Ruger LCR or S&W 442? - Page 2 - XDTalk Forums

jamstutz · 06-29-2009, 05:11 PM

Gun Tests magazine is certainly not the be all and end all when it comes to telling you what guns are worth buying, but I do think that they try to be fair and consistent in their tests. This month (July 2009 issue) I believe they got it right when they gave the Ruger LCR an A- and the S&W 442 a B. A third test gun, the Charter Arms On-Duty, got a C.

In each of their tests the LCR outperformed the 442, from ergonomics to accuracy. The LCR was ready to go out of the box--the 442 required some gunsmithing. The test staff were particularly impressed with the LCR's trigger design:

What we thought was the highlight of the LCR was the relationship between the shooter’s hand and the trigger. If you have followed the teachings of the great exhibition revolver shooters such as Ed McGivern and Jerry Miculek, you will find that each of them would trade a light trigger for one that keeps the trigger in contact with the index finger during the release. This is because no matter how fast you press the trigger, another shot cannot be taken until the trigger returns to its forward position. If have to wait for the trigger to move forward after the shot breaks, it is likely you will lose contact with the face of the trigger. Reconnecting with the trigger can produce a slap that will rattle the gun and cost additional time in sight alignment. Combined with the aspect of the Hogue grip, we found our trigger finger remained in an ideal position shot after shot.

In another part of the review:

The LCR represents the first steps forward in revolver construction since the introduction of the modern eight-round revolvers. Few small revolvers, or pistols for that matter, provide the hand with the proper index for rapid repeat fire. That the LCR achieves this among other timely innovations is perhaps the biggest gain. The LCR in combination with the Black Hills 125-grain JHP rounds produced the only pleasing accuracy throughout our tests.

My personal experience has been that (for me) the LCR is the better choice. Bottom line--I can hit more accurately more often with the LCR than with any of my S&W Centennials.

Godless Gun Guy · 06-29-2009, 11:08 PM

Just had the same dilemma myself. I went with a Smith 640, it is proven and it was still a few $ cheaper than the LCR. Also bought a Blackhawk check six holster as well as an uncle mikes pocket holster. Still waiting on the paperwork to get through so I can't give a carry report yet. Next week though!

Stealie · 06-30-2009, 12:14 AM

S&W wheel guns can't be beat. Give the LCR some time to work any bugs out.

KDawg0007 · 07-01-2009, 09:06 AM

Walther PPS 9mm. Single stack, 8 rounds of 9mm JHP should do the job. Barely an inch thick and small enough to stick in your pocket with a pocket holster. It is also much more controllable than the LCP.

**SandmanKC** · 07-01-2009, 11:13 PM

My vote is for a S&W 642. Size and weight, it is very similar to the LCR. It is hammerless like the LCR, but has been out, and proven by S&W. With handling the LCR daily, it is a very nice gun, and shoots very nice too. One problem I have with it is the way the springs in the handle rattle. I know it's not the biggest downfall, but if you're carrying it in your pocket, it does tend to rattle while walking.

treybrown · 07-03-2009, 02:42 PM

I vote for a S&W 642!! Reliability, comfort and quality!!

Zombie Hunter · 07-07-2009, 08:40 PM

I had to make the same choice. I went with the 442 and can have a crimson trace attached (my next add on). However I will say the 442 is thick!

SRD · 07-07-2009, 08:43 PM

Everything ive read says the LCR is a larger gun.

Zombie Hunter · 07-07-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRD

Everything ive read says the LCR is a larger gun.

It may be bigger, I'm just pointing out the drawback to a revolver for CC.

kat1950 · 07-17-2009, 11:14 PM

Smith is proven, and IMO make a better quality weapon.

View Poll Results: Ruger LCR or S&W 442?
Ruger LCR	37	28.91%
S&W 442	79	61.72%
Other, please explain	12	9.38%
Voters: 128. You may not vote on this poll

06-29-2009, 05:11 PM	#11
jamstutz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 330	Gun Tests Grades: LCR gets an A- / 442 gets a B Gun Tests magazine is certainly not the be all and end all when it comes to telling you what guns are worth buying, but I do think that they try to be fair and consistent in their tests. This month (July 2009 issue) I believe they got it right when they gave the Ruger LCR an A- and the S&W 442 a B. A third test gun, the Charter Arms On-Duty, got a C. In each of their tests the LCR outperformed the 442, from ergonomics to accuracy. The LCR was ready to go out of the box--the 442 required some gunsmithing. The test staff were particularly impressed with the LCR's trigger design: What we thought was the highlight of the LCR was the relationship between the shooter’s hand and the trigger. If you have followed the teachings of the great exhibition revolver shooters such as Ed McGivern and Jerry Miculek, you will find that each of them would trade a light trigger for one that keeps the trigger in contact with the index finger during the release. This is because no matter how fast you press the trigger, another shot cannot be taken until the trigger returns to its forward position. If have to wait for the trigger to move forward after the shot breaks, it is likely you will lose contact with the face of the trigger. Reconnecting with the trigger can produce a slap that will rattle the gun and cost additional time in sight alignment. Combined with the aspect of the Hogue grip, we found our trigger finger remained in an ideal position shot after shot. In another part of the review: The LCR represents the first steps forward in revolver construction since the introduction of the modern eight-round revolvers. Few small revolvers, or pistols for that matter, provide the hand with the proper index for rapid repeat fire. That the LCR achieves this among other timely innovations is perhaps the biggest gain. The LCR in combination with the Black Hills 125-grain JHP rounds produced the only pleasing accuracy throughout our tests. My personal experience has been that (for me) the LCR is the better choice. Bottom line--I can hit more accurately more often with the LCR than with any of my S&W Centennials. __________________ The Internet--at least as reliable as anything said at the gun shop. Last edited by jamstutz; 06-29-2009 at 05:14 PM.
	Share

06-29-2009, 11:08 PM	#12
Godless Gun Guy XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Saratoga NY Posts: 871	Just had the same dilemma myself. I went with a Smith 640, it is proven and it was still a few $ cheaper than the LCR. Also bought a Blackhawk check six holster as well as an uncle mikes pocket holster. Still waiting on the paperwork to get through so I can't give a carry report yet. Next week though! __________________ "The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles." - Col. Jeff Cooper XD40 Service + 9mm conversion barrel S&W 642 (.38 snub) a "small pile" of long guns
	Share

06-30-2009, 12:14 AM	#13
Stealie XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 336	S&W wheel guns can't be beat. Give the LCR some time to work any bugs out. __________________ "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me."-Dr. Hunter S. Thompson We can't stop *here...this is bat country! Μολὼν λάβε* *RES IPSA LOQUITUR*
	Share

07-01-2009, 09:06 AM	#14
KDawg0007 XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesapeake and Hampton VA Posts: 84	Walther PPS 9mm. Single stack, 8 rounds of 9mm JHP should do the job. Barely an inch thick and small enough to stick in your pocket with a pocket holster. It is also much more controllable than the LCP. __________________ XD .40 Service 4" Smith and Wesson M&P15 Glock 17 Austrian Proof Glock 19 (Girlfriend's Gun)
	Share

07-01-2009, 11:13 PM	#15
SandmanKC XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Home of CMMG, Missouri Posts: 634	My vote is for a S&W 642. Size and weight, it is very similar to the LCR. It is hammerless like the LCR, but has been out, and proven by S&W. With handling the LCR daily, it is a very nice gun, and shoots very nice too. One problem I have with it is the way the springs in the handle rattle. I know it's not the biggest downfall, but if you're carrying it in your pocket, it does tend to rattle while walking. __________________ "The chief source of failure and unhappiness in life is giving up what you want most for what you want now" "Where are we going, and what am I doing in this hand basket?" "My right to own firearms... protects your right to tell me I shouldn't"
	Share

07-03-2009, 02:42 PM	#16
treybrown XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Columbia, S.C. Posts: 122	I vote for a S&W 642!! Reliability, comfort and quality!! __________________ "InHoc Signo Vinces" SA XD-9SC SA XD(M)-40 SA XD-45 Compact S&W 642 .38 - SS Ruger "LCP" .380
	Share

07-07-2009, 08:40 PM	#17
Zombie Hunter XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: VA Posts: 1,029	I had to make the same choice. I went with the 442 and can have a crimson trace attached (my next add on). However I will say the 442 is thick! __________________ The trouble with socialism is, sooner or later you run our of other peoples' money. Last edited by Zombie Hunter; 07-07-2009 at 08:43 PM.
	Share

07-07-2009, 08:43 PM	#18
SRD XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CT Posts: 1,668	Everything ive read says the LCR is a larger gun. __________________ "Si vis pacem, para bellum" If you wish for peace, Prepare for war.... ------------------------------------------------- Since my list was to long last time ill only put my favorite pistols HKP7 CZ82 Browning Hi power FN Hi power Sig p232 Sig p220 Elite SS NAA 22PUG XD45 G19 G29 Norinco Ak47 FN PS90 SBR
	Share

07-17-2009, 11:14 PM	#20
kat1950 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: central florida Posts: 114	Smith is proven, and IMO make a better quality weapon.
	Share

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/polling-place/123435-ruger-lcr-s-w-442-a.html
Posted By	For	Type	Date
s&w 442 - Page 2 \| BoardReader	This thread	Refback	08-27-2009 04:29 PM
XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!	This thread	Refback	06-27-2009 10:48 PM