CJB
07-23-2014, 09:26 PM
Thought I'd put in a few words about the LCR in .357 magnum.
I was able to compare it to the S&W 640, also in .357 magnum. Size is roughly the same, the Ruger being just a very tiny amount smaller. Frankly, changing grips on either revolver would give one the edge vs the other. I was judging based on the factory grips. Width is quite similar. You'd have to get out the Etalon dial calipers to see the difference. Again, in practical terms, the two are equal, and the grips, which are easily changed, make the difference.
Both are stainless steel. The 640 being bright, and the LCR being blackened. The Ruger, of course, is lighter by a far amount, and noticably so. Comaring the two, hand in hand, the Ruger is by far lighter, be it loaded, or unloaded.
The Ruger, out of the box, had a great trigger pull. Not totally Kahr-like, but close! The Kahr is shorter, more even. On the other hand, the LCR has a fantastic DAO trigger right out of the box. Dry firing (allowed according to the manual) improved things even more, smoothing the few very minor friction points. After about 200 dry firings the trigger was darn near glass smooth. Its a great trigger. In contrast, the Smith was used, and while I don't know the round count, its trigger was typical Smith & Wesson. Slight stacking and definate "feel" as the trigger was pulled though its DAO operation. I'd give the Ruger extra points on weight and trigger pull.
Firing both.... there is no discernable difference with full house 158 grain .357 loads. Both hurt. I mean they hurt... a lot. I had those loads (Remington), and some .38 Special RN and also half a box of .38 wadcutters. The lesser loads gave similar results - recoil as felt, was about the same.
Point of impact - again - the same. Both hit center of mass very easily out to 7 yards. I didn't try to bullseye the revolvers. Instead, I wanted to aim, shoot, and hit the center of mass at some practical distance. Both get the job done. Both have grips that make pointing instinctive and shots well placed.
I guess what it comes down to is carry weight. The Ruger gets the job done at less weight by a fair amount. Its also black, a plus for some. Grips are available... but not as many varieties as the the J frame S&W.
Out of the box, the little LCR 357 is a real gem. No issues. Fires well. No extraction problems. Hits where you point it, and it points well.
Thats about all there is about it!
I was able to compare it to the S&W 640, also in .357 magnum. Size is roughly the same, the Ruger being just a very tiny amount smaller. Frankly, changing grips on either revolver would give one the edge vs the other. I was judging based on the factory grips. Width is quite similar. You'd have to get out the Etalon dial calipers to see the difference. Again, in practical terms, the two are equal, and the grips, which are easily changed, make the difference.
Both are stainless steel. The 640 being bright, and the LCR being blackened. The Ruger, of course, is lighter by a far amount, and noticably so. Comaring the two, hand in hand, the Ruger is by far lighter, be it loaded, or unloaded.
The Ruger, out of the box, had a great trigger pull. Not totally Kahr-like, but close! The Kahr is shorter, more even. On the other hand, the LCR has a fantastic DAO trigger right out of the box. Dry firing (allowed according to the manual) improved things even more, smoothing the few very minor friction points. After about 200 dry firings the trigger was darn near glass smooth. Its a great trigger. In contrast, the Smith was used, and while I don't know the round count, its trigger was typical Smith & Wesson. Slight stacking and definate "feel" as the trigger was pulled though its DAO operation. I'd give the Ruger extra points on weight and trigger pull.
Firing both.... there is no discernable difference with full house 158 grain .357 loads. Both hurt. I mean they hurt... a lot. I had those loads (Remington), and some .38 Special RN and also half a box of .38 wadcutters. The lesser loads gave similar results - recoil as felt, was about the same.
Point of impact - again - the same. Both hit center of mass very easily out to 7 yards. I didn't try to bullseye the revolvers. Instead, I wanted to aim, shoot, and hit the center of mass at some practical distance. Both get the job done. Both have grips that make pointing instinctive and shots well placed.
I guess what it comes down to is carry weight. The Ruger gets the job done at less weight by a fair amount. Its also black, a plus for some. Grips are available... but not as many varieties as the the J frame S&W.
Out of the box, the little LCR 357 is a real gem. No issues. Fires well. No extraction problems. Hits where you point it, and it points well.
Thats about all there is about it!