Ruger LCR 38 for Lady Friend?

[clearshot7]

Hi All,
My lady friend has her LTC (no restrictions from Lexington, MA) and is now looking to buy a revolver (preferred over a semi-automatic) basically for home defense, but may carry later. She is very interested in the Ruger LCR 38, likes the gel backstrap to reduce the perceived recoil and the way the gun fits in her hand. Any comments about this gun would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[In God We Trust]

My opinion is that it has a hard trigger pull that may make it hard to shoot for a noob. Not sure if you can get a trigger job done, someone else maybe can chime in on that.

 

[Mustad]

A snub for a noob, primarily for home defense, to learn to shoot with and become possibly comfortable to ccw with... Sounds like a bad idea, tell her to get a 4" or a 6" revolver, and she can worry about a snubby when she is actually ready to ccw. If she likes the feel of the LCR maybe a SP101 with a $20 hogue grip.

 

[eisenhow]

I have one and it will likely be for sale soon. The stock LCR trigger is much smoother & lighter than a stock S&W J-frame. As others have said a snub for a beginner may not be the best thing. There is a cheap S&W Model 64 in the classifieds right now. That would be much more manageable as a home defense revolver.

 

[Sully]

Wouldn't necessarily reccomend it for a beginner. it's light and kicks a fair amount, but great for carry. If going to be primarily home defense, get something bigger and get an LCR later when she wants to carry. That said, she's welcome to try mine with the boot grips out some time.

 

[FSTC]

I'd recommend against the snubbie. If she likes small and compact maybe have her look at the Model 60LS. Or even the Model 60 with the 3" bbl.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765590_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[mousegunfan]

I think it will be a good gun for her. The trigger is easy and the gun is simple and light. Just start shooting very close with self defense in mind and then move further back. You can also add night sights and a laser. I know some recommend against small snubs for beginners but it's easy to teach them self defense shooting, up close and personal. Woman like small lightweight guns and if she likes it let her have it.

 

[whatluck]

Home defense?

Ar-15.

 

[TBalls]

My first question would be: Is she a noob? Everyone assumed it (myself included), but you never said it. Either way, for HD she's better off with something larger/heavier. I don't think it's wise to buy a snubbie (polymer, no less) as an HD gun with the "I may carry later" mentality. I completely agree that something like a Model 60 or the SP101 would be a great gun for that purpose. Then if she decides to carry and doesn't want to carry what she's got...........well, she get's to buy another one! Win win! Besides, you and I both know that as soon as she wants to carry you'd go out and buy her another gun yourself.

 

[ntomsw]

I just bought an LCR a few weeks back, and I like mine. Trigger is definitely better/smoother than a S&W j-frame as others have said. I do not carry it, as I have a restricted license, but I wanted something small to shoot and have fun with and just to add it to my collection. I recommend it though. I don't think it has nearly as much recoil as other people say. And, I don't have huge hands or anything. In my opinion, I think it's a great little gun and I have only been shooting for a few months.

 

[Clecko54]

I recommend against a J-Frame / LCR size firearm. The potential buyer should fire one a bit first to determine if the harsh recoil with those small light guns is too much. A family member of mine bought a S&W 442 for the same reason as listed above, and she's had a hard time shooting it due to the effects of the harsh recoil. I'd recommend a full size revolver, maybe a K frame S&W for a new gun owner, or a full size 9 mm semi-auto pistol. Your mileage may vary, it all comedown to preference in the end. Shop around and try before you buy.

 

[drgrant]

The LCR is a good gun but I would not recommend it for anyone with what I'd call "entry level" firearm skills... well, that or any snubnose revolver for that matter.

It's not a knock against the gun, it's just that a DA snub revolver has its own learning curve to it, and unless a shooter is dedicated to learning it, they'll likely get frustrated. The frustration is 100 times worse with minimal experience, though.

-Mike