Ruger LCR vs. Smith & Wesson J Frame: Which Is Better?

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  • Опубликовано: 16 янв 2025

Комментарии • 111

  • @professorpewpuew
    @professorpewpuew  3 года назад +15

    Specs:
    Ruger:
    Cylinder Width: 1.29 in.
    Height: 4.75 in.
    Length: 6.75 in.
    Weight: 15.9 oz. loaded
    Smith & Wesson:
    Cylinder Width: 1.31 in.
    Height: 4.25 in.
    Length: 6.25 in.
    Weight: 17.1 oz. loaded

    • @JFNIReverse
      @JFNIReverse 2 года назад +5

      Is that smith and wesson 442 have stock trigger ? How many round did you put through it? By the way, recoil wise, ruger lcp 380 acp and s&w 442, which one did you found more comfortable shooting?

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  2 года назад +5

      @@JFNIReverse You just gave me a good idea for another comparison video. I still have my Ruger LCP 380 and its got about 2000 rounds through it so far. As for the 442, its a newer addition with 500 rounds through it and it has all the stock springs. With standard loads, I think the 442 is easier to shoot and has less muzzle flip than the LCP but that might be more about having a bit more grip to hold onto with the 442. +P ammo is definately snappier than anything the LCP puts out.

  • @gentrystevens8647
    @gentrystevens8647 11 месяцев назад +4

    James, I used to work at Jim's and while watching this video I'm like, "I swear this guy sounds familiar." I then recognized the range. I may have sold you one of these. I'm looking to buy an LCR myself. Good stuff!

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  11 месяцев назад +2

      Hey Gentry. I was wondering what happened to you. You did sell me my 3 inch 686 for sure.

  • @buffalosoutdoors
    @buffalosoutdoors 3 года назад +8

    Great comparison video! I really enjoyed it. You always keep it real.

  • @LionquestFitness
    @LionquestFitness 3 года назад +9

    Good shooting, good visuals and good video. Thanks James.

  • @Chris_the_Dingo
    @Chris_the_Dingo 2 года назад +9

    I just got a S&W model 637 after owning a LCR for about nine years. Although the trigger pull is great on the Ruger - it's a great little gun in general - I've never been comfortable with the "false reset". I grew up shooting S&W and for better or worse, that's my comfort zone. Other than my issue with the Ruger trigger reset, they're both really nice little guns...surprisingly accurate, and surprisingly comfortable to shoot. Can't really go wrong either way.

  • @jimedick9496
    @jimedick9496 3 года назад +21

    I own both of these revolvers, but my LCR is the .357 model, so it’s a little heavier than the .38 in this video. I love both of these revolvers, but I prefer the LCR over the Smith. My only reason is for the trigger, I love the trigger. The trigger pull of the Smith is considerably heavier than the Ruger. Again, this is only my preference. As far as the speed loader, I don’t carry one anyways. I find the speed strip as a better option for quick reloading. Plus, the strip fits better in my pocket than the cylinder of a speed loader. So the thicker grips on the Ruger isn’t an issue for me. Speaking of, the thicker grips fit better in my hands than the Smith.
    Other than that, I shoot them both equally well. The recoil is about the same for me, I don’t notice one over the other in that regard. The Smith is more attractive than the Ruger, by a long shot. I like the larger trigger guard of the LCR. If I’m wearing gloves, it’s easier to get my finger on the trigger. They each serve a different purpose for me. When it’s just everyday carry, it’s the .38 Smith and Wesson. The .357 is my backpacking sidearm due to the extra power and the lightweight. I love both!!! If I could only have one, it’s the LCR. I’m glad I don’t have to choose because I love them both 🙂

    • @J.R.F.23
      @J.R.F.23 Год назад +2

      Although the Ruger "out of the box" is a little smoother than the S&W. The design is slightly less reliable if you have to shoot as fast as you possibly can. The Ruger is slightly more prone to "short stroking", thus making it slightly less reliable. With the S&W J-frame if you do extensive dry firing, which I always recommend with CCW/EDC weapons (in a safe manner); the trigger on the J-frame will smooth out quite a bit. Again I am not saying the Ruger is a bad firearm (I love Ruger's, and own many). I am just saying that in comparison between the S&W J-frame vs the LCR; I give the S&W a slight edge.

    • @doldemenshubarti8696
      @doldemenshubarti8696 2 месяца назад

      hey, do you recommend any loading for wood carry 357 that wont crimp jump? or at least some kind of alternative?

    • @jimedick9496
      @jimedick9496 2 месяца назад

      @@doldemenshubarti8696
      I should’ve been a little more clear. I use Buffalo Bore hard casts, but not the 357 loads. I use 3 each, .38 +P Outdoorsman, and I use 2 ea 357 flat nosed copper jacket. I alternate them.
      Both drive those bullets pretty damn well. I don’t feel underpowered when I’m packing those.

    • @doldemenshubarti8696
      @doldemenshubarti8696 2 месяца назад

      @@jimedick9496 appreciate that! I might do exact same for backup wood carry

  • @kypatriot7037
    @kypatriot7037 3 года назад +8

    Excellent review and thank you for being thorough about comparing the two. I am now contemplating the S&W 442 or 642 Performance Center with enhanced action from S&W for my summer daily pocket carry.

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  3 года назад +3

      I will cast a vote for a 642 because the cylinder is stainless steel, not carbon steel. Even in a pocket in a holster, my 442's cylinder can get a little rusted over time.

    • @c.gardner4186
      @c.gardner4186 2 года назад +1

      I have a 637 Performance Center and love it. I like the ability to shoot both single or double action.

    • @LA_Commander
      @LA_Commander Год назад

      Just get a regular 642 and for $25 you can get a spring kit which makes the trigger a lot better.

  • @Johnnyjonas274
    @Johnnyjonas274 2 года назад +7

    Damn, that’s a nice looking range!

  • @dynamicfirearmsinc432
    @dynamicfirearmsinc432 3 года назад +5

    Spot on that’s one of the reasons why I got rid of the LCR I’m a Smith guy but that was the problem that I was having That false reset if you are used to Glocks where you don’t reset the trigger all the way that’s not the gun for you (Ruger) to have as a back up ETC.

  • @MrRashBone
    @MrRashBone 3 года назад +4

    Love the revolver and shotgun videos you do. Keep up the good work!

  • @ray.d.oeaux1230
    @ray.d.oeaux1230 Год назад +2

    They are both great. You can't go wrong with either.

  • @guaporeturns9472
    @guaporeturns9472 3 года назад +5

    Another good video. You had a finer aiming point on the silhouette with the Smith than with the Ruger.. than might be the difference in accuracy , I know it had made a difference with my group sizes before. Thanks for another good video

  • @stephenyoutubin4476
    @stephenyoutubin4476 3 года назад +16

    I have a few LCR's and I just sold my 9mm LCR. I do not recommend the 9mm because I had the occasional bullet creep out of the cylinder rendering the gun useless.

    • @troxle1r
      @troxle1r 2 года назад +1

      Plus, some users have complained about a moon clip getting bent a little bit, which can cause a misfire.

    • @michaelkulman7095
      @michaelkulman7095 8 месяцев назад

      Bullet creep with jacketed rounds?
      Because they are less likely to do that as are wadcutters.
      If it wasn't jacketed, that might be your problem as with guns that are lighter, under 16 oz maybe or 14 something oz or lighter still, like 13 something ounces, unjacketed rounds can have bullet creep.
      The lighter the model the more of a problem it is. 9mm might be more problematic as well, I don't know though about it being more of a problem in 9mm.
      A very light gun and or powerful rounds can do this if unjacketed.

  • @flaco5581
    @flaco5581 3 года назад +4

    Get them both! One is a great reload for the other.

  • @kjvav8755
    @kjvav8755 3 года назад +3

    Great video with some common ccw options.

  • @eddiep7444
    @eddiep7444 Год назад +7

    I own both. For holster carry, Smith is best because the recessed design above grip allows for strap to solidly secure firearm. LCR rounded shape causes it to move around too much in holster, but is perfect pocket carry, and does shoot more accurately for me

  • @GunCollector007
    @GunCollector007 3 года назад +3

    I love them both. Those wood grips look great.

  • @efreutel
    @efreutel 7 месяцев назад +2

    Great review. Many thanks! 👍👍👍

  • @zacharybrink5088
    @zacharybrink5088 11 месяцев назад +2

    Nice video sir . Thanks

  • @sombra6153
    @sombra6153 2 года назад +2

    Personal observation with J-Frame grips. While the Hogue Bantam grips still leave the back strap uncovered, the grip material being softer and allows for better all-round grip control than similar wood or harder materials. With stout loads, the Js are still going to buck quite a bit, but the Bantam grips mitigate - sort of better distribute some of that unpleasant bite. Still find it baffling that some manufacturer can’t figure out how to put a thin layer of recoil absorbing material over the back strap without significantly increasing the bulk, but I also see the challenges with S&W grip frame design.
    Great review of both. If the Ruger prices weren’t sort of dead even with the Smiths now days, the LCR would be the better choice. The Ruger sights and grip are big pluses. Having arrived at the point in my life where trying to make a sight picture with little bitty sights is annoying, having the ability to change out blades is worthy of consideration. We all get to some point in our lives where orange paint can’t make little bitty sights stand out anymore. That said, if I could still find a new 442/642 for around $400, I’d go with the Smith.

  • @Risteard156
    @Risteard156 6 месяцев назад +2

    A excellent video on the S&W 442 38 2"barrel and the Ruger lcr 38 a lot of police carry the S&W 442 38 2"barrel much better than the Ruger lcr for a backup gun 💯👍

  • @frankbutta9344
    @frankbutta9344 3 года назад +3

    I have two 642 revolvers, and enjoy them. The LCR recoil did seem much greater than the Smith. Thanks for Sharing, James! 👍👍👍👍

  • @jefffawver888
    @jefffawver888 2 года назад +2

    great review.Thank you for sharing your views on both of ttese fine firearms.

  • @kelltrad6127
    @kelltrad6127 2 года назад +4

    I love the 642/442. The trigger is far better IMO, once a spring kit is installed. The LCR short strokes easily. But the fact that in order to get a replaceable front site on S&W, you have to spend double the cost of the 642/442 is absolute bullshit. I’d take the lcr for this reason

  • @harleyandguns
    @harleyandguns 2 года назад +2

    Great comparison review. I also own both. I like the Ruger trigger more, I feel like the recoil is less and it's more comfortable to shoot with the oversize rubber grip. I also changed the sight to a HiViz fluorescent green. The 442 I changed the standard rubber boot grip to Altamont rubber boot with wood inserts. Bottom line, I am consistently more accurate with the 442. Go figure.

  • @jasonashley4579
    @jasonashley4579 2 года назад +2

    Excellent video, I carry the 442 with crimson trace laser grips on it, keep it stoked with underwood 125 grain xtp rounds, should work in a pinch I hope.

  • @albertmcfry6322
    @albertmcfry6322 2 года назад +2

    Great review

  • @michaelrains2268
    @michaelrains2268 Год назад +1

    My Ruger is chambered in 327 federal magnum. It is a six shot revolver , the cartage and bullet pack a punch for a small package. I use this a lightweight backup to my regular carry weapon.

  • @agrisizkulak
    @agrisizkulak 3 года назад +4

    I carry my 442 everyday. I mean everyday. Love it. But it needs an upgrade with the sights and the grip. LCR's grip is superior. Thanks for the video.

    • @user-pz5ju7mw3k
      @user-pz5ju7mw3k 3 года назад +3

      There’s only about a million aftermarket j frame grips on the market. Take your pick.

    • @LA_Commander
      @LA_Commander 3 года назад +1

      Fish, try putting Hogue grips on your 442. I did that on my 642 and it made the gun 100% better to shoot and to draw. Good luck.

  • @kevinwise1997
    @kevinwise1997 3 года назад +2

    I have a 642 that I got some rose wood grips for... really gave it a face lift from the rubber grips it cam with

  • @elyogito5621
    @elyogito5621 2 года назад +1

    I literally thought there was gonna be a huge difference looking at how it fits in your hands when you shoot. There’s hardly any difference in size. Almost looks like the same gun. Love em both.

  • @renerodriguez2364
    @renerodriguez2364 Год назад +2

    In real world shootouts, you would not be pulling the trigger slow enough to cause a false reset. Instead most shooters would be slapping the trigger without ever listening for a reset click….think about it. I have both revolvers and honestly they are both top notch quality revolvers…it really comes down to which you prefer ergonomically.

  • @Motorcyclewindtherapy
    @Motorcyclewindtherapy Год назад +2

    I've owned 2 LCRs in 38 and 3 J frames. (340, 642, 442) The 442 has stuck with me for 10+ years and will stay forever.
    The LCR rattle bugged me and the J frame is smaller and easier to conceal for me.
    I put the smallest possible Crimson Trace grips on it - for my older eyes it helps. I also have a laser on my main carry Glock.
    I think the LCR and J frames are both great, shrouded hammer, excellent back up, coat pocket or ankle revolver options. We are lucky to live in a time of great options!

  • @glennsammon4465
    @glennsammon4465 Год назад

    triggers can be worked on ( or just keep pulling the trigger and it will smooth out that way), and either gun can have the grips changed. they have rubber grips for the 442 that covers the back and cushions recoil.

  • @chipchaffee2416
    @chipchaffee2416 2 года назад +2

    Great video

  • @LA_Commander
    @LA_Commander Год назад +1

    With a Smith J frame, if you install an aftermarket spring kit and Hogue grips (as I have done) it makes the gun 100% better to draw and shoot

  • @inland85
    @inland85 3 года назад +9

    i only shoot 148gr wadcutters they get the job done and less recoil and they hit point of aim

  • @exothermal.sprocket
    @exothermal.sprocket 3 года назад +2

    Shooting magnums from an LCR is an experience.

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  3 года назад +2

      I might have to give that a shot in a Magnum LCR. I know they are a few ounce heavier with a steel frame, but I am not sure it will make a difference.

    • @exothermal.sprocket
      @exothermal.sprocket 3 года назад +1

      @@professorpewpuew 17.1oz in LCRx. Yeah it's a pretty good sock to the palm.

    • @LA_Commander
      @LA_Commander 3 года назад +2

      Stick with 38 Special on these small lightweight revolvers.

    • @exothermal.sprocket
      @exothermal.sprocket 3 года назад +2

      @@LA_Commander 38+p gets the job done for sure.

    • @LA_Commander
      @LA_Commander 3 года назад +1

      @@exothermal.sprocket Hooah!

  • @JFNIReverse
    @JFNIReverse 3 года назад +3

    OMG, thanks for doing my request buddy. I am so happy

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  3 года назад +2

      No problem. I only regret not being able to get it out as fast as I could. Hurricane Ida set us back.

  • @LA_Commander
    @LA_Commander 3 года назад +3

    I would not carry a revolver without the ability to use a speed loader with it. You can change out those grips on the Ruger to a slightly thinner but longer one. I put some Hogue grips on my S&W 642 and it made the gun 100% better to shoot and to draw, and I can still use my speed loaders effectively with it. These small revolvers are great for daily carry, but with their low capacity, you need to be able to reload quickly and effectively with a speed loader just in case. Try some different grips with that Ruger it should really help out.

    • @troxle1r
      @troxle1r 2 года назад

      I have the LCR with Hogue grips and I use a Speed Bee loader. No problem! The speed loader the video maker is using may have too much material around the outer edge.

  • @GLOCKCOPG23
    @GLOCKCOPG23 2 года назад +1

    At 13:16 mins and again at 13:47 mins the Ruger most certainly did drop the hammer….the fire pin is clearly seen sticking out past the breech face after the trigger was pulled both times. It would have definitely fired off the round both times.

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  2 года назад +1

      Yeah. It does drop the hammer but there is no spring pressure behind it. It is hard to feel that on the other side of the camera.

  • @Tom-cp6yj
    @Tom-cp6yj 3 года назад +9

    as a LCR owner, that Rugers weak reset is a big problem that nobody's addressing.. in 10 years, Ruger should've remedied that!

    • @ignatiusDOWN
      @ignatiusDOWN 2 года назад

      It’s something that was barely talked about before the past year

  • @carlosmorris4510
    @carlosmorris4510 Год назад +1

    The 'false reset' of the LCR trigger is actually an internal safety feature; it's a smooth (and light) non-stacking trigger pull - so that it won't fire again until it's fully reset... That's a good thing. It's a technologically advanced trigger over that of a J-frame.

  • @phillipdewitt4454
    @phillipdewitt4454 Год назад

    Both are handy for pocket carry and will give you time to fight your way to more gun.

  • @oldcop18
    @oldcop18 2 года назад +2

    I found short stroking the Ruger trigger very disconcerting, but that’s probably b/c I’ve shot & carried a J Frame S&W since 1968. My EDC is a no lock 340PD, but the trigger is 12 + pounds on my scale. I’ve learned to shoot it that way so it hasn’t been a problem.

  • @bigron26048
    @bigron26048 2 года назад

    I have a Smith & Wesson Model 36...love it
    great gun, reliable. The only thing I can say is it's only accurate at close range, so I guess it's only good for as they say "close and dirty"

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  2 года назад

      I have an older 3 inch Model 36. I have been needing a 2 inch Model. For the most concealable and most controllable J-frame, the original 36 is impossible to beat.

  • @1957Shep
    @1957Shep 3 года назад +1

    Pretty good shooting with a snubbie.

  • @stevealexander2616
    @stevealexander2616 3 года назад +1

    Do you have a twin brother named Mark 3Smelly? I enjoy watching his videos too.

  • @Soli_Deo_Gloria_.
    @Soli_Deo_Gloria_. 2 года назад

    Edit : I just realized yours is not 22LR but perhaps still a meaningful question anyway...
    Is is normal for the LRC 22LR (no hammer spur) to have a large cylinder gap when firing ? I just purchased one and realized it later. When you pull the trigger it seems like the cylinder does not move forward to meet up with the barrel very much, even after pulling the trigger all the way through and holding it back so it doesn't reset there's alot of visible light therefore space between the cylinder and barrel.
    I appreciate your time spent in responding, thanks

    • @djYuz
      @djYuz 2 года назад

      It’s hard to say without having the measurements. You’ll want to hold the cylinder forward towards the forcing cone in the frame and use feeler gauges to get that measurement. I’d say .005” is ideal but something like .014” would be way too much. If the gap is too large, contact customer service to see if you can send the revolver in to have that corrected by the factory.

  • @paddypibblet846
    @paddypibblet846 2 года назад

    Could the added weight loaded of the Smith be due to those after market wood grips?

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  2 года назад

      Actually, when I had the stock grips on the 442 it weighed the same. Even the empty loaded spec sheets say that the LCR is a touch lighter.

  • @gunmonkey6545
    @gunmonkey6545 Год назад

    I could never get used to that Ruger trigger and if you pocket carry, the Smith is the way to go IMO.

  • @matttheknife8293
    @matttheknife8293 Год назад

    I know not all speedloaders work between J frames and the LCR. I wonder if that contributed to the speedloader not working.
    Also, great work working those triggers. Most reviewers jerk then.

  • @chuckpeters1
    @chuckpeters1 Год назад

    Considering these 2. I want a revolver to pocket carry. (I carry an LCP2, now) . Either of these fit in a pocket better than the other?

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  Год назад +1

      The Smith is slimmer and trimmer. In the pocket it is easier to carry without printing.

  • @tedcollins4684
    @tedcollins4684 2 года назад +2

    My s&w revolver broke after 26 shots, no return phone call after a month. I don't beleive or trust in s&w quality anymore.

  • @MegaBait1616
    @MegaBait1616 2 года назад

    Always like the triggers better on a S&W.... Although have many Ruger toys.. Be Well.

  • @D33Lux
    @D33Lux 3 года назад

    Someone should contact Ruger and have them fix that false trigger reset.

  • @michaelkulman7095
    @michaelkulman7095 8 месяцев назад

    6:00 mark.
    Do you feel lucky?

  • @leerx7015
    @leerx7015 2 года назад

    I'm having a hard time finding an outside the waist kydex for my lcrx 9mm. please let me know if you do...

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  2 года назад

      I believe the 9mm version is dimensionally the same as the 357 Magnum model?

  • @ObscureArms
    @ObscureArms 3 года назад +1

    Damn good video! Love some snubbies

  • @josephlahood4647
    @josephlahood4647 3 года назад +6

    ID take a Smith any day

  • @LEXxTALIONS7913
    @LEXxTALIONS7913 3 года назад +1

    I'm a proud owner of a S&W model 16-4, and a Ruger Sp101, I like both guns but I never do that you are doing!!! Compare a S&W to any gun "at least in revolvers" there's no match! Smith and Wesson revolvers are Kings of the revolvers world. I now is my personal opinion but is based in facts, in particular Smith and Wesson revolvers made before the year 2000! They are works of art, that I trust my life and my family, my S&W is my EDC for about 20 years now, and already save my life 2 times, so to me that's facts!

  • @apologist3574
    @apologist3574 2 года назад

    The LCR shoots well, but I just felt it to be "ugly". The "staged" trigger seems to me to be a benefit in a DA only J-frame style revolver.

  • @josephlahood4647
    @josephlahood4647 3 года назад +2

    I think it goes. Was that 6 or only 5 in all this excitement

  • @TheGingerKing1994
    @TheGingerKing1994 4 месяца назад

    I carried a jframe a little over a year and almost all the finish on the blackstrap came off. 642 model. LCR it is.

  • @guaporeturns9472
    @guaporeturns9472 2 года назад

    Sound like the “concealed” version of Dirty Harry “did I fire 4 rounds or 5?” 😀

  • @southernfried19
    @southernfried19 2 года назад

    It’s a wash. I much prefer the grip on the LCR though. The grip on the S&W is too small.

  • @Pluhdao
    @Pluhdao Год назад

    Ruger all the way!

  • @gonzalolopez3707
    @gonzalolopez3707 4 месяца назад

    Ruger looks more solid

  • @craignewkirk9713
    @craignewkirk9713 Год назад

    I'll take the smith and wesson all day.

    • @efreutel
      @efreutel 7 месяцев назад

      ok but what about at night? 🤡

  • @briangtester2536
    @briangtester2536 Год назад

    Forgotten gun has to work! != smartass glocks

  • @Lee-fi4vo
    @Lee-fi4vo Год назад

    No sound oj July 10, 2023

  • @RobertAllen-k4q
    @RobertAllen-k4q 3 месяца назад

    Martin Barbara Garcia Elizabeth Lopez Jessica

  • @mr.e.2175
    @mr.e.2175 3 года назад +3

    J- frame all day long I don't buy plastic wheel guns that's just wrong!!

    • @professorpewpuew
      @professorpewpuew  3 года назад +2

      That's my overall pick, but for my first shots out of an LCR after a long time, I can see their appeal too.

    • @efreutel
      @efreutel 7 месяцев назад

      Correct! No plastic in wheel guns! I don’t believe in seatbelts either! 🤡

  • @briangtester2536
    @briangtester2536 Год назад

    Glocks are toys, in the extremely rare situation where you need a firearm to save your life, you want simple easy and thrustworthy... nothing (multishot) simpler than a revolver!!"!"

  • @prawnstar502
    @prawnstar502 8 месяцев назад

    sw is hot trash.. expensive and terrible quality control

  • @gregnixon5770
    @gregnixon5770 2 года назад +4

    I like how everyone is now a trigger expert...just let the trigger all the way out... what's so hard about that?