New Ruger LCRX Revolver

[PT7]

Posting some “ketchup” on my firearms activity, while I was on short hiatus from Forum chats. In mid-February I stopped in at our KCKS Cabelas and window-shopped the revolver display case. Wasn’t looking for anything specific, but as happens I bumped into an interesting revolver. It was a Ruger snubby with a 3” barrel, the LCRX in .38 Special + P caliber. Found that I really like handling it. It carries a rear adjustable sight identical to my SP101 .357 magnum, and a front ramp. The 3” barrel provided a very nice sight picture. Since Cabelas most always sell firearms at the MSRP “cadilac” price, after handling the revolver I went shopping on the internet. Found this lightweight polymer/aluminum/stainless steel revolver at Bud’s Gun Shop in KY at a good price, and now it’s in my gun cabinet.

First time out was February 15th on a mild, sunny winter day with 54* temp. Since it was NIB, I was sure I needed to sight it in. Pleasantly surprised to find it was sighted in just fine, and quite easy to handle. I also shot my best ever POIs with a revolver at the 15-yard range! It was a fun, memorable day at the range. Never before had such an easy firearm tryout!

Here are some photos of my new revolver. BTW, my other Rugers and my Bond Arms derringer are all stainless steel builds. This matte black polymer revolver is a cool change from that other look.





Size compared to the SP101






This past week I got out for the second time with the LCRX. About the same temp again at 55*, but had a stiff +20 mph wind. I was determined to test my HD ammo anyway, and came away with fairly good results. Here is a mini range report with some targets.

~Black square comprised of 4" splash targets, shot 5-round groups at 7 yards



Top/left: BHA 125gr JHP. 1 POI in target, 3 below target, 1 in PW dirt. Not the best start, but still getting a handle on the LCRX sights.
Bottom/left: CorBon 110gr JHP. 5 POIs in target. Upper right came from my shooting at (oops) the center target.
Top/right: Fiocchi 125gr XTPHP. 3 POIs in target. 2 POIs just below the corner target.
Bottom/right: Hornaday 110gr FTX (this is their CD, Critical Defense, ammo). 5 POIs in target. I found this ammo to be the most accurate of the five brands tested.
Center: Ruger 77gr ARX SD ammo. 4 POI's in target, one just out lower left. Help me out…wonder if anyone can tell if this ammo was somewhat keyholing? It is supposed to be Ruger's newest HD ammo....not sure it is that accurate. And the recoil was not significantly less than the other brands.

Closeup POIs of the Ruger ARX ammo



~8" square whiteboard

Shot 20 rounds of Win 130gr FMJ ammo at 15 yards. 18/20 POIs in target.




~12" round splash target

Shot 25 rounds, 10 more Win ammo, 10 rounds Herters 158gr FMJ, 5 rounds of CorBon 110gr JHP .38 Spl + P ammo. These were simply practice rounds at a HD range of 7 yards. Also shot about half of these rounds using only one hand. I think I count all 25 POIs in target. If not, that's okay. I'm satisfied with the large group surrounding the bull. :*)




Take away from my ammo test day.

The light-weight LCRX is a very, very nice revolver.

I was glad to so easily learn/discover that the Hornady CD ammo is the most accurate. Easy choice to be an EDC/HD ammo. I’m glad there are good manufacturers like Hornady that make some quite quality ammo for us non-reloaders!!

Thanks for hanging in through this longish range report.
Have a great day!

[Les]

Thanks for a great report, PT7, and congratulations on your new revolver. Great shooting, too!

We don't get to see handguns over here, so it's always nice to see what is available in the real world.

[Bish1309]

That is one very cool looking revolver. Both actually!


Just a little jealous.

[JEBar]

as a long time fan of Ruger revolvers I appreciate the info on their LCR .... I've never seen one of them and am looking forward to doing so

[RanchRoper]

That's a very business-like little revolver. Very nice.

[Deadwood Dutch]

Nice, quality revolver. I have always been a fan of the revolver. Very nice report.

[CT_Shooter]

Great shooting, PT7! Your new revolver is as good a shooter as you are.

Thanks for posting another fun and descriptive range report. Nobody does it better!

[DWD445]

Sweet little Ruger, PT !! Good to read your range report again

[ditto1958]

Nice gun! A buddy athtnerange has one, and I've shot it a couple of times. I like it. You made a good choice.

[BigAl52]

I have one but not in the 3 inch barrel. I love mine and use it alot. Very accurate and easy to carry because its so light. Al

[JEBar]

how does its size compare to a Smith J-frame

[JCN]

how does its size compare to a Smith J-frame

The standard LCR and LCRx revolvers are very comparable to the J Frame Airweights like your 637 pictured (and the 642 I carry for protection).

The 3" version posted here has a full size grip and longer barrel which makes it somewhat of a different animal altogether.

Still a light revolver since its polymer framed but much larger with the grip and longer barrel. Only a five shot capacity with 38spl.

Thank you for posting this review. I'll be doing the same with my new Ruger GP100 soon!

[JEBar]

The standard LCR and LCRx revolvers are very comparable to the J Frame Airweights like your 637 pictured (and the 642 I carry for protection).

the one shown is my wife's concealed carry ... it is equipped with a Crimson Trace Laser .... she really likes it

[JCN]

Nice I've never shot a crimson trace equipped hand gun. Looks very functional.

I have been meaning to start a concealed carry thread on here and will do that soon!

Back to the LCRx... I definitely plan on buying an LCR soon. Really like the way they feel. Would like an LCR in 38 with night sites.

[JEBar]

they ain't cheap but Crimson Trace does make a laser for Ruger's LCRX ===> http://www.crimsontrace.com/products/ma ... er/01-4330

Amazon has them for a good deal less ===> https://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Trace-La ... R+%26+LCRx

[PT7]

I believe JCN's comments are accurate. While I'm not real familiar with the S&W J-frames, I'd say they look quite close to the same size.

If you look again at my photo of my SP101 and new LCRX for the size comparison. I've read that an SP101 might be considered "a J-frame on steroids." It is a rock-solid stainless steel revolver, and some parts are slightly larger than the LCRX to handle consistent .357 magnum loads. In my photo, they look quite similar in size, and both should be in the J-frame category.

I found a very good evaluation of the LCRX that was written just about two years old now. You might find it an interesting read: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2 ... olymer-38/ BTW, my first revolver was an SP101 .357 magnum with a 3" barrel and fixed sights. The LCRX sight system runs circles around it as far as my experience. Like I said in my range report, this Ruger snubby is a very nice revolver.

how does its size compare to a Smith J-frame

[JEBar]

thanks for the link .... I too am a fan of Ruger revolvers, almost 30 years ago we gave each of sons 357 GP100's that they have taken deer with .... well over 30 years ago I replaced my '60's vintage Blackhawk 44 mag with a Redhawk 44 mag that is the only pistol I shoot

[North Country Gal]

Have owned many J frame Smiths and Ruger SPs. The steel framed J frames like the Model 60, 357 are very comparable to the Ruger SP 357 with the same barrel length. The airweight J frames are very similar to the polymer framed LCRs.

My current carry gun (only because this cowgirl can't find a comparably sized single action 357) is the Kimber K6s, which has been a super gun on a par with the very best Smith J frames I've owned. 23 ounces, 6 shots, too, instead of 5. Will do a report on it, sometime.

[JCN]

Wow a K6S! I haven't seen one in person yet. Pretty neat.

[PT7]

A couple of folk mentioned that they either own or want to buy an LCRX revolver. I have a very functional EDC holster I use, which I thought I'd provide the link. It's not listed specifically for this model Ruger, but I've found it works very well for me.

It is an IWB leather holster, offered through Ruger store and produced through Bianchi. The leather is very smooth to the touch, the leather to clip construction is quite well done. The clip holds solidly, and will never come off a belt. The write up says it can be used cross draw or strongside. I use it strongside. It is made in Mexico, not overly expensive. http://shopruger.com/GP100-SP101-Bianch ... nfo/55008/

I bought it a couple of years ago for my 4" Ruger SP101, and it works excellently for this 29.5 oz. heavier steel revolver. Although the LCRX has an inch shorter barrel length, it also fits snugly in this holster. The 15.7 oz. weight of the LCRX makes it a breeze to use this holster for EDC...I almost don't even notice when wearing it. Just a suggested holster you might look at.

I have one but not in the 3 inch barrel. I love mine and use it alot. Very accurate and easy to carry because its so light. Al

Nice I've never shot a crimson trace equipped hand gun. Looks very functional.

I have been meaning to start a concealed carry thread on here and will do that soon!

Back to the LCRx... I definitely plan on buying an LCR soon. Really like the way they feel. Would like an LCR in 38 with night sites.