[Gunz]

CARRY

Ruger LCR in .357.

I've ordered a Fobus holster specifically made for the LCR but in the meantime discovered that it fit snugly into my Uncle Mikes Mirage size 2 and wore it concealed around town.

RANGE


The instruction manual states that "inertial forces to ammunition during firing could possibly unseat a bullet from it's crimp" in the casing. The manual advises you to shoot 4 rounds and leave 1 unfired and then check the casing on the unfired round.

My first load was cheap American Eagle 130gr .38 Special FMJ. I fired 4 and did notice that the 5th unfired round had unseated just a bit from the casing. My cellphone isn't the greatest camera, but I think you can see the difference between an out-of-the-box round and the chambered unfired round on the right:

In subsequent firings, none of the 5th unfired rounds unseated but I plan to change ammo.

First attack at the target was with .38 sp at 10 yards, slow, deliberate, aimed fire. All rounds went low.

The gun feels good in the hand. Ruger designs have always had user-friendly ergonomics and the LCR is no exception. The trigger feels good, .38 rocks nicely from the revolver even with the snubby barrel. Then with Winchester 110 gr .357 JHP. From 10 yards, slow fire:

The .357 round lets you know it's there which is to be expected in a light frame revolver with a barrel less than 2 inches...but it's comfortable enough and easy to get on paper.

My shooting improved greatly with this weapon when I stopped aiming and started pointing. I drew the LCR, drove it onto the paper and rapid fire, emptying the cylinder within 3 seconds

I also noticed the crane latch (cylinder lock) is a bit stiff and I expect it to become smoother with wear. All-in-all I'm very happy with the revolver and look forward to using it as a concealed carry alternative to the bigger guns I've been packing

 

[CrazedJava]

Thanks for the report. I'm fascinated by this little gun but I'm not a revolver guy at all. I still think the Ruger is onto something with the LCR series.

 

[Gunz]

Your welcome. Good price, trusted brand, concealable, comfortable carry in a caliber that can do some damage and in a gun that will get the rounds where you want them to go at 10 yards. But you sacrifice volume. You've got five bullets. You gotta make em happen.

 

[primer1]

Most of the time, if someone uses their concealed firearm for defense they don't shoot it. Most of the time if they shoot it, its only one or two rounds. I carry a lightweight smith .38, if I didn't have it I would get the Ruger lcr.

 

[Colby]

Most of the time, if someone uses their concealed firearm for defense they don't shoot it. Most of the time if they shoot it, its only one or two rounds. I carry a lightweight smith .38, if I didn't have it I would get the Ruger lcr.

I agree with you...to the point that I also have a Smith Airweight - I like it - but bought the LCR, too - due to the grip providing more cushioning. The 38 in these small light guns can be punishing at the range - that was my thinking - and it is true.
But it is also true that a lot of range time is not necessary for being able to use a snubnose 38 in a close encounter concealed carry situation. That situation is always going to be close ... within 20 feet.
It does not take a lot of practice to be able to effectively use a gun in close quarters like that.
Hence, I have a little bit of buyer's remorse - springing for the LCR when I already had the Smith.
38 snubnose - range gun - not so much. Defense gun - yes.

 

[Pasquanel]

My son got one for Christmas and I got to shoot it last weekend with some .38 +p (this is the .38 version only) its incredibly light and I'm curious how much heaver is the .357 and after a couple of rds. do you still have any eye brows? I would assume the muzzle blast must be significant with that 2" barrel