gun review: Ruger LCR 9MM
very defensive battery should have at least one fi ve-shot, snubnose .38 Special revolver, in my opinion. The snubby is just too versatile not to have around. These small handguns serve well as backup guns, but that’s not the end of their usefulness. When off-duty, I carry a Commander size 1911 and a Ruger LCR (Light Compact Revolver) in my weak-side front pants pocket. I’m a big proponent of carrying the largest gun in the most effective caliber as possible for the given situation. But sometimes the situation calls for a smaller pistol. For example, if one chooses to carry a fi rearm while running, mowing the yard, or even answering the door, a small and lightweight handgun that just drops into your pocket can be indispensable. I often go run- ning with a 10-shot .40 caliber pistol, but that 22-ounce weapon becomes 30 ounces when loaded and starts feeling like a brick after a few miles. T e 15-ounce (loaded) .38 LCR is much easier on the legs and back during longer runs. Many times, it’s easier to concede to the body’s demands than to fi ght them. Still, it would be nice to have a little more ‘oomph’ available as a primary fi rearm. For this and other reasons, I’ve longed for a 9mm snubby revolver from a trusted company, but never came across the right one until Ruger’s recent introduction of the LCR I already own, but chambered for the 9x19 cartridge.
E
Features T e 9mm has all of the familiar LCR fea- tures. Snubbies are a little harder to shoot quickly and accurately, but the Hogue® Tamer™ Monogrip® helps by providing a solid purchase and excellent recoil control. It’s larger than many grips that come on pistols of this size, but still small enough to allow for pocket carry. T e .38 Special and .22 caliber frames are made of 7000 series aluminum, while the .357 and 9mm are made of 400 series stainless steel for added strength and only a few ounces of added weight. All LCRs have polymer-fi re control housings and Ruger’s Ionbond Diamond- back ™ black fi nish. T e 9mm versions come with three full-moon clips. It has a 1.875- inch barrel and a white insert in the front sight. T e rear sight is integral to the frame.
13 The Police Marksman Mar-Apr 2015
The 9mm cartridge is very efficient in shorter barrels, chronographing at excellent speeds out of the Ruger’s short barrel.
9mm cartridges in moon clips are about half the length of .38 Specials in an HKS speedloader.
www.policemarksman.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55