LCR or Smith 642?

[Doc Mark]

Greetings, All,

I wonder if any of you have both a Ruger LCR and a Smith 642 revolver? If so, can you please share your thoughts and comments about comparing the two, based upon your shooting experiences? The Smith seems more sleek, to me, but I've never shot nor handled the LCR. Thanks for any comments you can send my way. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[Steve333]

Actually, I recently handled both, shot the 642 and bought the LCR because it fit my hand better. After having shot the LCR I'm glad that's what I bought as I find it somewhat more comfortable to shoot...probably due to the better fit for my hand.

 

[jazzman]

I just bought the 442 yesterday. I compared it side by side with the Ruger. The Ruger was slightly larger as it had the laser grips installed and of course was considerably more money. I still might go back and get the Ruger, but it will be more of a inside the waistband gun instead of the pocket carry gun that the Smith will be used for.

Jim

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I had a 642 that made me swear off current/modern S&W firearms, if that's any indication. For one, the muzzle crown looked like crumpled-up tinfoil. For two, it had to go back to the factory because it would lock up under recoil. For three, it had a big ugly hole in the side for a key lock. The whole gun looked like it was made of potmetal and not finished very well. And as a rule I like S&Ws; I have nearly as many as I do Rugers, including another J-frame (model 60 from ~95) that I use a lot.

-- Sam

 

[Boge]

Just my 2 cents, but you'll have to spend some Jack to get a J Frame trigger as sweet as that on an LCR. I love my .357 LCR. :wink:

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

Look at the specs closely on this, buy it and don't ever look back:

http://www.botachdefense.com/Smith-Wesson-M-P-342-Revolver-p/smithwesson-mp342.htm

Remember, your life is worth it!

 

[oregon73]

I own both a 642 and an LCR. I'm not a fan of the 642 but I keep it around anyway. The LCR is a great little revolver, IMO. Nice trigger, good ergonomics. Both guns wear Crimson Trace Lasergrips.

Rob

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

The LCR comes in a new tritium big dot model too if thats what you decide on.

 

[Doc Mark]

Good Morning, All,

Many thanks for all the great comments! Looks like some folks like the LCR better, and some like the 642 better, which is normal, I'm thinkin'! :wink:

I'm thinking for pocket carry the 642 might be the better of the two, size-wise, but guess I should take my 642 down to the gun store and compare the two, personally, to see for myself.

I certainly like the look of the LCR, but it looks rather blocky and chunky to me, compared to my little Smith, which by the way has a fantastic fit and finish, with no goof-ups at all. It's tight, and even has a nice trigger pull, too. So, I actually like it very much. But, sometimes even it, feels just a little large for pocket carry, and that's why I asked about the LCR. I guess, in the end, it's apples and oranges, and there will never be a consensus as to which is better for any given purpose, as each of us have different purposes, methods, likes, and dislikes, already.

Thanks, again, Guys! Your thoughts and comments are much appreciated! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc (still scratchin' his head, and thinking..... "hummmmmm...."??!!) :wink:

 

[Darkangel1846]

Well although I like a lot of ruger products(RedHawk .44) I'm not that impressed with the LCR. I find that I liked my Body guard much better, as I can actually do single action with its shrowded hammer & and weight is about the same. Trigger pull on my Smith is very smooth and its very accurate. Now for a close range pocket revolver does it make much difference? Well not really as either will do the job nicely. Now my older S&W is not rated for +P, but as long as you don't use +P all the time(as in practice) its no big deal. JMHO

 

[doublebarrel]

I owned both,sold the 642 after I made sure the LCR was reliable.LCR is lighter,has a better trigger and seems to have less recoil with the same loads.

 

[Joe S.]

I have an LCR now after selling my prelock 642 to a friend that needed a firearm for his wife. it was a great gun! trigger was pretty good too and the wood grips made it just right... id still have it if there wasnt a "need" for selling it.

my LCR has a great trigger and it light. i carry in my pants cargo pocket, so both fit fine. i think i actually shoot the LCR better tho. maybe me? maybe the gun? i am sure the trigger helps.

 

[Lance0812]

I can't answer the original question, but...
If the Smith 642 seems a bit heavy for pocket carry, you might want to try a DeSantis Sof-Tuck IWB holster. They're inexpensive (about $20.00 at MidwayUSA) and because of the adjustable cant can be worn strong side, crossdraw or SOB.

 

[Big_Guns]

I CCW with an LCR. Wife wanted a new Glock she read about. Went to a store which has a range and rents guns. I tried the 642 while wife tried the Glock. She didn't like it so we swapped, neither of us liked either 642 or the Glock. Wife tried a few other pistols and revolvers, but nothing was right. I handed her my LCR to try. We both now CCW with LCR's.

 

[Crazy Carl]

LCR all the way. More comfortable, better trigger. Would trade my 442 for one in a heartbeat.

 

[hogdoc357]

Trigger press is much easier on the LCR than the Smith. Just my personal experience.