Ruger LCR Revolvers

Power in your pocket. That sums up the first impression of the Ruger LCR. Its small, light, packs the punch of .357 magnum, the low cost of a 38 Special or the widely available 9mm and it is easily concealable. The power of the .357 Magnum cartridge is legendary and usually only found in full size or in some compact revolvers. The Ruger LCR is a sub-compact powerhouse.

As a backup gun, or for easy concealment in a leg holster, belt holster, or thanks to its hammerless design in a purse or small handbag the concealment of the LCR is easy to accomplish. You won’t win many shooting contests with it, but when the situation arises, it can be a great self-defense weapon.

Recoil is a concern with the 17-ounce LCR. In .357 Magnum, but the 38 Special is a lot lighter on the wrist and the 9mm is a joy to shoot. Many revolver designs compensate for the recoil with handguns weighing twice as much or more than the LCR. Ruger’s engineers tried a different approach, they created a polymer frame Hogue Tamer grip with a surface material that absorbs some of the shock. The recoil is still there, but it is more manageable.

This is a small revolver, only 6.5-inches long and tipping the scales at just over a pound. It has a 1.875-inch barrel, earning the title “snub nosed” by many people. A stainless-steel barrel has a blackened finish and the frame is made of black polymer, thus decreasing the overall weight. It has a five-round cylinder. A 9mm revolver is relatively rare and is usually reserved for pistols.

Traditionalists will complain that the cylinder can’t chamber six rounds, but tradition isn’t always right. This is a practical revolver for personal protection and an ideal concealed carry handgun. The five round cylinder is more than adequate at intimate distances and best of all, it is extremely reliable. Ruger revolvers never malfunction. That’s a trademark they’re proud of.

The trigger is a little different and has a different feel. It’s not flat like most revolver triggers but rounded on the edges. The center portion is flat, but rounding the edges reduces the risk of snagging something when it’s drawn from a pocket or purse. The hammerless design is another positive feature for concealed carry.

Aside from the original intent of a high-powered, concealed carry revolver. The choice of the .357 Magnum platform lends itself to many different uses. This .357 Magnum is interchangeable with .38 Special rounds. If you choose the lighter .38 Special cartridges the recoil will greatly diminish, with the 9mm version, it’s hardly noticeable. This makes it more practical for smaller shooters or for women to carry this in a purse or handbag.

Not all predators are two legged. Many backpackers, hikers and anglers choose to carry the Ruger LCR into the back country. It’s a great defense against a variety of predators. In .357 Magnum it may not drop a charging grizzly bear, but it will get their attention and you’ll have four more shots if he doesn’t turn around.

In open brush, or heavy cover, the Ruger LCR, loaded with .357 Magnum, .38 Special or 9mm shot shells, is one of the best snake guns you can carry. A blast from a few feet away ends the threat of a cottonmouth, copperhead or diamondback with one shot.