Concealable Revolver

[giggitygiggity]

I've been looking for a good handgun to conceal in shorts and a t-shirt. The small semi-auto pistols seem to have mixed reviews citing numerous reliability issues. Therefore, I think a revolver might be a better option. Particularly, I am interested in the Ruger LCR. What are your impressions of this revolver, especially the .357mag version? What other revolvers are as small, light, and have as good of triggers as the Ruger? Do any of them come in .357mag? Thanks.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Have you actually fired .357 in one of these light weight wonders? Stick with .38 in one of these guns, the ammo, if not the gun itself.
LCRs seem to have a good reputation as well as the airweight/airlight S&W's.
My personall favorite is a pre-lock S&W M38 Bodyguard.

 

[MCgunner]

I have a Taurus M85SSUL I carry a lot, carrying it today. It has the best out of the box trigger I've felt, but I haven't handled the excellent LCR, yet. It's way better than the J frames I've tried and fired. The Ruger's trigger design, from what I've HEARD, really gives it a superior smooth feel. I'm not disenchanted with my Taurus, though, far from it, and am not in the market for another pocket revolver. I love that thing, accurate, smooth trigger, rugged, compact.

One thing about the .357, if I had an LCR in that caliber, I'd only shoot .38 in it. Now, I'm an experienced handgunner, handgun hunter, have a TC Contender with some powerful rifle caliber barrels, know recoil and can handle a good amount of it. But, I've fired a 12 ounce J frame with a hot .357 and, well, that's okay, pocket revolvers work best with the .38 IMHO. Also, consider recovery time for that second shot. Nope, I'm not into .357 in light weight revolvers. That said, like I say, I've NOT fired the LCR in particular and the grip on that gun might soak a bit of it up compared to a J frame. I'll let other folks experienced with the gun give that info. Just thought I'd weigh in on the 13 ounce gun in .357. I'm not a customer. If the price is the same as the .38 version, though, and there are no other compromises, hell, why not get the .357? Don't have to actually FIRE .357 in it, eh? I won't pay a scandium price, though, when I can get an alloy +P .38 for half that. Some will opine that the LCR's plastic grip frame would make it too fragile, but the grip frame doesn't have a thing to do with the ability of the gun to handle .357 pressures. It is not a stressed part of the handgun.

I often carry a small auto, 9mm Kel Tec, and it's very reliable and practical for pocket carry. But, I do understand your concern for reliability and revolvers tend to be jamless if nothing else. I've had 'em break, a model 10 with a cracked forcing cone and a Rossi .357 with a busted firing pin. Those breaks were worse than a jam, put the gun out of action, but they truly are the exception rather than the rule. Autos DO need to be tested with carry ammo, though, lots of it, and that can be costly to find an appropriate load. Revolvers only need a few rounds fired to test accuracy, then you can carry the load. I'm a revolver guy at heart, can relate to your concern here.

 

[jleyring]

The LCR's are sweet. I would stick with the 38 with that small pistol. They are light weight and Ruger usually makes great products. That would be my vote.

 

[Mr.Davis]

I held one of the new S&W bodyguard revolvers recently and wasn't impressed. Activating the laser was exceptionally awkward, requiring a righty to cross the thumb over the top of the gun, shifting into an unacceptable firing grip. Also, the method of opening the cylinder was very weird.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I had an LCR and I HAVE a (couple) J frame S&Ws. I really really wanted to like the LCR, but it just never felt right. NO issues with reliability, and that trigger is awfully nice, but the J frame just suits me better.

 

[Fearnot]

People raise concerns about the recoil on a small revolver like the LCR, but in my trips to the range, I routinely run through a box of 50 158g target cartridges and 5-10 +p cartridges and really don't feel it at all... and believe me, no one's going to confuse me with Rambo. Maybe it's the LCR's grips, maybe the polymer shell, but I don't think the recoil (on the .38) is bad at all.

 

[Guillermo]

People love their LCR's

For me it answers a question that I am not asking. Too light for me to enjoy shooting and getting good with. I do not want a 38 that light, let alone a 357 magnum .

I carry steel framed revolvers when I can (D Frame Colts usually. When I can't I carry a Kahr PM9. Very small and easy to conceal. 100% reliable so far.

There is no perfect answer. But you are asking the right questions to get the the best answer (or answers) for you.

 

[Quoheleth]

The LCR is shootable and very accurate. The secret is to grip it up high so the recoil drives almost straight back into the palm. THe Hogue grip has a squishy gel insert where the grip meets web of hand and it makes a difference. The light & smooth trigger makes follow-up shots easy. Sights are good, so a quick sight picture acquisition is also helpful for quick shots. Light enough to carry anywhere, a good pocket holster gives only a telltale bump in the pocket - but not an outline that screams "GUN!" An LCR in one pocket and a speedstrip in the other is a good combination.

I'm not bashing any other gun out there, just commenting favorably on the LCR.

Q

 

[giggitygiggity]

Is it fair to say that the various S&W revolvers within the same size and weight category are not worth the extra $150-350 when compared to the Ruger LCR? It seems like the Ruger is flawlessly reliable, accurate, and has a better trigger than the S&W revolvers at a fraction of the price. Do the S&W's have any advantages over the Ruger? Price really isn't a huge issue, but $150-350 more for what seems like no advantages seems pointless. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

 

[Russ Jackson]

How about that new Chippa Rhino? It looks very concealable...Russ

 

[Guillermo]

Is it fair to say that the various S&W revolvers within the same size and weight category are not worth the extra $150-350 when compared to the Ruger LCR

As I am not a Ruger fan or a fan of ultra light revolvers I do not have a dog in this hunt.

So impartially speaking I would say that "no, a Smith is not 150-350 better"

I would only put one caveat on that answer, and that is "how much are looks worth?"

The LCR is very ugly and the Smith is not. Were I in the market for an Ultra Light snub I would have the LCR on the top of my list.

And I would sing this as I made my way to the range.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NF5XU-k2Vk


(I crack me up)

 

[mstrat]

I was recently in the market for a small, lightweight handgun. Initially it was between 380 semis and a number of revolvers. The final contenders where the LCR a J-frame (specifically the 642 or 442). I opted for a revolver for the same reason as you - reliability.

Anyhow, I can only shoot .38 through mine (a 642), but I don't think I'd want to shoot 357 through it even if I could. Granted it's a different gun, but it's similar in weight and size to the LCR. I suspect it would be too hard on wrists, and too hard to handle.

If i were *absolutely* certain I wanted to shoot 357, I would *have* to borrow somebody's and try it before buying. I have a feeling it would be too unpleasant.

Edit: by the way, if you're not yet decided on an LCR, Smith and Wesson has a $50 rebate right now on some J-frame revolvers, including the 642.

 

[Rob1109]

LCR and 642

I have both. The LCR is the .38 and with +P's it is "stout". I don't want to try the .357! Yes, I know it's 4oz. heavier, I STILL DON'T WANT TO SHOOT IT!. Also, I have a 642 with CT laser, that I cannot like it! compared to the LCR it is primative...bad trigger, uncomfortable recoil. I will keep it and keep trying to like it...the LCR is the ticket!

I also have a Glock 26....the LCR/642 are easier to carry, but, the Glock has obvious advantages.

 

[W.E.G.]

S&W Model 60 (five shots .38 Special) vs. Glock 26 (twelve shots 9mm Luger)

 

[Critical J]

I only carry a Taurus and I don't own any shorts, mate - let me just say though, a Taurus 856 .38 Special, snub nosed 6-Gun, in stainless (Don't go polymer!) will fit just perfect inside your sporran or tucked between the pleats. You should try it sometime, kilt wearing I mean, yea? That would solve your main problem right there, the shorts, I mean...

 

[smartshot]

I own the LCR38 and it is very concealable. I would actually recommend the 38 over the 357, its a few ounces lighter and some of the +p loads available for it today dance in 357 territory (i.e. buffalo bore 1000 fps 158 gr lead hollowpoint) out of a 1.75 in snubby.

 

[MCgunner]

Is it fair to say that the various S&W revolvers within the same size and weight category are not worth the extra $150-350 when compared to the Ruger LCR

IMHO, and I AM a Ruger fan, NO, a S&W ain't worth that much extra. I'm not a Smith koolaid drinker, either. My snubby is a Taurus and it's a very nice weapon, very good shooter, as good as any J frame. Ruger didn't have the LCR when I bought the 85UL or I'd have considered it. I'd also consider a 642 though, even though it's heavier. I sorta like having a hammer on the gun, doesn't snag for me. For purely pocket defense, i'll concede that the DAO is better, but I like to shoot at 100 yards and do other assinine things with my Taurus like take it outdoors, pop hogs in the trap, etc. I'm not a city boy, though I've been hanging out in Corpus lately which sorta resembles a city. I usually have my 9 on me, concealed hammer, but am toting the .38 at the moment just because I got in the mood.

 

[joe_security]

New LCR with Big Dot front sight and boot grips on GB. Im leaning toward a 642, maybe the super tuned version.

 

[hawkeye10]

I am a big fan of S&W. That being said I think any of the "J" frame revolvers mentioned on this thread will suit your needs and are good guns. I am also a fan of Kahr's. I like them because the polymer framed ones are light and thin. I think you will make the right choice no matter which gun you chose. Don

 

[Old John]

I've shot my friends S&W bodyguard. It's okay. Grips's kinda small. But, I went to a couple local gunshops when I was looking, to try out various pocket sized revolvers. I liked the trigger on the Ruger LCR the best. There is no comparison with it and the J-frames, or Taurus model 85's.
I bought the Ruger LCR, .38 special. It shoots well, and easily drops into the pocket of my Dockers or jeans.
My EDC has been a Ruger SP101, .357magnum, for years. It still is, most times. But the LCR with 5, .38 special +P's is just fine sometimes. My next purchase is going to be a Ruger LCR, .357 magnum, I think.

 

[doc2rn]

I have to second the S&W mod 60 is ideal for CCW. A lot of guys also love the new flip top NAA .22 Mag.

 

[MCgunner]

A lot of guys also love the new flip top NAA .22 Mag.

It's out, now? I bought a Black Widow magnum a while back. The break top price point that they were shooting for sounded a bit stiff and, well, the Black Widow has nice Millett Sights. I found a slightly used one in a folding holster grip and got a decent, if not great, deal on it, 275. That's about MSRP, but The holster grip would have set me back 40 bucks about with shipping. They were talking 500 bucks MSRP on the break top, a might high IMHO for ME, though I'd LOVE to get one! They looked really cool in the pics.

 

[Dloy]

LCR

While I've owned a 642 for 2+ years now, I don't really have a dog in this hunt. I fondled a LCR in a local shop recently and would agree it has a nice trigger. Personally I thought the gun looked a bit clunky but the polymer body might well reduce some of the felt recoil.
One thing I would comment on though. I've read many posts and articles on the 642 that indicate the trigger improves with use. A couple articles suggested dry firing 5 or 10 thousand times as a cheap trigger job. So I bought some snap caps (that many say are not needed) and I did just that. Guess what, it worked. Not sure it's AS smooth as the LCR but it's about the same, and I like the package a lot.
Just 2 scents.

 

[Stainz]

Firstly, Critical J, you wear a dress, er, kilt, in Montgomery? Little wonder no one worries about what you are packing - you could carry a hogleg and no one would likely notice! Seriously, what a plan! I've lived around Birmingham a long time... but that would still shock me.

Oops - back to the OP. I have had the opportunity to shoot two LCR's. My 642 is a great improvement. Their triggers are similar - the S&W 'rattle', from the hammer block - been there since WWII, is magnified in the LCR - and the trigger feels mechanically weak - I felt it, or something inside, could break easily. It sounded like it was coming apart - more so with warmer ammo. My Remington R38S12 +P 158gr LHPSWC's did not feel safe in that revolver. I gladly shot them in my 642 afterwards, where the only difference one feels over powder puff loads is the slap in you hand. I welcomed those rounds in my 642 - as I said, a welcome improvement, in my mind. Perhaps it's profiling, but I lumped the new S&W mixed-media .38 with the Ruger LCR - and gave it a pass by - not for me.

I have repeatedly lamented not being able to tote a 4" 625MG in .45 Colt for urban protection. I have considered my latest N-frame - a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR. Maybe the kilt makes sense... or, in my case, a moo moo... If you see a rotund old guy in a skirt, don't laugh and point...

Stainz