Review by Grey Viking.
Up for review today is the popular Ruger LCR (Light-Compact-Revolver). The LCR has a polymer grip frame mated with an aluminum or stainless steel frame, depending on the caliber. It is offered as the standard LCR with an enclosed hammer or the newer LCRx, with an exposed hammer. Ruger has expanded caliber options to now include .22LR, .22 Magnum, 9mm, .38 Special +P, . 327 Federal Magnum and the .357 Magnum. Cylinder capacity ranges from 5 to 8 rounds. Barrel lengths are offered in 1.87 inches with fixed sights and 3 inches with fully adjustable rear sights. The lightest version of the LCR is the .38 Special model weighing in at a light 13.5 ounces. Standard grips on the LCR are the outstanding Hogue Tamer Monogrip with a smaller “Boot Grip” also available.
Both Smith & Wesson and Taurus have subsequently come out with polymer framed revolvers, but neither has seen the success of the LCR. The newest version of the LCR is a .357 Magnum with a three inch barrel. This version has been long awaited by Ruger Fans. It is viewed as the ultimate, light weight trail gun. I have always wanted Ruger to increase the LCR frame size to accommodate big bore cartridges, like the .44 Special or .45 ACP. I think many would welcome a 5 shot, light, big bore carry revolver!
My current LCR is the standard .38 Special +P Model. It has a replacement red, fiber optic sight. At the range, the LCR has proven to be totally reliable and accurate enough for self defense purposes. Recoil from the light revolver is snappy with standard .38 Special Target ammo and defensive +P ammo, yet totally manageable. I have never fired an LCR chambered for .357 Magnum ammo, but I’m sure you feel it. Recoil is certainly subjective. I have a female shooting friend who could not handle the recoil of the LCR in .38 Special. Yet, she wanted a revolver as her CCW platform. After some experimentation, she selected the Ruger LCR in .22 Magnum, as an effective self defense choice. She handles that version very well. Loaded with Hornady Critical Defense ammo, I believe she is adequately armed to protect herself, should the situation arise.
While there are numerous effective .38 Special +P self defense rounds available, my choice for the LCR is the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain HP short barrel version. It has a good track record and was issued by the NYPD, when they still authorized revolvers for on duty. Carry options for the LCR are numerous, as well. The light weight standard LCR with no external hammer slips into a front pocket with ease. Holsters of many makes and types are available for the popular LCR. I use both standard belt holsters and inside the waistband holsters (IWB) to carry my LCR. I carry 5 extra rounds in the Bianchi Speed Strips.
If you are looking for a lightweight carry revolver with numerous caliber choices, you really can’t go wrong with the Ruger LCR.