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If you were in the described situation, which gun would you choose?

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I carry a LCR all day. It not a gun I would put 200 rounds through in a setting ( I normally only do 50), but is nice to shoot. I have not found any flame cutting or any other problems so far. The trigger pull is smooth and even. I got this gun for carry not to spend the day shooting, I've got the 9mm auto for that. I chose the LCR over the s&w because of the grip. The s&w for me was too small, it got lost in my hands.
 
The 642...:yup:
 
My wife has the 642 and loves it (and shoots well with it to boot.) But I've got to admit, when we bought the 642, I actually took her to the gun store to look at the LCR. They had had one the last time I was in, but unfortunately it was stolen in a break in just after that, and all they had was the 642. Trigger is definitely stiffer on the 642 (I'm toying with the idea of changing to lighter springs, but the wife says she's fine with it as is, and since it's HER gun, she wins!) I don't think you can really make a bad decision here, but to me it boils down to this - your GF has shot the 642 and likes it. I would take that over an "unknown" with the LCR, unless you can find one for her to actually shoot.
 
I own both but prefer the LCR . I love the way it shoots and have had no "pitting" . I have almost 500 rounds through it. There are plenty of holster choices out there. I personally use my SP101 holster and it fits fine. i think it shoots better with the +p ammo . I've had a few of my students shoot and they've seemed to sway towards the LCR for all around carry & use. Most of them are women, hope that helps .
 
both are good guns,,,,but it is the s&w for me. i got several different j-frames and they are the best. i have shot the ruger and it is also a good gun. both guns got their good and bad points. when it comes down to it you can not go wrong with either. but, i am a s&w man when it comes to small wheel guns.
 
The Smith is just the more time proven choice...and I would get her the 442 in black, same gun as 642 just different color. Reports I get is that the finish holds up better on these.
 
lighter springs

...Trigger is definitely stiffer on the 642 (I'm toying with the idea of changing to lighter springs, but the wife says she's fine with it as is, and since it's HER gun, she wins!) ...
I highly recommend that you hold off on installing ‘lighter’ springs. Ensure the gun is unloaded, then dry fire the unloaded gun while watching TV for several evenings. This will soften the spring tension and smooth the action. Likewise, you can practice your trigger control (each hand) and aiming while exercising your hand/forearm muscles. After around 2500~3000 trigger actuations, you will notice a marked difference.

If you should feel any significant binding or resistance after 2-3 weeks, then consider an action/trigger job that does not include lighter springs. There are some good gunsmiths that can do this type of work.
 
Well, I'm not afraid to say I think the LCR looks better than the S&W.

I plan on getting an LCR myself.

And I wouldn't worry about any "pitting" issues with the LCR. Ruger is known for their great CS and willingness to spend the money to fix any problem to preserve their reputation.
 
I don't trust the LCR yet. I would give any product 1 or 2 years before I would purchase. Just me.
Agreed...although Ihave fondled and like the LCR, my 642 with about 50 years of history behind it is my choice for now. Both are good guns though and I guess if I shot the LCR and really liked it, I would give it a try.
 
I think everyone should own at least one S&W. It's an American thing. Go with what feels best to her. I'd say the heavier S&W isn't too heavy, but would likely make it more shootable for her.
 
642 all the way. I have a 442 with Hogue grips and have shot my moms LCR and did not like the LCR nearly as much as my 442. To me the LCR had more felt recoil and the 442 is much more ergonomic.
 
I've had my 442 for over a year. I chose it over the LCR when I was looking. Yesterday I went shooting with a buddy and I had my 442 with me and he had his LCR. I'm a big fan of Ruger firearms. I like the LCR but for me I prefer the S&W. I still would choose the 442 over the LCR. The weight difference is undetectible to me, but the LCR is larger in size. I shoot the 442 better, but I've been shooting it for a year. There's nothing wrong with the LCR, it really is just a personal preference thing. Hard to go wrong with either. I prefer the Ruger SP101 2" bbl in .357 mag over both of them. It shoots 38+P smooth as silk.
 
I tried both, and the LCR has less recoil for me, so I bought it. No regrets. Holsters are easy to find, the SP101 's fit like a glove. Benefit is, then buy an SP101, you will have holsters for both. I did!
 
642. Not even close in my book.

Interesting you mention the trigger. She noticed today that, although the 642 pull was heavier for her, she personally found it smoother and felt more natural.
Despite the fact that the trigger is lighter than my Smith & Wesson Model 642 I developed a distinct dislike for it. The trigger was the revolver's worst feature. I didn't like the take up and release and it had way too much over-travel to suit me
There’s an important point here. A good trigger is not all about weight. It’s also about consistency and smoothness. Give me a smooth, consistent trigger pull with a little more weight over an inconsistent, choppy, lighter trigger.
 
Without a doubt, S&W 642! Smith's are just way cooler, IMHO.:yup:
 
I prefer my 442 or 60 or even a Model 10 snubby over an LCR any day.
 
Tough choice, but if she prefers the 442's trigger, than that's what you should go with, provided she's comfortable with gun.

I have a pre-lock 442 (Nickel plated model, I believe from '94). If I didn't have it, I'd probably get the LCR, but that is a "probably" as I agree that the LCR's a little too new just yet, while the 442 (& any S&W J-frame for that matter) has & is the standard by which all the other snubbies are compared to.
 
I have shot both but own the S&W, I guess I am partial to the Smiths. I think both are great guns, although I personally found the LCR a bit more comfortable to shoot. Ruger did have some flame cutting issues when the LCR first came out, I believe thats since been corrected. I dont know whether it was poor heat treating or bad metallurgy on a small batch of guns and Ruger was replacing them. I have not heard of any issues for a while now. The Smith has a longer track record but your lady has to feel comfortable with what she shoots and what she can shoot well. If the gun is for her let her pick, you cant go wrong with either one.
 
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