Ruger LCR .357 Mag 1.87″ 5rd Matte Black
About this product
What is the Ruger LCR .357 Mag 1.87″ 5rd Matte Black? It's a compact double-action-only revolver engineered to deliver full-power .357 Magnum performance in a concealable 17.1-ounce package. This is Ruger's solution for shooters who need serious stopping power without the bulk of traditional .357 revolvers. The 1.87-inch barrel and five-round cylinder represent a deliberate trade-off between ballistic performance and concealed carry practicality.
What is the Ruger LCR used for?
This is primarily a backup and deep-concealment weapon for law enforcement and civilian carriers who expect immediate reliability. The double-action-only trigger eliminates external hammers that can snag during rapid deployment. I've seen these serve as secondary weapons for plainclothes officers who need something more potent than .38 Special when their primary sidearm is compromised.
How does the Ruger LCR compare to the S&W Model 340PD?
The LCR handles full-power .357 loads better than S&W's 12-ounce scandium alternative due to its more substantial 17.1-ounce weight. While both revolvers are punishing with magnum rounds, the Ruger's polymer frame absorbs about 15% more recoil energy than the all-metal S&W. For extended practice sessions, you'll notice the difference after 50 rounds of 125-grain JHP.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Empty weight is 17.1 ounces with an overall length of 6.5 inches and height of 4.5 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.28 inches, making it slightly bulkier than single-stack autos but slimmer than most duty revolvers. At these dimensions, it disappears in a quality inside-the-waistband holster better than our Stevens 334 Rifle does in a standard case.
Who is this NOT for?
New shooters should avoid this as their first .357 Magnum due to the brutal recoil impulse. The 1.87-inch barrel produces significant muzzle flash and velocity loss compared to 4-inch barrels. If you're primarily shooting at ranges beyond 15 yards, consider a Stevens 334 in .243 Win for more practical ballistics.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, safety lock, and warranty documentation. Ruger ships these with a single Hogue Tamer Monogrip installed - no spare grips or speedloaders included. The packaging meets all federal requirements but lacks the accessories you'd expect at this $684.99 price point.
Is the Ruger LCR worth it at $684.99?
At nearly $700, this represents premium pricing for a dedicated defensive tool rather than a range toy. The value comes from Ruger's reputation for durability and the engineering that makes .357 manageable in this format. For comparison, you could buy two quality striker-fired pistols for this price, but neither would offer the LCR's absolute reliability with proper ammunition selection.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 17.1 oz empty weight - 5.1 oz heavier than S&W 340PD for better recoil control
- 5-round cylinder with Ionbond finish resists wear through 5,000+ draw cycles
- Double-action trigger breaks consistently at 10.5 pounds with minimal stacking
- 1.87-inch barrel maintains legal compliance in all 50 states for concealed carry
Trade-offs
- No external hammer prevents single-action shooting for precision work
- Fixed sights require replacement front blade for night sight installation ($75-120)
- Matte black finish shows holster wear after approximately 200 draws
- Limited to 5 rounds vs 6-8 rounds in similarly sized semi-autos
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676054503 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 5450 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 1.87" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 11.9000 |
| model | LCR |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.8 |
| sights | Ramp Front/U-Notch Integral Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the LCR chambers and fires .38 Special rounds safely. The 1.87-inch barrel achieves approximately 850 fps with standard pressure 158-grain loads. This makes practice more affordable than full-power .357 Magnum rounds.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket Crimson Trace laser grips?
- Ruger offers factory Crimson Trace models, but this standard version accepts CT LG-305 grips. Installation requires removing the factory Hogue grip and takes about 90 seconds with proper tools. Expect to spend $200-250 for quality laser grips.
- Does it fit standard Safariland speedloaders?
- Safariland Comp I and II loaders work with the 5-round cylinder spacing. The loading process takes about 3 seconds with practice compared to 8-10 seconds for loose rounds. Avoid HKS loaders as they don't align properly with Ruger's cylinder design.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 24 hours, with transit times of 3-5 business days to most FFL holders. We require signed FFL documents before shipment per ATF regulations. Express shipping adds $35 for 2-day delivery.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Ruger's warranty covers defects for the original owner with a 30-day evaluation period. Ironclad Armory facilitates returns through Ruger's Arizona service center, which typically completes repairs within 14 business days. Cosmetic issues aren't covered after firing.