considering an LCR

[JMD101]

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.

Forget about the Derringers, buy a S&W 642 38, to keep your new LCR company.
(I pocket carry a 642 all yr, but my jacket always has an LCR )

 

[Rock185]

buff, The .38 LCR sounds like a reasonable choice to me. It will have the lighter aluminum frame, as opposed to the heavier steel frame of the 9mm I chose, and the .357s, etc. I've handled the regular LCRs, but preferred the 3" LCRx; longer grip, adjustable sights, exposed hammer, etc. The 642 mentioned is an excellent choice too.

Derringers; No Way.

 

[Ruger00fan]

3" lcrx 38 special just feels right

 

[arfmel]

“Speaking strictly self defense, what do you think of the Bond Arms Roughneck and Rawhide in .38?”

They’re kind of heavy for a two-shot, single action handgun, and awkward to cock without using both hands. I have a Bond “Honey Bee” I bought second hand to carry loaded with shot loads for rattlesnakes. I think it would be a less than desirable choice for self defense from one or more human assailants.

 

[Hebraist]

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.

Yes, chambering in .327 gives you even more options compared to searching for a soft-shooting 38 Spc. . . . you could teach the grandkids to shoot with a .32 short or .32 S&W long, and load with .32 H&R or full .327 Fed Mag for serious social work. As we age, I think arthritic hands will appreciate the versatility.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

and IF you really had too , you can shoot 32ACP, there is enough rim on them to hold them in place so they fire ok but they don't extract very well from a double action , the star will miss a couple case and leave them behind

 

[JMD101]

I remember these from the 90s

 

[kelljor]

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.

I am curious......I also have a LCRx. I have been playing with LCRs at gunshows.....it seems to me that the trigger is a little lighter than on an LCRx. Have you found that to be true also?

 

[kelljor]

+1 for the wadcutters. They are a b**tch to reload, even from a speed strip.......haven't found a speed loader that works for the LCR or even my j frame. So in the speed sits 5 rounds of critical defense, one because the pointy tip helps a lot, and two because in the many gel test videos I have viewed the CD seem to work more consistantly than most. Louder and a big ball of flame, but workable.

 

[steveodtw]

Accurate enough at 7 yards. LCR's a good choice.

 

[peachhead]

Old thread, I know, but...
I load 38 SWCs with either either bullseye or unique. Recoil is negligible and quite accurate in both the LCR and 642. I prefer them to regular wadcutters.

 

[steveodtw]

Accurate enough at 7 yards. LCR's a good choice.
View attachment 90516

Full disclosure, that's an old target. I was only 65 then. But I thought I had actually missed the paper for shots 4 & 5, until I retrieved the target. I never thought a "belly gun" would work that well, that far from the belly. Target worth saving. I should try it again.

 

[besshoudini]

I have one in 9mm and 357 mag.

 

[Jcmiller58]

I picked one up in 9mm a few years ago and love it. Nice and small for concealed carry. If I am going with a wheel gun for carry it my LCR9.

 

[JackBull]

I picked one up in 9mm a few years ago and love it. Nice and small for concealed carry. If I am going with a wheel gun for carry it my LCR9.

Any issues with crimp jump? Do you use +P ammo?

 

[Dump1567]

Any issues with crimp jump? Do you use +P ammo?

I asked Ruger about using HST 124 gr. +P in my 9mm LCR. Here's their response.

You may use +P 9mm ammunition up to 124 grain. A higher grain my result in bullet jump.

Ruger Customer Service

And if IRC, I tried some in mine without issue.

 

[Justice B. Swift]

EDM1 beat me to it. I often carry a Smith & Wesson J-frame 432 Airweight. I purchased it with Crimson Trace laser grip already installed and find it very handy. Hornady makes excellent Critical Defense, and Critical Duty ammo for protection and I handload cast lead stuff for frequent practice. It's light to carry, and provides 6 rounds as opposed to 5 for the 38. My 38 Spl. 148 gr. wadcutter load at 825 fps. generates 223 ft/lbs of energy, compared to my pet 32 H&R mag load of 85 gr. Hornady XTP at 1100 fps generating 228 ft/lbs. or the 90 gr. Sierra HP at 1140 fps. generating 260 ft/lbs. The factory Hornady load of 80 gr. HP at 1150 fps. yeilds 235 ft/lbs. of energy. My adult, but petit, daughter shoots this J-frame a bunch and loves it. Speed loaders and holster options are everywhere. Worth a look!

 

[Jcmiller58]

Any issues with crimp jump? Do you use +P ammo?

I haven’t noticed any jump but I don’t use +P. I shoot 147’s in all my 9’s.