Will most Snub .38 fire the same?

[Woogies]

So I went to my local range today fire some CCW candidates. They didn't have a J-frame so I settled with the Ruger LCR and LCP. Because I plan on mostly pocket carrying, I really liked the Ruger LCP. Although both fired without a hitch, I tended to like the snappier recoil of the LCP.

My question is whether the J-frame is comparable to the LCR in both feel and firing. Or should I try to find a j-frame to fire against the LCP?

 

[rcmodel]

I tended to like the snappier recoil of the LCP.

Why?

"Snappy recoil" doesn't translate into hits when you need fast hits to save your life.

And thats the whole purpose of a CCW gun.

You should pick the one you can shoot most accurately.

BTW: I doubt a new shooter could tell much accuracy differance between any snub-nose brand.

rc

 

[F-111 John]

Preceived recoil varies among j-frames due to differing weights and grips. A stainless model 60 and a scandium alloy/titanium model 340 are going to feel very different when shooting full power rounds.

 

[Woogies]

I was making about the same groupings with each at about 10yds. When I first picked up the LCR I easily shot 1-2in groupings. I had to go through a mag or two with the LCP before I got comfortable with it to replicate the revolver's groupings.

Well If I can't decide I suppose its an excuse to take another trip to the range... Oh darn

 

[beatledog7]

It takes a while to get to the point of shooting a snubbie .38SPL accurately and consistently. Once you learn how, it'll be like riding a bike.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Get the .357 LCR. I'm sure that's plenty snappy. Seriously, though, if you like the revolver, .38 cal > .380 ACP.

 

[Water-Man]

The Ruger LCR is the equivalent to the S&W J-frames although IMO it has a better trigger and absorbes recoil better out of the box.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry a S&W Centennial J frame daily and wouldn't be without it. I have never shot a LCR so I can't tell you how they compare not that my comparison would mean anything to anyone else. Everyone shoots differently and perceives recoil differently. This is a question that can't be answered for someone else, only for yourself...

If you like recoil buy a S&W Airlite .357 Magnum. Touch off full power 158gr .357 Magnum ammo in a 12oz J frame and you will get all the recoil and snap you can handle...

 

[Wishoot]

No.

My S&W M37 felt like I was being hit in the hands with a baseball bat each time I pulled the trigger. My LCR is actually feels pretty nice to shoot. The S&W is gone and I carry my LCR.

 

[Fiv3r]

I have an old Model 36 with wood grips and an LCR with stock tamer grip on it. The LCR is much more pleasant to shoot than the 36 over a longer period of time. Now, I actually LIKE my 36 more than my LCR. The 36 belonged to my wife's grandfather, and it's pure old school S&W. From packing it with snake shot around the lake, to loading it up with LSWC while on the trail, to caressing its smooth blued frame in my jacket pocket as I walked through an iffy part of town. The 36 is a great little gun.

However, I wanted to retire it from daily duty simply because I feel that it should go to my brother in law or his son should they want it back one day. I'm just the custodian of the piece. So I went snubbie shopping.

The .38 LCR followed me home because it was more comfortable to grip than my 36, I shot it better, and it was lighter. The only thing the 36 does better is hide away, and that's due to the LCR having a bigger frame and grip. In short, I have yet to find a snub nose .38 that I like shooting more than the LCR.

I rotate an LCR and an LCP daily as my work attire allows. If I have my choice, the LCR gets the nod.

 

[BCRider]

"Snappy" is fun at the range for giggles. But in a speed situation such as competition or in a real life defense situation "snappy" will ensure less accurate follow up shooting despite what you found at the range where you can take your time. Go with the one that produces the smaller groups the most easily. Do not discount the "grab-a-bility" of the gun either. For competition or stressful scenarios you want a gun which seems to fall into the same grip time after time.

To more properly evaluate these guns you should grab them off the table and then without overly adjusting your grip empty them with fairly fast double action fire into a target. Then compare THOSE groups to see which you should select.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // For me the grips usually make the difference.

I have the same/similar grips on several revolvers.
Finding the correct grips to fit your hand increases control of both accuracy and recoil.
EDC- S&W 442- IWB -w/ Hogue grips.

Good luck finding what works for you.