My 43X will likely turn into an LCRx in 38 after work today. I want a 442 because it’s so much better looking, and cheaper. But my practical side says the LCR can get a real front sight, has functionally better grips (I have a hogue boot grip already), and the trigger is good to go out of the box.
Choosing the X for two reasons. 1) I occasionally have to dispatch a wayward critter. Thumbing it back to SA just makes it easier. 2) My little mom and pop LGS has one in the case.
I successfully pocket carried a 357 LCR for over a year. So the 38 should be that much easier. If the hammer proves to be a problem, I’ll either partially or fully bob it.
If anyone is in touch with Smith - tell them to make another run of 432s and the 3 inch 632s. They are the ultimate J frames (just like a magazine cover blurb). My 632 won't go out this weekend as it is carbine and I'll run my Glock 17 as my transition/backup to my AR.
My newly purchased 642 went to my smith (Kent Singletary - www.kscustom.com) yesterday. He is going to mill off the blade and install an XS Standard Dot dovetail front. He showed me one and it is so much more visible than that silly, skinny stainless blade, and it slides out of the pocket like it isn't even there. He's going to clean up the engagement surfaces inside and change the rebound spring. With bigger grips for my chubby palm and arthritic fingers I will have my first ever pocket gun.
Even old, broken dogs can learn a new trick now and then. (smile)
Dave
Last edited by Dave T; 06-28-2019 at 04:45 PM.
You should post pics when done - I’m sure it will be great. Me, I’m not inclined to throw that much money or effort at it $25 for a fiber optic sight from Amazon is more my speed...
My first LCR just wore the plain black blade. Once daylight starts to fade, to my poor eyes at least, it might as well not even be there.
I’ve struggled periodically with a 642 but no amount of orange paint and sharpies would make the sights work for me. Plus, the Uncle Mike’s Spegel grips don’t give enough trigger reach.
After trying out a co-worker’s LCR, one followed me home from Cabela’s last weekend. (Marked “factory second” but I see no defects and it was $70 cheaper than the best price I could find.)
I got it to the range today. Unfortunately, I spaced out and only brought 20 rounds of 130 FMJ, so I just checked zero at 5 and 10 yards, then shot the 5-yard stage of the Snubby Super Test twice. With the factory ramp front sight, it shot about an inch left at 5 yards from the bench - but when shooting freestyle on the clock, I was dead on. (I shot an aggregate of 97.) I wonder if Ruger designs in some allowance for trigger jerking - but actually suspect a vision issue.
I mean, cute is important, right? Anything that gets our "I'm not overly enthusiastic about guns, but I tolerate your obsession" wives to the range is a good thing.