Ruger LCR or S&W 442? Experience?

[nogaroheli]

I've been thinking of adding a small pocket revolver to the family, maybe my wife will end up carrying it at some point. I've been thinking of both the Ruger LCR and just recently started looking at the S&W 442 and 642. I've always loved Ruger revolvers and the LCR seems like a well refined little BUG. However, I just recently started looking at the S&W's and the metal construction makes me feel warmer and fuzzier than the polymer. I have polymer pistols and I know they're just fine, the part of my head that wants this pistol to last forever is still thinking metal may be better. With the new Smith rebate on J frames both options are within $25 of each other.
Does anyone have experience with both? What would you all do?

[ChadAmberg]

Buy one of each, you have 2 pockets right?

Errr.. I mean.. I've had the LCR for a year now. Shoot it regularly enough to stay decent with it, and the polymer does help with recoil. I have an IWB but really prefer the pocket holster I got, really makes it easy to carry. I don't think you could go wrong with it.

[BPTactical]

Smith all the way-(sorry Ruger fans)
The Smith will hold its value much better.....

[gnihcraes]

Ruger LCR (sorry Smith fans)... half the cost of the smith, value I believe will hold. I love my LCR. As ChadAmberg said, had mine a year or so now, works great every time I go shoot it. Light to carry, love the trigger. No problems so far.

[BPTactical]

Ruger LCR (sorry Smith fans)... half the cost of the smith, value I believe will hold. I love my LCR. As ChadAmberg said, had mine a year or so now, works great every time I go shoot it. Light to carry, love the trigger. No problems so far.

Back to the "2 pocket" scenario



"I have two guns....one for each of ya..."

[nogaroheli]

"I have two guns....one for each of ya..."

Brilliant, AWESOME movie!

"Smells like somebody died.."

I keep hearing about the trigger on the LCR being better and the Smith's resale being better. I'm gonna have to get my wife some range time to see which she likes better- or just show her that you can get pink grips for the Smith.

Thanks for the advice all, if you think of anything else let me know!

[gnihcraes]

I just could never justify the $700 smith J frames... (or thereabouts in price) sure there are less costly ones available.

[nogaroheli]

I just could never justify the $700 smith J frames... (or thereabouts in price) sure there are less costly ones available.

Yeah, I can't justify that either. The 442 is aluminum framed with a stainless cylinder and weighs only 1.5 ounces more than the scandium/uber expensive ones. I can also get it for $420 after transfer, before the $50 rebate, so it'd only be a $370 gun. That's a touch less(!) than the Ruger.

[gnihcraes]

wow, decent deal then.