Best CCW Revolver: Ruger LCR, J Frame, Taurus 856

[@oldcop18]

I’ve carried a J Frame since my 1968 rookie year, was forced to use my issued .38 during my career & it saved me. The false reset on the Ruger can be a real problem if you’re not willing to put in a lot of range time w/it. The only time I don’t carry my J Frame is when I can’t adequately conceal it, and my LCP goes in my pocket then. Thanks for one of the best comparisons of these revolvers I’ve seen.

[@327Federal]

The Ruger LCR 327 trigger is incredible. Super light and super smooth.

[@barackmycat9448]

I have owned most all and I ended up with a Taurus 856. The heavy model works for me.

[@billboyd2310]

Totally agree bro 💯

[@ronaldbelton7801]

I have the Ruger LCRx 38 special and I love it. Especially the grips, they tame a lot of recoil.

[@82lowe36id]

Been an LCR guy since they came out. However, the new J Fram UC models have my attention. Will be going with the 32 Cal for sure.

[@traumajock]

I own guns from all three makers represented here, and I've had nothing but good luck with all of them. My Charter 357 snubby (a 1986 Stratford) is great, too.

[@DanTheWolfman]

Do charters short stroke like if you shoot pistols and Don't let off all the way is there a last false reset far out that locks up? I'm looking at a 6shot model I'm curious in

[@traumajock]

@@DanTheWolfman I always let mine reset all the way out. It won't stage either. My Ruger security six will

[@Titan500J]

I have a 20 year old Taurus 85 which shoots well but it's heavy. After seeing this video I'm going to get an S&W. Thank you

[@gregb6469]

Regarding reloading, the Taurus is priced low enough that you can carry a New York reload for the price of the S&W and Ruger guns.

[@brandonschwietzer8757]

And bring your odds to about even of getting six shots to actually go off

[@gregb6469]

@@brandonschwietzer8757-- I had an 856 once, and experienced no problems with it. I regret now having sold it.

[@HarrysHolsters]

@@brandonschwietzer8757 the ones I’ve gotten are pretty much 100% from 0-80 and 100% once you get past 150 rounds.

[@finalcountdown7658]

​@@brandonschwietzer8757You are 100% correct

[@finalcountdown7658]

​@@HarrysHolstersThen you should play the lottery or take a trip to Vegas.

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Nice video. I have a Smith 340 PD, 360 M&P, a LCR in .38 and a LCRx in .357 I've carried all of them for years. In my opinion the LCR triggers smoothness and weight is superior in stock form. My Smith's both have aftermarket spring kits and polishing done. The higher priced 340 & 360 S&W's have a pinned sight like the LCR. However, the 442 does not. This is a big deal in my opinion. The Smith is better for pocket carry due to the smaller grip and slightly smaller dimensions. Overall the LCR is a clear winner for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@User-cc6cq]

Old school wisdom...sweet spot is the J frame Airweight - so called "hammerless"...tuned 442, 642, yadda yadda...

[@DanTheWolfman]

Great Video, especially glad you talked about reset, It's been so long since I shot an LCR I don't remember how I did with it. The RIA/Alpha Proj AL 3.1 Offhand and to more extent the 9.0 more often would lock up when ran really hard the way I do. The Taurus & Rossi and GP100 I have don't have that issue nor do my old snubs. Curious if Kimber, new Colt, or maybe even Rhino's have that kind of long false reset/short stroke issue or not? I believe Charter Arms does. There is worry about buying used...for Not the OG Owner/Not within 1st year I think the only ones that will take care of you no questions asked is Ruger, and for most the extent unless it's really old, S&W. There are some good looking old Taurus & old Rossi out there but you are left hanging if they are bad paying out of pocket so I always hesitate.

[@jimmiebuckler997]

It not an issue. It just understanding how a revolver resets.

[@DanTheWolfman]

@@jimmiebuckler997 they are not all the same at all

[@avsafetytek]

LCR has the best trigger hands down!

[@stevedrouin3713]

I didn't have a problem finding a .327 Ruger. Bought it, ammo is very limited though

[@jmichna1]

Same here... got my Ruger SP101 in 327 Fed Mag a month ago (Nov '23). Also picked up a Taurus 327 2" brushed stainless finish (was under $300... about half what my SP101 cost).

[@HarrysHolsters]

They’re super easy to find or impossible. No real in between. They don’t manufacture them as often as the 38 variants.

[@alexw9910]

Just put an Apex trigger kit in my 638 and it made me fall in love with the gun all over again. Huge improvement on the trigger pull in both DA and SA

[@BehindTheGoldenCurtain]

The one thing that wasn't mentioned is that the Smiths and Rugers are only 5-shot guns when chambered in 38/357, while the Taurus is a 6-shot. Another option that should be considered is the Kimber K6S and K6XS.

[@julianojanuario4012]

Good video. Leaning towards purchasing a 640 pro but S&W’s quality control concerns me. Any reason why the kimber K6s wasn’t included in this comparison?

[@HarrysHolsters]

Didn’t have one at that time. In always but maximum concealment it’s the winner.

[@darrellbrewer4556]

I have a 640 pro I bought earlier this year and it shoots great but the sights were way off. I couldn’t believe it left the factory like that. Other than that it’s a great gun

[@julianojanuario4012]

@@darrellbrewer4556 was it shooting high/low or was it off left/right? Shooting low seems to be the main complaint I see about them in forums

[@HarrysHolsters]

@@darrellbrewer4556 The elevation on mine is crazy off as well.

[@darrellbrewer4556]

@@julianojanuario4012 it was shooting to the right. About 6 inches to the right from 5 yards. I got the sights moved over but could still use some fine tuning. The front sight was visibly off center when I got it

[@34dawgsgo]

Harry on a personal note really like the frame shape on your shades. Gives you a classic look. Picked up the LCR in 357. Specials for train and Plus P for Carry. Thanks.

[@HarrysHolsters]

Randolph. Made in the USA.

[@TerriblyTactical]

Most def the Smith all day everyday! No better compliment to it than the icon!

[@DanTheWolfman]

My vid from the other day on Concealed Carry Ammo Selection for .38 & .357 2" 3" 4" was very well received, and now that I tested the .38+p Hydrashok Deep & compared it to all other testers data I am high on that round. Maybe I could join you for a video discussing it, you are better at video production, adding in action shots than I am.... You should pick up a Cerakoted 2-tone Rp63...I'm tempted to since all the ones on YT including mine are the stainless. But Cerakote, like perhaps on your 905, can cause tightness/tolerance issues from the extra layer of koting lol

[@5solas743]

Could you share more details on your testing of the new HSD round? Thanks.

[@joshmartin8243]

I use a Kimber K6. They have a lightweight .38 spl and a full steel .357 magnum.

[@HarrysHolsters]

The K6XS has become one of my favorites.

[@5solas743]

@@HarrysHolstersHas Kimber worked out their quality control issues? I really want to like this new Kimber, but I am hesitant due to past issues with their revolvers.

[@charlene2400]

Depending on anticipated need and conditions, I rotate between H&R 732, Charter Undercover, and old long barrel Taurus 85. Antique police positive, a definite option ;)

[@michigunsanta8680]

The stock 642 grip on my pro series came with is absolutely perfect for my hand. And those Hogue grips on my 327 LCR are great too super spongy and recoil absorbing but a little tacky and larger and make it a tad more difficult for pocket carry. 👌

[@ChristianGrest]

Great comparison between these. I’m more of a Smith guy, but nice to see what the others have to offer and what to expect.

[@TrollMeister-s6n]

The S&W J frame in .357 can shoot .357 magnum, .38 special+P, .38 special, .38 long Colt and .38 short Colt. So there's some versatility there.

[@5solas743]

Great video! Looking forward to a review on the new Kimber air weight. Btw, your holsters are the best!

[@cacaman17]

Its kinda tricky to compare the j frame to an lcr because the j frames range so vastly from low range to high range j-frames, while the lcr u know exactly what you're getting

[@izzyiz810]

When it comes to revolvers, I'm a S&W fan. That said, when I needed a small snubbie to carry. I went with the 856. Hands down I'm going to take 6rds over 5. When s&w makes a 6 shot j frame .38 snub? I'll buy it and replace my 856. That said, I have no issues with recoil on the 856 and don't have issues with my stainless model. But I wish the finish looked a little more high-end.

[@keithcharles2113]

I bought a 640 Pro last year and a 3” Taurus 605. The 640 Pro was a train wreck and they finally destroyed it and gave me a new one. The 605 was flawless from day one and after a hammer spring swap it has the better trigger. The 640 Pro replacement has a very snug 2 thousandths barrel cylinder gap….grrrr seemed a bit vindictive to me. Nice revolver round up! I found it very helpful.

[@joecarlson5418]

Nice video. Keep the content coming.

[@clintster4945]

Would love your thoughts on the new Lipsey J frame in 32 mag.

[@HarrysHolsters]

Got one on order. It sounds great from the specs.

[@clintster4945]

@@HarrysHolsters ordered one myself yesterday!

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

LCR for the win. The S&W bites most peoples trigger finger between trigger and frame. The LCR does not and there’s enough room inside the guard for a gloved finger. The LCR has a superior trigger pull quality you’ll have to spend extra money on the S&W to get similar. LCR has better sights new and better sight options.

[@zachb.6606]

Super informative, thanks!

[@LUVDOGS1954]

Nicely done sir, than you.

[@tormentorxl2732]

The Roger surprised me with the da trigger.

[@stephenkenny7661]

Great video...

[@kyleRS87]

I love my 856

[@Brykk]

I carry a 357 lcr, but you kind of short changed the ruger argument. Ruger also has the 9mm option in the sp101. With some of the other pistols you threw into the conversation for taurus and smith, the sp101 should most definitely be in the conversation.

[@generayburn5078]

J frame grips fit the small frame Taurus. I have a j frame 637 and a Taurus 605.

[@scotteger6271]

Why no love for Charter Arms? They seem to have a lot of the same things going for them as the other models you mentioned/tested, but their catalog seems pretty extensive from an options standpoint…style of revolver and caliber.

[@FauxAmis78]

If you're gonna talk Taurus, might as well talk Charter Arms, a decent American company with a solid budget line in different calibers.

[@HarrysHolsters]

@@FauxAmis78 my local shop gets 3/5 guns back on those. That’s just the ones they’ve sold. They had a high rate that go back to the distributor due to issues with the guns once they get them in. The quality seems worse than Taurus. Unfortunately that keeps us from. Putting effort into testing them.

[@FauxAmis78]

@@HarrysHolsters Oh, that makes sense. It seems most companies just can't or won't invest the time and extra care necessary to put together a solid revolver more often than not. I know Ruger's QC has plummeted over the last few years, but they're often redeemed by their outstanding customer service. Thanks for replying.

[@vldl]

Good contrast vid Thx 👍

[@alanrawson-wg8io]

Should have included the Ruger SP101 way better sights hefty revolver that’s built like a tank.

[@sombra6153]

Well presented video! S&W executed some aspects of the J-Frame well when the only other option was the Colt Ds. The D-Frame Colt was just slightly larger to fit my medium hands much better. My only gripe about the Js is the sights. Mine are all steel frame pre locks. My 87 mfg 36 has the best trigger, and despite the lousy knife blade front sight is pretty accurate. I’ve been looking at the .22LR/.22 Mag versions of Smith, Ruger, Taurus, and Charter lately as recoil from an aluminum frame .38 Special with anything more potent that wadcutters is miserable when arthritis starts to set in. Subcompact and micro 9mm semis are also not as fun to shoot as they used to be. The Ruger is looking like the happy medium as S&W revolvers have gotten pricy across the board. Now if Colt would decide to bring back an alloy D covering the caliber spectrum with good sights…..

[@Aspen7780]

I prefer speed loaders that you have to push into the cylinder to release the rounds. In a high adrenaline moment, I don’t want to be delayed trying to remember to turn the knob and the whole “lefty loose righty tighty” deal. Just push it and be done with it. I love my 856. I have 2. A steel one with a hammer, and an aluminum framed one with the concealed “bobbed” hammer. I do wish they offered a version with a shrouded hammer though. Taurus pricing is good. The problem I see for the other companies is that when faced with paying their prices, you started wondering if it’s worth it to pay that much for a 5 or 6 shot gun when you could spend that on a 15 round semi auto. At the lower Taurus price I don’t struggle with that debate

[@michaelgraham8854]

wish list, a 3 inch 856 in 9 mm. shot stainless. A 956 ?

[@HarrysHolsters]

905 talo edition.

[@michaelgraham8854]

gotta be 6 shot though@@HarrysHolsters

[@Sgt.7244]

You failed to mention the Ruger SP-101, Kimber K6s K6xs and the Colt Cobra and King Cobra 2” bbl.. All excellent choices, but heavier with the exception of the Kimber K6xs. They definitely are belt holster guns, but also more shootable. 🇺🇸👮🏻‍♂️👍🏻

[@jasonashley4579]

Smith and wesson airweight J frames are finished with water colors.

[@paulfryejr2918]

What happened to Ruger SP101 and Colt King Cobra and Cobra .

[@mcfivedad]

If you like using a lifetime warranty service then opt for the Taurus. If you like waiting 3-4 months before receiving a repaired revolver then opt for the Taurus.

[@HarrysHolsters]

Now they’re just replacing them with new guns. I’ve had them do it twice and every revolver my gun shop has sent back in the past 8ish months has gotten the same treatment.

[@optimistprime2751]

Short stroking the gun is user error. Don't blame the ruger that you don't reset your finger completely after every shot. Also The ruger could switch grips to something more concealable. (Bantam boot grip) Didn't mention the ruger trigger is non stacking providing a lighter more even trigger pull. But knowing you you'd probably complain it's a little more difficult to stage since you're used to the smith and wessons heavy trigger pull. Off course after Market accessories will be more plentiful for smith and wesson. They've been around forever. Didn't talk about the Revision CV speedloaders for the ruger. No twist needed. Just push and pop. Easy peasy. Don't sleep on the ruger.

[@OldTimeRevolver]

Yep, I carry a Ruger LCR .38 Special with the Bantam boot grip, conceals great. Also the LCR has arguably the best and smoothest trigger of the bunch.

[@brokeboytactical4397]

He was just stating a fact he's not blaming anybody.

[@brokeboytactical4397]

​@@OldTimeRevolvermy lcrx 3 it's pretty damn awesome I agree

[@jacobsumner7892]

I saw a Taurus 327 the other day for sale on buds

[@jacobsumner7892]

As far as ammo good luck

[@Titan500J]

@@jacobsumner7892 Ditto

[@n.b.2164]

I got one of these recently. Yea, ammo is expense and sparse, but I like it, .32 caliber is underrated.

[@oo7-ro6bu]

S&W 637pc and 642pc every day.

[@derekray7144]

You could be showing us holster options for these pieces, "Harry's Holsters."

[@HarrysHolsters]

I can’t always be selling 😂

[@jimmymcclure4549]

I have an ole S&W 642 and a pre-lock Model 649 both .38 special and an older Taurus .38 snub. I prefer the 649 to the others. Heavier but less recoil and more accurate and I can cock it if I need to.

[@sammyprestwood3182]

The Taurus stainless revolvers are made of high stainless steel and are only finished in a math they can be polished out to a mirror fonish

[@gregcampwriter]

My Taurus 327 is a lot more than half the gun that the Ruger is for half the price. It rides in my pocket as a backup, so I don't care about cosmetics, and having a hammer that I can work easily is a good thing if I need a longer range shot.

[@michaelbishop1]

I have a feeling that 327 mag is on the way out. Being a revolver in the first place isn’t going to get a lot of market share.

[@kevinvoss220]

Taurus makes an 850 CIA internal hammer.

[@Gieszkanne]

22 Mag is pointless out of these 2 inch. They lose so much velocity you can find 22lr that are head to head with 22 Mag out of 2 inch. 32 H&R maybe is the best caliber for these small revolvers.

[@johndak1]

Huh still at a mystery.

[@n.b.2164]

Get a Rock Island Armory M206 for $200ish.

[@mikegrimm2253]

S&W MP340. Factory grips are pure garbage, plain and simple. The hogue grips on the LCR are head and shoulders above the tiny uncomfortable factory in frame grips. Trigger is better on the Smith, caliber options are fine what smith offers. I’ve had all 3 types of revolvers, the Smith is the quality snub.

[@RoadTraveler]

Bump

[@MrBuckeye63]

Taurus has the 327 available…everywhere .. actually just released a 3 inch optic cut executive edition I own 3 S&W J frames. Actually they share the same plastic clam shell box in my safe My Taurus 856UL is in my EDC rotation. Its a superior revolver Also my LCR327 is in my regular carry rotation Im looking into getting the new Rossi 3 inch barreled 357 , S&W has just to many QC issues.. Id never consider picking one up The Taurus 856 series is just superior The Ruger LCR series is also Also .. the 856 series has a incredible aftermarket grip option I made it to 8:36 of your video Wear a clown nose on your next video

[@NatashaHayes-dg6fp]

Martin Thomas Thomas Ruth Harris Jennifer

[@ryanranard5187]

You forgot the Kimber K6XS

[@HarrysHolsters]

Video was filmed before we got one.

[@RoadTraveler]

Algorithm

[@JamesWilliams-w3t]

Get a colt

[@sammyprestwood3182]

The Smith & Wesson j-frame hammerless revolver simply ugly that's what I don't like