I've had a gun in my hand since I was literally 5 years old and I'm 53 now. However I don't own either of these revolvers and needed to do some research. This was a dammed fine review sir. Excellent real world detail and honesty. Well done sir
I’ll take the 442 all day. I had the LCR and while the trigger feels better, it lends itself to short stroking. Also, if you pocket carry, it is generally too big to do so quickly and that grip, though it feels good, tends to stick to your pocket.
An easy way to remember to tell which way a revolver's cylinder turns is to look at the notches. They will look like arrows pointing in the direction it will turn.
Great in depth review. Appreciate you taking the time to make it. The LCR looks pretty promising. I'm also interested in the Taurus 856. Not for the price but it holds 6 rounds as well. Taurus make surprisingly good revolvers . But the LCR just might be the one
The Taurus 856 has timing issues, and it's hit or miss like most Tauruses. You save a $100-$200, but you gain less reliability, resale value, fit and finish, and customer service. Taurus also likes to mark a lot of their spare parts as restricte, e.i., they do not sell them directly to their customers or to any other vendors. You have to send the revolver to them for them to change parts. They are often out of stock, so it could take several weeks to months to get the revolver back.
Good shooting! Interesting and informative video as well. I have the Ruger LCR (in 357) and the S&W 442 and can vouch that the Ruger had the better trigger out of the box. I measured it around 9 lb vs. 12 lb for the 442. I installed the ($10) Wilson spring it in the 442 and it brought the trigger pull down to the 9 lb range as well. I like them both but the trigger pull on the S&W actually has a slightly better feel while the Ruger can be short stroked if you are not paying attention. I installed the XS (regular size) tritium front sight on the LCR so while that is an advantage, I did paint the front sight on the S&W for better sight acquisition. The 442, being slightly smaller, does conceal better in a pocket holster. I like and carry them both but if I had to choose between the two I would probably opt for the 442 (after the spring upgrade).
Used to own an LCR and I sold it. I daily carry a S&W 442 Performance Center and it is awesome! The LCR is ok, but it is a little bulkier than the j frame and it feels massive in a pocket compared to the 442. Also I absolutely hated the trigger on the LCR. It was smooth, but I short stroked it on multiple occasions. Ruger really needs to fix that issue. I know some will say it’s a training issue, but 1) I don’t have hundreds of dollars to put into .38 special to “train it out of me” and 2) I’m not even sure that’s a thing you can train out of you. In an actual defense situation massive stress takes over and I have my doubts that even someone who trains with it wouldn’t short stroke that trigger. I’ve never had that issue with the 442. Not to mention the LCR just feels cheap. Even sounds cheap with that annoying rattle of the transfer bar.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 can’t go wrong with a j frame either way! There’s a reason they’ve been around for so long and are still bought and carried.
Enjoyed the video, thanks for making it and also for your demeanor in the video; just makes for an easy watch. I have a steel J frame and a .327 LCR and watched this video because I was curious about the Bodyguard as a cheap way to get a lighter .38 in the collection. ...I'll have to think about it some more I reckon. I'm not sold on it for sure. The cylinder release on the top of the backstrap is so smart though, and I like that so much, so I won't give up on it yet. Anyway! One more thing to add, regarding short-stroking the LCR trigger. Not that this is directed at you so much AK as basically anyone watching who has experienced it, as I have. When some people cycle these guns, my perception is they really try to 'feel' their way through the trigger's return - the same way guys used to autoloaders will do when they're looking for that reset moment. I used to do that as well; kinda riding the trigger forward. I've found since then the best feeling to me is to pull the trigger and then simply relax the trigger finger. Let it go slack and the trigger return spring in your DA revolver shall do the work for you.
really informative and clear video! i chose the s&w 642 over the ruger lcr because the 642 has more holster and aftermarket grip choices, the lcr has less aftermarket support & can lockup if short-stroked during rapid double taps. that said i recently got a used lcr-x because of it really low price. with its exposed hammer (double action capability) and 3” barrel (longer sight radius for more accuracy) im thinking the lcr-x can be an effective, lightweight, hiking, outdoors kit gun, where concealabilty and rapid close-in defensive fire arent priority uses. i also have a taurus 85 and 856, which are great values. happy to subscribe.
Appreciate you doing the review and using all of your ammo....was leaning towards the 442 but after the review, I think I like the quirkiness of the bodyguard.
Nice review thanks! I have the LCR in 9mm and what surprised me was that at the range I never use the moon clips and most of the time the rounds fall out when I turn the cylinder upside down, occasionally I need to put my fingernail under the round to pop it our but I have never had to resort to a stick to poke a shell casing out of the 9mm. I have two automatics in 9mm and It's the only pistol ammo that I need to buy.
I rented the Ruger & experienced the same short stroke problem so I decided to pass on buying it. I’ve been carrying a lightweight J Frame since my 1968 rookie year w/the PD. I’m guessing long term muscle memory is the reason I experienced the problem w/the LCR.
I went with 642 Performance Ctn., excellent trigger I did handle the LCR (in 9MM) and did like that feature. But at the end of the day, the Smith was the clear winner.
Great review. But I feel like some of the shooting had to do with the small grip of the gun. If you changed out the grips a lot of the shot placement would be better especially the J frame.
Here pretty soon I’m going to be buying an S&W 360pd. Mostly just because I like exposed hammers for Revolvers, but I’m assuming it should perform pretty close to the 442, but with the ability to shoot 357 rounds. I enjoyed this video, and I liked how you tested it a few different ways.
I had two different Ruger LCRs. I sold both. The grip and trigger guard were very uncomfortable for me. I'm hoping the S&W M&P bodyguard fits me better
My grandfather would make wax bullets for his snubby so us boys could target practice with it in the alley behind his house, to this day outta all the auto loaders I own I more often than not carry a snubnose .38, I put crimson trace boot grips on my 442 keep FBI load in it.
How many rds do you have through the BG38? Mine locked up after about 250ish trigger pulls with snap-caps. S&W fixed it without issues. Also the cylinder sometimes doesn't rotate after closing it. Other than that I really like it for a lightweight carry option. Just not sure about the reliability after experiencing the locking up issue, hence the question. Thanks
Man thanks for pointing that out. Have a 642 and wanted another j frame that i could change out the front sight for a low light carry option, was going to give ruger a chance but small issues like that is a huge problem, especially for people that may not be into shooting and inspecting their firearms, a issue like that could be overlooked, like why ruger, and since you pointed that out i seen the screw not exposed on their website, but exposed when people are doing a review on it, so it deff will loosen up, bodyguard it is for me lol, good catch
@@TyroneLylesJr-vm5othow you liking the bg38? I bought mine with the laser, but was at a pawn shop and they had a brand new bg38 no laser for super cheap. Might pick it up just because..
What is that sticking out of the front of the frame on the LCR just in front of the trigger? Mine has a recessed hex screw, not a plunger looking thing where the sub-frame and polymer frame meet.
LCR is higher quality, fit and finish, pinned front-sight, better trigger, and from a better company as S&W customer service isn't all it's cracked up to be. With the 327, 9mm, and 357, you the superior and more durable stainless frame, cylinder, and barrel with the PVD finish. Some people have lower standards when it comes to quality and/or they're S&W fanboys.
@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 You're right. Some people prefer quality over looks for a self-defense tool, and others prefer looks. No doubt the S&W aluminum Centennials are more attractive.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I agree. The 340 and 340PD are quality revolvers better than the LCR. I plan on buying one one of these days. All my 5 Smith revolvers are stainless so far.
Ok video…..you think that mayyybbeee you could have placed new targets for each different rounds rather then shooting the same targets with multiple holes.?
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This is probably THE best revolver review I have seen on youtube. Kudos from your neighbor State to the east.
Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad you liked it!
I've had a gun in my hand since I was literally 5 years old and I'm 53 now. However I don't own either of these revolvers and needed to do some research. This was a dammed fine review sir. Excellent real world detail and honesty. Well done sir
Thank you for watching and for the kind words.
I’ll take the 442 all day. I had the LCR and while the trigger feels better, it lends itself to short stroking. Also, if you pocket carry, it is generally too big to do so quickly and that grip, though it feels good, tends to stick to your pocket.
I really like the 442 as well. I added the carry spring kit and it made the trigger really nice without losing the safety of the double action feel.
An easy way to remember to tell which way a revolver's cylinder turns is to look at the notches. They will look like arrows pointing in the direction it will turn.
LOL I feel dumb for never thinking of looking at it like that.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 no need to feel dumb, I'm just an OLD wheelgunner! Definitely enjoying your work, well done Sir.
Great in depth review. Appreciate you taking the time to make it. The LCR looks pretty promising. I'm also interested in the Taurus 856. Not for the price but it holds 6 rounds as well. Taurus make surprisingly good revolvers . But the LCR just might be the one
I have a video reviewing the new TORO 605 Taurus.
The Taurus 856 has timing issues, and it's hit or miss like most Tauruses. You save a $100-$200, but you gain less reliability, resale value, fit and finish, and customer service. Taurus also likes to mark a lot of their spare parts as restricte, e.i., they do not sell them directly to their customers or to any other vendors. You have to send the revolver to them for them to change parts. They are often out of stock, so it could take several weeks to months to get the revolver back.
Good shooting! Interesting and informative video as well.
I have the Ruger LCR (in 357) and the S&W 442 and can vouch that the Ruger had the better trigger out of the box. I measured it around 9 lb vs. 12 lb for the 442. I installed the ($10) Wilson spring it in the 442 and it brought the trigger pull down to the 9 lb range as well. I like them both but the trigger pull on the S&W actually has a slightly better feel while the Ruger can be short stroked if you are not paying attention. I installed the XS (regular size) tritium front sight on the LCR so while that is an advantage, I did paint the front sight on the S&W for better sight acquisition. The 442, being slightly smaller, does conceal better in a pocket holster. I like and carry them both but if I had to choose between the two I would probably opt for the 442 (after the spring upgrade).
I ordered the Apex Duty / Carry kit today for the 442.
Used to own an LCR and I sold it. I daily carry a S&W 442 Performance Center and it is awesome! The LCR is ok, but it is a little bulkier than the j frame and it feels massive in a pocket compared to the 442. Also I absolutely hated the trigger on the LCR. It was smooth, but I short stroked it on multiple occasions. Ruger really needs to fix that issue. I know some will say it’s a training issue, but 1) I don’t have hundreds of dollars to put into .38 special to “train it out of me” and 2) I’m not even sure that’s a thing you can train out of you. In an actual defense situation massive stress takes over and I have my doubts that even someone who trains with it wouldn’t short stroke that trigger. I’ve never had that issue with the 442. Not to mention the LCR just feels cheap. Even sounds cheap with that annoying rattle of the transfer bar.
I love the 442. Mine is not a PC but its still a great little gun. I just picked up and reviewed a M&P 340
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 can’t go wrong with a j frame either way! There’s a reason they’ve been around for so long and are still bought and carried.
“It’s my video” 🤣😂
Enjoyed the video, thanks for making it and also for your demeanor in the video; just makes for an easy watch. I have a steel J frame and a .327 LCR and watched this video because I was curious about the Bodyguard as a cheap way to get a lighter .38 in the collection. ...I'll have to think about it some more I reckon. I'm not sold on it for sure. The cylinder release on the top of the backstrap is so smart though, and I like that so much, so I won't give up on it yet.
Anyway!
One more thing to add, regarding short-stroking the LCR trigger. Not that this is directed at you so much AK as basically anyone watching who has experienced it, as I have. When some people cycle these guns, my perception is they really try to 'feel' their way through the trigger's return - the same way guys used to autoloaders will do when they're looking for that reset moment. I used to do that as well; kinda riding the trigger forward. I've found since then the best feeling to me is to pull the trigger and then simply relax the trigger finger. Let it go slack and the trigger return spring in your DA revolver shall do the work for you.
Thank you for watching and thanks for the trigger advise on the LCR.
really informative and clear video! i chose the s&w 642 over the ruger lcr because the 642 has more holster and aftermarket grip choices, the lcr has less aftermarket support & can lockup if short-stroked during rapid double taps.
that said i recently got a used lcr-x because of it really low price. with its exposed hammer (double action capability) and 3” barrel (longer sight radius for more accuracy) im thinking the lcr-x can be an effective, lightweight, hiking, outdoors kit gun, where concealabilty and rapid close-in defensive fire arent priority uses.
i also have a taurus 85 and 856, which are great values.
happy to subscribe.
Appreciate you doing the review and using all of your ammo....was leaning towards the 442 but after the review, I think I like the quirkiness of the bodyguard.
Glad to help
Nice review thanks! I have the LCR in 9mm and what surprised me was that at the range I never use the moon clips and most of the time the rounds fall out when I turn the cylinder upside down, occasionally I need to put my fingernail under the round to pop it our but I have never had to resort to a stick to poke a shell casing out of the 9mm. I have two automatics in 9mm and It's the only pistol ammo that I need to buy.
The LCR is a fine little weapon for sure
I rented the Ruger & experienced the same short stroke problem so I decided to pass on buying it. I’ve been carrying a lightweight J Frame since my 1968 rookie year w/the PD. I’m guessing long term muscle memory is the reason I experienced the problem w/the LCR.
I love the J Frame!
The smith wesson 38 the trigger pull weight is 13 . I just took mine to the gunsmith had had a trigger job done.
I went with 642 Performance Ctn., excellent trigger
I did handle the LCR (in 9MM) and did like that feature.
But at the end of the day, the Smith was the clear winner.
I just like the J-Frame the best
I'm left handed so its the S&W Bodyguard for me. It is the most comfortable CC I own.
Nothing wrong with that choice at all.
Charter Arms sells a left hand revolver, the Southpaw. That said the Bodyguard is a good option for you.
Great review. But I feel like some of the shooting had to do with the small grip of the gun. If you changed out the grips a lot of the shot placement would be better especially the J frame.
Good point!
Here pretty soon I’m going to be buying an S&W 360pd. Mostly just because I like exposed hammers for Revolvers, but I’m assuming it should perform pretty close to the 442, but with the ability to shoot 357 rounds. I enjoyed this video, and I liked how you tested it a few different ways.
I have a new video about the M&P 340 which is the 357 version of the 442 you should check out. Oh and solid choice on the 360PD
I had two different Ruger LCRs. I sold both. The grip and trigger guard were very uncomfortable for me. I'm hoping the S&W M&P bodyguard fits me better
I really like the Bodyguard but I prefer the J-Frame. I waant to try a M&P 340 in 357 and see how that shoots.
Good shooting, trigger and glow front sight could be the ruger advantage
Yeah the trigger on the LCR is better than the others for sure. The 442 trigger was getting better as the day went since it was brand new.
My grandfather would make wax bullets for his snubby so us boys could target practice with it in the alley behind his house, to this day outta all the auto loaders I own I more often than not carry a snubnose .38, I put crimson trace boot grips on my 442 keep FBI load in it.
What a cool story! I love the 442 and I carry it a lot.
How many rds do you have through the BG38? Mine locked up after about 250ish trigger pulls with snap-caps. S&W fixed it without issues. Also the cylinder sometimes doesn't rotate after closing it. Other than that I really like it for a lightweight carry option. Just not sure about the reliability after experiencing the locking up issue, hence the question. Thanks
I had about 250-300 though it. I sold it to a buddy and he has put a couple of hundred though it as well. No issues yet.
Is the screw on the front of the LCR frame walking out? Might wanna check that...
Man thanks for pointing that out. Have a 642 and wanted another j frame that i could change out the front sight for a low light carry option, was going to give ruger a chance but small issues like that is a huge problem, especially for people that may not be into shooting and inspecting their firearms, a issue like that could be overlooked, like why ruger, and since you pointed that out i seen the screw not exposed on their website, but exposed when people are doing a review on it, so it deff will loosen up, bodyguard it is for me lol, good catch
@@TyroneLylesJr-vm5othow you liking the bg38? I bought mine with the laser, but was at a pawn shop and they had a brand new bg38 no laser for super cheap. Might pick it up just because..
Did you ever notice the screw backing out of your LCR at the crane?
No I havent but I'll keep an eye out.
I had to change the grip on my 442, kept getting a blister on my thumb.
Never got a blister on my hands. Maybe I'm not gripping tight enough?
Good vid man. Well balanced. You need more ammo good luck with that.
Thanks for watching!
Doe the cylinder release on bodyguard action feel durable or cheap and plastic like
Seems robust. I've had zero issues with it
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 thanks for response
What is that sticking out of the front of the frame on the LCR just in front of the trigger? Mine has a recessed hex screw, not a plunger looking thing where the sub-frame and polymer frame meet.
Are you asking about the Lasermax Lazer?
There is a screw that holds the cylinder in place . Yours is protruding and links Locke it is ready to fall off
Will a Safariland speed loader work with the Bodyguard?
Im not sure. I use the Zeta 6 loaders.
LCR is higher quality, fit and finish, pinned front-sight, better trigger, and from a better company as S&W customer service isn't all it's cracked up to be. With the 327, 9mm, and 357, you the superior and more durable stainless frame, cylinder, and barrel with the PVD finish.
Some people have lower standards when it comes to quality and/or they're S&W fanboys.
The LCR is a good gun but I just perfer the looks and feel of the J-Frame. Its 100% personal choice for me.
@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 You're right. Some people prefer quality over looks for a self-defense tool, and others prefer looks. No doubt the S&W aluminum Centennials are more attractive.
The M&P 340 that I carry right now is a very soild and reliable firearm. I have no doubts that it will go boom when I need it to,
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I agree. The 340 and 340PD are quality revolvers better than the LCR. I plan on buying one one of these days. All my 5 Smith revolvers are stainless so far.
Tagging in for the 340PD gang as well, super awesome. More accessories on aftermarket too for the J-Frames.
Ok video…..you think that mayyybbeee you could have placed new targets for each different rounds rather then shooting the same targets with multiple holes.?
Time and money
That's good shooting.
Thanks! I was only 5 yards so that helps a lot.
SVP'''TRADUCTION''SOUS TITRE. 🔴👌
Sorry I dont know how to do that.