The Ruger LCRx is the only exposed-hammer .22 Magnum snubnose Ruger makes. The standard LCR is DAO across all calibers; the LCRx adds a single-action option for deliberate shots while keeping the same polymer fire control housing, aluminum upper frame, and stainless cylinder. At 15.4 oz unloaded with a 1.87" barrel and 6-round cylinder, this is the magnum-rated variant of the platform.

The reason to consider it is the Ruger trigger. The friction-reducing cam geometry in the monolithic fire control housing is widely regarded as the smoothest stock double-action pull in the snubnose category. Owners consistently report it pulls lighter and more linearly than the S&W Airweight family. The Hogue Tamer Monogrip ships standard, which absorbs more recoil than the slim factory grips on most J-frames. The replaceable pinned front sight ramp lets you swap to tritium or fiber optic without sending the gun out for milling. The honest weakness is the 6-round cylinder count: the S&W 351 PD holds 7 rounds at 11.2 oz, undercutting the LCRx by more than 4 oz. Buyers who pick the LCRx do it because the Ruger trigger and exposed-hammer SA option matter more than weight or capacity.

The cross-caliber comparison most buyers wrestle with is the Ruger LCR .38 Special. Same platform, same Hogue grip, same trigger, but 13.5 oz with a 5-round cylinder firing a cartridge that hits with roughly three times the terminal energy of .22 Magnum from a snub barrel. The .22 Mag LCRx offers noticeably less recoil at the cost of meaningful terminal performance. A practical tip from the owner community: if you can shoot a .38 snubnose comfortably and accurately, get the .38. Pick the .22 Mag LCRx specifically when arthritic hands, healing injuries, or recoil sensitivity rule out the centerfire option.