Lcr 357

theAlgorithmist · 10-12-2012, 06:21

Rented one yesterday and shot 20 rounds of 38 special +p and another 20 of 357 mag. Ouch

Biggest feature of this gun is that it fit perfectly inside the front pocket of my hiking vest.

Trigger action was better than expected and I can still use my right hand after a box of 357. So, my initial impression is quite positive. I'm looking for feedback from existing owners. Holster recommendations. How does the gun hold up over time? Any issues I should know about?

Primary use case is on hikes for close encounters of either the two- or four-legged kind. So far, it looks like a real winner. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

eracer · 10-12-2012, 06:25

I have the .38 SPL +P version and I can't imagine firing .357 loads out of it.

I keep mine in my front pocket loaded with Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. +P Short-Barrel ammo. Plenty of penetration and expansion for defensive purposes, and I'll have a much better chance of hitting the target if I'm not worried about the gun ripping my hand off (if I had the .357 version.)

theAlgorithmist · 10-12-2012, 06:32

I rented the 357 version which is just barely suitable for a short-barrel 357 load. I did gain quite a bit of respect for the 38 sp. +p loads and have been looking at Speer. The 38 fired very smooth from the LCR-357, but I don't have any data on suitability for mountain lion, bobcat, dogs, etc. Alternative is to use a larger revolver in 357 - maybe an SP-101 and carry it in a fanny pack. I just loved how easy it was to draw and fire from a front pocket with the LCR. Very well-designed revolver.

thanks for your feedback.

F_G · 10-12-2012, 06:38

I have the .38spl LCR and have put over 1,000 rounds through it, and 1/3 of that +P's. It appears to be as tight as the day I bought it, I'm guessing durability will not be an issue. Not sure how the .357 would hold up with a steady diet or said ammo. Excellent weapon in my opinion, light, no sharp edges, excellent trigger, shares about equal EDC time with my new XDS.

Also, do consider the XS front sight. I think it's the best modification you can make to this little handgun.

theAlgorithmist · 10-12-2012, 08:09

You make a good point and I am worried about the amount of practice it would take to be proficient with the 357 load even with the extra weight of the LCR-357. Now, this looks very interesting,

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=291

Might get the best of both worlds - great concealment/quick draw and still have an effective outdoors load. I'd rather get two shots of 38 +p on target than one 357 that missed

thanks again to everyone for their feedback.

boone10 · 10-12-2012, 08:18

Good gun for sure. I would recommend (and carry myself) what the other posters are recommending--the Speer Gold Dot 135+p for 2-legged varmints. I would, however, consider a quality .357 round for animals. That being said, your thoughts of a +p round on a cat, etc. being enough are well worth researching and my initial guess would be yes, they are. Big cats are treed with dogs during the hunting season and routinely taken with .22s. (bear in mind they are not pouncing on the hunter at the time).

WMDoug · 10-13-2012, 17:07

My .38spl LCR is my everyday carry. Super easy to pocket carry. I have the crimson trace grips which are even less forgiving when firing. This is this a great gun to own.

Chup · 10-13-2012, 18:47

I have been carrying and shooting the LCR357 for over Two years. I have shot approximately 2600 rounds of 357 and 500 38+P. I can see no sign of ware. The gun is holding up just fine. Some of the 357 rounds have been violent to shoot. Some are fine. 38+P is no problem and regular 38 is boring. I carry Corbon DPX and Corbon 125G JHP 357 as my carry ammo. As Evan Marshal says recoil and noise are range issues. If the Poop hits the fan you won't feel or hear a thing.

stash0501 · 10-24-2012, 20:09

I carry my LCR 357 everyday. I carry it in the triple K iwb holster from Ruger or a nemesis pocket holster, depending on dress. Put the boot grip on it and love it. Still shootable and conceals easily.

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bac1023 · 10-28-2012, 20:38

They seem to be gaining in popularity.

clarkstoncz · 11-11-2012, 17:55

I've had 2 of the 38+Ps and never felt I could get enough power out of them without
undue recoil that is.

This is especially true after owning a Glock .357.

I like that awesome but very managed power.

My current move is to sell my Minty .44 Bulldog to my DAD and move up to
a KLCR .357.

The LCRs have a lighter and smother triger than the Charters.
I also like the LCR over my two J frames that lived with me for
a short time. One of them freezing up solid with the first 5
rounds of factory 38 Special!

No hint of a problem with the LCRs.

Then I'll work on getting my Gen 3 Glock 32 and go Gen 4 or Gen 3 33.

Decisions, Decisions.

clarkstoncz · 11-11-2012, 17:56

As for LCR holsters..look here.

http://rugerpistolforums.com/forums/...estions-2.html

clarkstoncz · 12-06-2012, 21:54

Very nice so far. I'm awaiting some .357 mag ammo to arrive.