CC Ruger LCR or S&W 638/642/360; .38 or 357?

[Huntolive]

Ok, I am no longer trying to combine the CC w/ hunting pistol, but would like it to have some power/accuracy for a "better than nothing" trail gun.
But the essential role of the gun I seek now is CC, personal defense.

I like the idea of 357, since I pistol hunt and have a 6" lightweight S&W (Scadium?) hunting pistol, and am used to big bores, like my SRH 454.

That said, if 38 +P is plenty, and would be better in a defensive CC gun, that is fine with me.
And this is for CC. I have a Springfield XDm 40 cal compact, but that is a bit big, and even though I like the 16 rounds in the mag I see the benefit of the solid reliability of a revolver for true defensive carry, especially if it is smaller and gets me to carry consistantly.

So here is my list in either 357 or 38/38+p as available:
Ruger LCR
Ruger LCRx (3")
S&W Bodyguard
S&W 638 (is that the same as Bodyguard?)
S&W 642
S&W 627 2.6"

What is best bet, or do you have better ideas? I am trying to stay under $600.
I realize the 627 costs more; is it worth it? Why, why not?

I sold an SP101 I had in 357 that I loved, but found too bulky for CC and was not accurate as it was DAO.

 

[Manny]

My idea of the ideal CCW gun is a Ruger KLCR .357 with Crimson Trace grips loaded with .38 Spcl+p ammo. I prefer a stainless vs aluminum frame that I get with the .357mag version and like the slight increase in weight to attenuate recoil as the CT grip doesn't have the cushion of the standard Houge grips.

I find the KLCR w/ CT's & +p .38's to be a wonderful balance of compact size, light weight, shootability and reasonable power. The very nice trigger of the KLCR & CT grips allow very accurate shooting despite the diminutive size. My KLCR is my "always" gun, incredibly convenient and easy to carry and deadly effective when deployed. There is no better gun for this type duty IMHO.

 

[nebraska_farmer]

I would get the snub Ruger LCR in 38+p if I were you. Better trigger than the Smiths and comes stock with a fiber optic, also less weight. Don't get too hung up on the "trail gun" idea, get something you'll carry in all situations - in this case, I think the little LCR is your best bet.

 

[tkroenlein]

IMHO, you've only listed one that bridges the gap between CC and "trail gun," and that's the 3" LCRx. I don't have that model myself, but I do have a 3" S&W 337 and would compare it's shootability to a medium framed gun rather than a snubby. The adjustable sights will allow you to shoot lighter or heavier bullets and without the high/low issues associated with the fixed sight guns. At just north of 40 ounces, the 627 doesn't compare well with any of your other picks.

 

[JohnnyBravo]

For AIWB I went with the current KCLR offering and I load it with magnum ammo. I think the 3" model LCR would be uncomfortable when sitting.

If you are going to carry more towards 3 o'clock the three inch version should be fine but I am waiting for the .357 version to be released.

Did I mention I am a fan of the .357?

 

[Huntolive]

KLCR?

Is the KLCR just the LCR in 357? Or does the K mean some special model?
I usually see it listed just as LCR 357.
Is the .38 +P the "LCR" and the 357 the "KLCR"? Or does the "K" mean something additional?
I am leaning strongly to the 357 LCR or waiting for the LCRx 3" in 357.
Other wise I like could get a snubbie 38+P LCR or I like the S&W 638 (Bodyguard?) that has the protected hammer so you can both draw it smoothly and still have DA or SA. What are your thoughts on the Bodyguard/638?

 

[MCMXI]

My idea of the ideal CCW gun is a Ruger KLCR .357 with Crimson Trace grips loaded with .38 Spcl+p ammo.

That's what I have and use but with the addition of an XS front sight. I also have a KLCR with the Hogue grip and XS front sight.

Is the KLCR just the LCR in 357?

Yes.

 

[Huntolive]

Crimson Trace?

How much does the laser help?
Is it worth paying extra?
How are the standard sights? Arn't they pretty decent hi-vis ind like a little true glow?

 

[PJSprog]

I'm leaning towards the 637, myself (I like the hammer). I didn't care much for the LCR; didn't like the way it felt in my hand. I don't want to suggest it felt cheap, but ... something about it just didn't click with me.

Ideally, if you haven't already, you should go someplace where you can rent and shoot them all. Anything on your list will get the job done. Pick the one you like and go with it.

 

[MCMXI]

How much does the laser help?
Is it worth paying extra?

How much is your life worth? I don't care how good people think night sights are, I have way too many pistols with night sights to think that they are all that's needed in a low light, high stress, potentially life ending situation. I'm keeping the laser on my KLCR. With only five shots I need to make every one count and the laser increases the chance of that happening.

 

[edmo01]

As a fan of S&W snubbies, I would nudge you towards the Ruger LCR.

I have owned 4 new S&W snubbies over the last four years and have had 3 of them fail. Two of them had to be sent back to S&W twice for repairs and two of them had to be replaced. Not a good record from one of our leading gun manufacturers.

If you pick a S&W snubbie, my only flawless snubbie is a 642. I would suggest that model.

My next S&W purchases will be legacy (read: older) S&W revolvers.

It pains me to say this...

Edmo

 

[Manny]

How much is your life worth? I don't care how good people think night sights are, I have way too many pistols with night sights to think that they are all that's needed in a low light, high stress, potentially life ending situation. I'm keeping the laser on my KLCR. With only five shots I need to make every one count and the laser increases the chance of that happening.

Plus 100!!

 

[Manny]

Is the KLCR just the LCR in 357? Or does the K mean some special model?
I usually see it listed just as LCR 357.
Is the .38 +P the "LCR" and the 357 the "KLCR"? Or does the "K" mean something additional?
I am leaning strongly to the 357 LCR or waiting for the LCRx 3" in 357.
Other wise I like could get a snubbie 38+P LCR or I like the S&W 638 (Bodyguard?) that has the protected hammer so you can both draw it smoothly and still have DA or SA. What are your thoughts on the Bodyguard/638?

The metal part of the frame on the LCR is aluminum alloy, on the KLCR it is stainless steel. The stainless frame of the KLCR weighs a few ounces more.

I don't find the recoil of 125gr .38+p Remington Golden Sabers to be at all objectional in my KLCR even with the CT grips which are harder than the standard Hogues. I've never tried .357's in it yet, but probably will one day just to satisfy my curiosity.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

S&W guns are good and I've had a few but I'm partial to the LCR. I carried a 2" LCR in .38 Special occasionally until I traded it in on the 3" version. The snubbie version is a tad smaller and easier to conceal but the 3" version is much much easier to shoot well. You wouldn't think it would make such a big difference! First the sights are much better than the standard ones- taller and with a white strip on the front sight. The extra sight radius is also very helpful.

While I haven't chrono'd the 3" I expect that it gets between 100-150 fps more than the 1.87". That could be the difference maker in getting the bullet to work as intended.

I really love the trigger of the LCR series guns. I don't really know the inner workings of the thing but the cam arrangement seems to work very well.

The 3" LCRx isn't much heavier, either. On my digital scale it weighs in at 15.25 oz if memory serves.

 

[JohnnyBravo]

Is the KLCR just the LCR in 357? Or does the K mean some special model?
I usually see it listed just as LCR 357.
Is the .38 +P the "LCR" and the 357 the "KLCR"? Or does the "K" mean something additional?
I am leaning strongly to the 357 LCR or waiting for the LCRx 3" in 357.
Other wise I like could get a snubbie 38+P LCR or I like the S&W 638 (Bodyguard?) that has the protected hammer so you can both draw it smoothly and still have DA or SA. What are your thoughts on the Bodyguard/638?

The "K" signifies stainless steel, however all the KLCR's are .357 Magnums.

 

[Huntolive]

Final 5

Thanks,
I'm down to all Rugers:
LCRx (with external hammer) 38+P snub
LCRX 38+P 3"
LCR 357 w/o lazer
LCR 357 with lazer
LCR 38+P snub with lazer

But if they indicate they come out w/ LCRX 357 3" very soon, I might wait for that. I can carry my Springfield XDm 40 in the meantime (and I have to admit, it is a little hard to give up the 16 round mag for the 5 shot)

Your thoughts?

 

[2ndamd]

I would agree with others that have said stick with a snubby and do not get hung up on the trail gun idea.

But, the 3" LCRx is next on my list

The proper ammo is the thing that will make the difference.
If you are looking for a finishing shot while deer hunting?

Check out Buffalo Bore's 38+p Keith Hard cast or Grizzly's 38+p wide flat nose and SWC loads.

These get used to take down wild hogs by many I know and they are very effective loads. Certainly capable of finishing a deer.

A 2" S&W model 64 would make a nice trail gun and CCW. It is a tad heavy at 30 oz though.

 

[Huntolive]

Final 2

Ok I will buy 1 of these 2 tomorrow:

LCR 357 ($450 w/ 50 rounds 38sp and 40 rounds 357 and pocket holster)
LCR 38+P w/ factory intalled LaserMax Centerfire ($400)
Both very lightly used in excellent condition. The 38+P is newer.

If I get the 357 I would plan to buy LaserMax Centerfire (these are specific to all LCR models and and cost $74 shipped).

This way I get the Hogue grips plus the laser on either.

Any experience with the LaserMax Centerfire LCR Laser? Reviews are generally very good, and say easy 2 install.

Recommendations?

 

[nebraska_farmer]

Don't get the .357 LCR. Extra weight for no benefit, you won't practice with full house 357s, just get the 38+p snub with a desantis pocket holster and call it good. If you're set on 357, save some money and get the SP101 and make a belt gun out of it.

 

[mavracer]

I have a LCR 38 with the XS sight that came with the Hogue boot grip, I've since installed Crimson Trace grips on it. I much prefer the instinctive button of the CTs to the laser max design. Lasers make a great training aid when learning to shoot these small DAO revolvers, dry firing while holding laser on target instills muscle memory.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks All

Thanks:

I got the LCR 357 w/ hogue grips.
Shot a box of 38sp which were a breeze and 11 rounds of 357which were a bit of a handful, but not ridiculous.
I am a novice with DAO: I was definitely more accurate w/ 38sp and the grouping s were w/i 4" at 10 yards. But the gun (or I) seemed to shoot low.
Maybe I am just not used to the short sight radius and also the "groove and front ramp sight" set up. I guess i need to aim using the top of the ramp as my poa and just use the groove in the back for right and left?

The 357 was to be honest all over the place: (again probably me, but i'm used to shooting 454 casul from a SRH 7.5" accurately) about 7" apart at 10yd. w/ the LCR

I shoot 357 in other guns, so I am glad I got the 357, even though 90% of the time I will use 38 or 38+P, it fits in my pocket fine w/ pocket holster just like a heavy wallet; the 38 version just seemed too much like a cap gun when I held it, and I bet the 38+P shot from the 38 LCR feel just like the 357 shot from the 357LCR

I will probably get the LaserMax centerfire LCR and install under the barrel:
Can get for $74 shipped, are these worth it? I will NOT get the crimson trace grips, as I definitely want the hogue grip.

I would give the LCR 357 an A+ for DA trigger (my 10 yr old daughter fired it w/ 38sp, although she prefers my larger model 386 in SA even though it is scandium lightweigth also). I give it a D for horrible stock sights.
Overall I am happy with it, as it is an A for carryability and compact power.

Advice on different sights? LaserMax and install?
Advice on shooting snubbies w/ crappy sights more accurately?

 

[2ndamd]

I have been using neon orange nail polish for years.
Others I know use Testers paint for model cars/airplanes.
2 coats of white with 3 coats of the brightest neon orange you can find? Works well.

Touch-up orange paint/nail polish maybe once-a-year.

BOOM!

Done.

38 special snubs are almost always calibrated for 158 grn bullets to hit poa with a 6 o'clock hold.
So, light target loads (110, 125 and 130 grn) will impact lower. Heavy bullets hit higher and lighter bullets hit lower.
Part of the fun of target practice is learning where your gun will print with different loads.

Some people I know will paint/nail polish their gun's front sight low if their load of choice is a lighter bullet, like say the 135 grn +p Gold Dot. By painting/polishing the front sight low it forces the sight to be raised to fill the u-notch rear.

Hope this helps.

Oh...one other tip. Follow through on snubby shooting is more improtant than other platforms. Remember to focus on the front sight even after the shot has exited the barrel.
Hunting is similar in the importance of precision shooting, read: follow through is part of the shot.

 

[2ndamd]

Oops!
Forgot...
Congratulations on the new gun!

 

[PJSprog]

I got the LCR 357 w/ hogue grips.

Come on, man ... you've been around long enough to know the rules; no pictures = it didn't happen.

Show it off.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

Congrats! The one nice thing about the .357 Mag version is that the ejector rod should be a bit longer; it should chuck .38 Spec cases well. I don't see a lot of point to shooting .357 Mag from a 2" barrel. Unless I'm misinformed the velocity isn't much higher than +P .38's from a pipe that short.