I'd go with the 38 because of ammo availability. I reload so it makes shooting my 38s fairly cheap.

 

I'd go with the 38 because of ammo availability. I reload so it makes shooting my 38s fairly cheap.

^ this.

 

Hmm. I'm a .357/.38 fan. If you base it off the ammo choice alone if you got the LCR .357, you could shoot .38, .38 +P, .357 mag which is comparable to the range you get with a 327. I don't really like the idea of shooting automatic rounds in a revolver because you are going to run into crimp jump issues (even with the 9mm LCR). I know you're not interested in firing full house .357 mag rounds out of a 17 oz revolver, but some of the short barrel rounds are going to be comparable to the recoil you experience from a mild .327 mag. And .38 +Ps are downright pleasant to fire all day.

I think you're right on price/availability. I have found some pretty cheap .38 +Ps ($1.50 more than the same box of .38s) but in general that is the case.

I never feel undergunned with 5 rounds. Especially if the last two in the cylinder are magnums to spice things up a bit!

Regardless of what you pick, the LCR is a fantastic firearm. Good luck in your decision!

My first post to Ruger forums. I have decided to buy an LCR for CC, and now I’m trying to decide between the 38 and the 327. (The 357 would only be a consideration to soak up some recoil when shooting +P loads; I have no intention of firing 357 mags from a light revolver.) Just for background, I have not been in the market for either 38 or 32 caliber ammo for a very long time, so what I know of current costs and availability is just what I have picked up off the net over the past few weeks. Also, I’m not a reloader — I don’t shoot enough to make it worth the time and effort.

Based on my online research, I’m leaning 327. Looking for opinions here, both for and against, or corrections to my information or reasoning below. Here’s my list of considerations, in order of importance:

1) Ammo types. Clear advantage to the 327. With the 38, I get either 38 SPL or +P, and the +P only has about 25% more energy. With the 327, I get 327 mag, 32 H&R, 32 S&W long, and 32 ACP (and even the 32 S&W, which I am less interested in). For most practice, I would probably use 32 ACP or possibly 32 S&W long. By the way, I understand 32 ACP is not on Ruger’s official list of ammo for the LCR only because they don’t eject cleanly. They chamber and fire fine. See gunblast.com's video on the 327 (I’ve also watched hickok45’s video which is good, but he only shoots 327 mag and 32 S&W long.) For SD, I would go with either a mild 327 mag like the Federal 85 grain low recoil JHP, or one of the hotter 32 H&R like maybe Buffalo Bore. Again because of recoil and blast I have no intention of shooting hot 327 mag loads. But the point is, I get a nice spectrum of energies available in the 327 of about 2 to 1, whereas it’s only about 1.25 to 1 for the 38.

2) Ammo availability and cost. This looks like a tie to me. Yep, 38 SPL is very available and cheap. But so is 32 ACP. 32 S&W long is only slightly more expensive, but doesn’t appear to be quite as available as 32 ACP. So it seems like 32 ACP would be my default for most practice. Moving up to 32 H&R or 327 mag for SD, cost goes way up and availability goes down, but the same appears true when moving from 38 SPL to +P — cost doubles or triples, and selection seems poor, which came as an unpleasant surprise as I checked this out recently online. Please correct me here if I'm off base.

3)Number of shots. Having 6 for the 327 vs 5 for the 38 is nice, but not a make-or-break issue for me.

Thanks.

 

Happy with my LCR 327

Hi RJay, welcome to the forum. Great question.

Faced the same decision recently and the LCR 327 is what I decided on.

Chief among the reasons for me were the ammo variants.

I use 32 S&W Long for practice and have acquired it very reasonably.
I'm hesitant to use 32ACP on a regular basis because as you mentioned, the manual excludes it (I did see the gunblasts.com review as well).

Right now I'm using 32 H&R mag for defensive purposes. Since I'm a bit recoil sensitive I am yet to try 327 fed mag, but 32 H&R is very manageable.

I really like the extra round; 5 shots was not a deal breaker, but 6 definitely sweetened the pot.

Initially I had some issues with the sight picture but once I visually acquired it, well it's been lights out with small groups at 5 and 7 yards with either 32 S&W long or 32 H&R. Have not been out to 10 yards yet.

So one of the deal makers was that I wanted the calm/mild 32 S&W Long for enjoyable practice, and the option to up the ante for defense with the 32 H&R mag.

Couldn't be happier with my new EDC

 

I would go with the LCR357.
Both the LCR357 and LCR327 have the stainless steel frame and absorb more recoil.

 

I would flip a coin ten times...

If ammo cost is not a concern the 327 has a one shot advantage, but the sharp crack will leave with ringing ears. 38 spl are less costly, have more availability of ammo, but one less round.

Simple solution is buy one of each, and carry both. I never carry just one revolver, five shots should be enough, but if not I probably don't have time to reload.

 

I have guns in both calibers, yes advantage in .327 FM shooting .32 H&R, .32 S&W etc But .32 caliber ammo is expensive. My .327 FM is a Ruger SP101 3 inch barrel shooting AE .327FM 100 grain jsp......compares to shooting .357 magnum in a SP101!! I have learned to reload the .327FM to tame down recoil. Shooting .32 H&R for self defensive rounds would work. My .38 Special is a Ruger LCRX great gun much more ammo choices with a .357/.38 Special by far. If you want the LCR platform I strongly suggest a .357 LCR this way you can also shoot .38 Special's both +p's & regular pressure loads as well. If you want 6 shots vs 5 then go for the .327 LCR

 

I'd lean toward the .357 with the same reasoning that Barrera mentioned. Even if you never shoot magnum loads thru it...you're buying a heavier and stronger frame. .38 ammo is more readily available and cheaper.

The .327 also has a SS frame and is certainly an intriguing round with all the interesting ammo combinations it offers.

Tough decision.

 

I say if you're leaning toward getting the .327, just get it. They will both do the job and you sound like you know what you're getting into with both. Get what you want more. I prefer the .327.

 

Agree both cartridges have plenty of power for self protection. I wanted a 6 shot SP101 with some power well the .327FM has plenty. My issue is the cost and availability of ammo. I have bought Starline Brass and bullets & primers. Already had the powder. Eventually worked up a few loads that I like. But getting another caliber of gun is expensive. That's the beauty of .357/.38 Spec. the wide variety of ammo and better pricing. Both .357 Mag. & .327FM LCR's have the same frame design one a 5 shot the other 6 shot so hey go for it!!!

 

Welcome to the forum. Nice to have you with us. My two cents.

I am a fan of the 327 and 32s, in general. I also love shooting small frame revolvers, in particular, J frame Smiths. Still, my vote is for the 38, not the 327, when it comes to SD. If you do not reload and will be shooting factory ammo, the 38 is easily the most practical choice.

Yes, even with all the 32 cal options in a 327, there will still be stores selling ammo - box stores or gun shops - that will have NO 32s on the shelf and if they do have 32s, at all, you typically see one or two options and odds are those are not SD loads, anyway, plus you'll probably see only one or two boxes for sale. Unlike the 38, no retailer stocks up heavy on 32 ammo. The demand just isn't there. I know about shopping for 32 ammo, because I'm always on the lookout for ammo to shoot for fun in my Single Seven.

38s, though, are pretty much a sure thing anywhere that sells ammo and a good number of those will be SD loads. I can walk into any Wal-mart and buy 38s and lots of 38s, too boot. Different story with 32s.

As for 38 versus 38 +P, I don't get too excited about the P+ stuff. For one, the standard 38 Special has generations of proof behind it that it is legit SD round. For another, improvements in bullet design have really leveled the playing field in common SD cartridges. There are some excellent standard pressure 38 Special SD loads.

Lastly, don't forget that the LCR is a fixed sight gun so you'll want to find that factory load that shoots to point of aim for you. Thanks to all the many available loads in the 38, odds are much better you'll find that sweetheart load and still have it available, locally. Not much in the way of 32 H&R SD factory loads, available. What are you going to do if none of those shoot where you want in your LCR?

Best of luck and let us know what you choose.

 

The 357 would only be a consideration to soak up some recoil when shooting +P loads

And that's exactly why I chose it. I rented an LCR 38 and did not like it even with standard range ammo. If you have ruled out the 357, I'd pick the 327 for the reasons you mention.

 

Just my opinion,you can't go wrong if you buy both!

 

No matter which one you buy pick up a lot of ammo. Always buy lots of ammo.

 

NCG hit the nail on the head, a LCR has fixed sights as my Ruger LCRX has. I tried 5 different types of ammo when I took my LCRX to the shooting range. Hornady Critical Defense Lite .38 Special standard pressure 90 grain jhp FTX bullet hit POA/POI for me at 7-10 Yds. Easy choice in ammo for CCW. So to the main question .38 or .327 LCR go with a .357 LCR so so much more choices in ammo & better prices.

 

I own all three in the LCR. My preference is the 38. We're talking small light weight firearms so all are going to give a reasonable jolt. Unless you're expecting to shoot through heavy cover I would say the 38+P will do the job. One thing I think about is over penetration and I believe that is what you'll get with the 357 or 327FM. Ammo wise in my area(mid west) 38s are much easier to come by than the 327. Also you might look at frontal diameter of the two rounds. The 38 is .357 where the 327 or any 32 caliber is .312. This makes for a bigger permanent wound channel and better chance of stopping the fight with fewer rounds. Good luck on what ever you end up with.

 

I own all three. The 38 Special is a LOT lighter and better for pocket carry. The 357 isn't so bad with medium-powered loads. The 327 is nice, but there are no speed loaders currently being made for it.

 

Pointblank hit it on the head. If you are carrying in your pocket the .38 is much nicer for all day comfort. I had the 9mm LCR which is the same weight as the .357 and .327 and it was just a little too much for the pocket, for me. The .38 just rides nicer in the pocket or waistband.

As others have mentioned, there probably isn't a wrong choice. Good Luck!

 

If you read Politico or any other analyses it seems like Hillary still has a slight but sustained lead in swing states. No, I'm not even close to giving up hope yet, but if we're possibly going into 4 - 8 more years of Democratic White House and maybe Senate plus a few SCOTUS seats, I'd buy the .38 or 357 magnum that will allow you to buy ammo for the thing.

Good luck finding 32 ammo on a regular basis if the ammo panic worsens. Sure you might get lucky now and then but for the past few years I've always seen at least some type of 38 / 357 at my local Walmart.

Not saying any laws will change but panic buying and hoarding ensues nonetheless, anytime there is the perceived threat of a legislative change.

 

Thanks very much to all who replied - this was really quite helpful.

I'm being convinced by the ammo argument. As I'm not intending to pocket carry for long periods on a regular basis, my lean has switched to the LCR 357 to help manage recoil. Y'all are very likely right - it's the most practical choice. And I could always add the 327 later ... Thanks again.

 

38spcl hits harder. Energy isn't the important number, the MOMENTUM is what matters, where the 38spcl (not +P) and the 327FM area almost identical, then the larger frontal area gives the 38spcl the advantage in terms of killing power. Bigger and slower kills faster than smaller and faster.

The 357mag is the most viable of the LCR's, a little heavier to kill recoil, and capable of running low pressure 38spcls clear up to wild power 357mags. The LCR-327 is a fun revolver, I LOVE 32cal revolvers, and neither is really a wrong answer, but the LCR-38 or LCR-357 are more right than the LCR-327.

 

You wont go wrong with 38 spl forget the 357 version most people shoot 38s out of the 357's anyway and save a $100 bucks , I have both , love both but practically speaking 38 spl is the way to go.
Now if you don't mind spending the extra for the heavier 357 it sure is nice to shoot 38's out of it... just saying
Have fun its a good problem to have
Mike

 

Well the .327 LCR is also on the very same frame plus a smaller bore meaning the .327 LCR should tame the .327FM and be fairly mild to shoot .32 H&R mags thru as well. Honestly either one will do the job!!!

 

If I were limited to just one revolver I would go with a 357 magnum.

I have a 327 GP 100 and have built up a variety of ammo but it ain't as inexpensive as 38 special and 357 magnum.

My LCR is a 9mm, least expensive center fire round I have found

Too bad there are so few places where you can test drive a revolver before you buy it. Read any thread here and you will find people who love or hate the same gun. One is not right and the other wrong, they are both right for different reasons.

 

I actually have had the opposite experience with purchasing guns. Every gun shop I've been to either had an indoor range that they'll let you try out their firearms, or bent over backwards to make sure I could try it out before I purchased it. One instance in particular, I was torn between two, so the shop owner drove them to the range to let shoot them. It's a pretty common understanding that no one should buy without trying so always at the very least ask.

 

The many ammo choices available for the .38 now and into the future would be what decides for me.

 

I own and have carried / do carry the LCR 38sp and the .327.

As others have stated, .357 / .38sp is plentiful and cheap compared to the .327.

Yes, with the .327, you can also load with 32H&R, 32SW short and 32SW long. The latter two are anemic defensive rounds. Supplies of the .327 fed mag and .32H&R is sparse and it ain't cheap when you do find it.

Personally, I find the .327 fed mag downright painful to shoot from the LCR. The 32H&R has much less recoil and is more pleasant. For me, it is a sufficiently powerful round for the intended purpose of a snub nose revolver, and I have 6 rounds rather than 5 in the .38 LCR.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

For me anyway, shooting .327 out of that little snubbie is painful.

You are not wrong.
Shooting full magnum loads in that 2" barrel is not exactly fun.
My Taurus .327 is a 2" snubbie. It's great to carry, less fun to shoot.

My other .327 is another animal entirely.
Last year I bought an SP101 with a 4.2" barrel.
Now this thing IS fun to shoot, and it's really not bad for me to carry!

I really do like the round.
I want one with a 24" barrel, and a lever...