Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Ruger LCR .38 Spl +P vs. .357 Mag

I am considering a new Ruger LCR in .38 Spl, and I see that Ruger also offers it in .357 Mag. I wouldn't shoot much, if any, .357 ammo from such a light gun, but I am wondering whether the extra few ounces that the .357 weighs would help make the .38 Spl more comfortable to hit with using +P ammo.

According to Ruger's website, the LCR in .38 Spl weighs 13.5 ounces, and the .357 Mag weighs 17.1 ounces. I'm trying to decide whether the additional 3.6 ounces will be noticeable while carrying it and whether the trade-off in weight might be worth it for the sake of "shootability". I'm not overly shy about recoil in such guns, but I don't see a need to put up with it for no good reason.

I own a .357 and a .38 Spl, so I do have some idea regarding the differences between the two, albeit in other platforms.

So, lighter carry weight versus perhaps more comfortable shooting. What do you all think?

Thanks.

In the long run you will enjoy carrying the lighter weight of the .38 Special model much more than whatever recoil-reduction the heavier gun might provide.

^^^^^^^
I agree. If the numbers are correct, that 3.6 oz. difference is a 27% increase going from 13.5 to 17.1. (The percentage increase will be a bit less when comparing loaded guns.) I think you would notice the difference, especially if you plan to pocket carry. In a good belt holster, maybe not so much.

I also was considering both and went with the .38+P glad I did.

The .38 version is very easy to carry IWB or in an external holster. For concealed, I wouldn't want it any heavier.

I have both and prefer to carry the 357 mag. On a good belt it's difficult, to tell the difference. I also carry a medium size 9mm that holds 16 rounds on a pretty regular basis. Compared to that, the LCR's are a piece of cake.

I'd lean toward the 357 just for the ammo versatility.

I do have a 3" LCRx 357. It's 21 ounces and still feels awfully light.

Maybe see if you can handle them both at a gun store or something, maybe rent and shoot both if that's an option. That might help a lot in the decision.

I mentioned it above, but maybe didn't say it explicitly. I believe a big part of it is if how to plan to carry it. If you pocket carry, I believe you will notice any difference much more than if you belt carry. I may be wrong, and people differ in what they notice, but that's my opinion.

I went the .357 route, entirely for the option to shoot .357 shot-shells (for snakes) I already had loaded.....I doubt I'll ever shoot regular .357 ammo out of it. I do pocket carry it often and really don't feel weighted down by it but I think if that's the main way you'll carry the .38's lighter weight would be appreciated. I've not shot the lighter .38 version but there's no question that the recoil shooting .38 will be less in the heavier version....but how much I can't say, a lot would depend on the loads being shot.

MontanaMarine's suggestion on renting/shooting both side by side is the best way to know.

Am I alone in not liking the trigger placement/trigger angle on these revolvers?

Yes.

.38

I think the difference in weight is due to the 357 is steel, while the 38 is alloy. If that makes any difference in your choice.

I shot the LCR 38 with some 125s, not +P. Then I purchased an LCP in 327 which is steel. With hot 120s, I appreciate every ounce in the gun, and never notice it on my belt.

Still waiting for the 3 inch LCRx in 327. Come on Ruger.

Their engineering the geometry of sear and hammer to make a great double action pull is phenomenal.

DF

I appreciate the great advice here. A few days ago, I made a post up in the Campfire forum about concealed carry while wearing chest waders. The idea behind buying the LCR would be to slip it into the zippered chest pocket of my waders. Bears, lions and hogs are not a problem, so I'm leaning toward the lighter weight of the .38 versus the .357, although good points are made on both sides.

If Your a bad guy and you PHHAUUCCK around me? I'm gonna fill your chest with lead like you've never imagined. I've got the .38.. I will be investing in the .357 soon.