3 Common Ruger LCR 22 Mag Problems You Must Be Aware of

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I’ve been out in the field, putting the Ruger LCR 22 Mag through its paces to see how it performs. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a great little revolver with much potential. But I’ve run into a few problems.

So, what’s been going on with this Ruger model? Well, there are three main issues I’ve come across: failure to extract, trigger problems, and misfiring issues. 

The goal here is to give you the lowdown on these Ruger LCR 22 Mag problems and their solutions. If you own this firearm or plan to, this guide should help you keep it running smoothly. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Overview of the Problems & their Solutions

ProblemsSolutions
Failure to ExtractUse recommended ammo and clean regularly.
Heavy Trigger PullBreak-in period and clean trigger mechanism.
Misfiring IssueClean cylinder, use recommended ammo, and limit dry firing.

Top 3 Ruger LCR 22 Mag Problems & Solutions

1. Failure to Extract

So, you fired a few rounds, and now the shells just won’t budge, huh? Trust me, I’ve been there. Picture this: you’re out at the range, feeling good, but then the shell casings stick like they’ve become part of the chamber. It’s frustrating. 

This issue usually comes down to a couple of things: the ammo you’re using and the presence of that pesky packing grease.

Solution

Let’s get to fixing this. The first thing I did was swap out my ammo. Make sure you’re using the brand recommended by Ruger. It made a difference for me. Next up: cleaning. A thorough cleaning to get rid of that factory grease did wonders. 

You’ve got to do this every time you shoot, not just the first time you take it out of the box. Some folks take their guns to a gunsmith for chamber polishing. 

I didn’t go that route because it could void the warranty, but it’s an option if you’re feeling brave. Just weigh the pros and cons first.

2. Trigger Problem

Man, I thought I was doing something wrong the first time I felt that trigger pull. Seriously, it was heavy. I even checked to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. 

It was definitely heavier than usual, sometimes clocking in at 13 pounds. Ruger designed it this way for safety reasons, but it can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared for it. 

A stiff trigger isn’t just a pain; it can mess with your shooting accuracy.

Solution

Alright, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of how to deal with this. I discovered that breaking the gun in helps, so I shot a few hundred rounds. 

The trigger pull did become a bit smoother. Cleaning the trigger mechanism was next. I disassembled the revolver, gave it a good clean to get rid of any dirt or rust, and even checked the spring’s condition. 

Some folks opt to modify their triggers to get that pull weight down, which is an option. If you’re considering this, make sure you consult a gunsmith to keep things on the up and up. 

Trust me, a well-tuned trigger can make a world of difference.

3. Misfiring Issue

So I was at the range, all set to get some quality practice. Guess what? My Ruger LCR 22 Mag had different plans. 

About 30% to 40% of the time, the gun wouldn’t fire on the second trigger pull. Misfires can be unsettling; it shakes your confidence and disrupts the shooting experience. 

After a bit of sleuthing and talking to other users, I found that the issue could be tied to the ammo, lack of cleaning, and excessive dry firing.

Solution

Alright, let’s get this sorted. Step one for me was a thorough clean-up, paying extra attention to the cylinder. After cleaning, the misfires did decrease.

 Next, I revisited the ammo situation. I checked the manual and switched to the recommended ammo. Bingo, another drop in misfires. 

Lastly, I eased up on the dry firing. This is a rimfire revolver, and too much dry firing is not a good idea. If you’re facing similar issues, this approach should help you, too. 

Final Verdict

The Ruger LCR 22 Mag is a solid choice for folks looking for a compact, reliable revolver. But hey, it’s not without its challenges. 

You’ve got some hurdles to clear from misfires to heavy trigger pulls and extraction issues. The good news? Most of these can be mitigated with proper care, maintenance, and a bit of know-how. 

And let’s not forget some problems are, by design, included for safety measures, like that hefty trigger pull. Once you get past these, the LCR 22 Mag offers a lot of bang for your buck. 

In essence, it’s a piece worth investing in; just be prepared to put in the time to make it work for you.

FAQs

Is the Ruger LCR reliable?

Yes, it’s reliable but avoid steel-cased ammo.

Can the LCR 22 Magnum shoot 22lr?

No, it’s not recommended due to chamber differences.

Is the Ruger LCR a good carry gun?

Yes, designed for concealed carry and backup.

Does Ruger make an LCR in 22 Magnum?

Yes, it comes in a .22 Magnum version.

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AUTHOR

I'm Micheal, an avid shooter and hunting enthusiast from Texas. I'm a recreational shooter who loves to spend time at the range and enjoy learning about new firearms and gears. I love to write about guns and share my passion for shooting with others.

2 thoughts on “3 Common Ruger LCR 22 Mag Problems You Must Be Aware of”

  1. Not sure how anyone can say this gun is reliable, let alone suitable for concealed carry or backup, when the article says that the “fixes” employed merely reduced rather than totally eliminated the failures to fire. Any one of these problems would be enough to make me regret throwing away my money, but a gun that doesn’t go “bang” every time you pull the trigger — especially a revolver that shouldn’t have problems with cycle times, stovepipe jams, etc., etc. — is beyond the pale. Personally, I would send it back to the factory under warranty, but only if I couldn’t get a refund from the retailer.

    Reply
    • Understood, and you’re right—reliability is crucial. If the Ruger LCR 22 Mag’s performance is inconsistent, considering a return or refund is reasonable. Your concerns are valid and appreciated.

      Reply

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