One of Sturm, Ruger & Company’s most innovative designs is the LCR, or Lightweight Compact Revolver, first introduced in 2009. This first-of-its-kind, polymer-framed revolver brings the benefits of significantly reduced weight and a higher weight-to-strength ratio than steel, in addition to being impervious to corrosion and moisture.
The design’s five-shot cylinder is only 1.28 inches wide, and with a 1.875-inch barrel, the whole gun’s overall length is 6.5 inches, making it well suited for comfortable, all-day pocket carry. The trigger on the LCR is fantastic and features a friction-reducing cam that produces an extremely smooth double-action (DA) trigger pull without the common stacking that can occur.
The stainless steel cylinders in all of the Ruger LCRs have been heavily fluted for further weight reduction while maintaining optimal strength. They are also finished in Ruger’s own Target Grey finish, which provides outstanding corrosion resistance. Finally, the polymer grip includes a convenient grip peg, which makes replacing the grip a very simple process. The Hogue Tamer grip that is included with the standard LCR, however, does an excellent job of taming perceived recoil.
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The LCR is available in a variety of calibers, from .22 LR to .38 Special to .357 Magnum, but perhaps most interesting is the 9mm version. Because the 9mm case is rimless, Ruger provides moon clips for faster loading and positive ejection. Thankfully, you don’t have to use them as the 9mm cartridges can be loaded and fired without the moon clip. Ejection, however, then requires the use of a tool such as a pen. For concealed-carry use, stick with the moon clips.
On the range, the 9mm certainly kicked more like a .357 Magnum than a .38 Special, but not quite as much. An advantage of 9mm is that there is a wide variety of defensive ammunition available. The 9mm LCR is an excellent compromise for those who prefer a revolver for concealed-carry use and want something more effective than the .38 Special but less punishing on the user than the .357 Magnum.
Appealing Alternatives
Slightly less compact but just as innovative is the new Ruger LCRx revolver with a longer 3-inch barrel and an external hammer that allows for both DA and single-action (SA) use. Chambered in .38 Special +P, the LCRx features a very smooth and comfortable friction-reducing-cam trigger system, a polymer housing and a monolithic aluminum frame for weight reduction. The stainless steel cylinder is also heavy fluted for added weight reduction. The longer 3-inch barrel provides for higher velocities and improved terminal performance, while the longer sight radius helps increase accuracy. Other welcome features unique to the LCRx 3-inch are a rear sight that’s fully adjustable for windage and elevation and a full-length grip.
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The Ruger LC9 pistol was already extremely well received but now Ruger has introduced a new version that is striker fired instead of hammer fired. Chambered in 9mm, the LC9s is very thin and lightweight, but the new trigger system makes it easier to shoot with a lighter, smoother pull that many shooters prefer. A great advantage is that the new pistol retains the same dimensions as the LC9, and as such all of the accessories, spare magazines and holsters work for both pistols. At 6 inches in length and less than 1 inch wide, the LC9s makes a perfect pocket pistol in a great defensive round. Also, Ruger just released the LC9s Pro, a variant of the design sans the manually operated thumb safety and magazine disconnect system.
Ruger also produces distributor-exclusive pistols usually featuring much-desired accessories or colors. The company is now offering a unique “Muddy Girl” pink camouflage pattern on its LCP and LC9s pistol through Davidson’s. The black-and-pink pattern covers the high-performance, glass-filled nylon frame of each pistol and gives each gun a distinctive look. With more and more women interested in the shooting sports and self-defense, custom options that appeal to them are becoming increasingly popular.
The compact LCP is chambered in the popular .380 ACP with a 6+1 capacity, and it really shines in terms of its snag-free profile and miniscule dimensions. Weighing less than 10 ounces unloaded and with a total length of just over 5 inches and a width of only 0.82 inches, the LCP manages to almost disappear inside a front pocket.
For more information, visit http://www.ruger.com
