Ruger LCR .38 Special

Danmc

Danmc

New member
Money is tight and I don't have friends with handguns, so when it comes to finding the right gun for me to conceal carry it has been a chore and somewhat expensive as well as taking nearly 2 years of trial & error. But I am pretty sure that I have finally found the right one...the Ruger LCR in .38 Special. I just picked it up 2 nights ago, and because of my work schedule will not be able to shoot it for a few days. This gun is lightweight (13.5 oz empty)and I really don't feel the difference when it is loaded. It feels great in OWH and of course feels good IWH. I opted for the .38 instead of the Ruger KLCR which is the .357 version. The KLCR is not much heavier weighing in at about 17 oz, but even for a mere $40 more over the .38, I felt I did not need that extra pounding on my hand from the .357 when shooting. Everybody has their favorite carry gun, and this little LCR is going to do it for me. Because of its light weight I know it is going to have a little kick to it, but I am sure I can live with it. I just want this week to get over so I can go shoot this gun! I am like a kid who just got a big ice cream cone! Any of you folks have the LCR? How do you like it?
 
For the $40 bucks difference, I would have gone for the .357 due to it is a better built frame, to handle the load but can also be loaded with .38 rounds if you do not want the impact on your hands. I provided a Ruger SP101 Snub Nose for my girlfriend, who is just over 100 lbs, but load it with .38's. The slightly heavier gun seems to help her with recoil and I also think is easier to sell later if you so decide. I have fired the LCR and personally do not like the real light weight. I have also fired the .357 with both rounds and like it much better.
 
One of my students has one, which I tried out. Wouldn't say it kicks, but the recoil is "snappy." Not a fun gun to shoot, but good for defense. Don't use +P rounds. Gun is safe for them, but no appreciable performance increase due to the short barrel. (+P rounds really need a 4+" barrel.)
 
My LCR .357 is my preferred carry gun. For me it's the right combination of concealability, control, and stopping power. 80% of what I practice with is .38 although I always end the session with a couple of cylinders of .357. IMO the Hogue grip makes all the difference in the world. I put a Trijicon XS sight on the front that allows me to quickly reacquire the target for rapid follow-up shots.

I'm sure you won't regret your purchase.
 
I have a .38 that I picked up used for a good deal. I agree with others, not a fun gun to shoot. However I believe it to be an excellent choice for EDC. Very crisp and clean trigger break and comfortable in the hand. It is a lot to hold on to being that it's so lightweight. I choose to carry mine occasionally and I have a very nice crossbreed horsehide supertuck, which most are familiar with. I would highly recommend this holster or a variation thereof. You won't regret your purchase. Best of luck.
 
I would have gone with the .357 option as well but i think you have still made a wise choice. I have heard nothing but good from the owners. I hear the trigger is great on it as well. I elected to go with the SP101 but only because my hand wouldnt fit the LCR grip.
 
New to the forum but thought I would jump in the discussion. While looking for a EDC gun for my daughter (soon to be 21), I borrowed a .357 LCR but bought .38 (not +P) ammo. Like the other posters said, not a fun gun to shoot and accuracy is left wanting beyond 3 yards (perhaps just because of my inexperience with a snubbie). Maybe with more practice I would hit more than 2 of 10 from 7 yards. If I do purchase the LCR for my daughter, it will be because I don't expect her to be defending anyone other than herself and have the need to make shots from 15-30 yards.

I think the main problem with accuracy is the motion of the gun when the cylinder rotates on this DAO. Certainly not like a semi-automatic. Hesitant to get a semi for my daughter because I'm afraid that her loose clothing will get caught up in the slide if used close quarters (ie. attacked from behind and pulling the CCW and pointing it behind you). Thanks for letting me jump in.
 
I still go with the .357 as I said, due to a little more weight that will normally help a smaller person better control it. My girlfriend fired both a .38 and the .357, loaded with .38 Hydra-Shoks and like the weight of the .357 better. There was less felt recoil with the heavier gun. And it also allows moving up to .357 if I want to carry it. I also got her a SP101 2" without the hammer. That was to help with no hangs in clothing. Since that makes it double action only, I had her shoot many rounds to insure the trigger pull was good for her. I just do not like the new "LIGHT" handguns. Especially for smaller or weaker persons to fire. It just increases Felt Recoil. My girlfriend is also more comfortable with the .357 shooting +p's than she was with the lighter .38.
 
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I think you made a good choice. Don't worry about "not" having a .357, in the 2" platform you won't want it anyway. If the gun feels right for you, you made the right choice... plain and simple.

Good luck, be safe.
 
I have the LCR 357. I think the LCR is a great gun what ever caliber you get. I just happen to be a 357 Nut. I can shoot this gun more accurate than my 442 Smith or my SP101 Ruger. It must be the Tamer Grip and the smooth trigger. I have shot 357 Snubs for years but they are not for everyone. 38 Special will work. I would practice with 125G. or 130G. standard 38 special and carry 38+P. You must shoot a little +P just to get familiar with it. If you prefer not to use +P there is some non +P Self Deference Ammo out there.
 
I also carry the LCR357. Great light pistol for everyday carry in either caliber. I usually practice with 38 and a few rounds of 357. It's pretty reasonable to shoot in 38 but has a considerable bite with the 357. I've been very happy with this pistol and don't think you can go wrong with it.
 
I just picked up the LCR in the .357 caliber, so far so good! Like the other posters said the .357 has considerable bite to it and the released gases from the cyclinder gives you a little sting as well. I am loading Speer Gold Dot (.357 MAG 158gr. GDHP).

Question??
I am considering buying an ankle holster. Any recommendations or experience with ankle holsters? Thanks guys!
 
I picked one up a few back and love it. Very light,nice trigger and kinda cool looking too! I normaly carry 99% of time a 1911 Govt,but once in awile, I carry the little LCR. Makes a neat bassboat gun too. Been planning to experiment with .38cal snakeshot,for the times it rides along in boat. Well, I believe you made a very sensible choice..good luch with it!
 
Good choice. I had an LCR for a while and had to sell it when I went through some hard times. Kinda miss the thing. Anyway, glad you took the time to find what you wanted.
 
And for God's sake son get some friends that have guns before you get bored with yours and sell it to buy something else. Friends without guns are like having friends that ask you to go watch twilight. IMHO lol
 
We picked up a .38 for my wife. I tried to talk her into the .357, but she didn't like the extra weight (I think it had a different grip on it too). At the range, she didn't care much for shooting it because of the recoil, but she still likes the lightweight for carry purposes. I too think the recoil is a bit snappy. Just FYI, I looked into Magnaporting it, and they cannot do it because of the sleeved barrel being part of the frame.
 
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