I am going to purchase either a Ruger LCR or a Smith 642. The only real difference that I can ascertain is that the trigger pull on the Ruger is considered better. The prices are about the same, qualities are both excellent. I'm not crazy about polymer, but the Ruger has the metal backing, etc. I have fired the Smith and am not concerned much with the recoil, based on the personal use that it is purchased for. The Smith has a trigger pull about 12, which I understand is for safety, and will not be a factor in a "social" situation. Hopefully, such a situation will never occur. It appears to be a Ford vs. Chevy situation, although I like Ruger, but the 642 aesthetically is more appealing. Anybody have experience and/or ideas? If I get the 642, it will be without the lock. Thanks
Ruger LCR or Smith and Wesson 642?
- Thread starter Harvey
- Start date
I carried a 642 for several years (no lock) but subsequently decided the LCR has enough better trigger pull that I would be more accurate if I got in a hurry. I wish I hadn't sold the 642 because they really are nice looking guns. Good luck in your decision. I ended up using the same brand of holster "Blackhawk" and they work well.
Doc Fillem
Bearcat
I have both and like both. I don't think you can wrong with either one.
farley
Single-Sixer
642. Life's too short to carry a plastic gun.
The 642 can be disassembled for cleaning and lubrication.
Has anyone tried to disassemble their LCR?
Check the owners manual for the disassembly procedure. Oh wait, there isn't one. You are instructed to send the revolver back to Ruger for cleaning. Really? I have to pay for shipping and pay Ruger to clean my gun?
I own 3 Ruger revolvers and they are all easier to disassemble than a S&W. You can do it in the field with a multi-tool. Not so with the LCR.
I bought a 642
Has anyone tried to disassemble their LCR?
Check the owners manual for the disassembly procedure. Oh wait, there isn't one. You are instructed to send the revolver back to Ruger for cleaning. Really? I have to pay for shipping and pay Ruger to clean my gun?
I own 3 Ruger revolvers and they are all easier to disassemble than a S&W. You can do it in the field with a multi-tool. Not so with the LCR.
I bought a 642
TucsonDirt
Single-Sixer
I compared the S&W J-frame to the LCR (38sp) with my wife, she liked the trigger better on the LCR.
I like the fact that LCR sights are removable/replaceable, while the J-frame sights are not. I put an XS night sight on the LCR
and it shoots great.
Personal preference really, I went out specifically to buy the 642 but ended up with the Ruger.
I think either is a great small carry piece.
I like the fact that LCR sights are removable/replaceable, while the J-frame sights are not. I put an XS night sight on the LCR
and it shoots great.
Personal preference really, I went out specifically to buy the 642 but ended up with the Ruger.
I think either is a great small carry piece.
FergusonTO35
Hunter
I went with the 642 and think its the better gun. Like most S&W's the trigger pull really improves with use. The supplied grip is about perfect but if not there are bunches to choose from. As far as I know there are exactly two grip choices for the LCR, three if you count the laser. Finally, the 642 feels smaller to me than it actually is. Nothing wrong with the LCR but the 642 just works better for me.
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- Apr 3, 2012
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I went with the 442 which is the black version of the 642. I am very happy with it. Ed.
Disassembly procedures are on page 17. Why do you need to disassemble it to clean it? Pages 18 and 19 give 'cleaning' instructions. https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/lcr.pdfRalphS said:
I have a no lock 442 and an LCR .357. I carry both (one at a time). I like them both. When I think I shoot the LCR a bit better I try the 442 and shoot as well. Either is great for the intended purpose. No failures to feed, or failures to eject with either. Enough said for the snubbie.
HiCap
HiCap
This is a joke, right? You don't seriously think that pulling the grip off is the same as disassembly.
Or that pushing the hammer pin in by 0.010 inch and then trying to squirt oil into the trigger/hammer assy is a "cleaning procedure".
The S&W may not have a nice trigger pull like the LCR but at least I can take it apart and clean and oil it.
FergusonTO35
Hunter
Actually a bit of polishing to the internals and the 642 develops a very nice trigger pull.
I like my 642 - though it is definitely a bit more 'old school' looking than the LCR.
farley
Single-Sixer
greenmtnguy said:
Old school is good.
I have both a SW 638 Airweight and a Ruger LCR with Crimson Trace grips.
TRIGGERS
The LCR has a better trigger than the stock 638. We installed the Apex tactical drop-in duty / carry trigger kit in the SW 638 that improved both the DA trigger pull enormously so that it is now better than the LCR.
GRIPS
I use a Hogue grip on the 638 that allows me to get three fingers of my right hand on the grip. It doesn't seem to "print" using an IWB holster under a hoodie or used in "pocket carry". . The LCR's Crimson Trace Grip is basically a two finger grip that makes the lighter LCR harder to control. The recoil is more noticeable on the LCR, especially with 158gr lead reloads.
SIGHTS
The SW has a non-replaceable ramped metal front sight. I painted it with white finger-nail polish but it is still hard to see in adverse lighting conditions.
The LCR has a fiber-optic front sight that is easier to see in all conditions. The Crimson Trace Grip may be a benefit but it is hard to keep on a zero. Prior to the first time shooting it, it was dead on zero, about 3" above the sights. After a 40 round shooting session, the laser moved to about a foot low and 6" to the right.
I found the teeny-tiny Allen wrench needed to adjust the laser and set it again to about 3" about the sights at 10 feet. Today I shot another 30 rounds and by the time I was finished, it was about 12" high and a bit to the left.
BOTTOM LINE
I like the SW 638 better in good light conditions. The better trigger and slightly bigger grips give much better results and control at social distances. The single action option is a benefits although it will rarely be used. Maybe I will get a Crimson Trace for the 638 and figure out a way to keep it on zero.
The Apex Tactical J-Frame trigger kit is a "must-have" for any J-Frame and well worth the money.
Nevertheless, the LCR is also a good weapon for self-defense uses.
I hope this is informative.
Chris
TRIGGERS
The LCR has a better trigger than the stock 638. We installed the Apex tactical drop-in duty / carry trigger kit in the SW 638 that improved both the DA trigger pull enormously so that it is now better than the LCR.
GRIPS
I use a Hogue grip on the 638 that allows me to get three fingers of my right hand on the grip. It doesn't seem to "print" using an IWB holster under a hoodie or used in "pocket carry". . The LCR's Crimson Trace Grip is basically a two finger grip that makes the lighter LCR harder to control. The recoil is more noticeable on the LCR, especially with 158gr lead reloads.
SIGHTS
The SW has a non-replaceable ramped metal front sight. I painted it with white finger-nail polish but it is still hard to see in adverse lighting conditions.
The LCR has a fiber-optic front sight that is easier to see in all conditions. The Crimson Trace Grip may be a benefit but it is hard to keep on a zero. Prior to the first time shooting it, it was dead on zero, about 3" above the sights. After a 40 round shooting session, the laser moved to about a foot low and 6" to the right.
I found the teeny-tiny Allen wrench needed to adjust the laser and set it again to about 3" about the sights at 10 feet. Today I shot another 30 rounds and by the time I was finished, it was about 12" high and a bit to the left.
BOTTOM LINE
I like the SW 638 better in good light conditions. The better trigger and slightly bigger grips give much better results and control at social distances. The single action option is a benefits although it will rarely be used. Maybe I will get a Crimson Trace for the 638 and figure out a way to keep it on zero.
The Apex Tactical J-Frame trigger kit is a "must-have" for any J-Frame and well worth the money.
Nevertheless, the LCR is also a good weapon for self-defense uses.
I hope this is informative.
Chris
