I own an LCR in .38 and a buddy owns the one in .357. The .357 version is 17oz. I've shot it with standard Remington FMJ, and it actually feels easier shooting .357 than my .38 model does shooting fairly hot (1050fps) .38 +P. My LCR has been co-opted by the wife, who wanted it for it ease of carry, and I put Federal Nyclad (not +P) for her as she's a bit arthritic. Shooting standard .38 spl (~800fps) it's easy and controllable, and I can shoot it all day.
S&W 442 vs Ruger LCR (.38 SPL)
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I thought J-frame models with Scandium had the designator "3" as the first number in their model number...I think Sc are their Scandium models and Ti are their titanium models.
Sc mixed in the frames give them more elasticity...like polymer...to resist cracking after twisting
Durability? How many reports are there of the polymer fire control housing failing?
How many rounds is it good for? How many more rounds is the metal smith going to last?
Any evidence or anything other than a bald assertion you can point to in order to A) establish this as a fact and/or B) quantify it?
As for my experience felt recoil is less with the LCRs. Perhaps because of the grips.
Yes that would fall under "your own visceral reaction to it."
Again I think it is a real stretch to assert that the 442 is per se the better gun.
Usmc-1
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Seriously you actually asked this question?
MassMan
Member
I purchased a 642 w/o the lock about 9 months ago and my dad purchased the same gun w/ the internal lock. His gun had a noticeably lighter trigger pull than mine. Using my 14 lb trigger gauge, I could not get the trigger to fire the gun. My 360PD and my 649 have much lighter trigger pulls. Having said that, I had the opportunity to dry fire a friends Ruger LCR. The trigger was much lighter and smoother and I felt that would provide greater control and accuracy. As I did not actually shoot the weapon I cannot comment on accuracy and felt recoil. I also need to say he lives in NH and I live in MA. MA has a consumer protection act which mandates specific trigger pull weights for double action from the manufacturer, so I don't know if S&W can ship guns out of MA with lighter trigger pull weights. I changed the springs on my 642 to lighten the trigger pull and am now happy with the gun. I would like to shoot the LCR to see if I "need" one in the stable.
moxie
Member
Agree with Waywatcher. The LCR has, for me, a better, smoother, trigger, and superior sights. The overall design reduces felt recoil in .38+P, to me. Haven't tried the .357 version. Sitting in an Uncle Mike's #3, it is a near perfect pocket gun.
Comparisons with the Glock 26 are apples to oranges. The Glock 26 is a fantastic gun, and would be a superb choice for IWB carry. It has twice the firepower with 10 rounds to the LCR's 5. But it's really too big and heavy to be a good pocket gun, at least for me. That's where the LCR excels, in the pocket.
Comparisons with the Glock 26 are apples to oranges. The Glock 26 is a fantastic gun, and would be a superb choice for IWB carry. It has twice the firepower with 10 rounds to the LCR's 5. But it's really too big and heavy to be a good pocket gun, at least for me. That's where the LCR excels, in the pocket.
Gato Montés
Member
Eh, your good to go with either. I had that same debate and ended up with a 642 without the lock. LCR had a better trigger, but the 642 has a proven track record and I figured for the first one, get the standard. The 642 was cheaper as well.
Usmc-1
Member.
Ok , this might find alot of your turned off , I shot both the 442 and the lcr today and I didnt like either of them! Just too small for me!
I have all three and like each for different reasons. The LCR is more comfortable too shoot than the Smith, without question. The Smith is....well, a Smith. The G26 is W/CT is a Great gun, just not pocketable.
I start and end with what works for pants pocket carry. In my case, it is the 442/642. To overcome the difficulty in shooting these guns well, I (1) load my own light .38 rounds (2) practice a lot, and (3) smooth and lighten the actions. I've built up a tolerance for 158-grain +P, but I wouldn't want to start with it.
The 158-grain +P round actually shot WAY high for me out of my old LCR, and they were brutal. Very surprising, considering that other +P rounds were comfortable out of the LCR. I got rid of it because it didn't carry well in my pants pocket, and I never could get the right grip on it the first try.
The 158-grain +P round actually shot WAY high for me out of my old LCR, and they were brutal. Very surprising, considering that other +P rounds were comfortable out of the LCR. I got rid of it because it didn't carry well in my pants pocket, and I never could get the right grip on it the first try.
Waywatcher
Member
Time to try an SP101, perhaps?
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