Ruger LCR 9mm Review

[Sterling Archer]

Some forums I can post my write-up to with minor modifications, but due to this forum's format to post an article here requires I redo everything except the words. So instead of all that mess, here's a link to the original: https://gunpowdermeditation.com/2017...cr-9mm-review/

[JR1572]

Did you experience any crimp jump issues? What ammo were you using?

JR1572

[Sterling Archer]

Did you experience any crimp jump issues? What ammo were you using?

JR1572

I've got 720 rounds through it with no problems. I've shot mainly Fiocchi 115 grain and Blazer Brass, Speer Lawman and American Eagle in 124 grain.

[JR1572]

I've got 720 rounds through it with no problems. I've shot mainly Fiocchi 115 grain and Blazer Brass, Speer Lawman and American Eagle in 124 grain.

Awesome. Thanks.

JR1572

[ScotchMan]

Is "9mm a much better performer than .38spl?" I haven't read up on this topic in a while but the conclusion I've been working off of is that they are more or less interchangeable.

[Sterling Archer]

Is "9mm a much better performer than .38spl?" I haven't read up on this topic in a while but the conclusion I've been working off of is that they are more or less interchangeable.

Here is the data using Gold Dots in 9mm 124 grain +P and .38 Special 125 grain +P.

Velocity in Feet Per Second
Muzzle 25 50 75 100
1220 1146 1085 1036 996
945 917 892 868 846


Energy in Foot Pounds
Muzzle 25 50 75 100
410 362 324 296 273
248 233 221 209 199

[Luke]

Edit: whoops

[L-2]

Post#6's .38 Special figures appear to be too low from my brief research.
Note, I don't have a chronograph and haven't chronographed my ammo.
I've only done a bit of internet research on a few .38 Special +P ammo data which indicate higher muzzle velocities from a 2" barrel.

Example for reference, http://www.luckygunner.com/38-specia...rounds#geltest
which has a muzzle velocity for Speer 135gr .38Sp+P round at 797 fps (edit: the data on the website doesn't clearly distinguish barrel length for the muzzle velocity on closer examination.)

[Sterling Archer]

Post#6's .38 Special figures appear to be too low from my brief research.
Note, I don't have a chronograph and haven't chronographed my ammo.
I've only done a bit of internet research on a few .38 Special +P ammo data which indicate higher muzzle velocities from a 2" barrel.

Example for reference, http://www.luckygunner.com/38-specia...rounds#geltest
which has a muzzle velocity for Speer 135gr .38Sp+P round at 797 fps (edit: the data on the website doesn't clearly distinguish barrel length for the muzzle velocity on closer examination.)

I went off Speer's info here, they used a 4" barrel: http://www.le.vistaoutdoor.com/ammun...n/default.aspx

Underwood sells .38 Special and .380 that they say does 1,200 FPS. I don't like using them as a reference though, they're more of a boutique ammo store and I try to base my data on widely available/commonly used ammo.

[ScotchMan]

Interesting, thanks for the follow-up. There are probably some words to be said about suitable penetration and expansion being present in both, and therefore there is minimal effective difference, like in 9mm vs. 40 vs. 45 debates across all of the Internet, but we don't need to hijack your review further.

I have been interested in the 9mm LCR since it was announced, as it simplifies my ammo logistics and increases the chance I'll practice with my rarely-carried pocket gun. However, having already acquired a no-lock 642 and lasergrips for it, it's always been a tough sell to change now. Plus the LCR is 2oz heavier, which I'm sure only matters on the Internet, but I could see going a bit lighter if I had the option..

Nice review. I particularly like the photos, good work.