Ruger LCR

Official Website
Caliber: .22LR, .38 Special, or .357 Magnum
Capacity: 5 (8 in the .22)
Length: 6.5"
Height: 4.5"
Weight: 13.5 - 17.1 oz, depending on model
Average Cost: $550-$600

The Ruger LCR is a double action revolver and comes in .22 LR, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum.  They also just recently became available with Crimson Trace Lasergrips.  For the purpose of this blog, I will be reviewing the .357 because it is what I am most likely to buy.  The .357 can shoot .357 rounds or .38 special rounds, making it a very versatile revolver.

One of the best things about the Ruger LCR is its trigger.  I have tried it out at the local gun shop and it is great!  I also like the way it fits in my hand.  The overall size of the Ruger LCR is a little larger than some of the small 9mms, but not by too much.  I have read a lot of men complaining about the recoil of a .357, which is a concern for me, but I was told the recoil is about half with .38 special loads and the ballistics of a .38 special are very similar to 9mm so that's probably what I would start with.

What brought me back to thinking about the LCR is the fact that, in addition to being a great concealed carry weapon, with .357 loads it would also make a great bear gun when fishing.  I have a .45 auto, which will work for bears, but the LCR would be much nicer to pack around all day.  The biggest concern I have with it, however, is the fact that it only holds 5 rounds.  Regardless of how many rounds you have to work with, though, you need to make your shots count.  It only takes one round to stop an attacker if placed correctly.  Also, they do make speed loaders like this one, which allow you to reload quickly when needed. 

The great thing about a revolver like this is reliability.  The gun is always going to go off - no stovepipes or failures to feed here.  That does offer some added peace of mind.  The LCR, like other revolvers, does not have any safety mechanisms (besides the long, double action trigger pull), so if this makes you uncomfortable you should get a semi automatic pistol with an external safety.  Just remember, a revolver like the LCR is as simple as it gets - just point and pull the trigger; no safety to flip off, no slide to mess with, just shoot it.

From what I've read in the forums, everyone who owns an LCR seems to love it.  It is definitely a contender for me!

Kahr CM9 Update

I went in and looked at a Kahr CM9 yesterday and learned a couple of new things about it.  First of all, the slide wasn't all that difficult to pull back.  It was the slide release that was a royal pain in the butt.  The guy at the gun counter said they loosen up after a while, so maybe it will get reasonable by the end of the break-in period. 

I also tried the trigger out and found that the point at which it goes off seems unnaturally far back.  I don't mean that the trigger pull was just too long, but the position at which the gun is supposed to go off was strange.  It was like I had to adjust my grip to get my finger to bend that far back.  I do have long, slender fingers, so maybe that had something to do with it.  My husband didn't seem to think it was an issue.  Also, I had been shooting my .45 auto earlier that day so I suppose that could have come in to play.  All-in-all it isn't a deal breaker, but it is a slight cause for concern.  I don't know whether one could have some work done on the trigger to alleviate the problem or not.  It does leave me thinking more about the Ruger LCR, which has a great trigger, but I don't think I'm up for that much recoil.

Kahr Update

I did some more research and found that the Kahr CM9 is almost identical to the Kahr PM9 below but a couple hundred bucks cheaper.  From what I understand, the only difference is the barrel.  The PM9 has a higher quality barrel, but I've heard the CM9 is great also, so I am seriously considering it now.  I think you can get them for around $450.

Kahr PM9

Official Website
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 (with optional extended magazine)
Length: 5.42"
Width: 0.9"
Height: 4"
Weight: about 16 ounces
Average Cost: $600-$700

Most people seem to like the Kahr PM9.  With proper break-in it seems to be very reliable and comfortable to shoot.  It is very small and lightweight for a 9mm, making it easier to conceal and carry.  Also, it sounds like the recoil is manageable.

 The Kahr PM9 does not have any external safety mechanisms.  This is nice in that you don't have to think about switching your safety off in a stressful situation, however you will need to make sure the trigger is protected at all times when you are not shooting it to prevent accidental discharge.

I have read some complaints about Kahr's customer service, but some people have had positive experiences with their customer service as well.  Some people are concerned about the Kahr's polymer frame (as opposed to steel), but I have not read any real evidence to support their concern. Another concern is that the slide is kind of hard to pull back.  This is something to think about, especially for women.  I tried it in the store and it is a bit stiffer than I'm used to, but doable. 

I have held a PM9 and it feels great in my hands.  I also really like the size, although I wish it was a little more rounded like the Ruger LC9.  My main concerns with the Kahr are the high price tag and the fact that Kahr is essentially owned by the Unification Church. Call me crazy, but I'm not sure I want to financially support a cult.

Update

I wanted to review the Ruger LCP because I think it's a great gun for those of you who are set on a .380, but the next 3 firearms are the ones I am most seriously considering: the Kahr 9mm, Ruger LC9, and the Ruger LCR.  Eventually I also want to compile a list of where to go for concealed weapons information for every state.  Keep checking back.  My goal is to provide something new each week.