Advice on Ruger LCR for concealed carry.

[era veteran]

Job, money, late night, and now thieves and crackheads close by. It has come to this & I thought I had laid them down for good. Thanks R

[era veteran]

1. I had always carried a 1911 and I like the semi auto

but I don't want to carry a chambered round and I don't want to waste time racking one in. I do not know much about revolvers but this one was recommended to me. Any other recommendations appreciated. My situation has changed for the worse. Thanks R

[RSillsbee]

2. Rugers ar built like tanks

It's not a bad choice there are better but there are worse. Since you last carried firearms technology may have advanced somewhat there are several DA and DAO semiautomatic options available (including the Ruger LCP) that allow you to carry a round in the chamber w/out having to be in condition one which is no different than carrying a revolver. This would give you the option of a higher round count

[era veteran]

3. Yes, almost 35 years

So in the DAO semi the weapon is charged with hammer down and using the finger will fire the weapon? If weapon dropped can it discharge?

[RSillsbee]

5. Answers

So in the DAO semi the weapon is charged with hammer down and using the finger will fire the weapon?

Yes, just like a revolver. The action cycles just like your 1911 except there is no single action capability

If weapon dropped can it discharge?

short answer "No' most mordern firearms are completely "drop safe" I only say "most" becaue there are still Ravens and Lorcins and Llamas and Jiminez arms out there

ETA I carry exclusively DA/SA pistols and have for a number of years I always carry hammer down on a loaded chamber safety off and have yet to have an ND.

[era veteran]

15. Thanks, I will look at the LCP too

[RamboLiberal]

20. Any of the guns I posted in a subsequent post I'd have no problem

carrying in my pocket with a round chambered if in a pocket holster. None will fire when dropped either.

[lumberjack_jeff]

4. I don't understand the distinction.

How is a hammerless revolver different from a semi auto with a round chambered?

If the safety is off, the gun will fire upon trigger pull.

The ruger is .380, right? 9mm is better imo.

[RSillsbee]

6. I bet you wouldn't be able to make a distinction

if I shot you w/ both

[lumberjack_jeff]

8. If you're talking about 9mm vs .380, the I see the distinction every time I buy ammo.

.380 is roughly 2.5x the price. Proficiency is gained through practice. If you can't afford to practice, you won't be proficient.

And there are better ways to make your point if I've understood it correctly.

The main question I had was the benefit of a hammerless revolver vs semi auto if the issue was one of safety with a chambered round.

[RSillsbee]

9. True. My apologies NT

[GreenStormCloud]

39. Practice costs can be reduced with Crimson Trace Laser.

You get immediate feedback, dry firing, if you jerk the trigger or did something else wrong because you see the laser bobble or jerk. Do it right and the laser remains steady. I used that to train my wife, and some live fire, and she learned quickly to hold the gun steady while firing. Of course, if you have to use the gun in a fight laser sights can save your life by helping you hit your attacker.

[one-eyed fat man]

7. Hammerless revolvers

They have the advantage of snag-free pocket carry because there is no exposed hammer. Revolvers are five or six shot, but have the advantage of being able to be fired through a coat pocket without jamming. Ruger's LCR has a polymer frame (read plastic) which makes it light to carry and you can get it in .357 magnum. OK if you carry much and shoot little.

A Smith and Wesson 642 might be just as useful but in stainless steel would have less recoil. Colt made some good carry revolvers but they are out of production and all collector's items now. There are a couple of good shops in Lexington should have a selection, new and used to look. I think Bud's in Paris has a rental range you can try out a few and see.

A .38 special will do the job if you do you part. Learning to shoot a revolver double action well takes some practice. A .357 has the advantage of being able to use .38 Special ammo for practice and full house magnums for carry.

If you know how to inspect a used gun, you can often find a good gun for less money. You do need to know how to recognize one that has been abused.

[oneshooter]

10. Don't forget the SIG line up.

I daily carry a SIG220 in 45cal. DA/SA with a decocker. Will not fire if dropped on the hammer IF you use the decocker. That puts a hammer block in place, thumb decocking is a big no-no as there is no hammer block in place.
Alloy frame reduces the weight and takedown lever makes it easy to clean. Not nuch diffrence between it and a 1911a1.

Just my $.02 worth.

Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[Logical]

13. How much is it?

[one-eyed fat man]

14. There's a half century of habit.

I like SIGs, but I have been carrying a 1911 for a long time. Everything is second nature. Under pressure, you revert to habit and training. It's why pilots often turn left if there is an emergency after take-off, even if turning right makes more sense. Normal traffic is left turns. It's hard NOT to automatically do what you have always done.

If you shoot IPSC, you have been squadded for an exercise where the RO briefed something like: "At this stage you will engage targets T1 through T 6, one round each, strong hand only. Make a mandatory reload and engage targets T1 through T6, one round each, weak hand only. Do you understand the course of fire?"

At least one shooter, maybe more will, at the sound of the buzzer, draw and hit a good two-handed Weaver, a solid sight picture and double tap each target, left to right "Bam,bam. Bam,bam, Bam....aw shit!"

10.1.1

Procedural penalties are applied where the competitor has failed to comply with the procedures specified in the stage briefing. The Range Officer imposing such procedural penalties shall determine the number of penalties and the reason why they were imposed. This information should be clearly recorded on the score sheet.
10.1.2

Procedural penalties shall be assessed at twice the value of a single maximum available scoring hit on an IPSC paper target as stated in Appendix H. If the maximum available scoring hit on an IPSC paper target is five (5) points, each procedural penalty shall be minus ten (-10) points.

Practice and training is useful, but you have to practice that which works and guard against the creep of bad habits. Changing equipment can introduce problems. There's more to deciding to carry than standing in front of the gun safe like Imelda Marcos looking over her collection of shoes.

Your choice of a SIG suits you after you have decided which design features are important to you. Anyone who approaches concealed carry choices as less than life or death decisions doesn't understand the problem.

As an aside, there might be some confusion of the OP's question. Ruger's LCR, "Lightweight Compact Revolver," a 13.5 ounce, small frame revolver in .38 Special. (There is a 357 magnum model available) He was trained in the Army on M1911 35years ago, and is wondering if a revolver safer to carry. As he notes, "...but I don't want to carry a chambered round and I don't want to waste time racking one in. I do not know much about revolvers."

The LCP is the "Lightweight Carry Pistol," which is a 9.5 ounce, polymer-framed, DAO semi-auto pistol in .380.

Both guns have optional models equipped with Crimson-Trace lasers. I have not fired either of them and cannot say if I would like one or not.

[RSillsbee]

21. The LCP actually has some kick to it

It hurt my hand but you wouldn't even notice it in an adrenalin dump

[Logical]

28. I agree. First time I shot 50 rounds in mine it put a blister on my thumb. n-t

[era veteran]

16. I might reevaluate and check out the newer semi's

Was concerned mostly with accidental discharge. I dropped a M16 once so things can happen.
Bud's has moved to Lexington. They are less than a mile from my house. and it is a busy and big store. Great website
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

Thanks

[one-eyed fat man]

22. One reason to have some "shooting buddies"

Unlike cars, you generally can't take a gun out for a "test drive." If Bud's still has a rental range you might try a few various models out and see how you like the feel of them. Good instruction should not be too hard to find. The KSP Academy is at EKU in Richmond. Blue Grass Sportsmens League has a nice facility over at Wilmore. Club matches are a sociable way to practice.

http://www.bgslinc.com/modules.php?name=BGSL_Division_Pistol&file=page&load=Home.html

[era veteran]

29. I am out of practice but I did have some formal training

with a great teacher. My father carried a 1911 in WW2 & Korea and I was shooting earlier in life than most. In A 3/33 we had a SSG Wannanen who was mostly gone TDY with the US Army Pistol Team ( I know you were there then and may have remembered him). That man could shoot, and he could do one real hard thing a lot of experts can't do well and that was teach. He came back when we went to gunnery, what a job!
I think Bud's will be a fantastic resource, several of my pals go shoot there now. I think I still have it , my rifle shooting is still good. Thanks for the info. R

[AzNick]

34. Isn't that a beast to carry concealed?

I would understand a sub compact versus like the Springfield. But a full size 1911? Wow.

[RSillsbee]

36. You'd be surprised

Granted I live in Colorado and can almost always get awy w/a cover garment but I can make a full 1991 vanish

[oneshooter]

43. I carry a full sized SIG 220/45acp daily. With the right holster, no problem. n/t

[DWC]

11. Excellent CCW semi But

I recommend you put a lazier on it. I carry a KelTec P3AT .380 which is virtually the same gun as the LCR. Very small gun; limited sights; probable low light conditions lead me to add a lazier. The increased accuracy is amazing plus the psychological deterrent effect of that red dot on a Bad Guy's chest may help stop the situation and actual use of deadly force may be avoided.

Semper Fi,

[Logical]

12. I love my LC9!

[RamboLiberal]

18. How's the trigger pull on it?

I'm debating between Kimber Solo, Sig P290 or LC9. Hope I can test trigger pull at NRA exibit this weekend between the 3.

[Logical]

26. It is DA only of course but smoothed down after 200 rounds. I like the gun. Great CC weapon. n-t

[RamboLiberal]

17. I have an LCR and a LCP

LCR is 5 rounds. With 1 in chamber LCP is 7 rounds. LCR 38 is more effective than .380 in LCP. There is also a .357 version though I think that would be a mother in such a small frame. Either you can get crimson trace laser grips. I got my LCR with a XS tritium night sight. I also think LCR has a better trigger pull than LCP. You might also check out S&W Bodyguard. I didn't like trigger on the 380 pistol. But the Bodyguard revolver may be better. Both come equipped with a laser. And Bodyguard 380 has external safety.

There are also several very nice compact 9mm coming on market and may be in gun stores or can be ordered. Not much bigger than either of above.

Kimber Solo, Ruger LC-9, Sig's P290. And there are others. I really liked the Kimber Solo trigger pull I tried on display model at gun store day I was buying my LCR. I may have bought it if it was available then.

All easily pocket carry with a pocket carry holster. I really like the Desantis Nemesis pocket holsters.

In your situation I'd either go with the new 9mm coming out or the LCR over the LCP.

[era veteran]

19. Thanks, going shopping tonight

Looking and maybe buying. The gun store is closer to me than the grocery.

[Glassunion]

23. I completley concur with RL.

Wife has an LCP, boss has an LCR. We both like the LCR over the LCP.

Also as RL stated, the Kimber Solo is a great gun, however very $$$. Boss also has an LC9, but I cannot give a review as I have yet to fire it, however he loves it more than the LCR. So for the price, you should look at the LC9 or the LCR.

Overall, I would not recommend the LCP. We are selling ours in trade for the Kimber Solo.

[guardian]

24. LCR is a good choice for a simple pocket carry.

If you like wheel guns and wanted a little more uuumph consider a a Ruger SP101 (I like .357). Though the SP101 is much heavier to to carry. But a sweet shooter.

If you have money and don't mind a semi-auto look at the Kahr PM45. Fairly compact. Relatively lightweight. .45 acp. http://www.gunblast.com/Kahr-PM45.htm

[Tuesday Afternoon]

25. I love my Ruger. Solid piece of workmanship.

[ileus]

32. delete

[era veteran]

27. Thanks to all a big help

I still haven't decided yet.

[Straw Man]

30. Lots of good advice here.

A caveat: the teeny-tiny 9-millimeter handguns can be nasty to shoot: not enough heft to offset the punch of the cartridge. I would go with either a Smith & Wesson J-frame in .38 Special (the middleweight aluminum one, not the lightest titanium one), or the (evil) Glock 26 (cross yourself three time at the dreaded "G" word). I have shot my Glock 26 all day in classes -- like 400 to 500 rounds worth -- and it was a piece of cake. Kel-Tec PF9s and the like are very concealable, but after about 100 rounds your hand will look like hamburger. If you do go with something like that, I strongly recommend one of the rubber grip-wraps, like a Hogue Handall.

[gravity556]

31. Semi auto's have the benefit of a thinner frame

My wife and I both carry P3ATs all of the time, and I CCW a G19 a good bit of the time as well. The little pocket rocket .38s and .357s might be a bit more than you want to shoot all the time. The .380s are even pretty snappy, though less so than my S&W M19 with full power loads in it. The key to shooting well is to shoot a whole bunch-and keep shooting. It's a frangible skillset that degrades if you don't practice fairly often.

A DAO semi-auto like a P3AT or LCP has just as long and heavy a trigger as a revolver, so there's not a greater chance of an ND. Also, while you're at the gun shop, set a G26 next to the revolver you're looking at-it's not much taller, not much longer, and maybe a little thinner-and it carries 10 rounds (or 10+1, or with a G19 magazine, 15 rounds, or 17 with a G17 mag), parts and holsters are available (don't even think of carrying a glock without a holster or something covering the trigger guard) every where and they're reasonably priced.

[ileus]

33. Don't forget the S&W bodyguard 38, I carry a LCP myself.

[AzNick]

35. Taurus PT145 here

I only carry at night or when alone.

I tried the Ruger LCP and it looked too tiny to me. I liked the sub compact SIGs a lot, as well as the Kahr, but they are very precey and I found the Taurus Millenium Pro PT 145 to be a good less expensive alternative. I am a bigger frame myself, I can carry one of these without anyone noticing.

I don't know, something about the 45... I think that if I shoot a warning shot in the air, it would be loud enough to scare off most aggressors.

And then if it comes down to a shoot down, I'd rather have a 45 than a 380 or a 9er.

Ever seen the video of that poor cop killed by a demented Vietnam vet with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle?

The cop hit him in the stomach with a 9mm round and the other guy kept firing and eventually killed him. Terrifying video.

There are numerous stories of a 9mm or a 380 being used in self defense and even several rounds hitting at the aggressors, to no avail.

I group very well with the Taurus at 50 feet, everything in an 8" Shoot-N-C, no issues, pretty good for a little gun. Recoil is, as expected, pretty strong but manageable.

[Logical]

37. And many stories of a 9mm or a .380 killing people. n-t

[AzNick]

40. Not taking chances at all

If in the middle of a firefight only one of my rounds were to hit the aggressor, I'd rather it be 45 ACP than 380.

Just saying.

[Logical]

41. Many police forces in the world disagree with you. But ok. n-t

[AzNick]

45. Cops in Mesa carry 40S&W

Each time I peek at the grips protruding from a cop's holster, 75% of the time it's a Glock in 40 S&W.

It may be a good go-between.

But 9mm is not always sufficient.

[jeepnstein]

38. They're better than a sharp stick.

I'd still stick with a S&W J frame. I'm not a huge proponent of adopting technology in firearms. Let other people be your beta testers.

I'm shooting my J frame later today as the last part of my annual re-qualification. It's just such a handy and accurate revolver I can't seem to give up on it. Mine's a 9mm.

[spin]

42. A 9mm S&W J-frame revolver is a fairly rare firearm ...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KONc6M3jls/SkrerzD0I7I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/iJA4Hqranj0/s640/sw940+008.JPG
S&W Model 940

Mine is the version with a 3" barrel. I agree that they are very accurate.

[krispos42]

44. It's a 5-shot .38 stubby of very light weight.

Or a .357 for 3½ ounces more.


Easy to carry but probably a handful to shoot.

The Ruger LCP in .380 weighs even less and carries 6+1, the LC9 weighs the same as a .357 LCR but shoots 9mm Luger and has a 7+1 capacity. They're also 30-40% thinner than the revolver.

http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5405.html

http://www.ruger.com/products/lcp/specSheets/3701.html

http://www.ruger.com/products/lc9/specSheets/3200.html



The 2 Ruger autos are their version of the Kel-Tec models, which also have a good reputations.