Kudos to Grabagun. Ordered my new 38 on May 28, got it in my hands today, May 30. I never ordered a firearm and received it so fast. I got a shipping notice three hours after I placed the order. The gun has a test fire date of March 5, 2015 so it's a very recent production. Haven't shot it yet, but I will follow up with a range report and pictures. For now, a picture of my LCR 9mm will have to do since it looks exactly the same:
Do the 38 and the 9 weigh the same? The 38+P is like a feather to me. That 4 oz difference my LCR 357 has feels heavy compared to the +P. My LCR is my main carry. I see you have started your collection. It happens quick sometimes. That was very quick delivery.
No, the the 9 mm weighs in at 17.2 oz. like the 357. I guess the extra 4 oz helps a great deal in managing recoil because the 9 mm shoots softly compared to to 38+p.
Well that's good and the 9mm is cheaper to shoot also. Sounds like it would be more fun practice shooting.
Yes, I chose the original .38 +P version partly because I have always reloaded for .38, but the other parts are the phenomenally light weight and the great trigger pull. The gun when fully loaded with 5 x 158 gr. +P loads comes in at 15 3/4 ounces. Makes all the difference for me, as I am very weight sensitive when it comes to CCW, I can't manage an all-steel J-frame.
9mm is a lot cheaper to shoot. That's why I traded my .357 SP101 in favor for the LCR moonclip 9. A difference of at least $5 - $7 per box 50 even for .38 reloads and a lot less recoil too.
The 9 being built on the heavier chassis may account for less felt recoil. I like the moon-clip aspect; have been informed that, with practice, they are a quicker reload than a 'speed loader'. It strikes me that the LCR is a single purpose gun - concealed carry, 30 feet on in. That makes the 9x19 cartridge thoroughly appropriate. Right now I am in a tight money bind - taxes, home&auto insurance, hearing aids - but an LCR or LCRx is at the top of my list for when/if I see daylight.