642 or LCR?

[Billco]

I am considering buying the LCR. Looking for feedback from an owner or someone who has had one on the range. Any opinions on how the 642 and LCR compare with each other?

[Metalhead]

Personally would go with a 642. Reasons are: S&W's Customer Service & warranty, plus the guns been around a long time, and is a solid gun.

The Ruger DOES have a better trigger pull, but the Smith can be made to have the same as or better than the Ruger. The Ruger hasnt been out long, and I'm still waiting for the recall announcement . Not to mention Ruger's CS kinda sucks.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

i agree, 642 is the best way to go.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

we have two rugers sitting at ruger... they have been there for about 4 months. I also have had to send 3 S&W's back that had blown up, and they all took a very long time. So IMHO its a wash in the customer service Dept... im not happy with either one right now.

[Guest m&pc9]

I looked at both a few months back.

I thought about the rivets that attach the polymer to the metal on the LCR. They will take a beating and if you keep it for 5-10 years will they be tight.

I think the S&W will out last the LCR just because of the rivets. But thats my opinion.

But I ended up with a 442 and love it for a pocket gun.

[TnEngineer]

Another vote for the 642. If I could only have ONE carry gun, it would be the 642.

The Ruger is FUNKY. Sorry, but it is FUNKY.

[Guest FiddleDog]

I think it looks like Deckard's carry piece in Bladerunner, personally...to me that's a plus.

[Jasongar8]

If it was me I would get the 642. The LCR is neat but I dont think I want to depend on it as a everyday carry piece.

[poak]

Why fix what isn't broken?

Consider this another vote for the 642 in what's quickly becoming a landslide.

[I_Like_Pie]

To-may-to

To-mah-to

Aside from the emotional differences tied to brand...they are almost the same. Ruger does have a better trigger pull and no visible Hillary hole (they hid it)

S&W has tried and true reputation and is all aluminum vs. polymer.

Go to a shop and try them out...you will have to decide what is best for yourself.

Me...I own a 442 (no-IL) and trust my life with it despite having some very strong ties with a lot of "Ruger" people.

[Guest .45]

LCR

I love mine...zero problems so far. it is cheaper than the smith...

trigger is better than a smith. yes, you could get a trigger job, but then you're spending even more $$.

as far as it not lasting a long time...only time will tell. but honestly, how much are you gonna shoot a .38+P that weighs less than a can of beer? it's not exactly an "all day" gun...

as stated, I'm really happy with my LCR, but honestly I don't think either gun is a bad choice...

[W4CCR]

My wife has a 642, I have an LCR (Thanks Goodlettsville Gun Shop!). Out of the box trigger is better on the LCR. The differences in size and weight are not enough to be noticeable.

The factory grip on the LCR seems to dampen the recoil pulse better.

All of our shooting has been done with standard 38 special ammo, no +p.

Considering the pain induced in firing 50 rounds or so from each revolver, I don't think I need to worry about wearing either of them out.

Handle both and choose the one that fits you best... Good Luck!

[Trekbike]

Another vote for the 642.

I'm not as much worried about the polymer part of the frame, the extremely thin walls on the cylinder are what scare me.

[Billco]

Thanks for all the input guys. Pretty much decided that, while I do love new and innovative weapons, I think the old standard (642) is gonna be mine. I appreciate all the info and opinions.

[hkusp40cal]

I have owned both. I owned the S&W for about 3 months and after I picked up a LCR, I sold the 642. The LCR just seemed to shoot better for me.

[Guest Bluemax]

I can't say much about the LCR's but the Smith J frames have been around for a very long time because of their reliability and quality. I have a model 38 bodyguard and a 342ti,( both very similier to the 642) and could not be happier with the quality of either

[Guest Bronker]

Thanks for all the input guys. Pretty much decided that, while I do love new and innovative weapons, I think the old standard (642) is gonna be mine. I appreciate all the info and opinions.

Bill, I'll have to go rank and file in line behind the S&W 642 as well. I've owned its blued cousin, the 442, for about 13 years and have had no issues. I just trust the S&W product line overall. If and when you do get the 642, PM me your mailing address. I've got a PIF I think you'd make great use of. On me.