Ruger LCR .357 Mag 1.87″ 5rd Matte Black

The Ruger LCR .357 Mag 1.87″ 5rd Matte Black is a compact five-shot revolver that packs serious .357 Magnum authority into a frame you can actually pocket. At an honest 17.1 ounces unloaded, this little snub-nose gives you full-power defensive loads without the bulk of a duty wheelgun. The double-action-only trigger, paired with Ruger’s own friction-reducing cam system, delivers a pull that feels smoother and lighter than any other subcompact revolver I’ve tested. I’ve run everything from hot 158-grain JHP to mild .38 Special wadcutters through this LCR, and the Hogue Tamer Monogrip makes the sting of full-house magnums manageable. For a backup piece or deep-conceal primary, this matte black .357 is a serious tool.

Manufacturer	Ruger (per manufacturer specs)
Model	LCR .357 Mag
Material	Stainless steel cylinder, polymer fire-control housing, aluminum frame insert
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Matte black (hard-coat anodized aluminum / black oxide steel)
Weight	17.1 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Friction-Reducing Cam System — This is Ruger’s own design that actually reduces trigger stack and creep. Why it matters: you get a smooth, predictable double-action pull that lets you keep the front sight on target during rapid fire. No other production snub-nose at this price point feels this good out of the box.
• Hogue Tamer Monogrip — A one-piece rubber grip with a built-in recoil cushion and finger grooves. Why it matters: .357 Magnum in a 17-ounce gun can be punishing, but this grip spreads the recoil impulse across your palm and keeps the muzzle from flipping excessively.
• Concealed Hammer + Snag-Free Profile — The hammer is completely enclosed inside the frame. Why it matters: it won’t catch on your shirt, jacket, or holster when you need to draw fast. This revolver comes out clean every time.
• Fixed Sights (Ramp Front, U-Notch Rear) — No adjustable rear to snag or come loose. Why it matters: for a self-defense gun, you want sights that are always zeroed and won’t shift under recoil. The front ramp is easy to pick up in low light.
• Fluted Cylinder with Ejector Shroud — Five-shot cylinder with a full-length ejector rod shroud. Why it matters: the shroud protects the ejector rod from damage during carry, and the flutes reduce weight. Reloads are fast with a speedloader.

Who It’s For

This Ruger LCR .357 is built for the concealed carrier who wants more punch than a .38 Special but doesn’t want to carry a steel-frame 686. It’s also a favorite backup gun for plainclothes officers and a deep-conceal option for competition shooters who carry off-duty. If you’re a collector who appreciates how Ruger brought polymer-frame innovation to the revolver world, this matte black LCR belongs in your safe.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Extremely light for a .357 (17.1 oz); smooth trigger out of the box; Hogue Tamer grip tames magnum recoil; snag-free profile; accepts .38 Special +P for practice
• Cons: Fixed sights limit precision at distance beyond 15 yards; five-shot capacity means you need to make every round count; the polymer frame can feel less substantial than an all-steel revolver

How It Stacks Up

Feature	Ruger LCR .357	S&W 642 .38 Spl	Taurus 856 .38 Spl
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.38 Spl +P	.38 Spl +P
Weight	17.1 oz	14.4 oz	22 oz
Capacity	5	5	6
Trigger	Friction-reducing cam (smooth)	Standard DAO	DAO with transfer bar
Grip	Hogue Tamer Monogrip	Standard rubber	Rubber
MSRP	$684.22	~$650	~$400

The S&W 642 is lighter but limited to .38 Spl, while the Taurus 856 gives you six rounds but adds 5 ounces and still can’t handle magnum pressures. The Ruger LCR .357 gives you the power advantage and a trigger that beats both out of the box.

FAQ

Does the Ruger LCR .357 shoot .38 Special rounds?

Yes. This revolver is rated for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. You can shoot standard .38 Special for practice and carry magnums for defense. The cylinder chambers both cartridges without any adapter.

How much does the Ruger LCR .357 weigh?

Per Ruger specs, the LCR .357 Magnum weighs 17.1 ounces empty. That’s light enough for pocket carry in a quality holster, but the .357 loads will still have noticeable recoil.

Is the LCR .357 safe for pocket carry?

Yes, the concealed hammer and snag-free profile make it ideal for pocket carry. Use a holster that covers the trigger guard. The matte black finish also reduces glare and helps it stay discreet.

What is the trigger pull weight on the LCR?

Ruger doesn’t publish an exact pull weight, but the friction-reducing cam system gives a smooth, consistent double-action stroke. Most shooters report it feels like a 9-10 lb pull with less stacking than traditional revolvers.

Can I use speedloaders with the LCR?

Yes. Standard five-shot speedloaders for Ruger SP101 or S&W J-frame work with the LCR. The ejector rod shroud is slim enough to clear most speedloader designs.

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Last updated: April 2026