J-Frames vs Ruger LCR for concealed carry

Ruger LCR vs S&W J-Frame: Which Snubbie Should I Get?

If a person is considering a snubbie revolver for concealed acquit, a person will probable come down to 2 choices: S&Westward J-frame vs Ruger LCR. These are two very popular snubbie revolvers and arguably the best bachelor.

Which is improve, though?

That depends on how y'all ascertain "improve." Thing well-nigh the J-frame is that the J-frame is actually a whole family of revolvers, with a lot of options to cull from. The LCR is as well, but to a far lesser degree. In other words, you get more choices when it comes to the J-frame in terms of frame construction and accoutrements, but the LCR is hardly a one-trick pony.

Ultimately, it depends on precisely what you're looking for in a CCW revolver.

Ruger LCR: Optimized For Behave

Let's get it out of the manner: you don't get every bit much in terms of choice with the Ruger LCR (information technology stands for Lightweight Acquit Revolver) serial. You lot can selection double-action only (the LCR) or a low-contour hammer with the LCRx. The finish can be any colour, so long as you similar black. (Though a few distributors may have some special colour options available, if that matters.) The frame is a polymer lower and aluminium blend upper.

You get Hogue safety grips and a whole lot of surface contours for an easy depict from concealment. Sights are notch rear and bract front, though you lot can get luminescent front sight inserts and a couple of LCRx models exercise come with target rear sights.

You can get Scarlet Trace from the mill or social club the grips yourself.

You do become a fleck more choice in terms of quotient, though. You lot get the classics, .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum. There are also .22 LR and .22 Magnum models, in both the LCR and LCRx. However, the LCR - though non the LCRx - can also be had in .327 Federal Magnum and the LCR's pop 9mm variant. The latter requires the use of moon clips, but Ruger sells them cheap.

Everything you need, nothing you don't, only you can go a little bit of what yous don't if yous want.

The LCR has a 1.87-inch barrel beyond the board, salvage for ii LCRx models with 3-inch barrels. (One in .38 Special, ane in .22 LR.) Unloaded weight is 13.five ounces at the lightest, 17.two ounces at the heaviest. Despite the frame contouring, the LCR is slightly bigger than the smaller J-frames, at 4.5 inches alpine and six.5 inches long, but slightly narrower at i.28 inches broad at the cylinder.

Granted, fewer choices in appointment over the J-frame series, certain, but the LCR is designed for function start, which is why a lot of people regard it every bit the all-time concealed comport revolver on the market place.

Ruger LCR .357 variant
Ruger LCR Specs:
  • Overall Length: 6.5"
  • Height: 4.five"
  • Barrel Length: 1.87"
  • Width: 1.28"
  • Weight: thirteen.5oz - 17.2oz

ORDER YOUR RUGER LCR 9mm HOLSTER TODAY!

Take advantage of our 30-day Test Drive! There'due south more Ruger LCR holsters bachelor on our Search by Gun page under Ruger on the Revolver tab.

J-Frame Revolvers: Freedom of Selection

Thing near the J-frame is in that location are J-frame revolvers for near any sensibility. For the most part, you become 5 shots of .38 Special or .357 Magnum, though there are a couple of 7-shot models in .22 Magnum and a few 8-shot models in .22 LR.

However, everything across that is up to you. What you can get depends on what you want and how much you're willing to pay...and there'south a J-frame for most whatsoever budget.

Want wood and blue steel? The Model 36, the classic J-frame, is for you.

Variants of the S&W J-Frame

Rather have a lightweight DAO optimized for the deepest concealment? Try the 642. Want the best of both worlds? The 648 in .38 Special and 649 in .357 Magnum have shrouded hammers, allowing for single or double-action operation but streamlined for an easy draw from concealment. Lasers are available, as are models with target sights.

And so on. There are more 3 dozen individual models under the J-frame banner, so it's a buyer'south market. Choose the model you like.

Specs vary by model, but the typical barrel length is one.875 inches with an overall length of 6.iii inches. Some have a two.125-inch butt, and a few J-frames - near notably the Model 60 3" - have a 3-inch butt, which makes them a tad longer. Width is i.3 inches at the cylinder, and most models are effectually 4.ii inches tall, though a few have slightly longer grips and then it depends on the exact model y'all look at.

Weight also varies past model. The lightest is the M&P 340 (the current Thousand&P line of plastic fantastics are not the get-go to wear the label; the starting time was the Model ten) at 13.viii ounces. The heaviest is the Model 60 3" at 23.2 ounces. Most of them are xiv.four ounces, and so less than a pound unloaded. Easy to conceal, easy to carry, easy to operate - that'southward why CCW revolvers are still relevant.

In curt, there are and then many iterations of the J-frame revolver that information technology would take all twenty-four hour period for you lot to read well-nigh them. Suffice to say it'due south a versatile platform, with offerings to arrange virtually whatsoever gun heir-apparent's desires.

J-Frame Revolver
Southward&W J-Frame Specs:
  • Overall Length: 6.3"
  • Height: 4.2"
  • Barrel Length: i.875"-two.125"
  • Width: i.iii"
  • Weight: xiv.4oz

Order YOUR 2" J-FRAME HOLSTER TODAY!

Have advantage of our xxx-twenty-four hours Test Drive!

J-Frame vs. LCR: The Selection

If y'all had to choose between the J-frame vs. Ruger LCR...it really comes down to which ane you similar. Y'all won't go wrong either way; information technology'south like choosing between a Civic and a Camry. Either fashion you become a good car that'due south going to last.

They're practically the same gun. Both can be caused for effectually $400 in most gun stores, though you lot should conceptualize paying a little extra - probably about $50 - for the Ruger over a base model J-frame. Both bedchamber .38 Special and will run +P, then they are both expert defensive pistols, though .357 Magnum tin can be had if desired.

They're both about the same size and weight, though the Ruger is well-nigh 1 ounce lighter than most J-frames; hardly enough to brand a serious departure. Both can be had in DAO or double/single configuration.

However, there are a few things that could tilt a person in one management over another. Ruger installs a friction-reducing cam in the trigger group, then y'all get a smoother pull in double-action which some people accept bemoaned in S&W revolvers. Expect a x- to 12-pound pull either way.

S&W Model 36 J-Frame
Ruger LCR

That said, at that place'south a difference between what you tin observe on their site and what you'll find in stores. Yous're liable to find 2 to 3 J-frames per LCR in the display case, then you lot'll probably find a bit more pick in your local gun store among the S&Ws, which is something to bear in mind.

Try them both out at a range if possible, and run into which yous like. The ane that feels all-time in the paw and that you can shoot the best is the one you should get. When you do go to the range, apply Alien Gear's free eight" x xi.5" target!

Click the Prototype Below to Download

Printable Shooting Target

We will continuously exist adding new target options to our lineup. Check out our complete gratis printable shooting targets page to see the full selection equally they starting time rolling in.

Sam Hoober

About The Writer

Built-in in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. He resides in the swell Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as frequently as possible.