Polymer 38 ps revolvers

[Gooseman]

I'm looking to get a 38sp revolver for concealed carry. My LGS tells me the polymer guns (Ruger LCR, for example) are so light that the recoil hurts like hell. They're suggesting I go with a stainless steel s&w (which is about 50% heavier). Any thoughts on this? I've never fired any of those 14-15 ounce Ruger 38 special revolvers myself.

Merry Xmas!!!

[gunsandrockets]

Hurt? What nonsense.

The beauty of a revolver is the action is independent of the strength of the ammo.

If your revolver recoils too heavily, it is easy to buy ammunition with a lighter bullet, lighter powder charge, or both, to reduce the recoil to match your comfort level.

I recommend the Ruger LCR. It's amazing. The .38 caliber version is the lightest and cheapest version. Used .38 LCR can be found for $400 at some gun stores. But I like the 9mm LCR best of all.

[plumbum]

I have an aluminum Charter .38 and yes, recoil can be “brisk” with warm loads, but it’s a carry gun not a range toy - either way a box of the real stuff is sufficient for a range session.
Dad has both the LCR .38 and the .357 versions, and they share a great trigger and are still light enough - recoil is still noticeable, but I have no interest in trying full house .357 loads in a 17 oz gun.

The S&W 637, 642 and 638 are all great guns, but when you’re talking about an once or two, it’s not an issue either way. If you are recoil why, add a larger rubber grip and use the cheap 130gr practice ammo (700-800 fps) and you’ll gain some good practice.

[FLZ_Boy]

I prefer using the LCR 357 with 38 spl, the 17.5 oz weight does help take some of the sting from the recoil.

[M76]

I prefer using the LCR 357 with 38 spl, the 17.5 oz weight does help take some of the sting from the recoil.

Bingo.

"hurts like hell?"

[559BearDown]

My LCRx .38 is much more pleasant to shoot than a S&W 442/642. The Hogue Tamer grip makes the difference imo.

[DrewN]

I have the bigger Pachys on my LCR. Makes .357 not bad at all.

[Pofoo]

If it is truly for concealed carry, a light weight gun is fine, maybe desirable.
But, for fun shooting, a heavier gun is preferred.
Larger grips help manage recoil also.

[morrcarr67]

Do what I'm doing. Look at getting some short barreled ammo.

Sent from my Nokia 7.1 using Tapatalk

[Sputnik]

I have a Smith 442 and its pretty light. I adjust the powder load and bullet type for the intended use: LRN loaded light for practice, XTP warmed up a bit for what-if use. It pays to load your own sometimes if you like customizing loads.

[Cokebottle]

The S&W Scandium airweight 357 is actually 2oz lighter than the LCR 38.
THAT hurts with 357. 38 is not painful, but not enjoyable. 357? I seriously think I broke something. My hand was swollen for over a week and sore for a couple of weeks.

[MyOdessa]

I'm looking to get a 38sp revolver for concealed carry. My LGS tells me the polymer guns (Ruger LCR, for example) are so light that the recoil hurts like hell. They're suggesting I go with a stainless steel s&w (which is about 50% heavier). Any thoughts on this? I've never fired any of those 14-15 ounce Ruger 38 special revolvers myself.

Merry Xmas!!!

Your LGS is an idiot. 38 Special LCR has alloy frame and 357 Mag/9mm LCR has Stainless Steel frame. all have one of the best DAO triggers and very manageable recoil. I have 2 9mm LCR and they are great CCW guns

[CGT80]

The smith m&p 340 has a scandium frame and stainless steel cylinder and weighs 14 ounces. The 340 pd has a scandium cylinder but the finish on the cylinder supposedly wears easily and the scandium can damage easily from cleaning brushes, but it weighs 12 ounces. They are both 357 magnum dao without exposed hammers. I went with the m and p 340 and it is very manageable with 38+p loads, but I will not fire full house 357 mags in it. Even a hot load with fast powder and 158 bullets is painful. Lighter bullets are better with the 357 sights when running 38+p ammo. Crimson trace laser grips make it more comfortable and allow spot on aiming for the ammo you choose. There are downsides to a little revolver but they are very easy to carry and keep concealed.

[SnWnMe]

I was shooting some 158gr hard cast +Ps out of my 442 at Raahauges last Friday and yeah it gets my attention. It doesn't "hurt like hell" although my hard plastic Hip grips make it sting a bit.

But you will mostly practice with standard pressure ammo anyway and only run your carry ammo once in a while.

[DanGunner]

I have LCR and 442, both .38s, and both with Pachys. Six of one and a half-dozen of other. I've become a DA fan as result of shooting both.