2 Ruger LCR 38 Special Problems You Must Be Aware of

I recently had the chance to test the Ruger LCR 38 Special in the field. Let me tell you, it’s a solid piece of equipment, but it’s not without its issues. 

So, what did I come across? Well, two main issues. The first one has to do with the trigger. It’s not as smooth as you’d want it to be, which can affect your shooting accuracy. The second issue is with the cylinder. Sometimes, it doesn’t align well, causing more than a little inconvenience.

I want to give you the lowdown on these Ruger LCR 38 Special Problems and arm you with solutions. This article aims to guide you through the common problems of the Ruger LCR 38 Special and help you get your firearm running in top-notch condition. Let’s dive in!

Overview of Ruger LCR 38 Special Problems & their Solutions

Top 2 Ruger LCR 38 Special Issues & Solutions

1. Problem with the Trigger

So, there I was at the shooting range, getting a feel for the Ruger LCR 38 Special. At first, things were going smoothly, but then the trigger jammed. 

Yeah, it was frozen and wouldn’t budge. Talk about frustrating! Looking closer, some stiffness in the trigger mechanism seemed to be causing the issue. 

It wasn’t my first rodeo with trigger problems, but with a weapon like this, it was disappointing to experience it. A frozen trigger in a crucial moment? It’s not a good situation to be in.

Solution

Luckily, I had the tools and know-how to tackle this. First, safety measures were in place; I unloaded the gun and aimed it upwards. A spray of degreaser down towards the base of the hammer did the trick. 

I let it sit for a few minutes before using compressed air to clear out the excess solvent. After reassembling it, it felt like a brand-new gun! The trigger action was smoother and more reliable. If you experience this, take it to a gunsmith for a professional touch, but doing it yourself isn’t too complicated either. 

Just replace any faulty parts like the trigger pin and spring.

2. Cylinder Issue

The second big issue with the Ruger LCR 38 Special was the cylinder. While in the field, I noticed the cylinder wasn’t locking as it should. 

Instead, it was spinning freely, which isn’t ideal for a revolver that’s supposed to have each chamber secure. The cylinder issue made it clear that something was off. 

A freely spinning cylinder in the heat of the moment? No, thank you. It felt like a safety risk and a functional problem for the gun.

Solution

So, what did I do? Safety first, I unloaded the firearm and then partially disassembled it to look at the plunger and cylinder stop spring. And there it was—the spring was weaker than it should’ve been. 

After replacing these parts, the cylinder returned to locking firmly in place. If you find yourself dealing with this issue, take your time to inspect the plunger and spring. Switching these out can make all the difference, trust me. 

It’s a fix you can do independently, but if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Final Verdict

The Ruger LCR 38 Special is a dependable revolver with a lot to offer, especially for those needing a reliable, compact firearm. But let’s be real—it’s not perfect. 

My time in the field revealed some issues with the trigger and cylinder that could be a concern in stressful situations. The good news? These problems are fixable. A bit of cleaning and part replacement can turn these issues around. 

The trigger can be returned to life with some degreasing and maybe a new pin and spring. The cylinder issue? Swap out a weakened spring, and you’re back in business. 

Overall, the LCR 38 Special is a solid choice when you consider its pros and can deal with its cons.

FAQ’s

Is the Ruger LCR reliable?

Yes, especially with quality ammo.

What ammo is best for Ruger LCR 38?

Standard pressure, 125-130 grain FMJ or 148 grain wadcutters.

Is the Ruger LCR a good carry gun?

Yes, it’s compact and lightweight, designed for concealed carry.

What does the LCR stand for on a Ruger?

It stands for Lightweight Compact Revolver.