Thinking about an LCR 357

[MikeAvery71]

I actually want the 327 model, but I don't see that round being "around" for the long haul. So the 357 seems like a better choice with ammo available everywhere. Plus I have a GP100 that feeds both loads so I will have ammo on hand for the shorty. I purchased my first two handguns this year, the SR1911 and the GP. Then when I got my cpl I picked up a Kahr K9 which I love. But still would like a shorty revolver and the Ruger seems to be the best option. I imagine the 357 frame with a bit more weight will suit me better than the 38 aluminum framed option at 3.5oz less weight. Plus, I can load 357 rounds if I want to. Just wondering what you all think.

 

[Rumrunner]

I think you will not be disappointed. I have the LCR in 38, because I bought it before the 357 was available. Even if I had the 357, I would probably still carry my 38+p loads in it.

I also have an LCRx in 38, an LCRx 3" in 38, plus an LCR in 22. Yes I like these little revolvers.

 

[mjh]

The LCR will be a nice shorter barreled revolver to have on hand for use and to pair up with your GP100 for sorting out ammo.

 

[hittman]

I have owned both the 38 and 357. Owned them both at the same time too.

I wanted one as my EDC and chose the 38 because of the lighter weight.

Since neither are a "range gun" I sent the 357 on down the road.

 

[Mus408]

I have an LCR 357 too and it's a great little shooter with a very good grip that soaks up the hit of the .357 rounds. I carry it with the .357 ammo as I want the most from the short barrel.

 

[Terry T]

I have the .357 mag., the 9mm, and the .327 mag. Great guns all.
I did, however, add the larger grip to each of them. It doesn't conceal as well but it sure helps with the shooting.
As they say "close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades" and having a gun one can shoot well with is paramount. For me, that meant the larger grip.

http://shopruger.com/Hogue-LCRx-and-LCR-3-Tamer-Grip/productinfo/19947/

Terry T

 

[Rumrunner]

+1 on that grip. I have the standard Hogue on my EDC, but have the grip above on my two X models. I would definitely want it on the 357.

 

[gramps]

What is the difference between a LCR, and an LCRx?
gramps

 

[MikeAvery71]

LCRx has an exposed hammer so you can run it SA if you want. I may have changed my tune a little and am pricing out the lighter 38 today. People I've heard from that own both like both, but just for a small carry piece prefer the 38 most of the time.

 

[Rumrunner]

As Mike said, the "X" has exposed hammer. The 3" LCRx also has adjustable sights. It is not as concealable for CCW, but great to carry when hiking etc.

 

[Captain America]

I pocket carry 95% of the time and ankle carry the rest of the time so weight it really important to me. I've shot the .357 and it does soak up the recoil better than the .38, the larger Tamer grip also helps, but this is my EDC gun, not a range gun. The sting of a .38+P through my LCR does not matter to me at all because I love the lightweight gun and with the Bantam grip it fits beautifully in my pocket in a well worn Uncle Mikes holster. The LCR line is pretty diverse so finding the perfect one to fit your needs should be pretty easy.

 

[MikeAvery71]

Thinking about it, the 38 probably makes more sense for me. It is less expensive, too.

 

[WheelGunMan]

I own two LCR's...a .22WMR and a .357...bought the .22WMR first and so loved the fit and feel that I bought one in .357. I use it as my primary EDC and equip it with Winchester 38 Special +P 130 GR. Defender rounds.

I chose the .357 frame primarily for the added weight for absorbing recoil and it being an S/S frame rather than aluminum for long term durability. The revolver fits my hand perfectly and is an absolute joy to shoot.

I'm a little recoil sensitive thus why I shoot the .38's. I am contemplating stepping up to the Hornady Critical Defense round in .357 90 GR as I understand the recoil is similar to my current setup. Having it in .357 gives me that option.

I'd recommend the .357 for those reasons.

 

[MikeAvery71]

The 38 only model at my local store felt good, but I did not think the trigger was all that great. So I do want to get my hands around the 357 before I decide.

 

[hittman]

Like with most Ruger's, the trigger will smooth out after use.

On mine, the LCR was butter smooth right out of the box. The 357 however, was pretty gritty. It did improve after a few hundred rounds but was never close to as good as the 38.

 

[gramps]

Last Sept I was in Sevierville, Tn at the Smoky Mtn Knifeworks. They had started selling guns there also. I almost bought the LCRx in .38 and 3 inch barrel, adjustable sights. If it had of been in .357 magnum, I would have bought it.
gramps

 

[Mus408]

Ran some ammo tests thru my .357 LCR today and a nice shooter it is for it's size.
Was testing some mid level Magnum loads along with .38 +P.

 

[teuthis]

I have a Ruger LCR in .327. I really like the caliber and the firearm. I use it as my CCW. I have a SP-101 on order in that caliber. I have the SP-101 in .357 and .22 LR as well as an LCR in .22 LR. I think the .327 cartridge is and excellent choice. I load for it now too. As for the SP-101 I think the .357 is about the best 38 Special out there. It fits my hand and is very well made. I shoot .357 and 38 Special +P from it. But I have really learned to appreciate the .327. It is an accurate and powerful cartridge.

 

[Ditmo]

I own the 3" LCRx in 38 Special and the LCR in .327. The LCR is my main carry gun right now. I like having the extra round. I've also got the SP101 and the Single Seven in 327. I really like this round. Ammo is hard to find, but I reload for it and 32H&R. If you cast your bullets its cheaper than .22LR to shoot. Now Ruger just needs to make a 3" LCRx in 327 and .22LR. I'd buy both right now.

 

[MikeAvery71]

I am going to have to think about this one. I made the mistake of checking out a SP101 shorty. The LCR is probably the way to go for me since I don't see myself wanting to CC the SP on a regular basis whereas the LCR is designed for that role. I just like the way the heavy steel models feel.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

SP101 is pretty nice. Let's just say I've got 3 LCR's 22, 38, 357.
I've got 6 SP101's 4 3" 357's, 1 4" 22, 1 4" 357. I like SP101's

Correction, I don't have a 38 LCR, my wife said it's hers. :)

 

[Mus408]

I change out my carry guns quite often. Yesterday it was my Alaskan while walking the dog along the woods edge. No big bears around here but great knowing I have some hot .45 Colt along with a short barrel. No need for .454 for that.

 

[pruger45]

Kicks like a mofo with full-power loads!

 

[woodperson]

Looking at the Ruger website I do not see a LCRx in .357. Only the LCR. I am going to go look at one in .38 but the .357 would interest me.

 

[mistermills357]

I think that you are on the right track and an LCR won't seize up with extended shooting. That can happen with a steel or alloy snub gun.

 

[Bearcat]

I think you will not be disappointed. I have the LCR in 38, because I bought it before the 357 was available. Even if I had the 357, I would probably still carry my 38+p loads in it.

I also have an LCRx in 38, an LCRx 3" in 38, plus an LCR in 22. Yes I like these little revolvers.

I have it in .38 Spl. +P ......Did not see the value in paying extra for the .357 as stout .38 Spl. +P loads are tough enough to control and will do the job needed if you do yours. Just my personal choice....YMMV. I do have friends who have the .357 version and carry it. But they never practice with hot .357 ammo. I think one's carry ammo and practice ammo should always be the same....

 

[Mus408]

I think you will not be disappointed. I have the LCR in 38, because I bought it before the 357 was available. Even if I had the 357, I would probably still carry my 38+p loads in it.

I also have an LCRx in 38, an LCRx 3" in 38, plus an LCR in 22. Yes I like these little revolvers.

I have it in .38 Spl. +P ......Did not see the value in paying extra for the .357 as stout .38 Spl. +P loads are tough enough to control and will do the job needed if you do yours. Just my personal choice....YMMV. I do have friends who have the .357 version and carry it. But they never practice with hot .357 ammo. I think one's carry ammo and practice ammo should always be the same....

When I take the little LCR out I will finish up the session with 10 rounds of .357 Mag on my target just to be sure I can keep them in the hit zone. All shooting with the LCR at 20 ft.

 

[Captain America]

When I take the little LCR out I will finish up the session with 10 rounds of .357 Mag on my target just to be sure I can keep them in the hit zone. All shooting with the LCR at 20 ft.

I have the .38 LCR and shoot lots of .38 Special and like you, I always finish up with 10 or 15 rounds of the .38+P that I carry.

 

[ph_redhawk]

I have had my LCR 357 for a couple of years. It is a fun plinker with 125 gr cast bullets and light charge of trail boss powder.