Excellent review as always. I went with the LCR 3" 38+P. 16oz AIWB in a remora friction holster. Here in the tropics with hot and humid weather all year round is extremely confortable and virtually rust free. Still retain the contact shooting advantage of a revolver with the capability to reach down there thanks to good adjustable sights and excellent triger. Is on from breakfast time to bed time every day.
I have the same gun in 327. Price of ammo sucks but I love loading it up with 32 short and shooting in single action. Feels like a 22 and I can hit targets I have no business aiming at with a snubby. Once I have enough brass saved up I imagine it’ll be the ideal cartridge for reloading- straight walled, 4 sizes available for brass, high pressure ceiling, economical on components. The cartridge itself is good for self defense and of course gets you 6 rounds out of the same gun. 327 really needs to get more popular.
To me for an EDC, I don't really need an exposed hammer. Any Ruger LCR is primarily going to be for concealed carry, if I have to use it for self defense it will be shot in DA, and for range/training days I'm still going to train with the DA the majority of the time. The cocked hammer and firing in SA is fun, but even for range days shooting with a snubby isn't that enjoyable as it would be with a larger revolver (especially in .357 mag). I do see a positive side of having a hammer though. Many people that I know love an external hammer because they can hold the hammer while reholstering to ensure that there isn't a ND. For people who are afraid of a ND and don't care about the SA aspect, this can be a major pro.
I like the LCR as well. I bought mine before the LCRx version came out. Strangely enough I use my SP101 as a trainer for carrying the LCR. That, of course, set me up for the obvious condition. I’ve shot the SP101 so much that it became my defacto carry option. I prefer the hammer version and the hammer snag argument IMHO can be mitigated by training. So the advantage goes to the hammer version for accurate shots, and maybe to a lesser extent, safety on re-holstering the gun. If you carry the revolver in a belt or IWB holster it is comforting to put your thumb on the hammer and ride it all the way back into the holster. But in the end the LCR was designed for personal defense, situations where the pucker factor is really high. So in my non-expert opinion the DA version gets an extra point for having a trigger pull that helps avoid situations where the gun goes off when you did not intend to shoot. Always appreciate your videos; they’re filled with common sense information.
LCR in .38+p is a 1/4 pound lighter than the LCRx in .357mag. That can make a difference in a pocket, especially if printing is a concern, or weight. The +p rating in the .38 will run some VERY stout loads in terms of capability without the need for the magnum. But I like all the versions of the LCR/x. One criticism: Ruger should run 7 rounds in their .22 WMR versions. Ruger also needs an up-scaled version with the same frame and polymer design, same trigger system, but with a 6-shot 357mag in a GP100-sized frame, both 2" and 3" barrels.
I usually take the spur off of guns that come that way. On the few I haven’t bobbed I put my thumb on the hammer as I draw it from the pocket or waistband. Great video sir.
I may be talking out my hat, but just looking round TH-cam and the number of videos on compact conceal carry revolvers it made me wonder whether 'snub-nosed' wheel guns are having something of a revival? Very informative video, thank you. 👍
I have never had a wheel gun jam. I have had every other problem with semi autos which I have many of. I most always carry a LCR .357 with 38 special. My brother was a LEO for 35 years and always carried a Colt Detective as a backup in an ankle holster..
Thanks for your review of the Ruger LCRx. I have the LCRx with a 3" barrel chambered in 38 Special. I typically carry it loaded with the Gold Dot 130 gr Plus P. In my opinion the revolver is a bit light for 357 magnum. I have a full size revolver with a 4" barrel chambered in 357.
I learned decades ago how to draw a revolver with a hammer from concealment by covering the hammer and rear site with the thumb while drawing. This allows for a gun that can be shot both double action for quick shots, and single action for more precise shooting. For this reason I don't have any use for revolvers with bobbed or concealed hammers.
I was going to say the same thing. Concealed carry is always going to be a compromise between concealment, comfort and effectiveness. The effectiveness is mostly training and knowing your equipment. I prefer hammer fired handguns including semiautos.
Hello i am interested in tryout of a 357 but dont want to carry one with a hammer. I learned in one of your videos that snag free is important in concealed carry. Would you recommend a 357 4 a beginner or a different caliber? I have a m206 spurless and Ruger lcr 22lr spurless as well.
An exposed hammer is a plinking/ target advantage but not in a deffensive situation. If you cock that hammer before shooting an assailant, DONT mention it to anyone afterward. If you cant hit w/ Rugers excellent DA trigger...practice more.
I agree. I have this very gun in 357 and I can't think of a situation where I would caulk it in a self defence scenario. This is the most comfortable gun I have ever carried but it is by far the hardest to shoot. 15-20 feet is max for consistently hitting something.
@scottishd0g87 Will hold 5 on steel out to about 35 yds. I don't like double action out of Python, model 19, 686, security six..Haven't tried a Korth or Nighthawk. DA is a compromise, I'd never turn down a good single action pull. I'm thinking of switching to the MP5 as EDC, there are bears around here on drugs. 🐻
Great video. Love the channel and just subscribed. 👍🏻 Have you ever thought about incorporating range footage into your videos? I think it would take your channel to the next level. Just a thought.
As long as there is a hammer even if its bobbed it can be pulled back to single action for a more precise shot. Double action only does not have that option. Its a preference thing, not that hammer or hammerless is better than the other. I personally prefer a hammer because I want that single action option. If I can get away with concealing/hiding my Taurus 856 Defender three inch on me then I prefer shooting and carrying it over all my autoloaders. Currently using an Andicen IWB/OWB leather thumb break/snap holster for inside and outside the pants that works really good if I can just hide it well enough on my small body frame. It hides about as well as my sub compacts so not too bad.
There really is no need for a hammer spur on a concealed carry revolver. If you shoot DA long enough and develop a good trigger stroke you will find that even at 25 yards you will not see any accuracy improvement in single action with a snubby. I know you will at the beginning but put in the work and you can lose that snag hook forever. I can always tell when someone talks about "staging" the trigger they have not put in the work. You have to reacquire the sight picture before pulling the trigger all the way and that is a waste of time during a self defense situation. Plus a DAO trigger has a better stroke than the DA stroke on a SA/DA revolver has.
They all have hammers; they're shrouded or internal and no dirt or lint to interfere with operation or hang. The accuracy does not change but your steady aim does, which is not so important at self-defense distances of less than 10 or 15 feet. I have the CT 405 grip laser on a 642. There'll be no time for aiming or you're dead! Shoot through your jacket, up close and dirty if necessary! Practice pointing your index finger without even aiming, just do it... When you reach for your beer do you aim? Hand-eye coordination... Practice. These guns are not for target shooting at 10 yards and really not much fun either. OUCH!
Now that makes a great paper weight. To many hand injuries due to the hammer when drawing the firearm. Thats why Glocks are safer and overall better for EDC
Just a style comment for the future - every time you sigh when making a pronouncement suggests that you are bored, and that carries over into your commentary. You also repeat yourself a lot.
Excellent review as always. I went with the LCR 3" 38+P. 16oz AIWB in a remora friction holster. Here in the tropics with hot and humid weather all year round is extremely confortable and virtually rust free. Still retain the contact shooting advantage of a revolver with the capability to reach down there thanks to good adjustable sights and excellent triger. Is on from breakfast time to bed time every day.
I would really like to see an update to make the LCR line 6 rounds instead of 5...just because. I like the Ruger revolvers a great deal.
These compact revolvers usually have a 5-round capacity, which I prefer for concealment.
327 federal has 6 rounds
The 22lr has 8
4" barrel, 6 rounds, full-size construction with LCR-like construction method: LFR - Lightweight Full-size Revolver.
6 rounds would displace the gp line.
I have the same gun in 327. Price of ammo sucks but I love loading it up with 32 short and shooting in single action. Feels like a 22 and I can hit targets I have no business aiming at with a snubby. Once I have enough brass saved up I imagine it’ll be the ideal cartridge for reloading- straight walled, 4 sizes available for brass, high pressure ceiling, economical on components. The cartridge itself is good for self defense and of course gets you 6 rounds out of the same gun. 327 really needs to get more popular.
To me for an EDC, I don't really need an exposed hammer. Any Ruger LCR is primarily going to be for concealed carry, if I have to use it for self defense it will be shot in DA, and for range/training days I'm still going to train with the DA the majority of the time. The cocked hammer and firing in SA is fun, but even for range days shooting with a snubby isn't that enjoyable as it would be with a larger revolver (especially in .357 mag).
I do see a positive side of having a hammer though. Many people that I know love an external hammer because they can hold the hammer while reholstering to ensure that there isn't a ND. For people who are afraid of a ND and don't care about the SA aspect, this can be a major pro.
I like the LCR as well. I bought mine before the LCRx version came out. Strangely enough I use my SP101 as a trainer for carrying the LCR. That, of course, set me up for the obvious condition. I’ve shot the SP101 so much that it became my defacto carry option. I prefer the hammer version and the hammer snag argument IMHO can be mitigated by training. So the advantage goes to the hammer version for accurate shots, and maybe to a lesser extent, safety on re-holstering the gun. If you carry the revolver in a belt or IWB holster it is comforting to put your thumb on the hammer and ride it all the way back into the holster. But in the end the LCR was designed for personal defense, situations where the pucker factor is really high. So in my non-expert opinion the DA version gets an extra point for having a trigger pull that helps avoid situations where the gun goes off when you did not intend to shoot. Always appreciate your videos; they’re filled with common sense information.
They’re both double action though. One is is double/single.
LCR in .38+p is a 1/4 pound lighter than the LCRx in .357mag. That can make a difference in a pocket, especially if printing is a concern, or weight. The +p rating in the .38 will run some VERY stout loads in terms of capability without the need for the magnum.
But I like all the versions of the LCR/x.
One criticism: Ruger should run 7 rounds in their .22 WMR versions.
Ruger also needs an up-scaled version with the same frame and polymer design, same trigger system, but with a 6-shot 357mag in a GP100-sized frame, both 2" and 3" barrels.
I have the LCRx in .327 Fed. Mag.. A great shooter that takes .32 auto on up in .32 caliber.
In .327 they could make it a six shot couldn’t they?
@@edsal26 It does hold 6 rounds. Exposed hammer is a personal choice.
@@rogerlucht222I have read that is the best configuration of the LCR. Mine is 38+p 5 shot.
I usually take the spur off of guns that come that way. On the few I haven’t bobbed I put my thumb on the hammer as I draw it from the pocket or waistband. Great video sir.
I may be talking out my hat, but just looking round TH-cam and the number of videos on compact conceal carry revolvers it made me wonder whether 'snub-nosed' wheel guns are having something of a revival? Very informative video, thank you. 👍
I have never had a wheel gun jam. I have had every other problem with semi autos which I have many of. I most always carry a LCR .357 with 38 special. My brother was a LEO for 35 years and always carried a Colt Detective as a backup in an ankle holster..
Thanks for your review of the Ruger LCRx. I have the LCRx with a 3" barrel chambered in 38 Special. I typically carry it loaded with the Gold Dot 130 gr Plus P. In my opinion the revolver is a bit light for 357 magnum. I have a full size revolver with a 4" barrel chambered in 357.
I agree it’s a bit light for .357 but it’s still nice to have the option. Especially for a woods gun or if ammo gets scarce.
I learned decades ago how to draw a revolver with a hammer from concealment by covering the hammer and rear site with the thumb while drawing. This allows for a gun that can be shot both double action for quick shots, and single action for more precise shooting. For this reason I don't have any use for revolvers with bobbed or concealed hammers.
Sounds like you just need a single action Colt 45, a hip holster with a tie around your thigh, to go with your horse and ten gallon hat.😇
I was going to say the same thing.
Concealed carry is always going to be a compromise between concealment, comfort and effectiveness. The effectiveness is mostly training and knowing your equipment. I prefer hammer fired handguns including semiautos.
I ordered one today for my birthday!
Great review. One of these days I’m going to get the 327 federal in this. 6 rounds instead of 5 and better than .38
But is it really “better” in the real world?
Great video. Thanks for sharing!
I really like your reviews, as they are thorough and professionally presented!
Thanks for your kind words, and for watching! Welcome aboard.
@@TheConcealedCarryChannelNow, do the lcrx 357 with a 3-inch barrel for everyday concealed carry. Great review.
Hello i am interested in tryout of a 357 but dont want to carry one with a hammer. I learned in one of your videos that snag free is important in concealed carry. Would you recommend a 357 4 a beginner or a different caliber? I have a m206 spurless and Ruger lcr 22lr spurless as well.
Great video on one of my favorite guns.
Thanks.
Excellent review and opinions on the gun. Thank you!!!
Does this have the “false reset” like the regular lcr?
Good review.
An exposed hammer is a plinking/ target advantage but not in a deffensive situation. If you cock that hammer before shooting an assailant, DONT mention it to anyone afterward. If you cant hit w/ Rugers excellent DA trigger...practice more.
I agree. I have this very gun in 357 and I can't think of a situation where I would caulk it in a self defence scenario. This is the most comfortable gun I have ever carried but it is by far the hardest to shoot. 15-20 feet is max for consistently hitting something.
@scottishd0g87 Will hold 5 on steel out to about 35 yds. I don't like double action out of Python, model 19, 686, security six..Haven't tried a Korth or Nighthawk. DA is a compromise, I'd never turn down a good single action pull. I'm thinking of switching to the MP5 as EDC, there are bears around here on drugs. 🐻
Nice pair!🙏🇺🇸🌤☕
We need one of these with a 3” barrel.
Great video, wish i did not get rid of mine in 9mm. The 38 is very light
Thank you!
I love options
Great video. Love the channel and just subscribed. 👍🏻
Have you ever thought about incorporating range footage into your videos? I think it would take your channel to the next level. Just a thought.
great pistol
Do J frame speed loaders work for these?
Yes they do.
Own the lcrx 357 best snub nose revolver on the planet 719.00 academy sports.
Thanks!
As long as there is a hammer even if its bobbed it can be pulled back to single action for a more precise shot. Double action only does not have that option. Its a preference thing, not that hammer or hammerless is better than the other. I personally prefer a hammer because I want that single action option. If I can get away with concealing/hiding my Taurus 856 Defender three inch on me then I prefer shooting and carrying it over all my autoloaders. Currently using an Andicen IWB/OWB leather thumb break/snap holster for inside and outside the pants that works really good if I can just hide it well enough on my small body frame. It hides about as well as my sub compacts so not too bad.
I have the shrouded hammer version and damn in 357. It is uncomfortable to shoot.
Any thing on any gun that can snag as you draw is a dangerous option, especially when you pocket carry.
The LCR-X seems harder to double stroke the trigger..
Lcr has the shooting in the jacket pocket option
If you ever have to use your get off me gun, you will be well advised to forget the hammer and blaze away with the double action trigger.
With 158 gr 357....hand stinger...ouch!
There really is no need for a hammer spur on a concealed carry revolver. If you shoot DA long enough and develop a good trigger stroke you will find that even at 25 yards you will not see any accuracy improvement in single action with a snubby. I know you will at the beginning but put in the work and you can lose that snag hook forever.
I can always tell when someone talks about "staging" the trigger they have not put in the work. You have to reacquire the sight picture before pulling the trigger all the way and that is a waste of time during a self defense situation. Plus a DAO trigger has a better stroke than the DA stroke on a SA/DA revolver has.
829??
I just bought one from Range USA for 649.99 plus tax brand new
Nope. DA only for self defense. Hammer is something that can snag on clothing.
They all have hammers; they're shrouded or internal and no dirt or lint to interfere with operation or hang. The accuracy does not change but your steady aim does, which is not so important at self-defense distances of less than 10 or 15 feet. I have the CT 405 grip laser on a 642. There'll be no time for aiming or you're dead! Shoot through your jacket, up close and dirty if necessary! Practice pointing your index finger without even aiming, just do it... When you reach for your beer do you aim? Hand-eye coordination... Practice. These guns are not for target shooting at 10 yards and really not much fun either. OUCH!
There about $650
Charles Lindberg and Colonel Rex Applegate, cut their trigger guards 1/2 off. Lindberg for weight, Applegate for speed.
The hammer seems too much for something too simple 😕
Now that makes a great paper weight. To many hand injuries due to the hammer when drawing the firearm. Thats why Glocks are safer and overall better for EDC
Nonsense!!!!
Just a style comment for the future - every time you sigh when making a pronouncement suggests that you are bored, and that carries over into your commentary. You also repeat yourself a lot.