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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Brad Johnson on January 14, 2009, 06:54:31 PM

Title: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Brad Johnson on January 14, 2009, 06:54:31 PM
Looks like Ruger is trying to take compact revolvers to the next level. An announcement for the new LCR just hit my Inbox.

5 shot
38 +P
Polymer gripe frame
Aluminum main frame

And it looks pretty neat, too.

Brad


(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ruger.com%2FFirearms%2Fimages%2FProduct-Model-Banners%2F65.jpg&hash=c3ac477de2d19481b3f9659d3be088841fb42cba)
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: 41magsnub on January 14, 2009, 06:56:40 PM
that is different, does it have a loading port or whatever it is called like a single action or does the cylinder swing out?  That wierd divot on the right side behind the cylinder looks sort of Ruger single six'ish.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Brad Johnson on January 14, 2009, 07:09:05 PM
It loads like any Ruger DA revolver.

Brad
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: lee n. field on January 14, 2009, 07:09:56 PM
Looks interesting (despite Xavier's unenthusiastic note (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/01/ruger-lcr.html)).  

We'll just have to see how it shakes out, and where the street price ends up.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Brad Johnson on January 14, 2009, 07:20:01 PM
The closest thing S&W has in terms of price is the Airweight (MSRP $561 vs the LCP's $535).  The LCR beats it by a full ounce and a half (13.5 vs 15).  I know it doesn't sound like much, but toted on your belt all day that extra ounce begins to grow.  Rapidly. Lighter is definitely a plus.

The only thing Smith has that's lighter is the Scandium model (12 oz), but at an MSRP of $998 it's a tad pricey.

Brad
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: El Tejon on January 14, 2009, 07:21:14 PM
Farmer Frank finally got his wish. =D

He was yammering about it last Saturday at the gun show in Indy.  I anticipate 5,000 words on it by tomorrow. =D

Farmer Frank in his cool shades=>http://frankwjames.blogspot.com/2009/01/day-before-shot-show.html
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: just Warren on January 14, 2009, 07:37:30 PM
I carry a 642 all day, I don't see that an extra ounce would make any noticible difference. Still though I like how they are pushing the envelope.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Perd Hapley on January 14, 2009, 07:38:53 PM
Polymer gripe frame


What's a gripe frame?   :lol:
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: El Tejon on January 14, 2009, 07:40:15 PM
Gripe frame?  Oy, veh, why must we suffer with such a frame.  Such is my life,oy.

Oh, wait, that's a "Kvetch Frame". =D
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: just Warren on January 14, 2009, 07:40:47 PM
Bang! Damn! This frame hurts!
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: crt360 on January 14, 2009, 07:48:09 PM
They really cut the cylinder down on it.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on January 14, 2009, 07:58:17 PM
I don't like the grips on it.

too "stay-puft marshmellow" looking, and they're rubber.  Rubber means it doesn't make a good pocket carry, IMO.  Snub grips can't bind against the pants while in your pocket or your shirt when worn on the waist.

I've seen pics of it with CTC grips, which are a hard plastic.  Better, but too expensive to be worth it.  Need to see aftermarket offerings.

And... it has a lock.  Sigh.  Not as bad as the S&W lock, but I would still feel dirty getting one.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: MillCreek on January 14, 2009, 08:26:53 PM
I wonder if it is a concealed hammer, or is that a bolt-on shroud in the picture?
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Josh Aston on January 14, 2009, 08:33:00 PM
That cylinder is just funky looking.  That might present them with some sales problems.  Think it would do better with a more conventional looking cylinder.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Headless Thompson Gunner on January 14, 2009, 08:35:30 PM
I don't get it.  What's so special about it?
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: lee n. field on January 14, 2009, 08:38:49 PM
Quote
I wonder if it is a concealed hammer, or is that a bolt-on shroud in the picture?
   

Look at the pictures at Gunblast (http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-LCR.htm).  Looks like an integral shroud, not a bolt on.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Standing Wolf on January 14, 2009, 09:02:32 PM
Quote
Looks like Ruger is trying to take compact revolvers to the next level.

Yeah, but it's a level down.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: El Tejon on January 14, 2009, 09:17:14 PM
Quote
I don't get it.  What's so special about it?

It is special as it is a Ruger and represents a dramatic shift of corporate philosophy from Bill "no honest man" Ruger.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: grampster on January 14, 2009, 09:21:34 PM
Actually, I like the way it looks.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Regolith on January 14, 2009, 09:27:36 PM
I don't get it.  What's so special about it?

First time they've used polymer in a major way on a revolver.  Or, at least, the first time I've heard of it.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Bigjake on January 14, 2009, 10:59:39 PM
First they rip off Kel-Tec, and now Ruger clones a J frame and think it's revolutionary.

Forgive me if I'm not impressed.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: roo_ster on January 14, 2009, 11:05:29 PM
The pinned & replaceable front sight is a Very Good Thing for a fixed-sight defensive revolver.  A lot easier to find ammo that shoots to POA and/or choose which power level of .38spl ammo you want to carry and ensure it shoots to POA, elevation-wise.

IMO, both the stock & Crimson Trace grips look too big for pocket carry.

I'll have to wait & see before I make my determination. 

I am glad S&W has indubitably high quality competition for pocket revos, again.  They haven't had any since Colt gave up the market & Taurus just isn't quite there yet.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: MikePGS on January 14, 2009, 11:11:38 PM
Surprisingly Gunblast gave it a good review. That must mean its pretty good, cuz those guys are pretty objective and critical.


Sorry just kind of annoyed by Gunblast's "Every Gun Sent To Us Is Great" mentality.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Bogie on January 14, 2009, 11:15:44 PM
This ain't Bill Ruger's Mini-14...
 
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5846&return=Y
 
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on January 15, 2009, 12:08:16 AM
The Russkies had a breaktop polymer revolver, IIRC. Don't think they ever made a significant number of 'em.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: just Warren on January 15, 2009, 02:01:47 AM
Surprisingly Gunblast gave it a good review. That must mean its pretty good, cuz those guys are pretty objective and critical.


Sorry just kind of annoyed by Gunblast's "Every Gun Sent To Us Is Great" mentality.


They get a lot of stuff sent to them, they only use their time write about what they like. That's a bit different from being fanboys of everything they get ahold of.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: lee n. field on January 15, 2009, 08:01:25 AM
Quote
This ain't Bill Ruger's Mini-14...

Saw that too.  Hope that isn't a Tapco stock....
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: MikePGS on January 15, 2009, 09:41:33 AM
Also I forgot to add that while I'm glad to see the gun companies making innovations in the last few years, I think Ruger would have been better of making an SP101 in .45 a.c.p., or some other concealed carry revolver in .45.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: RaspberrySurprise on January 15, 2009, 10:09:35 AM
The Russkies had a breaktop polymer revolver, IIRC. Don't think they ever made a significant number of 'em.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg49-e.htm (http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg49-e.htm)
The MP 412 Rex. Thanks to Clinton it's not importable. A shame since I'd really like a break top .357

Quote
The MP-412 revolver has been designed at IZHMECH (State-owned Russian Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, a large factory known as a prime maker of Makarov PM pistols among other things). This revolver was intended for export, as a handgun ownership is generally prohibited for ordinary citizens in Russia. First prototypes of REX (Revolver for EXport) revolver were displayed at IWA-2000 arms exhibition in Nurenberg (Germany). It is not exactly known what killed this rather interesting project, but most possibly it was a lack of market, as the biggest export market, the USA, has been closed for Russian handguns since mid-1990s, because of Clinton / Yeltsyn mutual agreement.

The MP-412 is a double action revolver with break-open frame and simultaneous extraction. The bottom frame is of composite type - it consists of a steel basic frame and a polymer envelope, which forms the grip and trigger guard. Polymer grip / trigger guard unit can be removed from steel frame if necessary. Trigger is of conventional type, double / single action, with exposed hammer. Firing pin is mounted in the frame. Barrel / cylinder group latch is located at the top rear of the frame, and is operated by two buttons that must be pushed inwards to unlock the frame. Cylinder holds 6 rounds and has an automatic ejector that throws the cases out of cylinder once barrel is fully tipped down. If necessary, automatic ejection feature can be manually switched off.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: mtnbkr on January 15, 2009, 10:09:36 AM
A 5 shot GP100 in 44special would have me reaching for my debit card so quickly it would end up with scorch marks, as would a 22lr SP101 or GP100 (especially if the latter was 7+ shots).

Chris
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: buzz_knox on January 15, 2009, 10:51:38 AM
First they rip off Kel-Tec, and now Ruger clones a J frame and think it's revolutionary.

Forgive me if I'm not impressed.

Unless J frames have a polymer frame, it's not a clone but something quite different.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: K Frame on January 15, 2009, 11:09:49 AM
I'm sorry, but that thing has a SERIOUS case of the uglies.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Balog on January 15, 2009, 11:14:10 AM
I'm sorry, but that thing has a SERIOUS case of the uglies.

This^^

I'd say that's more than an ounce and a half of ugly, right there. I wonder how it shoots tho? If the plastic frame can absorb some of the recoil, one could theoretically use really hot +P+ kinda ammo and still have decent elapsed time between shots.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: K Frame on January 15, 2009, 11:16:03 AM
I'd be interested in that, too. I could see that the grip frame might flex somewhat, and thus redistribute the recoil impulse...
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: mtnbkr on January 15, 2009, 11:19:55 AM
It is ugly, but when I first saw the x42 series revolvers I considered them ugly as well.  Now I appreciate the beauty of their design.  Frankly, I find this LCR more attractive than the S&W humpback snubs with the hammer tab.  Not crazy about plastic on a revolver (too much of a traditionalist), but function trumps fashion in a CCW piece.

Chris
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: roo_ster on January 15, 2009, 11:34:04 AM
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg49-e.htm (http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg49-e.htm)
The MP 412 Rex. Thanks to Clinton it's not importable. A shame since I'd really like a break top .357

[sarcasm]Oh, yeah, a break open design is too weak for modern cartridges.[/sarcasm]

Look at the link.  Just look at it:
Med frame, 4" bbl, 6 rounds of .357mag at .9KG or ~16 ounces.

Just imagine if they made it a snubby 5-round small frame version.  My effing dream snubby, that's what.  Make it in 9mm/.38super/9x23 using moon clips, and I'd be whistling "Dixie" outta my fourth point of contact as I ran to my gun shop, cash in hand.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Balog on January 15, 2009, 12:17:43 PM
I love the old S&W .44 snubbie. 296 I think? Ugly, but I've been lusting after one for a long time.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: wmenorr67 on January 15, 2009, 08:09:52 PM
Now they need to just come out with a semi-auto pistol that is more concealable than their current offerings.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Headless Thompson Gunner on January 15, 2009, 08:19:29 PM
Now they need to just come out with a semi-auto pistol that is more concealable than their current offerings.
Ruger just ripped off Keltec's tiny .380.  How much more concealable do you want?
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: wmenorr67 on January 15, 2009, 08:21:57 PM
Ruger just ripped off Keltec's tiny .380.  How much more concealable do you want?

I want a .45.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: MillCreek on January 15, 2009, 08:39:13 PM
I want a .45.

I want a single-stack 9 mm DAO with a stainless or titanium slide, please.  I already have a Taurus PT-111.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: thebaldguy on January 15, 2009, 10:39:36 PM
I'm not sure what to think. If it works, I may get one after a year or two after the bugs are worked out.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: GigaBuist on January 15, 2009, 11:34:22 PM
I thought the big idea behind this was you could swap out different aluminum frames for different calibers on the same polymer grip frame with the same trigger pull.

Is that actually in the works or was it just rampant speculation I stumbled upon?

Personally I kinda like that idea.  We've got .22LR kits for our semi-autos, why not apply the same concept to the revolvers?
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Marvin Dao on January 16, 2009, 12:43:51 AM
Saw that too.  Hope that isn't a Tapco stock....

It's an ATI stock. Not quite as bad as Tapco, but not something I'd want on a serious rifle either.

Would have been better if they went with the Sage stock, but a $1200 Mini-14 wouldn't sell too well...
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: seeker_two on January 16, 2009, 06:40:16 AM
I'm intrigued with the LCR. Watching Michael Bane shoot it on www.downrange.tv , I noticed that it recoiled differently than the usual lightweight J-frame. Looking at the shape of the polymer gripframe, I think it might "roll" in the hand similar to a SA revolver does (and I like SA revolvers). Also, with most of the metal parts (and weight) forward of the trigger, I'd think that would mitigate recoil somewhat. I'm looking forward to trying it....and I'm waiting on my next snub-gun purchase so I can consider this one (that, and the Taurus 856 6-shot J-frame).

As for looks....Ruger isn't exactly known for pretty guns...but they DO make guns that work. If it ends up as a CCW piece, no one's going to see it anyway....


Sorry just kind of annoyed by Gunblast's "Every Gun Sent To Us Is Great" mentality.

Remember the old saying, "Only accurate guns are interesting"? Gunblast operates like that. If it's not a good gun, they don't waste time writing about it. And I haven't seen them write about a lemon yet....
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: BryanP on January 16, 2009, 08:26:31 AM
It seems if you already own a nice lightweight J-frame (like my little S&W 638) then this isn't that interesting.

On the other hand, if it's as small and light as an S&W (an area where Ruger has lacked) and priced lower then it may be quite a deal for those who don't already have a small revolver.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Matthew Carberry on January 17, 2009, 07:28:08 PM
Is it just me or are they ignoring the fact they just invented the .327 Magnum round, which this little gun could fit 6 of?

Regardless of the minimal weight savings, the market needs yet another .38+P lightweight like it needs a hole in the head.

What it needs is another hole in the cylinder.

I realize its a new caliber but if you're going to market a spacey new revolver, why not be the only production 6-shot J-Frame Lightweight .32 Magnum on the market?

Idiots, at least market two options.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Gewehr98 on January 17, 2009, 07:44:22 PM
Colt had the D-Frame/Detective Special for how many years? They figured out how to stuff 6 each .38 Special rounds in that cylinder, while still keeping it in a compact package.  You'd think technology would allow something similar in this day and age...

(Then again, I'm a Pinned & Recessed Blued Steel S&W kind of guy, too.)
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Gewehr98 on January 17, 2009, 08:05:58 PM
Quote
This ain't Bill Ruger's Mini-14...

Interesting.

I wonder if it could hit the broad side of a barn from inside?

(One of the reasons I ditched both my Mini-14 and Mini-30 rifles long ago)
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Tallpine on January 17, 2009, 08:30:06 PM
Quote
I wonder if it could hit the broad side of a barn from inside?

Depends on how good your throwing arm is :P
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: seeker_two on January 18, 2009, 08:45:20 AM
Is it just me or are they ignoring the fact they just invented the .327 Magnum round, which this little gun could fit 6 of?


.327FedMag operates at too high a pressure for that little lightweight revolver to handle....if it could, Ruger would have put it out in .357Mag too....

Colt had the D-Frame/Detective Special for how many years? They figured out how to stuff 6 each .38 Special rounds in that cylinder, while still keeping it in a compact package.  You'd think technology would allow something similar in this day and age...


Now THAT would be a great idea.....  :cool:
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Gowen on January 18, 2009, 08:53:33 AM
Now that is what I would of liked to see, 357.  That way you can shoot 38's and carry 357's.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: AJ Dual on January 18, 2009, 11:34:15 AM
I think they're looking hard at the .327mag or a six-shot model. The weight will change, but it looks like there's a lot of room to beef up that cylinder.

With something as "radical" as a polymer framed revolver, they're dipping a toe in the water with a more traditional 5-shot .38 first. I think going to .327 Fed. Mag with the rollout might have been "too much, too soon" etc. for the Ruger marketing people to think it would fly.

Frame stress could be an issue, but I'm sure there's metal stiffners in there to begin with, no?
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2009, 11:59:50 AM
This ain't Bill Ruger's Mini-14...
 
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5846&return=Y
 

Hm, this particular version is probably verboten here, but I'm glad to see they are offering 20 rounders for them...
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: lee n. field on January 18, 2009, 01:12:57 PM
Quote
This ain't Bill Ruger's Mini-14...
 
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5846&return=Y
 

Hmmm.  "Compact barrel" -- it does look shorter than standard.  One of the things you see recommended in Mini-14 fanboy circles is bobbing the barrel for accuracy.  Supposed to be stiffer, thus more accurate.
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: Matthew Carberry on January 18, 2009, 04:48:59 PM
.327FedMag operates at too high a pressure for that little lightweight revolver to handle....if it could, Ruger would have put it out in .357Mag too....

Now THAT would be a great idea.....  :cool:

Just looked at the numbers, I didn't realize it was that hot a cartridge.

Still that's chamber pressure and the SP101 cylinder can handle it.  The Smiths can handle .357 in the same size and the .32 would have thicker cylinder walls to play with, even with 6 rounds, I would think.

I guess my thinking was more along the lines of how many LW J-frame .38+P's can they sell?  Most of the people who want that package have one and can get another in that weight more cheaply. 

I have a Ti .38+P and certainly don't need another, regardless of how cool it may look. 
Title: Re: New Ruger LCR. Wow.
Post by: lee n. field on January 18, 2009, 05:08:08 PM
Quote
I guess my thinking was more along the lines of how many LW J-frame .38+P's can they sell?  Most of the people who want that package have one and can get another in that weight more cheaply.

Depends where street price ends up.