Guns: Ruger LCR review (.38 Spl +P) - Almost A Revolution

Introduction

It's been 10 years since Ruger introduced the LCR revolver. At the time, I was unsure whether the LCR would supplant the venerable S&W J-Frame as America's snubnose of choice, or whether it would be shunned as too radical by revolver fans (a conservative bunch, almost by definition).

As it turned out, the LCR performed somewhere in between those two extremes. Unlike S&W's mostly-forgotten M&P Bodyguard revolver, the LCR has proven to be popular enough for Ruger to introduce numerous variants in multiple calibers, including rimfire and external hammer versions. I've owned several LCRs, including the .38 Special +P-chambered model in today's review, and I've liked them all.

At the same time, the LCR's high MSRP (almost $100 more than a 642) and certain design choices have kept it from snubbie superiority, to the point where I've sold all my LCRs. What design choices am I talking about? Read on...

Sights and Trigger

Ruger was working with a blank slate with the LCR, so I have no idea why the company chose to copy the vestigial sights that have been foisted on snubnose revolver shooters for years. The base LCR sights are terrible - hard to see and difficult to aim with.

The easiest way to fix that problem is a set of Crimson Trace lasergrips (pictured is the now-discontinued LG-411 boot grip version). I still find it strange that Ruger didn't opt for better sights, like those on Kimber's K6s.

On the other hand, the "constant force trigger" Ruger put into the revolver was and is a quantum leap over an off-the-rack J-Frame trigger, and has undoubtedly accounted for numerous sales. If you've been turned off by the staplegun-like triggers of the typical J-Frame, the LCR may be just the ticket.

Size Comparison and Accessories

One big gripe I had with the LCR was its size. In a world of double-stack polymer pistols, most snubbies are backup guns, and the LCR is physically larger than a J-Frame - not by much, but enough to matter in a pants pocket or ankle holster.

Thus, while the LCR can use a few holsters designed for J-Frames, it mostly requires its own specific holsters. Similarly, J-Frame speedloaders sometimes work in the LCR, but sometimes don't. I was bummed when my trusty Safariland Comp 1s couldn't fit into the gun, for instance.

Range Report

The LCR shot about as well as any J-Frame, and I noticed the smoother trigger contributed to groups that were well-centered in terms of windage. The gun gave me no malfunctions or light strikes.

Federal 158 gr lead round nose, 10 rounds at 10 yards:

Winchester 130 gr FMJ, 15 rounds at 10 yards:

Remington UMC 158 gr lead round nose, 15 rounds at 10 yards:

Winchester 125 gr SJHP +P, 10 rounds at 10 yards:

Remington HTP 158 gr LSWCHP +P (pseudo FBI load with snappy recoil), 10 rounds at 10 yards:

Magtech 158 gr FMJ, 10 rounds at 10 yards:

Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr FTX, 15 rounds at 10 yards (fairly decent terminal ballistics):

Conclusion

Though I am still carrying my trusty J-Frames (a custom 642 and 640, to be featured in future reviews), I do appreciate what the LCR brings to the table. I would recommend that anyone looking for a snubnose revolver try out the LCR...just be sure to try the S&W, too.