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lblades
Starting Member
6 Posts |
 Posted - 07/24/2012 : 17:07:45
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| I am trying to narrow down a conceal carry gun. I immediately fell in love with the Ruger LCR 38 Special the second I held it, I like the S & W but did not complete a full trigger pull and was told that is not uncommon. Actually Im in love with the LCR but I have an issue with the gun not having a safety of any kind. I have not concealed carried before so, I do not have experience to draw from and have really only used Shotguns and Rifles most of my life. I like the LCR because it has the internal hammer, the trigger was very smooth, it is light, felt good in my hand, no jamming etc. My only concern is using it in a conceal carry say in purse or on body and not having a safety with a loaded gun. I would appreciate your experience in this. Will that be an issue for me? I fully intend to take it to the range and put a lot of rounds through it to get as comfortable as possible with it, my concern is just using it for conceal carry and I should also mention that I have younger children 7 & 8 who while they know not to handle a gun they havent been handed by me or my husband, they still hang on mom and get into my purse in the blink of an eye. Thanks for your advice. |
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1813Anschutz
Advanced Member
USA
2292 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2012 : 17:25:47
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Your first order of business should be to seek and attend an NRA Basic Pistol class. A revolver has NO NEED for a safety as you must go through a significant effort to MAKE it go bang. The next purchase should be a high quality holster for your gun. Many will use an Inside the Waistband holster for CCW often abbreviated as IWB.
Decide on what features, material and price range you need or want. Do NOT buy a cheap nylon holster and think it is up to the job...you will be quite disappointed. There is a guide on this forum that does a great job of taking you through the various holster designs and the plus/minus's of each as well.
I would strongly advise against purse carry for a number of reasons...first and foremost is that if your purse is stolen so is your gun. Too much clutter is the next.
Lastly, invest in a sturdy belt to support your gun and spread out the weight. If you can fold it in half vertically it is too flimsy.
Randy
NRA Certified Instructor since 1987
PS. A proper fit in your hand is paramount....take your time and if possible live fire a number of handguns. There are times when something may feel great in the store and suck on the range.
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"The more I shoot,the LUCKIER I seem to get!" |
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Faiden
Starting Member
32 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 01:38:13
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As Anschutz said, revolvers--especially "double action only" revolvers-- typically don't have external safeties. This is because there are a lot of things that have to happen to the gun (internally) to make it fire. Although all you're doing is pulling the trigger, the revolver has to rotate the cylinder, pull the hammer back, remove the transfer bar (basically an internal safety to prevent the gun from firing if it were dropped, thrown, etc), and release the hammer. You'll also notice that the trigger pull, though smooth, is long. This also helps prevent the gun from firing unintentionally. Basically, your revolver won't fire unless the trigger is pulled.
I don't have kids, so it's hard for me to comment too much on that concern. That being said, if they can get into your purse quickly, you may want to avoid putting your gun there. With little kids around, you'll need to have 100% retention and control of the gun at all times (which you should even without the kids, but you get my point). Regardless of where the gun is, it is paramount that you have a quality holster to cover the trigger when gun isn't in your hand. If the trigger is exposed, something could get caught in there and cause the gun to discharge. Cover it up, or don't carry it.
Comfort of the gun is very important in my opinion. If you don't like the gun, you won't carry it. That being said, it is equally important to like how the gun feels when it fires. If you don't, you won't practice, and it is practice that makes the firearm a useful tool. If at all possible, get out to a range and rent or borrow an LCR to make sure it's the gun for you.
Although deciding to carry a firearm is a huge responsibility, I think it is a fantastic decision. By doing so, you clearly declare that you don't have to be a victim. Learn all you can, practice hard, and enjoy the confidence that comes from being prepared. |
"The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable." |
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nmuskier01
Senior Member
USA
1845 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 06:28:11
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Welcome. You have chosen a fine sidearm! Browse the Ladies section. We have some very knowledgeable women who can offer experience specific to "wiser gender" carry.
My carry piece stays here at night: http://www.gunvault.com/nano-vault-300-nv300.html. The can be found for around $30. My nano also goes on road trips. It locks to the car seat frame.
Go to: http://www.corneredcat.com/Contents/
for advice on raising children with firearms, female specific issues, etc.
Can't say enough to reinforce the quality holster and belt. I feel many people go searching for the perfect carry gun, and can never seem carry or conceal well, no matter how many $20 holsters they try. Four crappy holster mistakes = one quality $80 holster that will keep you happy for years. |
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hkguy
Advanced Member
USA
2066 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 06:55:48
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the S&W J-frames are great little carry guns, my wife carries that more than her Kahr P9. That being said, she initially had some difficulty pulling the trigger (who doesen't with a 12 lb trigger pull). Apex and Wilson Combat make a reduced power drop in spring kit for about $25 + shipping that brings the trigger down to a much more manageable 9 lbs.
If you plan to carry primarily in your purse, you may need to seriously reconsider what kind of purse you use. using a quality pocket style holster helps the gun stay in your purse while preventing things from getting stuck in the barrel and trigger guard. |
God created all men....
... Sam Colt made them equal |
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Zack
Starting Member
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 08:26:35
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I am not a fan of off body carry, it will take longer to get to your weapon, there are more steps evolved for you to get to your weapon, and there is a greater chance for you to mess up, drop your purse, have your purse taken, or simply be unable to get to your weapon in time for it to be of any use.
I believe you should carry in a way that leaves as little to chance as possible; you can certainly carry in your purse if you want, but understand most shootings and attacks are over in a heart beat, and unless you have some warning getting a gun out of a purse might not happen. Don’t leave your safety to chance, but of course that’s just my opinion.
As far as kids go, the gun is safer on you than in your purse. If the gun is on you then you always know exactly where it is and you have control over it.
On to the gun it self –
If you are going to carry a small J frame size revolver you might want to look into the .357 S&Ws. Models 649, 640, 340PD, and 60 all come to mind and there are a handful more out there. Why do I suggest .357? Simple! I wouldn’t trust my life to a .38.
I know a .38 can do the job, and you will here time and time again that shot placement is more important and I don’t disagree with that. But just like eliminating chances for error with your style of carry, you can do the same with your caliber. Be honest about your ability to place shots, in a perfect world you would hit the heart or the head every time, but can you do that in every real world situation? Only you can answer this.
A poorly placed .357 round will put more hurt on the bad guy than a poorly placed .38 shot will. With the larger caliber you have more room for error with shot placement and better odds of a one shot stop. I don’t know what you’re skill as a shooter is but this is something I am having my girlfriend think about right now, and just like you she is looking for a small revolover to carry. For her, she can hit the torso every time at 10 feet or less but she doesn’t always get the best shot placement, so the extra power of the .357 is very helpful in removing chances for a negative outcome.
Another positive thing about the .357s is they can fire .38 +P as well. Of course there is more recoil from the .357 but honestly I don’t think its something any healthy adult can’t learn to control well and use within standard handgun combat ranges.
Hope this helps, and congrats on your choice to not be a victim!
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No matter where you go, there you are. |
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lblades
Starting Member
6 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 09:04:33
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| I appreciate all of the great advice, and let me tell you within just my circle of friends there are so many opinions on what is best for me to carry. Ranging from a 22 for more accurate shot placement, to a judge. Everyone seems to try to convince me that a revolver is not the best choice. My primary reason for selecting a revolver is that I am relatively new to handguns, and want something that I am confident with, that I worry less about jamming. I also agree with the advice that carrying on my person is much safer than in my purse, I will research the different ways for a woman to carry on her person. My concern is full concealment through clothing, Im sure it takes some getting use to. I really like the lcr, but if you have another suggestion dont be afraid to let me know! I certainly appreciate all of the advice, locally none of our gun shops have a range, so I must purchase to try, which makes a novice decision much harder. |
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Zack
Starting Member
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 09:26:38
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Please, please, please do not carry a 22.
The 22 is a nasty round when it gets inside the body, it makes little holes all over and a few 22 rounds can get someone very dead.... in 10 to 30 minutes when they bleed out. That doesnt help you end the treat very quickly. And again, if you are not the best shooter limiting your self to very accurate shots for an instant stop is not the best way to go about it. Also, I have shot jack rabbits with .22 rounds before and sometimes it takes a few rounds just to put them down, not the best human stoping round.
Revolvers are ok, if thats what you like then there is nothing wrong with that. But you do need a good caliber and a good bullet within that caliber. The .38 can do the job with +P rounds, not saying it cant. I suggested the .357mag for my girlfriend because just like you she is new to handguns and she does not always get the best shot placement. She is not overly recoil senstive though, so for her its not a bad option. I do believe anyone that does not have a physical issue to stop them can learn to shoot hte .357 just fine, not like im talking 454 casull or 500 s&w lol.
The bigger caliber will do more tissue damage and simply hits harder. You will do more damage with a bad shot, and a good shot will still get the bad guy just as dead as the smaller caliber. I dont imagine you will likely ever have a 357mag with you and end up saying "damn if only I had the .38". On the other hand, if you have to, god forbid the worst happens, and you have to use your weapon against a very large person and you have a .38 you might very will end up wishing you had the 357 with you.
Now I'm not saying .357 will be right for you, but I am saying you should try a few different calibers. Ruger makes the LCR in .357mag just so you know =)
About clothing- You might need to get some new clothes, get clothing that works with the gun you want to carry, do not get a gun based on the clothes you like to wear. Saftey is a bigger concern than style in my opinion.
I would recommend try a varity of guns, try both the 38 and 357 revolvers, try 9mm 40s&w and 45acp also if you can. Dont rule out any caliber or platform without at least giving it a try, you never know what you mind end up liking the best!
Once you make a choice, go to the range as much as possible. Find an NRA basic pistol course. Depending on where you live you might also be able to find other handgun training courses. Remember the gun is only part of it, you have to do your part as well, and learning to do that will take time and effort.
(and for god sake please dont use a .22!!!)
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No matter where you go, there you are. |
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DaddyO16
Advanced Member
USA
6009 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 09:34:58
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The link below will take you to Nathan's Carry Guide for beginners. I highly suggest that you read it in its entirety:
CLICK HERE |
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nmuskier01
Senior Member
USA
1845 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 10:07:25
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If you like the LCR, then get it. This is an excellent pistol, and any other discussion is purely personal preference.
Carry .38 +P ammo. I get a good impression from Speer Gold Dot short barrel. Practice (often) with less expensive lead or full medal jacket range rounds at standard .38 pressure. |
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modernswords
Junior Member
USA
428 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 17:18:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Zack
I know a .38 can do the job, and you will here time and time again that shot placement is more important and I don’t disagree with that. But just like eliminating chances for error with your style of carry, you can do the same with your caliber. Be honest about your ability to place shots, in a perfect world you would hit the heart or the head every time, but can you do that in every real world situation? Only you can answer this.
A poorly placed .357 round will put more hurt on the bad guy than a poorly placed .38 shot will. With the larger caliber you have more room for error with shot placement and better odds of a one shot stop.
Just a detail; 38 Special and 357 Magnum are the same caliber. The difference is simply cartridge case length and velocity. Also, be careful with the "poorly placed shot" statement. A poorly placed 38 vs a poorly placed 357 will depend on just where we are talking on the body. At an added ~300 FPS (in typical snub-length barrels of 2-2.5"). The great advantage of 357 over 38 +P is recognized in 4" or longer barrels.
Certainly, the 357 has a pretty good edge, especially with heavy-for-caliber bullets. |
 
"...he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one."
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”- Amendment II, U.S. Constitution |
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Zack
Starting Member
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 06:46:09
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Very good point modernswords, was typing quickly at work so I'm sure I could have made a better statement lol.
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No matter where you go, there you are. |
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lblades
Starting Member
6 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2012 : 19:16:52
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| Well I wanted to update, I was prepared to buy the lcp, ....and then I held the LC9! I enjoyed that it was only slightly larger which allowed me to get a full hand grasp on it especially with the magazine extension. Not much more weight, and I appreciate the safety features being my first handgun. I was lucky enough to find a Limited silver edition at a steal from a guy that bought it for his wife and she didnt like it. I am really excited about my purchase, it will be a few days before I can shoot it but Ive watched a lot of reviews on youtube, and it seems like everyone gives it a thumbs up. I would be interested in any feedback you might have for me. One thing I have not found is much information on ladies choosing to carry this gun! Any ladies enjoy this gun? I was not able to shoot this gun before purchase. Im really hoping I will enjoy it at the range! |
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montanapatriot
Advanced Member
USA
3816 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2012 : 20:29:40
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Welcome to the world of self reliance. You picked a decent gun to start off with.
Now get some professional competent instruction and shoot and shoot often, the more you do the better and more confident you get. |
“A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity”
Sigmund Freud |
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kybandit
Starting Member
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2012 : 22:22:34
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| The LC9 is a great carry gun..the only negative I can give is the superlong trigger throw on it. Very disconcerting until you adapt. |
Well-behaved women seldom make history... |
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DFM914
Starting Member
6 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 17:23:58
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| The LCR is a great gun, one of the smoothest triggers out of the box you will find. A great carry gun you can rely on. |
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5lima30ret@gmail.com
Junior Member
USA
260 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2012 : 06:10:38
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| LCR would be a very good choice for anyone wanting a wheelgun! BTW, I think the LCR has a better trigger pull than a "J" frame Smith. |
Retired Police Lieutenant, Retired USAF Reserve, Glock Armorer "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13 |
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Ruger LCR Advice for a Lady
