Ruger LCR: "Fast, Fun, Deadly" by Nutnfancy

At 13.6 oz, the Model 5401 LCR is another favorite snub nosed .38 for me. I was surprised in this on some levels as I generally eschew hype on newly introduced guns, relaying more on long term track records to impress me. The LCR arrived on scene with a fair amount of hype. However in TNP the LCR did indeed establish an excellent track record and it forms the foundation of this TNP tabletop review. The gun was ran through multiple tactical shooting drills that were actually set up for full sized handguns, not this little snubbie. But with careful attention to the fundamentals I was able to make the LCR come alive in these drills and it posted truly amazing results: nearly every round connecting at 27 yds on an 8 inch steel plate (as well as the others). And that was with the heart rate and stress levels elevated after many runs in the course. It's easy to fall in love with a gun that can do this, especially when it's being asked to perform beyond its normal engagement ranges. So indeed accuracy seemed to be stellar. Reliabiltiy with various loads was 100% as well. A brief review of the ground breaking polymer and modular construction is undertaken here but the viewer should come away with the appreciation that it results in a very lighweight and yet durable revolver. The sights are excellent when painted or swapped out as discussed; the black on black left something to be desired. This LCR shot point of aim as well with most loads. The DAO trigger is another high point: one of the smoothest out of box triggers on any revolver yet tested. The Hogue Tamer grips are another win and I highly recommend them despite their rubbery exterior that can grab clothing. The "synergestic" polymer anodizing is tough but not impervious as the gun developed chips in it. Firepower like all snubbies is very limited and reloads are fraught with much opportunity for failures. Training in this and overall marksmanship is key (proven tips given). Being commercially successful results in more accessories and some of the best are found righ at www.shopruger.com where fit is guaranteed and several have the added specialness of the Ruger emblazoned logo. Value is high and the LCR's pricing has provided stiff competition to the other .38 Specials out there. Other manufacturers are copying the LCR formula but I think they will be hard pressed to do it better (if they do, I will tell you). Variations of the LCR include the 3.7 oz heavier .357 Mag version (not preferred b. of this; it wears a steel-reinforced top strap) and a Crimson Trace outfitted version. For me the #5401 stoked with a +P .38 Special load, with a few speed loaders at the ready, will provide adequate security. POUs are as discussed by the LCR surprisingly emerges as a recreational gun as well. Great fun was had in its testing with standard pressure loads. Light, fast, and deadly. The LCR cries out only for a good marksman to complete this formula for excellence. ////////// Music licensed to TNP from Jason Shaw

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Science & Technology

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[kfz6520]

what happened when you were trying to say "synergestic"?

[nutnfancy]

@kfz6520Probably the same thing that happened when you were trying to spell it (its actually "synergistic"). Brain fart. =) -- Veri

[UncleDaddyFlip]

I love this vid! Watched it like four times and bought the 357 based on this vid (even though nutn reco'd the 38!)  Applied Modelmaster as directed to the front sight- awesome. Great gun- review right on. Way less than S&W J-frame 357s (I have one) so great value, too. Second type of cool off the charts for me. Love it! Thanks nutnfancy- one of my favorite reviews. I'm still laffin at "A RIOT" and "No I did not; sight paint SUCKS" and "Testor's paints dudes". Modelmaster- whatevs! Out..

[nutnfancy]

@UncleDaddyFlip NICE! Great comment dude and so glad you are digging your LCR. Great job on the Modelmasters front sight mod too...makes that sucker really stand out. That .357 will rock your world no doubt but even more on the other end! See ya bro.

[HikageMaru]

I love your reviews. One question: did you have any issue with cleanly ejecting the cases? I heard one person moaned that the ejector rod on the LCR was too short.

[SuperCrazysauce]

sorry if you covered this in your video but does the lcr have a saftey?

[zkosmic]

@zkosmic This may answer my own question... T727-2SM - model number for the "The Body Guard" by Gould and Goodrich.

[zkosmic]

@nutnfancy Thanks for the review! I own one of these and I carry it IWB. Do you know which belly band would work with it? - Love the gun too. Thanks for all you do man.

[MrFryguy001]

Could a gun like this wear out if shooting to many +p rounds?

[AirForceAce3571]

@0000001744 I'm assuming you mean .38. if so, I'll just say that there are a lot of people, good and bad, dead today b/c of the .38 spl, and it's nothing I wanna get hit with. If you have modern loads, .38+p will definitely get the job done, and like Nutn said, .357mag recoil in a gun this small & light would be a lot and make it very difficult to hit a target with. there's a reason .38 is still around after nearly a century. It it wasn't any good nobody would use it.

[AirForceAce3571]

When I get around to adding a snubbie .38 to my arsenal, I'm getting the LCR .38 with the XS Big Dot tritium sight! Thanks for the awesome video Nutn!

[techvoodoo]

really looking forward to getting the LCR .38. placed an order for one last week and hope to have it in soon. thanks for the tips on how you do your front sight. depending on how the sight picture looks to me out of the box, i might give your method a try if I think i need it. as always excellent review.

[dellstudio10]

I rented the LCR from my local range and loved it! The recoil was a little stern, but this is certainly going to be my next pistol.