This morning, I scratched an itch to try out a Ruger LCR in .38 Special by renting one from the indoor range I frequent. I was curious to see
- How well it fit my hand.
- Whether the trigger is as smooth as claimed.
- How sharp was the recoil given the gun's light weight.
- The LCR fits my small hand very well. For reference, my Colt Diamondback also fits well, my S&W Model 19 is a bit too big, and I shoot my S&W M&P 9 with the smallest backstrap.
- The trigger is excellent. Heavy but very smooth with no stacking. The Diamondback is lighter but stacks. The Model 19 is at least as heavy and nowhere near as smooth.
- With the ammunition I shot, recoil is nasty. It's at least as sharp as my Model 19 with commercial, 158 grain, .357 loads. I don't want to think about shooting .357 in an LCR. I expect I would need the services of an orthopedic surgeon afterward. Anyone contemplating the purchase of an LCR in .38 or .357 should try one out first. Under no circumstances should it be used to introduce a new shooter to revolvers. I would like to try one in .327 but not with .327 magnum cartridges. .32 H&R magnum at most or .32 S&W long. An LCR in .22 LR would be okay for a beginner. With eight shots, instead of five or six, it's not a bad choice for carry, either.