Overview
Ruger designed the LCR as a lightweight, compact double-action-only revolver for personal defense and concealed carry. After the success of the original .38 Special model, Ruger introduced several other chamberings including .22 LR, 9mm, .327 Federal Magnum, and .357 Magnum. The company also came out with the LCRx line that has an exposed hammer and is available in slightly larger sizes.
The LCR’s standout feature is its shoot-ability despite its compact size. The revolver's polymer fire control housing helps to absorb some recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot than other lightweight revolvers.
Don’t let the word “polymer” make you think this is a flimsy gun. It’s solid in the hand and feels like a quality build. The Hogue Tamer grip further enhances comfort and control, allowing quick and accurate follow-up shots.
Concealment
The LCR is also designed for easy concealment, with a barrel length of 1.875 inches and an overall length of just 6.5 inches. The revolver's snag-free design and smooth contours ensure it won't catch on clothing or holsters during the draw. This is why the gun is double action only, because the hammer is shrouded. You can’t manually cock this gun, but you can’t snag the hammer on anything, either.
The original .38 Special LCR weighs only 13.5 ounces. While that’s not the lightest .38 Special revolver on the market, it’s still very light. At a certain point, you are just splitting hairs and paying a premium dollar for only losing an ounce or two. I doubt I would be able to tell the difference while it’s in my pocket.
Reliability & Accuracy
Ruger is known for producing rugged and reliable firearms, and the LCR is no exception. The revolver's stainless-steel cylinder and barrel and high-strength polymer frame ensure long-term durability and corrosion resistance. These guns have been around long enough to show that there is no sacrifice because it’s polymer. The LCR is a dependable gun.
Despite its short barrel, the LCR is accurate for its size, thanks in part to its smooth trigger pull and high-visibility front sight. The double-action-only trigger is about 8 pounds. Out of the box, it actually has a great, smooth pull. The trigger reach is short and easy to actuate for any size hand. The reset is long, though.
The front sight on my .357 is an optional green fiber, an aftermarket addition that’s simple to add, and the trough rear sight is machined into the frame. Sights are easy to see and fast to pick up, while snag risk is minimal.
.357 Magnum
I chose the LCR chambered in .357 Magnum because of its dual capacity feature. The LCR .357 can chamber both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds, and .357 Magnum offers significantly more power than .38 Special. There is both deeper penetration and greater tissue disruption, the downside being that .357 Magnum also produces more recoil and muzzle blast.
The .38 Special is no slouch, though. Remember, police carried .38 Special for decades. It remains a popular choice because of its more manageable recoil and lower cost.
For this caliber flexibility, the LCR .357 only weighs 3.6 ounces more than the .38 Special version. I think the 17.1 ounces is an ideal carry weight. I don’t notice it in my pocket at all, even after carrying it all day. Being lighter would make it more difficult to control, so I think the weight of the LCR .357 is the perfect compromise.
Roles
I use this LCR .357 in two main roles: a daily pocket gun and a backwoods gun. For CCW, I carry it in my pants pocket with a Vedder Pocket Locker holster. It’s discreet in jeans and is easily drawn because of its low-snag features. I load it with .38 Special self-defense loads. In my opinion, this is more than enough for two-legged animals, and I find I am faster with this lower-recoiling round.
I also like to bring this revolver when I’m in the woods. It’s so light that it basically disappears in my hiking gear. This time, though, I load it with Underwood .357 ammo designed for hunting. While .357 may not be enough for every four-legged animal out there, it gives me a little more peace of mind.
Shooting-wise, .38 Special is very manageable. The excellent double-action trigger makes this gun a great shooter. As for .357 Magnum – I mean, .357 Magnum out of a 17-ounce pistol is never going to be fun. But it’s really not that bad. I have no problem unloading all five rounds quickly and accurately on target.
Honestly, I have no real complaints about this gun. It’s dependable, versatile and affordable. Because it’s been around so long, there is a wide range of aftermarket accessories available for the LCR series, including grips, sights, lasers, and holsters, allowing you to customize your revolver to suit your needs. What more can you ask?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ruger LCR is a standout revolver that offers a winning combination of compact size, multiple caliber capabilities, and shoot-ability.
But is it a modern-day classic? I think it is. Over the last 15 years, it has proven itself to be one of the most popular concealed carry revolvers and to be one of the benchmarks of pocket revolvers.
