LCR vs 642 performance

[Lanejsl]

[Rustlin’ Jack]

I don’t have either of these, but I do have an all steel Model 60 that was my detective carry piece. I have tried the 642 and LCR out in the shops just for grins.

Sights: They really shouldn’t matter at the distances these are made for. Learn to shoot it as is and perfect your technique. They can be quite accurate with some skill.

Trigger: The LCR has a very smooth, rolling trigger that feels great. Some people are fooled that the trigger has reset for another shot before it actually has reached the real reset point. The problem is that when short stroking the trigger, the cylinder gets confused and needs help to put it back into play.

Moon Clips: They may be a tad quicker, but I prefer speed strips. Extra rounds for a reload lie flatter in the pocket.

Both are quality guns, and you would probably have a favorite if you can try both out at the same time. I have considered adding both to my carry rotation, but at the moment, I would prefer the LCR, just to try something different. My Chiefs Special does not need replacing, but I would hate to drop it, surrender it for evidence, or start sourcing no longer produced parts for repair.

[xblax619]

I’m going to pick up a .38 soon for CCW and I’m trying to decide on the 642 pro and the LCR. I will occasionally pocket carry but will also carry on my hip.

I understand that the 642 pro has a nice trigger but the sights are terrible. I’m also intrigued that the 642 uses moon clips.

The LCR is said to have a nice trigger and a replaceable front sight which is great for my tires old eyes. It’s does not use moon clips though.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I have the 642 pro. Mine is not cut for moon clips. It also has the dreaded hillary hole even though on the S&W website it specifically mentions that the pro models of 642/442 wouldn’t. That aside the trigger is much better than a regular 642. I walked to a local pawn shop and found my 642 pro a few days after picking up a regular 642 from a different ffl. I ended up selling the reg 642. And ya the sights do suck as the typical jframe sights do. That’s why mine now sports crimson trace laser grips. U may consider the 640 pro. Those come with 3 dot sights, however, the action aren’t worked over like the 642/442 pros are. And again the S&W website claims that they are cut for moon clips and don’t have the hillary hole, but the one I saw in a different lgs was also not cut for moonclips and has the hillary hole. They must make that version for us stuck in the People’s Republic of Kalifornia. Btw I don’t own an LCR, so I have no comment on the comparison.

correction: I do not have a 642 pro. After an email to S&W, I was informed that based on serial #, what I thought was a 642 Pro is actually a Performance Center “enhanced action” model 642 (sku #170348; https://www.smith-wesson.com/product...2-0?sku=170348). These are not cut for moonclips and do have the internal lock. Its not a big deal for me as I would probably never load from moonclips outside of the range, as I prefer to carry a speed strip for extra ammo. And the hillary hole doesn’t bother me that much as.

[jimmykan]

What does the 642 Pro model have that the regular 642 does not?

[Title1guy]

FWIW- I just picked up an LCR in 327 federal. Out of the box, it has a smoother trigger than an S&W 340pd and an M&P 340 that I installed spring kits in to reduce the trigger weight. This LCR is heavier though, to cope with the higher pressures of the 327 federal; with a similar weight to the LCR .357.

[SkyHawk]

What does the 642 Pro model have that the regular 642 does not?

It has no lock, and is cut for moon clips

Also the 642 Performance Center SKU 10186 is also on roster and it comes with a tuned action, also no lock and cut for moon clips.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-642-0

I have LCR, and 642 Pro with Apex Duty kit. The Apex kit was $21 shipped from Brownells when I got it. It includes springs and a slightly extended firing pin.

After installing the Apex kit into the 642 and slightly polishing, the pull came down from 11lbs to about 7lbs and now it compares better to the LCR trigger.

Both are very nice and you cant go wrong with either but the LCR has the better stock trigger for sure. If you like the LCR and also want moon clips, take a look at the LCR 9mm

You can also apply some 2-stage sight paint to the front ramp of the 642 and make it dayglo orange

[Fingergunscootersquirrel.]

[L-2]

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-642?sku=103810

I've had this Mod. 642 for a decade or two. It's the "non-Pro" model as it's not cut for moon-clips, but also doesn't have the internal lock. S&W also makes a 442 if one likes a black colored firearm.

As these 642 (and 442) revolvers, the last time I looked, are on the "Roster" without the internal lock, for some reason many dealers stock the internal-lock (ILS) models anyway. I don't know why.

I considered getting an LCR Ruger to compare and carry, but I really don't carry my revolvers as much anymore and have mostly been in a Glock mood, for the last several years. For me, getting an LCR (~$600 revolver) would end up costing me, more like, ~$1000 once I buy a holster, speed-loader(s) and shoot a bunch of ammo (maybe 500 rounds) just to get really proficient and used to it. Lately, I've had some other expenses and $1000 is a lot to me right now for something I don't need and might not like.

Perhaps I'll get around to getting an LCR in 2023. We'll see. I actually do have six S&W revolvers and if & when I do carry a revolver, my 642 is likely to be the one carried.

In summary, I'll also vote OK for the 642 and I just have no opinion on the LCR, as I've got zero experience with one.

[Lanejsl]

Thanks for all the responses!very helpful. Doe those of you with the LCR, does it pocket carry ok? I’ve heard it doesn’t pocket carry as well as the 642.

[SkyHawk]

Thanks for all the responses!very helpful. Doe those of you with the LCR, does it pocket carry ok? I’ve heard it doesn’t pocket carry as well as the 642.

I'm not sure there is much difference. The 642 is a tad smaller, but there is a smaller boot grip you can put on the LCR.


You can compare them visually here:

https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/smith-wesson-model-642-vs-ruger-lcr

Boot grip on LCR:

[Mark49]

I have the S&W Pro. I believe the only difference between the two is "Moon Clip" I bought mine maybe 10 years ago. It came with factory crimson trace grips. I set them at 15 yards.

It's an "E" ticket ride like all stubbies.

You know, I never looked all that close, mine has the Hillary hole, I don't see any tool in its box to lock it?

[Catch]

I handled an lcr once, it rattled but seemed lighter weight. Accuracy on par with any snub.

[bergmen]

I have both (although a 442, not a 642, difference only being the finish). .38 Special +P. I cannot really say which one I like more than the other. They are both excellent defensive revolvers in every way. I do find myself carrying the 442 more often in a pocket holster since I generally have relegated the LCR for HD in my nightstand.

Dan

[SB1942]

I have the LCR .38 (Carry it with Hornady 110 +P.) I really like it.

Which front sight did you go with? I'm planning on changing mine out soon. Thanks.

[Lanejsl]

Thanks everyone. Calguns is a great resource. Merry Christmas.