I do not have an LCR, but have a SP101 and have had both the LCP and LC9. I like revolvers, I like the SP101 and GP100 specifically. I see you like polymers, so why not go for the LCR? I sold my LC9, nothing wrong, I just wasn't attached to it like the SR9. I also carried an LCP for 3 years, but finally traded it for, what I feel is a superior competitor, the S&W Bodyguard .380. I carry that now. The Body guard has a safety, in-house laser, and stainless everything (My LCP was starting to pit/rust from sweat and small wear/nicks). It sounds like you want the LCR, go for it. My only suggestion is to get the .357mag version so you won't regret the versatility later... you may never put a 357 down the pipe, but at least you have the option if you want to spice things up. I hope this little bit of experience and consideration helps.

 

I have the LCR in .38 (with an XS front sight) and love it. True, the limited capacity bothers me too but it is a tradeoff for the lightness and concealability.
I carry an S&W M&P40 everyday but I am glad I have the LCR as backup.
I say - Go for it!

 

Yes. It's one bad mama. I have the .357 and .38 LCR and love 'em both. They're awesome!

 

Go for it. It is a great carry gun.

 

Really the choice is very personal. You'll really want to go to a range that rents and shoot your top choices ... Then you'll know. Rather like a spouse-one your life may depend on... Love my 357 LCR, tho.

 

I agree, try before you buy if possible. I have the .38 LCR and like it fine, but like my LCP it was a little snappy and I had to practice a lot to get good control on it, but now they seem to be fine when I take them for a little practice. They aren't for the range, but I do need to practice.

 

Not familiar with the LCR but I might suggest getting the .357 model just in case you want to bump up the power sometime in the future. The ability to switch between .357's and .38's is one thing I love with my Blackhawk.

 

Yep, that and it will weight more, giving less recoil

 

I agree with Mark. Go rent one then decide if it's for you.

 

You won't know if you like a LCR (38) or KLCR (38/357) until you try it. I'm a former KLCR owner.

.38 Special = feels like a kitten is swatting my palm.

.38 +P = good kick. I don't know how to describe it other than it feels like a hot-load .40 S&W.

.357 Magnum = violent, uncomfortable, tons of masochistic fun.

No exposed hammer means that you'll have to learn to shoot a true double action revolver trigger. The LCR's DA trigger is one of the smoothest I've ever felt. No stacking with a clean & predictable break.

The standard rear notch front blade sights leave something to be desired. Within 7 yards, they do the job just fine. The Hogue Tamer grips help mitigate recoil. I tried a boot grip on my KLCR, and the result was more pain.

If at all possible, find a range that rents the KLCR. Try out .38, .38+P, & .357 Mag out of it. If you discover that .357 out of the KLCR is not for you, then go buy the LCR. No sense in spending extra money on capability you'll never use.

Whether or not you'll be comfortable with a 5 chamber cylinder is wholly up to you.

The two reasons I sold my LCR have nothing to do with it's quality or reliability. I live in Illinois, the land of no CCW, so the KLCR served no real purpose other than range toy. I also wanted to try a bigger .357 MAG revolver.

The Glock is clearly a fantastic gun in every regard, but it's also the priciest so thats its main detractor for me.

I hear this all the time. So-and-so firearm is fantastic but if not for the price...

How long do you plan to own your firearm? How long do you want it to last? Most people say that they want a firearm to last for their lifetime.

If a Glock 26 shoots well in your hands, then buy it. You'll keep it for the rest of your life. Put in that context, the cost of the Glock 26 is negligible.

 

I never feel undergunned carrying a 5 shot revolver. I own the LCR it's light weight makes for excellent carry. My only complaint is the grip size for pocket carry. I actually like the profile of the SP101 better it's just heavier.

 

I like your list - lots of good choices. The M&P Shield is a single stack so the grip is narrower and will conceal a bit easier. It's pretty new and I haven't heard much feedback yet. I like the thumb safety, others don't. I would go 40S&W instead of 9MM but that's just my preference. It's priced nicely, about the same as the LCR.

I own an SR40 and an SR40C. I have put well over a thousand rounds through each with no problems whatsoever. I carry the SR40C when clothing choices allow. I love the SR40C but like any double stack magazine pistol it becomes a bit harder to conceal, at least here in shorts & t-shirt country (FL). The issues you mentioned in passing related to SRs were likely SR9, not SR40.

I have been eyeing the LCR too. I was actually looking at them today in my LGS and comparing it with the S&W AirLite. The Smith costs twice as much and I held one in each hand and couldn't really tell which was lighter. The LCR grip (non-laser) feels fantastic. I haven't shot a 357 LCR but I have shot a 357 AirLite and it was a painful experience. I would get the LCR in 38 sp and carry it with a good self defense +P load. If you want/need 357 look at an SP101. (Side note - the 357 S&W AirLite I held today, Model 340PD, was marked on the barrel "NO LESS THAN 120 GR BULLET". I guess they want to make sure it hurts.)

My wife has a Glock 26 Gen4. It's small and fits her hand but feels too small in mine. If that's what really grabs your attention then I would save up and get it. I would look at the Glock 27 Gen4 while you're at it but then, I like 40S&W as I've already said. You will spend around $200 more than you would spend on an LCR but over a 5 year period that's only 11 cents per day......

If you decide to go LCR plan to spend some time on the range getting to know it. I've discovered I have a steeper learning curve as the guns get smaller. DAO is another feature to discover as was mentioned before.

Good luck and have fun with it!

 

"Yep, that and it will weight more, giving less recoil "

Keep in mind the weight difference is only 3.6 ounces. You really should shoot an LCR in .357 first and decide how the recoil affects you. Don't discount the effectiveness of 38 +P. If you shoot enough .38's in a .357 you will have to be diligent in keeping the cylinders clear of deposits.

If you decide on a Glock or an M&P Shield this discussion is irrelevant. If you decide on the LCR then you need to find a gun range that rents guns and shoot the .357 version using both .357 and .38's. That's the only way for you to find out what you experience in this. One of the gun shops in my area has one night a week where you can shoot any gun they normally rent for free - just pay the range time fee and buy the ammo from them. Ask around. You may find the .357 is fine for you. But if not you can save a few bucks and stay with .38's

 

My wife had a .38 LCR and hated to shoot it as I did also, +p rounds were literally painful. Now we have a .357 SP101 that is a blast to shoot with .38+P and .357s! Get a SP101 .357! Yes it's a little bigger/heavier that makes it easier/more fun to shoot.
Just my 2c.

 

i have a .38 LCR and shoot it all the time. i love it. shooting .38 and .38+p is not an issue, and unlike others on this site i feel very little difference between shooting the LCR and the much heavier SP101. i also do not feel the need for a .357 as a carry/defense round when .38/.38+p will do just fine. in addition, for a defense gun, you should be shooting DAO anyhow, so the lack of a hammer spur is totally irrelevant. finally, the trigger on the LCR puts the SP101's trigger (and just about any other DA revolver) to shame. the trigger it is by far the leading reason to chose the LCR, in my opinion. the light weight is simply a bonus.

 

I have the LCR in .38 and love the weight, feel, trigger and accuracy, however there have been problems with them, and I will not carry it. I still cringe every time I pull the trigger, which I don't do very often anymore.

I would get the 357 if you intend to carry it.

Slightly heavier, but no problems I've heard of like the polymer frames, and you can still shoot .38.

 

I have the LCR-357, but never planned to use .357s. I front pocket carry, with the Hogue boot grip, not the bigger Tamer it came with. The recoil is not bad, even with the boot grip, shooting 130 grain .38.

First range trip, I found that the sights were set for 12 yards. I only fired 1 box, 50 rounds, and got four inch groups on the bull at that 36 feet with the last half of the box.

It's a keeper for me. I'm considering whether to get the LCR-22 for cheaper practice.

 

I was considering the LCR myself. I decided on the SP101 though. Personal decision based on the size of the gun and how it felt in my hand. The LCR is a spectacular deisgn though.

 

I went and handled one today, and I think I'm in freakin love. The gun felt just fantastic in my hand. Way way lighter then I was expecting, but I love the grip and the sights. I think this is what I'm going to go with.

 

I got the LCR 357 for my carry weapon but since the backlog for the CCW appointment is two months out here in Colorado I have yet to try it for that. Shooting it has been joy and I've tried 38 Special, the +P as well as the 357. Many complain about the kick of the 357 but I found it manageable. The sights aren't the greatest so I'll be changing it out soon.

 

I have the KLCR and LCR-22. The only complaint I have(and its minor) is they are DAO. I have since retired my KLCR and went with a S&W 638. That said, the LCR is a great pocket gun, and will serve well in that role. Check into Tuff QuickStrips. Its a great way to carry extra rounds for a revolver, and then you wont feel undergunned with only 5 shots. They come in 5,6,7 and 8 round capacity. I carry an 8 in my left pocket. If you still feel undergunned, you could always carry a NY reload. Yup.

 

My three carry guns are LCR with 38+p, XDS with 45, and LCP with 380. All three have proven reliable enough to carry.

LCR was my first gun, and it's a great little gun. Much more enjoyable to shoot than other similar sized revolvers that I've tried (S&W, Taurus, Charter Arms).

I think it's a great first carry gun because of its simplicity and reliability.

My wife asked me, "So a revolver is a beginners gun?". The answer was no, a revolver is good for beginners, but that doesn't mean it's ONLY for beginners.

As far as caliber, I used to think 380 was inferior, especially since I was carrying my XDS in 45, but have put those thoughts to the side. I think it would do just fine, and I haven't found anything more concealable than a LCP. I can now carry in clothing situations I previously couldn't.

Off all the guns you mention, the only one that I've heard a considerable amount of negative reviews on, is the LC9. That being said, I've heard good things as well. I haven't shot one, so I can't really give my own opinion.

Good luck on deciding what you want to get!

 

A lightweight 38 Special or 357 Magnum 5 round revolver is quite a handful if you’re not familiar with revolvers in general or are recoil sensitive. With this in mind it would be prudent for you to shoot either an LCR or S&W Airweight revolver in 38 Special before you seriously consider buying one for yourself. The SP101 or a S&W M-36/60 are far more comfortable to shoot with the SP101 being a real pleasure with 38 Special ammunition instead of 357 Magnum.

 

I've been carrying for quite awhile and started with a S&W body guard. I felt under gunned so I switched to a G-23 for awhile. Wanted to standardize my ammo and get a smaller "foot print" so switched to a G-26. Did that for awhile and then bought an SR9C to carry. It worked well but in the heat of "hell's kitchen" (SW Florida) I tried a .38 LCR and it's working out real well for pocket carry. I only wish I waited for the .357 to come out. I probably wouldn't shoot them much in it but it's nice to know I could. And resale is a consideration. I'm now trying to get used to my SP-101 2.25" for pocket carry. It's doable but there is of course a semi-substantial weight difference. Although I carry 2 6-shot speed strips I guess I "roll the dice" on a 5-shot carry gun but hope if needed all will be over with three or less shots. Like many have said before me, try some out before you buy. And if you're lucky enough to have the money buy them all!

 

I've been carrying for quite awhile and started with a S&W body guard. I felt under gunned so I switched to a G-23 for awhile. Wanted to standardize my ammo and get a smaller "foot print" so switched to a G-26. Did that for awhile and then bought an SR9C to carry. It worked well but in the heat of "hell's kitchen" (SW Florida) I tried a .38 LCR and it's working out real well for pocket carry. I only wish I waited for the .357 to come out. I probably wouldn't shoot them much in it but it's nice to know I could. And resale is a consideration. I'm now trying to get used to my SP-101 2.25" for pocket carry. It's doable but I can notice a semi-substantial weight difference. Although I carry 2 6-shot speed strips I guess I "roll the dice" on a 5-shot carry gun but hope if needed all will be over with three or less shots. Like may have said before me, try some out before you buy. And if you're lucky enough to have the money buy them all!

 

I have a SR9c but am finding it a bit heavy to CCW with an IWB holster. With a paddle holster it's no problem but, I am not going to open carry except for at the range. I have been considering the LCR. Based on the reviews it looks good. I am interested in CCW, mostly IWB. I'm in NH so it seems regardless of the season this would be a good choice. Thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

I had looked at the LCR for some time then decided on a SP101 in .327 FED MAG it gives you 6 rounds instead of 5 and is a very powerful round. When I first got permit to carry I got a Ruger LCP and had it for two years, then sold it after I found my new favorite carry firearm the Beretta Nano.

The LCP's trigger was horrible and it was not enjoyable to shot at the range. I decided I wanted a 9mm and I saw the Beretta Nano on display and bought it without much thought. Haven't regretted it yet, the wife even likes it. Very easy to shoot, carry and maintain.

I don't know what all the hype is about the M&P Shield but I did not like it when I finally found one to look at. In my opinion the grip is too thin and seems like it would not be very comfortable to shoot. And not to mention all the stuff it could snag on. Personally I would not get a Shield.

Another one that I really like but it is pricey is the Springfield Armory XDs in 45. Very nice and comfortable gun, wish I had the money to buy one ...

Also if you like the DA/SA of the SR22 the Sig Pro 2022 is a great firearms, I have seen people carry it IWB. It is a great firearm and functions in the same manner as the SR22.

Hope you get something that you like.