gun review feature
One thing that stands out on these pis- tols is their smooth trigger pull. T e com- bination of the Ruger’s exceptional grip and superior trigger pull makes this my new favorite pocket wheelgun. T e LCR also comes in .22 long rifl e, which would be great for a low-cost training gun (not to mention a fi ne trail and plinking gun). For additional cost, LCRs can be ordered with Crimson Trace Laser grips. T e website doesn’t show that option for the LCR-9 yet, but I’m sure it will be forthcoming. It should be noted that Ruger specifi cally states that the LCR is not to be fi red with any caliber other than the 9mm Luger, so please don’t try stuffi ng .380s in it.
Why a Nine?
With the options of .38 Special and .357 Magnum, why did Ruger feel it necessary to add a 9mm to the stable? Primarily, they were probably listening to the throngs of folks like myself who were clamoring for it. T e 9mm off ers a few advantages over the .38 special and .357 Magnum in a defensive snubby. T e .357 Magnum in its common 17- to 19-ounce package can be downright painful to shoot and followup shots are a challenge for us mere mortals. I’ve only fi red a .357 in this platform a few times and I’m pretty sure I loosened some fi llings. Most pocket .38s only weigh about 13-15 ounces and are only a little more comfortable to shoot than their magnum big brothers. Despite the tenacious myth to the con- trary, there’s quite a bit of diff erence be- tween the .38 Special and .357 Magnum in power out of short barrels. T e 9mm bridges that gap nicely. As evidenced by the chro- nograph table, the middle sibling thrives in this platform. Ruger’s 9mm LCR weighs 17.2 ounces, which is about the same weight as the .357 version. T at little bit of extra weight helps dampen the recoil while still al- lowing for a very manageable loaded weight of 19.2 ounces with Federal 124-grain HST +P rounds. In a fairytale world, the 9mm LCR would be the baby bear caliber for Goldilocks. It certainly doesn’t hurt that 9mm practice ammunition is about half the cost of .38s or .357s and quite a bit easier to fi nd in bulk. And many departments stock 9mm practice and carry ammo.
14 The Police Marksman Mar-Apr 2015
Ruger LCR 9MM
A 3-inch slow-fi re group with the Ruger LCR 9mm standing, unsupported at 15 yards.
A rapid-fi re group at 7 yards on a standard B-27 target with the LCR 9mm.
www.policemarksman.com
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