Waiting for P2P. Time to decide. Held and dry fired both.

The 642 has a long history with positive reviews . Some say the LCR is better.

Leaning toward LCR 357 for 38 ammo only. Would appreciate advice or user feedback. Thanks.

I have no experience with a 642, but do with an LCR.

 

I have no complaints about the LCR. I thought it shot well, and almost disappears in any concealed scenario. I would say rent and shoot both if you can, and then make the call based on your preference.

 

One thing: if you do decide on the LCR, plan on changing out the front sight. The black sights were all but useless, in my opinion. The XS Standard Dot Tritium sight made a big difference. In darkness or in light.

 

Or buy the version with the sight already installed.

I have a LCR 38+P and I love it. I use it as an off duty and it's so light you almost forget you have it. The down side is it's so light that it's a little snotty when it comes to recoil. I'm in the area so if you would like to try mine let me know.

I have a LCR 38+P and I love it. I use it as an off duty and it's so light you almost forget you have it. The down side is it's so light that it's a little snotty when it comes to recoil. I'm in the area so if you would like to try mine let me know.

Thanks, I'd love to try it.

I'm retired and my time is flexible. Thanks again.

PM me with your info.

I'm definitely a smith and wesson fan boy, but with the two listed above - I'd say go with the Ruger LCR.

 

In this case, out of the box, The Ruger LCR has the better trigger, has a bit of a different feel due the coiled main spring.

 

I like the light weight frame, though with stout loads it does bite more then a traditonal steel frame. But as a carry gun, the light weight works.

 

I have the .357 magnum version, and it's one of the rugers that I just wont get rid of.

Ruger makes a 38Sp +p only LCR to compare to the S&W 642 Airweight.

 

Ruger LCR 357/38           = 17.10oz

Ruger LCR 38                  = 13.50oz

S&W 642    38                  = 15.00oz

S&W M&P 340  357/38     =13.3oz

 

I own the 642. I find it more asthetically pleasing than the Ruger LCR and feels better in my hand. The Smith uses a metal (aluminum) frame with steel cylinder and barrel while the Ruger is Poly frame with a steel cylinder and barrel. I prefer the metal frame on this type of gun. People have stated the Ruger has a better trigger, I completely disagree. The Smith has a fantastic trigger, smooth, clean, crisp, and predictable. Depending on the ammo it can be a little stout on the recoil. But that should be expected from any 15oz handgun. I prefer 130gr fmj loads (I like recoil). Accuracy is great at 7yds. I don't even use the sights, just point and shoot, which is what the gun was intended for. Price of the Ruger is less than the Smith, but resale will be much greater with the Smith. The Smith has been proven over and over and is a classic, the Ruger is new and just doesn't have a track record. Although I am sure the Ruger will be around for a long time too.