Rugers LCR has caught my imagination as I really like their operation and trigger,etc. I've carried an S&W 642 for quite some time but recently put it away in favor of the LCR. I have them in 38 and 357 and was thinking a 22 would be next but I was recently in a store that had both the 22 LR and the 22 Mag. Can't imagine I need both but sometimes need has nothing to do with it. Which one do you guys like? Both would be handy, I'm thinking I may go back to the store to see if they are still available tomorrow. What say you???
LCR Delima
- Thread starter Bear Paw Jack
- Start date
Ya know, I still don't think the LCR holds a candle to any Smith.
But, owning plenty of both, the Smith's stay in the safe, cuz I don't have to worry if the Ruger gets scratched up. :mrgreen:
WAYNO.
But, owning plenty of both, the Smith's stay in the safe, cuz I don't have to worry if the Ruger gets scratched up. :mrgreen:
WAYNO.
OP
Wayno, that's the truth, notice I didn't compare my Smif mod 63. :D
OldNavy
Single-Sixer
We have both the .38 and .22LR LCRs.
The ladies don't enjoy the recoil from the .38s, but they get enjoy short range practice with the .22s.
Since I'm a reloader, I've never had much use for the .22 Mag.
I've got two Single-Six convertibles that I've had for years, and I've never fired a Mag round through them yet.
If you can only have one and are trying to split the difference between have a plinker and having a defensive weapon (and don't reload), the .22 Mag might be a good compromise.
The ladies don't enjoy the recoil from the .38s, but they get enjoy short range practice with the .22s.
Since I'm a reloader, I've never had much use for the .22 Mag.
I've got two Single-Six convertibles that I've had for years, and I've never fired a Mag round through them yet.
If you can only have one and are trying to split the difference between have a plinker and having a defensive weapon (and don't reload), the .22 Mag might be a good compromise.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2012
- Messages
- 10,877
Go with the LR. The .22 Magnum is a waste unless you really need to have a borderline defense pistol, and are recoil sensitive. They also are very loud. I wouldn't give up my j-frames for an LCR.
I just passed on a nice .22magnum j-frame for short money, because I didn't think it made sense. Ed
I just passed on a nice .22magnum j-frame for short money, because I didn't think it made sense. Ed
I don't have an LCR but plan to as soon as the craziness dies down and supplies are back to normal.
But ..... around here 22 Mag costs about the same as 38 Special so, I'd go with the 22LR. If you need more "punch" than 22LR, step up to the 38.
But ..... around here 22 Mag costs about the same as 38 Special so, I'd go with the 22LR. If you need more "punch" than 22LR, step up to the 38.
eveled said:
But Ed, I thought "Money $pent on a good .22 is money well $pent."?
Sorry, couldn't resist. I have been riding the fence on a LCR .22 mag for a while now. Smith .22 mags are crazy dollars. Its just that 22 mag is still available up here in the north country.. not much else is.
cjs1945
Single-Sixer
LCR 22lr would be nice, but high ammo cost, loud muzzle blast and not much more performance with 1 7/8 in. barrel makes the 22 mag version not vary practical. I really like my LCR357, but like the Sp101-22 more than the LCR22.
A neighbor gal recently got the .22 Mag for SD ("better than a stick") for the very reasons mentioned - recoil sensitive and does not shoot a lot--so ammo cost not an issue...a lot of folks out there like that. She loves it - and in my hindsight counseling I think a good choice for her.
.38s in either the J Frame or LCR are, to me, decidely unpleasant little critters, so my choice for "deep" CC, light day hike or bicycle gun, or BUG has been .32 Mag J Frame Airweight, loaded with warm 100 gr hp's. Superior to all of these (for its purpose) IMO. BUT, given the sorry state of ammo affairs, the usually better availabilty of the .22 Mag trumps it for her "I'm not a gun enthusiast but I 'need' something" purposes.
But...just plinking or a "second tier" BUG? I'd stick with the .22LR.
.38s in either the J Frame or LCR are, to me, decidely unpleasant little critters, so my choice for "deep" CC, light day hike or bicycle gun, or BUG has been .32 Mag J Frame Airweight, loaded with warm 100 gr hp's. Superior to all of these (for its purpose) IMO. BUT, given the sorry state of ammo affairs, the usually better availabilty of the .22 Mag trumps it for her "I'm not a gun enthusiast but I 'need' something" purposes.
But...just plinking or a "second tier" BUG? I'd stick with the .22LR.
Cal44
Bearcat
I have an LCR 357 that I like.
I guess I'd buy an LCR 22LR before the mag version just because it's a low cost option for practice. And for self defense, I'd never choose a 22LR or 22Mag if I had a 38 available.
So far I haven't justified either as I have a S&W 63 that I bought nearly 30 years ago and it's hard to improve on a kit gun.
Dave
I guess I'd buy an LCR 22LR before the mag version just because it's a low cost option for practice. And for self defense, I'd never choose a 22LR or 22Mag if I had a 38 available.
So far I haven't justified either as I have a S&W 63 that I bought nearly 30 years ago and it's hard to improve on a kit gun.
Dave
JBL13
Bearcat
I have a .22 LR LCR. Since I don't use it as a main defense gun, and I have a pile of .22 LR ammo, I'm satisfied with my choice.
OP
I went with the LCR in the 22LR. Hopefully I can get my wife to shoot more with it.
Jayhawkhuntclub
Buckeye
I would go with the 22LR. As someone stated the 22mag would be fine for recoil sensitve SD, but otherwise isn't cost effective.
As for J-frames, they don't impress me much. Now K frames and L frames are another story. But I'd take my 357 LCR over most J-frames.
As for J-frames, they don't impress me much. Now K frames and L frames are another story. But I'd take my 357 LCR over most J-frames.
OP
I've got an LCR in 357 and I agree, I'm very impressed with it. It barks pretty good but it can be handled, at least close up. I'm can put 5 shots on a target pretty quick with it. I was surprised.
Joe S.
Hunter
Glad ya decided. Get the 22 mag next month. :D
Joe S.
Hunter
I traded a 642 in favor of an LCR after pulling the trigger on an LCR. Its my favorite carry gun so far. Would like one in 357 as well
silverback
Blackhawk
I have been looking at the LCR 357 but don't you lose the effectiveness of the 357 out such a short barrel. what kind of accuracy can you get and at what ranges. I see it as a nice pocket carry belly gun no more than 10 feet?
Cal44
Bearcat
silverback said:
FWIW I got an LCR 357 instead of the LCR 38 because I liked the steel frame around the cylinder.
I figured it would be more durable.
I mainly shoot .38 special with it, but also since it's a little heavier than the LCR 38, the recoil is less. How much less, I don't know as I've never tried an LCR 38.
But shooting .38 special out of the LCR 357 is painless and fun.
Dave
OP
silverback said:
Of course you do. But you start with more as well. You just can't make an argument for shooting a 38 and a 357 Mag out of the same barrel length gun and conclude that you don't get any more out of a 357 than you do out of a 38. What you have to determine is do you get enough to make it worth it to you. I believe you do. Especially in the northern states where people start out wearing heavier clothes. Any advantage you can get is a good thing.
silverback
Blackhawk
I understand that you start out with more so you will get more but in comparison to various calibers and new bullet technology I think I read some where you end up with no more than 9 mm 124 grain results. if that is the case than why deal with the flash, recoil etc. I will have to research that point to be sure but it says to me that one would be just as well armed with a 9 mm.
PecosPainty
Bearcat
silverback said:
I took a J frame 642 to Gunsite and went thru the advanced pistol course with it.
Shot 9 inch steel plates at 50 yards no problem.
Passed the course.
I have been using an LCR and I do like my J frames but also love the LCR's I would be happy with either.
I did pick up a Smith 442 38+p with moon clips for 429.00 a couple of weeks ago and love it but as my Dad used to say "Nothin wrong with havin a choice."
silverback
Blackhawk
I like the pocket idea but prefer the 4 inch barrel. that's why I just picked up a security six 4 inch. it is only 3 oz heavier than the sp101 4 inc 357 but you can get pachmayr grips for it. the extra weight and pachmayr grips should fit my hand and allow better shot to shot recovery. I wanted the sp101 to be my ccw but could never find grips that fit my hand. All the offerings never felt right. plus I had to over grips the gun to keep it on target. I am not interested in trying to vise grip the weapon. I am thinking this new combo will be just right. If not then the gp 4 inch will be my weapon of choice and I will just have to deal with the weight.
Based on the fact that you already have a 38 and 357, you would only use the 22 for practice. You certainly aren't going to use the LCR for small game hunting. Consequently, I would get the 22 lr as it is much cheaper for practice.
Consider the Single Six. This is good for general practice and other woods applications along with having both cylinders. I hardly ever use my 22 mag in my Single Six though because it is mostly for general handgun practice and I have .357s for real reasons. Regardless, the 22 LCR wouldn't be good for anything but practice, and unrealistic defensive practice at that because there is no recoil.
Consider the Single Six. This is good for general practice and other woods applications along with having both cylinders. I hardly ever use my 22 mag in my Single Six though because it is mostly for general handgun practice and I have .357s for real reasons. Regardless, the 22 LCR wouldn't be good for anything but practice, and unrealistic defensive practice at that because there is no recoil.
I have both the 22 LR and 22 Magnum LCRs and if I could only keep one it would be the 22 Magnum. The magnum has more horsepower and I could see if as a defensive revolver, especially for someone who is elderly or recoil sensitive. Many ammunition makers are manufacturing 22 Mag ammo specifically tailored for short barreled revolvers. I have shot PDX1s, Gold Dots and Critical Defense though my LCR and they all expanded well. The main advantage of the magnum loads over the LR is better bullets not just lead or copper washed lead. I now wish Ruger would produce the LCR in 327 Magnum with all the fun 32 loads out there it would be a very practical chambering.
"LCR in 327 Magnum with all the fun 32 loads out there it would be a very practical chambering."
The claim to fame for the .327 is that it offers less recoil with less power than a .357--not exactly revolutionary. I honestly feel that the 327 is for someone who has everything else and wants something to tinker with. Not that the .327 can't do things well, just not as well as the .357 with a lot less versatility in loads available. Certainly not a practical best since none of these 32 rounds will do anything that a .357/38 won't do and, in a world where ammo is scarce, this 32 crap is even scarcer. If you are a beginner who doesn't hand load and tinker around with stuff, I wouldn't even consider it.
Back in subject, I see no reason why you would grab a .22 WMR LCR for self defense when you have a .357 LCR unless you wanted to give the bad guy a sporting chance. 22 WMR ammo is many times more expensive than .22 LR ammo for practice.
The claim to fame for the .327 is that it offers less recoil with less power than a .357--not exactly revolutionary. I honestly feel that the 327 is for someone who has everything else and wants something to tinker with. Not that the .327 can't do things well, just not as well as the .357 with a lot less versatility in loads available. Certainly not a practical best since none of these 32 rounds will do anything that a .357/38 won't do and, in a world where ammo is scarce, this 32 crap is even scarcer. If you are a beginner who doesn't hand load and tinker around with stuff, I wouldn't even consider it.
Back in subject, I see no reason why you would grab a .22 WMR LCR for self defense when you have a .357 LCR unless you wanted to give the bad guy a sporting chance. 22 WMR ammo is many times more expensive than .22 LR ammo for practice.
