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Looking at getting a pocket revolver, it's between the S&W Model 642 and the Ruger LCR in 38sp+p. Which would you purchase?

S&W Model 642:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... rrorView_Y#

Ruger LCR:
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/models.html

i really like the 642 so that has my vote..... I've carried its brother in basic black, the 442, for a decade or so with ZERO issues.

The Smith.

R,
Bullseye

Well, advice coming from the two of you pretty much seals the deal, or discussion, and also agrees with my choice. From what I understand, the Smith has been around and pretty much proved itself for reliability.
thnks,
haka

I'm a bit prejudiced toward the LCR, but the 357. I like the stainless frame, worth the slight weight penalty. The trigger is certainly better than any J frames I've tried. The "matching" 22 is a plus for me.

Had Smith made a 22 version of the Model 60, solid stainless, both may be in my lockbox instead of LCRs, though.

This is some good info from an experienced shooter about 'tap, rack, and fire':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJaQvV6q ... re=related

Good stuff to know, although it's not necessary with a revolver.

Hakaman wrote:This is some good info from an experienced shooter about 'tap, rack, and fire':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJaQvV6q ... re=related

Good stuff to know, although it's not necessary with a revolver.

its more of a slap it to make sure the cylinder is seated and pull again.

now don't take just mine and Bullseyes word for it on the smith....... Greener got his after shooting mine, and Oldman after shooting greener's...

I think they are about equal. It depends on which one you like. I prefer my 442 with a reduced weight hammer spring to the Ruger.

If you practice with defensive loads, you will feel the recoil in either of them.

I don't think either are regular, high volume range guns. However, I know a guy who puts 200 rounds per week through a Taurus 850. Taurus has been pretty good at replacing worn out parts.

I sent an email out to my LGS yesterday and they replied back this morning that they have them(642) in stock @ $389. Sounds reasonable to me. It's not going to take a whole lot of encouragement to go get one, maybe just a little, though. Have to think about it

I just got back from the LGS, and I went there intending to buy the Smith 642, but left with the Ruger LCR. My reasons were:
1) Felt more comfy in the hand.
2) A nicer trigger out of the box.
3) Nicer grip, Hogue vs a thinner rubber on the Smith.
4) I wanted a black vs the stainless, they didn't have the 442 in stock.
5) I could feel the lightness of the Ruger over the Smith.
6) and finally, the appearance, to me anyway, I liked the rounded shape of the Ruger over the sharper edges of the Smith.
Things I'm a little hesitant on are:
1) Rumors of burning on the front of the cylinder?
2) The warranty comparison of Ruger vs Smith?
3) Physical endurance vs the Smith?

Back from the range after a successful test fire session. I shot 70 rds of peppy
reloads thru the LCR without andy issues. I compared it to my Kahr and found
the Kahr was a little more manageable then the LCR for recoil, as I could reacquire
my target somewhat quicker with the Kahr. Maybe because it's a different caliber?
Just the same, I found that I could easily shoot this another 100 rds or more
and not have any issues with being affected by the recoil. The trigger on my Kahr
is a little smother, but I still shot the Ruger as well as the Kahr. Maybe I'm just
used to my Kahr more then the LCR. The photos below show the package, which
includes a signature gun glove for transporting and storage, and another photo
shows the DeSantis pocket holster I purchased as well. The two targets are the
results of a 10 round shoot-off between the LCR and my PM-9. Both targets
were shot at a 1 round every 2 sec's pace, at 20 feet. The group for the LCR looks
a little tighter except for the one flinch I had. If I had to choose between the LCR
and the Kahr for carry it would really depend on the mood I am in. Both are nice
carry guns that I would recommend to someone looking to buy. I know the 642 is a
proven quality piece, but I simply liked the feel and looks of the Ruger a little better.
So far, I am happy with the purchase.
Haka

Looks like you found the one you like. Good shooting.

Sometimes just fondling one can turn the tide if a tough decision must be made. I'm sure it will give you lots of use and enjoyment over the years. Being comfortable with the feel of a firearm is very important for building confidence with it.

R,
Bullseye

Very good shooting. I hope we both continue to like our LCRs as much as I do. I like the DeSantis holster, too.