Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special
Model: 5431
Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special
Model: 5431
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Ruger LCRx 3" is an aluminum-framed double-action .38 Special built for belt carry. It has an MSRP of $759. Its rear sight is an adjustable black blade, so the gun can be zeroed for the load it is fed.
The hammer is external, so a slower, more precise shot can be taken in single action. The front sight is a replaceable pinned ramp, which means a brighter blade needs a screwdriver and not a gunsmith. A Hogue Tamer Monogrip sits over the grip peg, and Ruger states the peg takes other grip styles. The frame is one piece of 7000-series aluminum and the fluted stainless cylinder carries a PVD finish. The barrel is 3 inches turning 1:16, the gun is 7.5 inches long and 5.8 inches tall at 15.7 oz, and nothing on it is machined for an optic.
If you're cross-shopping, the Ruger LCR shares this frame and fire control at 13.5 oz with a 1.87-inch barrel, fires double action only and has a fixed rear notch. The Taurus 856 Defender has an MSRP of $488 and matches the 3-inch barrel with six rounds and a bobbed hammer, at 24 oz of steel. The LCRx carries 8.3 oz less than the Taurus, and neither of the other two has an adjustable rear sight.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The rear sight adjusts, so a 158-grain load and a 110-grain load can each be zeroed.
- An extra inch of barrel costs 2.2 oz over the snub version of the same gun, because the frame and the housing are unchanged.
- Both sights can be changed or set without a gunsmith, since the front is pinned and the rear is adjustable.
- The exposed hammer spur catches on pocket fabric, and at 7.5 inches the gun is past pocket length anyway.
- Five rounds, where the steel revolvers at this barrel length hold six.
- The grip frame is narrower than the larger-framed snubs, so a big hand may want a different grip on the peg.
Category Rankings
How the Ruger LCRx 3" .38 Special ranks among small .38 Special handguns.
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.38 Special Ballistics →Alternatives to Consider
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| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight .38 Special
Smith & Wesson
|
$509.99 |
|
Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special
Charter Arms
|
$333.99 |
|
Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Special
Taurus
|
— |
|
Taurus 856 Defender .38 Special
Taurus
|
$419.99 |
|
Colt Cobra .38 Special
Colt
|
$750.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rated for +P?
Yes. Ruger lists the chambering as .38 Spl +P.
How is it different from the 1.87-inch LCRx?
Barrel length, sights and weight. This one adds an adjustable rear blade and an inch of barrel, which also puts it past pocket-carry length.
What is the twist rate?
A 1:16 right-hand twist, cut with six grooves.
What grips fit it?
A Hogue Tamer Monogrip is fitted from the factory, and the grip peg takes a variety of other styles.
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