Welcome to the forum TexasSD.

A revolver would be a good option vs. semi-auto in light of the issues you brought up re: the fact you're not inclined to carry with a round chambered and shooting thru purse.

Revolvers don't have a manual safety; the trigger pull on a revolver is typically heavier, so that in itself acts as a safety. You can safely carry it in your purse without worry of a negligent discharge.

While the revolver is a good option I'd caution you that a snub nose revolver is often harder to master, but if you are willing to put in the time practicing and perhaps willing to be coached by someone who has mastered them, you can do it.

When you carry on body (rather than a purse) you"ll have to find holsters you like. Thats a trial and error thing. We all have a drawer of holsters we thought were going to be great and then they were not. Talk to some other ladies if possible about what they find conformable. For example: My wife won't pocket carry, I do all the time. Her pants really are not suited for it, mine are.

I've carried .38 snub revolvers quite a bit. The .38 LCR is known to be a handful by many as any light weight snub can be. I bought the 357 LCR to gain a few more ounces in weight to tame recoil, even though I will never shoot 357. BTW: a 357 handles both 357 and 38SPL. On one hand the light weight snub makes it easier to carry, but it also makes it harder to deal with the recoil. So you need to find the right balance for you.

There are a lot of LCR users her who will chime in. So stay tuned for more input. It's very good you are asking questions.

One last piece of advice. Try and find a range that rents .38 revolvers. Give them a go, hopefully there will be a variety of lighter weights, mid weights and various ammo to try. That way you'll get a better idea of what you may or may not like.

 

My BF has a safe full and we shoot all the time. So practice will be weekly. Until I feel good with it, I will continue to carry my Browning. It's nickel plated, and really heavy. Not much to recover from with each shot. I am concerned about the recoil, though, since this is so much lighter than my other pistols. All his are big guns, none are this small. The smallest he has is the SR22 like the one I have. His .357 revolver does have a little kick, but not enough to make me have to pause to recover.

There aren't any ranges within 200 miles of us that rent them. I watched a few videos of women smaller and even some older than me and all liked it and slow mo didn't show a big recoil.

I would probably carry it in my pockets when it's not in my purse since my job has me in and out of my vehicle all the time. One that small is easy to hide under a t-shirt. When I am on long routes, I usually keep it beside me in the seat.

Thanks for the things to consider more, I will be doing more research over the next few weeks before I make the commitment.

 

My BF has a safe full and we shoot all the time. So practice will be weekly.

Great, you are way ahead of the game......

Let us know how you make out.

 

TexasSD, my wife went through something similar to what you are going through and she ended up taking over my Ruger LCR in .357 but it’s loaded with .38’s. Big thing is to keep it in a holster, even if it is purse carry. Keep the trigger guard covered is the big thing. Also, don’t get hung up on belt or pocket carry. There are a lot of options out there. I know some who swear by the flash bang holster. There are also the corset holsters and undershirt holsters for example. Search Dene Adams to start. Personally I am not a fan of purse carry. I feel it’s better to keep on the body from a control perspective, but you have to do what works for you. Also, look up the group girl with a gun. It’s listed as a league but it’s really a woman’s shooting group. They helped my wife a lot with the social aspect and talking and discussing what works for every day carry for them. It’s a mix of shooting and social, so might be worth checking out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My mom and sister found that the recoil of even standard pressure 110gr Critical Defense was more than they found comfortable in the LCR .38spl revolver. The 90gr "Lite" Critical Defense works well for them, but it's expensive and not affordable for practice. I handload a 125gr plated bullet at moderate velocities that I do well with, but the ladies don't enjoy shooting it. There is a real issue with the light polymer frame revolvers. They carry like a dream, but for those without a strong grip they can be unpleasant to shoot. For a revolver that's going to be carried in a purse the extra ounces a small frame steel gun weighs might be a small penalty for having a gun you will practice with to be worthwhile. Since you brought up the "shoot from the purse" scenario, be aware of the pitfalls of such an action. If there is anything around the gun, even a fabric lining, you might not get that one shot your semi-auto would give you. The rotating cylinder will try to pull foreign matter into the frame and jam up the gun. I think purse carry should be limited to dedicated CCW handbags with a built in holster. They keep the gun oriented to allow you to grip it quickly without fumbling, cover the trigger to enhance safety, and protect the weapon from dirt, lint, loose change, and other odds and ends. A penny or a paper clip in the action or trigger can render any gun inoperable. Have your boyfriend ask his buddies if they have any examples of both steel and polymer small framed .38's before you purchase. The light little hand cannons are not for everyone.

 

I carry either a LCR or a J frame Smith (in the same holster) because they both operate the same.
On these type revolvers the long travel, hi effort trigger pull is about all the safety you need. I like them because there are no decisions to make when you need to use it. They are just ready all the time.

The crimson trace laser grips came on my LCR from the factory, but could be added to any gun if desired.

 

TexasSD, Welcome and greetings from Ohio. Good advice here and I can not add anything other than take your time and get what works for you. I always have a S&W 642 38 revolver and a Ruger EC9s 9mm for rotation. The LCR in 9mm or 357/38 is a good choice with practice. Get as much practice as you can. Good holster and good ammo. Have fun if you can I am glad you are here at the forum. Take time and ask questions this is a good site and the people are more than helpful.

 

Hi TexasSD... welcome to the forum.

My EDC (Every Day Carry) is a LCR 357. I'll focus on the safety characteristics of the LCR in this post. The LCR utilizes a transfer bar system. This means there is a step in the hammer that can only come in contact with the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. As the trigger is pulled a sliding bar rotates up between the hammer and firing pin filling the step and transferring contact from the hammer to the firing pin. That one feature, by its design, makes revolvers that utilize it some of the safest firearms on the planet. The LCR is a DAO (Double Action Only) meaning there is no provision to cock the hammer manually thus giving a long trigger pull as cocking must be done during the trigger pull stroke before firing. The other safety bonus is that being an enclosed hammer there is no possibility of snagging the hammer on clothing or other when drawing the firearm. The LCR can be dropped, run over, kicked and hammered on without going off. It can only be fired when you have your finger on the trigger...and we all know that the only time you should have your finger on the trigger is when you intend to shoot.

I hope this helps.

 

TexasSD, welcome.

Nothing I can add to what others here have already said. I think you're on the right track with a snub nose revolver.

Good luck in your search for your first carry pistol.

 

Texas SD,
Welcome. I will add only one thing. You say your boyfriend only has larger guns, so I am not going to assume any of them are DAO.

I made the mistake of deciding to go with a revolver without trying it extensively in DA mode. If I had, I would not have gone that route. The issue for me was arthritis. The long heavy trigger pull made it quite hard to stay on target without flinching. Doesn't mean it's not for you, but at least try 40-50 rounds in DA mode before you decide.

If semi's are a better fit for you, there are a lot of good pistols with positive engaging safeties (that "clicks" when activated or deactivated). I feel safer with a 1911 cocked and locked on my hip than with a DAO revolver. If you need something really small with a positive safety, look at the Sig P938, Kimber micro, or the Springfield 911. They are all basically the same and are quite "safe" with a round chambered and the safety engaged.

 

Welcome, Texas SD

Here's another thing to consider. Ruger makes the LCR in .327 Federal Magnum. The .327 loads are loud and generate a lot of recoil. But you can load .32 H&R magnum in that gun. The noise and recoil are considerably less and you still have a good self defense round. The .32 H&R is comparable to the .380. Plus you get 6 rounds instead of five. You might want to research it some.

Good luck.

 

All the above comments seem to warn about the recoil while range firing the LCR 38 +P revolver. For me, range practice with my LCR is not a problem because I reverted to my 45 year old practice while working in local LE. At the range I fire 38 spec. Full wadcutter 148 grain ammunition with very light recoil and find the point of aim and impact is the same as my carry loads of HST 130 gr +P. I do not expect the higher recoil to affect my ability to make effective shots in a stressful situation that might arise during CCW.

YMMV

 

Try the LCR 357 loaded with a medium 38 special. It is pretty easy in the recoil department with 4 extra ounces. A small revolver is not going to go bang spontaneously as there is no hammer which is cocked. The LCR is double action only in the hammerless versions. The triggers on these LCRs are really good also.

 

I have a LCR in 327 and yes I am a FanBoi of that particular gun and caliber.

You would likely have to order one as no one 'stocks' them. First it is NOT a five shooter, it is a SIX shooter, being from Texas where things are bigger, you just naturally know bigger capacity is better. And "Six Shooter" just sounds better in Texas.

This particular gun seems to shoot all the rimmed 32 rounds available 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R Magnum, and the potent 327 Federal Magnum. I have shot the strong in their own right, 32 H&R Magnum with great accuracy. The very stout American Eagle 100 grain have extra speed as they use extra powder. The 85 Grain uses less and is a little slower and more comfortable for the shooter. I myself am Macho so I carry the AE 100's.

The 327 Cylinder is longer than a 357's so holsters are harder to find, Crossbreed could make you a hybrid pocket holster that you could use in your purse.

The trigger pull on most LCR Centerfires is pretty close to the same, harder on rimfires, but still smooth.

Ammo is harder to find in any 32 caliber, but the internet abounds with them.

327 FanBoi, out! My job here is done!

 

From the many reports that I had to take over the years involving guns in purses, I strongly suggest that you never carry a firearm in a purse. Easy to lose, ND's and children or others gaining unauthorized access.

On your body or locked up at home.

 

I have an SR22, an LCR in 22 LR, and an LC9s. Depending on conditions I've carried them all. Of the 3, the SR22 is the most accurate. I've installed lasers on the other 2 to improve accuracy. An advantage with a revolver is if the trigger is pulled and it doesn't go BANG one only has to pull the trigger to get to the next round. Not so with a semiautomatic pistol. Recoil can be an issue in a small 38/357 revolver like the LCR or a small 9mm like the LC9s.

I like the features such as DA/SA, safety, and de-cock the SR22 provides. Carrying the SR22 with a round chambered and the hammer down is about the same as carrying a revolver with a round chambered. In both cases it will take a long trigger pull to fire. The SR22 also adds the ability to carry chambered with the safety ON.

I'm looking for a 9mm pistol that offers the same features as the SR22 in the same size or smaller then the SR22. What I've found are:
Bersa TPR9c
Beretta PX4 Subcompact
CZ Rami
H&K PS30SK(S)
All these are about the same size as the SR22, all are slightly wider then the SR22 (about .3"), and all are heavier then the SR22 (about 8 oz). I plan to rent and try as many of these as possible before making a purchase.

If possible, see if you can rent what you're interested in and see how it performs for you. This might help save some ca$h and later frustration.

 

I carry a Kel tec p11 with gee plate magazine base plates. Very reliable and accurate. I am now picking up an lcr 9mm for s different option. The trigger on the lcr is great. I regret selling my lcr 22lr but I think the lcr 9mm will do well as a replacement.

Lcr is a very safe easy to carry weapon but always getting in and out of the car as often as you describe may end up leaving your purse in the car. I wouldn't have a concern with iwb with the lcr. Purse carry I would go with a purse made for carry. I think it would provide better training having one standard location for the weapon to reside.

 

I have owned the LCRx in 38+P for a couple of years and I love it. I have put over 1,000 rounds through it at the range and I find the recoil very manageable. The 3” barrel and the smooth DA trigger helps make it very accurate at 15 meters. I carry it IWB every day as I hike the forest with my dog and the revolver is so light I forget it is there. I am comfortable that the hard cast Buffalo Bore ammo would stop any coyote or cougar that threatened my dog or me. The enlarged trigger guard provides plenty of clearance for my gloves in the winter. In short, it is a great gun and easy to have around.

 

Welcome to the forum. My wife will only shoot revolvers, and I pocket carry one, a Kimber K6S, about the size of the LCR. Others here wisely recommend the LCR .357. I liked its trigger and form a lot. It is heavier than the .38 model so will shoot .38 rounds without harsh recoil.

Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite is on option, as is the company’s standard .38, called Hornady Custom. I use that in one of our snubnoses that I have on my hip today.

Speaking of...what others said about purses. Keep the gun on you. If you must purse carry, though, get a sleeve to protect the gun from being fouled with other items in the purse. But better still, keep the weapon on you and train to draw and shoot it a lot.

Let us know how it goes!

 

Pandaz3, the cylinder is the same size. Fluting on cyclinder is where the problem lies on finding holsters for the .327.

 

I am just regurgitating what I think was said to Cook's Holsters, I had ordered a holster for a 357 LCR and in the remarks mentioned that it was really for a 327. They read and called Ruger, I was told there was a length difference. I can see a flute difference as there is one more (or one less) cylinder holes, changing the number of flutes. As I remember the Ruger Tech actually measured the Cylinders on the spot. I could easy be wrong. Certainly appreciated Cook's checking anyway.

 

What ever gun you choose, train often. Be prepared to spend a substantial amount of money on ammo. A snubbie is a great gun, but requires diligent practice. I shoot my LCR9mm on a regular basis and train with a LCR22 as well.

For carry, do not use a caliber that you cannot take to the range and shoot at least 200 rounds in one session. JMO

 

Pandaz3, I ran into this with a kydex BlueStar holster with my .327. It works but it is not a perfect fit since most are molded from the 38/357.

 

I have an LCR 357 in a Desantis pocket holster as I type this. I have a number of other guns, semi auto and revolver that I could carry. The LCR is my go to bumming around the house gun.

 

I have and do carry my LCR and a S&W Shield in my pocket using the "Sticky" brand holster. Since it covers the trigger I can carry with one in the chamber and still be safe. Have carried this way since the LCR first became available.

When I teach pistol classes I get the same question and in my man's mind the same think that works in my pocket will work in your purse.

 

Totally agree. I carry my LCR in a DeSantis...which I recommend to the same to females in class.

 

Love the LCR, but again, Practice and training is of the utmost importance. I have been shooting mine on a regular basis for 4 years. Terrible at first. It took a lot of frequent practice and a lot of ammo to the point I considered proficient. Fortunately I started off with a 9mm LCR. A 327 or any of the variants like the 32 HR would have killed me in cost.
I now train with the LCR9mm, which I love, but seem to carry the Smith 642 more often because of the lighter weight. I also train a lot with the LCR22 which was a great investment in becoming Proficient with these Snubies.

For carry safety, the LCR is one of the best.

 

I was originally looking for a small automatic to carry but after reading different sites about women carrying concealed, I found very good pros for a hammerless revolver instead.

I got a SR22 for Christmas and love it, but don't want to carry it chambered all the time. Same goes for my Browning .380. Having time to rack the slide might now always be an option though. Also have to consider if I am carrying in my purse with either of those and have to shoot though the purse, I might get only one round fired if the slide gets hung up.

So I decided on the s&w bodyguard .38. Had my mind set on it, until that when I was taking my Browning to the gunsmith for a repair and saw the Ruger LCR .38. totally sold on it now.

My boss and I started talking about it later at work and we were discussing safety from accidental discharge. I was hoping I could get help here with that. What safety issues do I need to worry about? Is this something I can safely carry without worrying about that? Are there other things to consider about this gun being my primary concealed weapon? I don't always carry my purse, so it might be carried on me as well as in my purse.

Thanks

My ruger 357 lcrx falls on an empty chamber before it goes bang. That only leaves me 4 rounds but I’m more worried about an accidental discharge than I am about having to pull the trigger twice. If I can’t stop the bad guys with 4 357s I reckon I can’t stop them at all

 

On body carry is preferable to purse for multiple reasons .

IF purse carry is done , best is a dedicated Gun Purse with built in holster . Next best for a conventional purse , is carry it in a compartment with nothing else in it , and gun in a pocket type holster .