GUN TESTS GRADE: B+

$470

The LCRx has a distinct modern look to it. The LCRx is lighter and has less capacity than the other revolvers tested. On weight alone — 17.3 ounces unloaded — the LCRx would make a nice, modern interpretation of a kit gun. This revolver has an 8-round capacity and uses the LCR’s monolithic aluminum frame. The “x” designates an external hammer for SA mode. The LCR is a DAO revolver. It is a good thing the LCRx has SA mode because the DA trigger pull is a heavy 16 pounds. The friction-reducing trigger cam helps achieve a smooth, non-stacking trigger pull. The pull reminded some testers of a compound bow draw. The initial pull back on the bow and press on the LCRx trigger requires more pressure and effort. As you get to full draw with the compound bow or full press of the trigger, there is a reduction in pressure/effort. The trigger is not as smooth as the S&W trigger, but the cost to manufacture the LCRx trigger is significantly less, and that is reflected in the price of each revolver. In the past, we have tested 38 Special, 357 Magnum, and 9mm LCR variants and found the triggers to be just as smooth, but lighter.

This revolver has an aluminum sleeve over a 3-inch steel barrel. The finish of the frame and barrel is matte black. The smooth trigger and hammer are stainless, and the radically fluted cylinder is blued. The chambers are countersunk. The hammer spur is wide and checkered enough for a sure grip when thumbing back the hammer. The firing mechanism uses Ruger’s safety transfer-bar system, so you can safely carry the LCRx fully loaded.

The grip is a Hogue Tamer Monogrip with a pebbled texture, slight palm swell, and length that allows a solid grip. Large-handed users may need to curl the little finger under the flat butt. We liked the grip because it allowed us a higher grip on the revolver, which helps control recoil. Not that a 22 LR provides a lot of recoil, but it also helps control when shooting in DA mode.

The front ramp sight is pinned in place and has a white insert, so it is easier to pick up on a dark-colored target. The rear sight is fully adjustable, but get out the manual to determine which direction to turn the screw. Ruger does not label the directions. For those of you who hate manuals, clockwise is down on the elevation screw and clockwise is left on the windage screw.

We found these sights wide enough to be easily acquired. The white ramp also helps sight alignment. Would we keep these sights if we owned this gun? Probably not, and that’s the convenient thing about pinned front sights. They can easily be changed out for an aftermarket sight like one from HiViz or XS Sights. Same goes for the S&W and Taurus.

Once we started shooting it, we found the LCRx had a definite like and dislike for some ammo. The smallest five-shot group was with the PMC target ammo, which measured 0.86 inches. The best we could shoot with the Winchester and Aguila cartridges was 0.92 and 1.49 inches, respectively. On average, groups measured 1.3 to 1.6 inches. Remember, all accuracy testing was done in SA mode. Moving to DA mode separated the shooters from the hacks, and unfortunately, most of us ended up in the hack category. The trigger pull on the LCRx is exceptionally smooth, as mentioned, but due to the revolver’s light weight and heavy trigger-pull, shooting tight groups in DA mode is not easy. Dare we say not possible. At spitting distance, use DA mode and at anything farther away use SA mode.

The ejector rod pushes cases all the way out. A pin in the underlug snaps in place when the cylinder is closed, locking up the front of the cylinder, similar to the S&W. We had no issues with the LCRx’s performance except for the DA trigger pull.

Our Team Said: What the LCRx offers is light weight, high grip hold, and reliability. Accuracy was acceptable, and that has a lot to do with the trigger. The DA trigger pull is not this revolver’s strong point. Thank goodness it has a SA mode. It would make good a kit gun if you can live with heavy DA trigger pull, but for the price, we might just pass on this revolver.

22 LR AND 22 WMR RANGE DATA

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