Fiber Optic sight for LCR ??

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mike-h

Bearcat
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Dec 30, 2009
Messages
40
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florida
My wife loves her new LCR, and has asked me to replace its front sight with a fiber optic sight - - similar to the fiber optics we added to our SP 101s (Hi Viz) and our shot guns (TRUGLO - glo-dot II).

While the LCR's large, ramped front sight is good and renders accurate shooting in good light - - its black color disappears in dim light. We found fiber optics on our other guns greatly improved dim light target acquisition and accuracy.

Hi Viz's catalog does not include a fiber optic model accommodating the LCR.

At first we considered CT laser grips for the LCR but decided against its synthetic stock compared to the standard Ruger rubber stock for the reasons found in Rugers forum post >
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=716309

Appreciate inputs from other LCR users who have replaced their LCR front sights with fiber optics and are pleased with the result - - or other ideas proven-by-experience with the LCR.

Thanks.
 

jpb in me

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 18, 2009
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212
Location
Maine woods
mike-h, I also am interested in a different sight for my lcr. Just purchased mine and have yet to shoot it. How do you find the accuracy in it?
Also I have a 2.25 sp101 and would like to install the Hi Viz sight. Did you install it yourself? Was it difficult?
 

clayflingythingy

Single-Sixer
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
360
Location
ky
I have a set of CT LG-405's on my S&W 442 and recoil isn't that bad compared to my Houge stocked LCR. Truth be told, I don't find the LCR to have any advantage, recoil wise, over the 442. I'd put CT Laser grips on and never look back.

If I wanted to replace the front sight I would wait until Trijicon or Meprolight came out with a front blade nite site.
 

mike-h

Bearcat
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clayflingythingy":33v7wokz said:
I have a set of CT LG-405's on my S&W 442 and recoil isn't that bad compared to my Houge stocked LCR. Truth be told, I don't find the LCR to have any advantage, recoil wise, over the 442. I'd put CT Laser grips on and never look back.

If I wanted to replace the front sight I would wait until Trijicon or Meprolight came out with a front blade nite site.

Am I correct that your CT grip model LG 405 is a full rubber overmold, much better than CT's synthetic stock model for the S&W j-frames. However, regarding the LCR, as pointed out in the before mentioned Ruger forum CT DOES NOT make a full rubber mold laser grip for the LCR - - synthetic-only.

So, if I am corrrect (and please correct if I'm wrong) you are basically reporting that your full rubber over mold CT grip for your 442 is about same recoil-wise as LCR's standard Hogue-type grip, which is a great grip regarding recoil. But, putting a synthetic-only grip on the LCR costs one a lot of recoil protection compared to the standard LCR grip.

I also will be a taker for a CT grip on my LCRs once they provide a full rubber overmold grip for the LCR, as they now do for the S&W 442.

Please correct me if I am wrong.
 

mike-h

Bearcat
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
Messages
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florida
jpb in me":8c2znllf said:
mike-h, I also am interested in a different sight for my lcr. Just purchased mine and have yet to shoot it. How do you find the accuracy in it?
Also I have a 2.25 sp101 and would like to install the Hi Viz sight. Did you install it yourself? Was it difficult?

Accuracy LCR >
Accuracy (POA/POI) easy to find by going to the range and firing various types of ammo, including +P rounds. At range you can also have one of the smart, savvy employees test fire with you to establish accuracy at various distances while helping you do the same. My wife and I found our LCR to be amazingly accurate at our home defense distances of 15-30 feet.

Of course, any shooting takes practice - - the more the better, and each gun is a bit different than another. We found our LCR different in some aspects (double-action only, size, weight, grip, trigger, etc.) than our 3" SP101 357 magnums with single and double actions.

And, we found our stance, and most important our grip and position of arms, AND maintaining steady hold as we pull trigger while back-counting 5-4-3-2-1 as I pull the trigger such that the actual firing point comes as a 'surprise', as I did in the beginning to get the feel for steady trigger pull to the end. This was the same method we used learning with our SP101s.

Of course, eyesight is important. I found best not to close one eye - - and concentrate on both sights aligned with target with both eyes open. Different strokes for different shooters, for sure - and, depending on ones eyes.

Since the LCR is much shorter and lighter with different trigger pull than the SP101, practice and practice as always is the answer. In the end, its a great revolver, in our view.

Hi Viz installation for SP101 >
Easy to install, following Hi Viz instructions if you have some proper tools as Hi Viz instrucionts suggest. However, If you are squeamish at knocking out the pin holding the front site, as I was, my local gun smith took care of the job in about 5 minutes.

Here's some contact info in case helpful >
1. Hi Viz's catalog shows for SP101 use Hi Viz model # RH2006-G for green - different # for red. (800) 589-4315.
2. Web site is > http://www.hivizsights.com/Pistol-Sights-C3.aspx
3. You might ask them to send you a catalog.

Good luck.
 

mike-h

Bearcat
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clayflingythingy":q0kja6ek said:
mike-h,

The LG-405 and the LG411 for the LCR are made exactly the same as far as I can tell. Hard synthetic grip panels with a rubber overmold back and front strap.

http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx

http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx

Clay - - my info disagrees with that assessment. Please correct if I am wrong, but here goes;
1. CT makes several models for the SW J frame revolvers

1a. CT model # 405 Comfortable Rubber Overmold - - which you mentioned. Note. that model is not partially Polymer (synthetic), its material is stated as 100% 'Rubber overmold' (http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx)

1b. The other CT model for SW J frames is CT's model # 105, a fully synthetic model - no rubber. (http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx)

2. For the LCR CT makes just one model, # LG 411 as you mentioned. But, the material for that grip is NOT 100% rubber over mold, the material is stated as 'Hard Polymer Sides, Rubber Overmolded Activation & Backstrap'. I have seen that model and the sides are pure synthetic, no rubber to well-cushion hands (like my wife's) from recoil. And, that is the only model CT makes for the LCR. (http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx)

So - - CT makes a fully rubber overmold grip for the SW J frames, as well as a synthetic grip. But, for the LCR it does not make a fully rubber overmold grip, meaning the LCR grip is inferior regarding recoil cusioning to the better SW grip.

3. While we are at this - - I note CT does make for the Ruger SP 101 two different grip models of different quality:

3a. a fully rubber overmold grip (model # 303 -http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Products/Ruger/LG303/tabid/225/Default.aspx). That model can cushion hands from recoil bite perhaps better than the Ruger standard all polymer grip, but no where near as good as cusioning provided if you replace the Ruger standard with the one Hogue designed for the SP101.

3b. for the SP 101 CT also makes a lower quality a grip of hard polymer (model # 111 - (http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx)

Bottom-line: Last month I wrote this email to CT :
From: Michael
Received: 12/30/2009 2:47 PM
To: Customer Email; Customer Email
Subject: CT for Ruger LCR - - fully (instead of partial) rubber overmolded coming ?

Hello Crimson Trace,
I am planning to purchase several Ruger LCR revolvers and I am most concerned that if I put your Laser grips on to replace the nice Ruger factory Hogue grips that come standard with their LCR revolver, which amazingly absorb and deaden recoil hurt to female hands, your own replacement grips might be much less recoil absorbing - - since I note your web site states for the LCR Model # 411 and that site http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx states the material as > "Rugged Hard Polymer Sides, Rubber Overmolded Activation & Backstrap".

This tells me that the material you use for your own laser grip for the LCR is not 100% rubber overmold as is your model LG 303 for the Ruger SP 101 per its site
http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx which simply states "Comfortable Rubber Overmold".

I note for the Smith & Wesson J-Frames (like SW 642 model which competes directly with Ruger's LCR) your web site offers several types of CT grips, including #405 which, like for the SP 101 states, "Comfortable Rubber Overmold" http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx

Several ladies like the Ruger LCR much more than the SW 642, and they like the LCR because of the great shock absorbing standarad rubber grip that comes from Ruger with that revolver. They would be interested in laser grips ONLY if they can be assured that your grips would be at least as good at shock absorbing to protect hands from recoil as is the standard Ruger grip that they like.

Please tell me if you are developing soon for release a fully rubber overmolded grip for the Ruger LCR, like available for other guns - - instead of only overmoded at activation and back strap - - and when might that release date occur.

Thanks much

CT's reply >
Dear Michael

As of right now I do not know of anything in the process of being released. Have a wonderful day!

If we can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to let us know!

Best regards,
Brittnie Chadwick
Crimson Trace Corporation
9780 SW Freeman Dr
Wilsonville, OR 97070
800-442-2406

Sorry for the length, but I hope this help clarify - - at least my understanding.

In the meantime, I await the day CT announces full rubber overmold model for the LCR - - and then I will be a buyer - - provided, of course, its recoil protection for my wife is at least as good as the very good Hogue grip Ruger puts on the LCR at the factory.
 

clayflingythingy

Single-Sixer
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Messages
360
Location
ky
Your understanding is wrong if you think the entire grip of an LG-405 is "rubber overmold".

The grip panels are a "hard" synthetic, polymer, "whatever" material.

Only the front and backstrap over "rubber overmold".

If you look closely at the photos on the CT web site you can see that the S&W LG-405 and the LCR LG's "look" the same.

Go to the LGS and look at a set of LG-405's. They are made the same as the Ruger.

I carry a Centennial with a set of 405's in my pocket every day.

Nor do I find the stock Hougue grips on my LCR are any better at handling recoil than the LG-405's.

A stock that fits your hand combined with proper technique is what allows one to shoot a snubby proficiently. Not a set of "magic" grips.
 

mike-h

Bearcat
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Messages
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florida
Clay wrote > "Your understanding is wrong if you think the entire grip of an LG-405 is "rubber overmold". The grip panels are a "hard" synthetic, polymer, "whatever" material. Only the front and backstrap over "rubber overmold". I carry a Centennial with a set of 405's in my pocket every day."

Clay speaks from personal observation, and nothing beats that.

He states he owns a laser grip LG-405 (designed by Crimson Tide for the S&W J-frame revolvers) and that his grip has polymer side panels (not rubber). This observation is at odds with CT's web page for that model which defines material as 'Rubber Overmold' - - with no mention of polymer side panels. (http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx ). Since I have not personally seen a LG-405 I cannot add anything other than to point out what Clay says and what CT's page states, which readers can check for themselves.

Previously I noted another CT laser grip model, LG-303 (Crimson Tide's design for the Ruger SP 101) and that CT's web page on that model states material as 'Rubber overmold', also no mention of polymer side panels. And, on that model I have my own observation, having fired many rounds with that grip mounted - - and can confirm in this model CT is exactly correct on their web page - - it is 100% rubber overmold including side panels. (http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Produc ... fault.aspx ).

And, CT's web page for their laser grip model LG-411 (CT's design for the Ruger LCR) states material as 'Rugged Hard Polymer Sides, Rubber Overmolded Activation & Backstrap' - - meaning to this observer that it is NOT 100% rubber, but has polymer side panels. CT's statement there coincides with that reported by users who purchased that model in another Ruger forum thread > http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=716309 .

Since this is a Ruger forum, the above info for the SP 101 and LCR regarding laser grips may be helpful - - while those with S&W revolvers may want to have CT confirm in writing the material for model LG-405 before purchase to reduce chance of surprise.

I hope Clay's and my inputs assist others regarding laser grips.
Clay's other comment was a good one > "A stock that fits your hand combined with proper technique is what allows one to shoot a snubby proficiently. Not a set of "magic" grips." To that I would add - - and, a stock that is kind (gentle as possible, especially to the nice hands of our ladies).

Now, this thread should return to its subject > Fiber Optics for LCR ?? More experienced inputs appreciated.
 

mike-h

Bearcat
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Location
florida
Info >

Hi Viz fiber optic sights company just posted on their web site >
http://www.hivizsights.com/

"HiViz Shooting Systems Introduces a Revolutionary New Sight for the New Ruger LCR HiViz is proud to announce an exclusive accessory sight for the new Ruger LCR revolver. This new sight employs cutting edge technology – something HiViz Sight Systems has come to be known for. It features a sturdy MIM steel constructed base, engineered to OEM height, HiViz's revolutionary patented LitePipe design which is protected by a durable clear resin overmold, and can potentially be installed by the gun owner.
Available late January – visit our booths at SHOT Show # 3054 and # 2958"

Appreciate anyone having a chance to test this out, please post.
 

ranger7

Bearcat
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
Messages
25
The "standard" grip on the LCR is a Hogue "Tamer" grip licensed or supplied by Hogue. It contains a special soft rubber insert between the backstrap and the rest of the grip. Don't know whether CT can dupicate that legally or design something different that will mitigate recoil as much.

Since S&W has now announced a polymer/aluminum framed 38 Spl snubby, the question arises whether it will ever have grips that absorb recoil like the LCR does. S&W does use a Hogue Tamer grip on the their X-frame 460 and 500 revolvers. These grips also fit S&W N frames but there doesn't seem to be one for J frames. I haven't seen yet, whether the new Smith is rated for .38 spl +P so maybe a better grip isn't necessary.
 

mike-h

Bearcat
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Messages
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ranger7":3rk0sex9 said:
The "standard" grip on the LCR is a Hogue "Tamer" grip licensed or supplied by Hogue. It contains a special soft rubber insert between the backstrap and the rest of the grip. Don't know whether CT can dupicate that legally or design something different that will mitigate recoil as much.

Since S&W has now announced a polymer/aluminum framed 38 Spl snubby, the question arises whether it will ever have grips that absorb recoil like the LCR does. S&W does use a Hogue Tamer grip on the their X-frame 460 and 500 revolvers. These grips also fit S&W N frames but there doesn't seem to be one for J frames. I haven't seen yet, whether the new Smith is rated for .38 spl +P so maybe a better grip isn't necessary.

Ranger - - that was a great addition regarding LCR grip. Thanks for that. I hope you don't mind I have reposted it in another Ruger form thread called "Compare recoil protection LCR grips vs. Crimson Tide laser grips" posted at >
( http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=716309 )
- - to assist visitors there. Thanks again.

On that point, although this current thread is aimed at "fiber optics for the LCR", those wishing to follow a nice thread about LCR grips can go to the above link to benefit from good stuff posted by many. Regards, Mike.[/url]
 
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