IMHO, I would go with the Smith 442 or 642. They are tried and proven and hard to beat to boot. Ruger has been releasing new products too soon it seems, and then they need to be recalled. With all due respect to Ruger, but realistically speaking, on the Ruger LCR, based on my experience with their LCP and SR9 (recalls), I'd be judicious and take a wait and see approach.

Stick with the S&W's.
Dan

Mopic wrote on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 4:07pm:


I gave a GREAT deal of consideration for a practical carry pistol and decided to go with the S&W 642, which I bought in Jan 09. I had the factory do a J frame enhancement for just under $100 (call S&W for details), came with factory CT laser (HIGHLY recommend one), and could not be more pleased! I paid $550 for the entire purchase, including the factory enhancement. After a number of holster purchases, I ended up with the Bianchi IWB and a couple of Uncle Mike's pocket and IWB holsters.

Almost every firearm I purchased prior to the mid 90's was nearly perfect out of the box. Just about every firearm I bought since 2000, has had way too many issues, and I refused to waste more money and range time on a semi auto, testing it for months just to be absolutely certain it would work when needed.

I had two Springfield TRP Champions fail repeatedly and between the two, I paid to return them at least a dozen times, plus an hour drive to and from the gun shop for each return. I finally got a refund, but took quite a hit on the wallet. I just could not in good conscience trade the TRP. That entire ordeal took about three years I believe.

I then bought a Kimber Grand Raptor .45, which has had no issues with the gun itself. I did buy two .22 conversion kits, both failed rather quickly, so I gave up on the conversion kit. I like this more so than my 70 series Gold Cup. This was my primary carry until I got the much easier to conceal S&W. I also bought the CT laser for the Kimber. I found it to be way too heavy for practical every day carry on my person, IMO. I would not want any carry pistol without the laser.

I also bought a BM AR Super V Match, which had to be returned six times. They have outstanding customer service, paid for all shipping costs and repairs. I was out the $$$$ for all the ammo and time spent running back and forth to the range. At least I can count on it when the time comes.

I am extremely tempted to get an LCR. I have been a user of J-frames, off an on, for 20+ years. I can say that the LCR models I've handled have better triggers, out of the box, than any stock J-frame. It's as light as any J-frame, and it's not appreciably larger if you put similar Hogue grips onto the Smith.

I did get the chance to shoot one at a recent event in which Ruger had their demo crew. I put at least 4 cylinders of +p through it, including one-handed. It did not climb up out of my grips as with 'boot grips' on a J-frame. It was easier in recoil, no doubt thanks to those Hogues. I was impressed at how smooth it remained after probably hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds without cleaning.

However, the others are right in counseling you to WAIT. Ruger's just had some teething issues right now on new models. Sad, but true. Unless you have funds to buy BOTH, stick with the Smith for now. 

I have not shot a Ruger LCR yet. I did take another look at one the other day at my local gun shop, dry firing until my friend, the store owner, sniped, "are you gonna buy that thing?" Well, I did not buy one yet. However, I do agree that:
1. It feels real good in my hands.
2. The out of the box trigger is pretty smooth.
3. It points well.

Just a thought...Ruger has had some problems with new releases of semi-autos, but they have been putting out really good revolvers for a very long time.  To date, I've yet to hear anything negative about the LCR -- It really seems to be a promising gun -- Just wish that it was cheaper!

Dot_mdb wrote on Jul 11^th, 2009 at 4:23pm:

That really is a great point!  I hadn't thought about that!  I just wish that they were cheaper!  Maybe an S&W snob will stick one in a yard sale and I'll snap it up and give it a go!