Still thinking about a J frame...

[JHC]

Good info LSP! Thanks.

[LSP972]

The LCR feels better because it has a bigger grip.

Ya think???? I tried numerous "bigger" stocks with her on J frames; she just preferred the shape of those Goodyears on the LCR.

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[jrm]

My dad has an LCR and I have serious issues short stroking the trigger that I never had with a J frame. It has what I would describe has a staged reset the trigger lets out ~95% of the way with a strong return spring and click then the last ~5% is much lighter and much less distinct. But, if it doesn't go out all the way it doesn't go bang. I would recommend losing contact with the trigger between shots to ensure functioning but even more I would recommend a J Frame although, I will say that the grips on the LCR feel good and absorb recoil better.

[FotoTomas]

I am a "J" frame fan and believe everyone should have at least one. I currently have two. The 638 Bodyguard is my primary pocket rocket when I pack wheelies and the older 36 Chiefs Special is the backup/training/loaner.

I have done a lot of trading in the last 40 years and am quite happy with what I have in hand now. I consider a Glock 26 and a 1911 flavor to also be guns worth having even if not your primary tools. Add in a S&W K frame like my Model 19 Combat Magnum and those four would keep me happy for the rest of my life.

Get a "J" for fun and training and if you HAVE to sell or trade try not to get screwed by the local dealers. They need to make a profit but also seem to revell at getting a trade in at obscenely cheap prices.

[Tamara]

If your going with a J Frame as a teaching tool an all steel M-36 or M-60 might serve your need's better than an alloy framed model.

I have a 4" Model 31-1 that I keep specifically because it's an ideal "next step" from rimfires for a learner. (Also it's just plain fun to shoot. )

[Mitchell, Esq.]

The LCR feels better because it has a bigger grip. The jframe is durable as hell. I agree that you should go all steel as a loaner. My 642 isn't fun. I shoot it because it is a tool that I use. I shoot my other stuff for fun.

Just be aware that they don't last forever.

My M-49 is currently a dry-fire gun only, as it's out of time due to the amount of dry practice I do with it.

Sometime it rotates...sometimes not.

[Drew78]

I have 2 LCR's. the .38 and .357 versions. About 850 rounds through each with no issues.

I had the fortune of being able to evaluate the 38 LCR and the SW 642 for about 1 month prior to deciding and purchasing my own. I will say in all candor, I wanted to like the Smith J frame, I had made up my mind before even shooting it that it was the winner but forced my self to try to be objective with the LCR and give it a fair shake.

I put A LOT of rounds though each of my eval guns and long story short, I shot significantly better with the LCR. I was even using the LG 305's ( the BIG grips)on the J frame as compared to the LCR CT grips.

My only gripe about the LCR is that the trigger return spring is not as strong as the J frame. But the trigger is so smooth its almost like cheating to shoot the LCR.

I am actually looking to unload my LCR in .38 as I would keep the .357, I dont need 2 of them...

Just my experiences.

[ford.304]

Another thing... I read all these folks waxing euphoric about the DA trigger. Its nothing special. Definitely a bit lighter than your average J frame, but certainly not any smoother. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all of that, I suppose...

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I'm not sure the LCR is supposed to have an amazing trigger when compared to a Smith. It's just that it is light years better than any of Ruger's other revolvers, and therefore at least competitive with your standard J-Frame.

[TGS]

I'm not sure the LCR is supposed to have an amazing trigger when compared to a Smith. It's just that it is light years better than any of Ruger's other revolvers, and therefore at least competitive with your standard J-Frame.

My experience of hanging around random gun forums was that the LCR's trigger blew an Airweight S&W away.

My first personal experience was renting the two, in which the LCR was hundreds of times a more shootable gun. It was my first time shooting either. I actually brought the J-frame out to the counter and asked the staff if the J-frame's trigger was broken or incredibly dirty. They fiddled with it and said, "nope, that's about average."

I ended up buying a 642-1 anyway because of a good price on a used piece. After putting it through its paces, the trigger smoothed out considerably, but the LCR's I had fired/played with were still light years better.......with that effecting my results on paper as well.

So fast forward to today....you can buy an Apex trigger kit for the J-frame at a modest price. But in order to have boot grips that makes an Airweight J as enjoyable (read: tolerable) to shoot and practice with as the LCR, you're going to need the LG-405's from crimson trace which could pay for another revolver in itself. Plus, with a factory LCR you can get a proper front sight which makes a world of difference in effectiveness........all at half the price of a similarly equipped J-frame.

Even as someone who hasn't committed to buying an LCR, and instead bought a Smith......I'm a complete LCR fanboy. An LCR in .32 H&R would be a sweet little piece.

[TGS]

I was somewhat underwhelmed with her choice, but it was HER choice. I put 100 rounds of standard pressure target ammunition through it, and ten JHPs, as a reliability check. No problems, of course (it IS a Ruger, after all), but it "loosened up" considerably. I'm referring to the fit between the yoke and the frame, cylinder lock-up, etc. The gun still works; but it rattles when you shake it.

I did a short amount of googling and came upon this thread on rugerforum.net. Anyone interested about the longevity of the LCR should appreciate the thread. A person by the name of DPris talks about a sample he ran 5700 rounds through, with 5100 of those being +p duty loads.

He brings up a valid point......if you want to run a lot of rounds through it, do so with wadcutters or buy the .357 version. It's a couple ounces heavier (17oz vs 13), but is made with a steel upper frame instead of aluminum.

How does the longevity of an Airweight J-frame compare? How loose/stretched would they be after 5100 +p rounds?