Originally published at Notes from the bunker…. You can comment here or there.
I believe I speak on behalf of Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton, Bill Jordan and Ed McGivern when I say “WTF?!”
Apparently the engineering department at Ruger has been let off the leash since the old man died.
As the dogmatic and hidebound proclaimed guru once espoused about another type of handgun, its “an answer in search of a problem.”
I really do have to get my hands on one of these things and examine it. in typical Ruger fashion Im sure I’ll get one after the first or second factory recall.
Hey, that same engineering department made a tacticool Mini-14, they can’t be all bad!
Also, according to the technical specs, it’s a full ounce heavier than a comparable scandium framed Smith and Wesson revolver.
Actually, I think the marketing department’s to blame for that one. From what I hear, it’s basically just a Mini-14 in an ATI stock.
Looks like it’s 1/5th oz heavier than the .38 360 and 1 & 1/2 oz. heavier than the .357 360PD. But the latter’s advantage doesn’t come from scandium, it’s the titanium cylinder. Ruger (or rather, Pine Tree Castings) certainly has the ability to make titanium parts, so it’s an option for the future. Assuming customers are willing to pay the premium, of course. The titanium & scandium combo is thin air even for Smith & Wesson customers.
In the meantime, Ruger has a design that lets them substitute cheap and common plastic and aluminum for a rare alloy in the frame. They can do better than Smith’s aluminum airweights, match the scandium models, and are just one part away from competing directly with the very top end.
That’s real innovation.
From Massad Ayoob:
However, the Pro-Arms Podcast (http://proarms.podbean.com) crew I was running with voted unanimously that the big Ruger hit was probably the most innovative gun we’ve seen at the show so far: the LCR (Light Compact Revolver). Designed in-house by Joe Zaik, this is the first “plastic revolver.” It’s a snub-nose .38 Special 5-shot with specially designed Hogue grips (or Crimson Trace LaserGrips, your choice) and totally new lockwork with a very smooth trigger pull, double action only with no exposed hammer. Weight is in the 13 ounce range and it is very comfortable to shoot. Suggested retail will be $525 with those sweet Hogue grips, and $792 with the Crimson Trace laser unit.
I think it’s a hell of an idea.
Less machine work lowers the cost of production, which they seem to have passed on to the end user. A polymer frame should change the recoil impluse, I’d bet it makes it shoot better then an Airweight S&W.
Interesting. Would love to see your followup, should you get a hold of one.
I think it’s a great idea. I’d love to try it out. I doubt I’d buy one, though, since I’ve already got a lighter weight S&W snubbie.
as long as the barrel itself is made of metal — and it is– and the revolver cylinders will take the force– suitably reinforced composites should do so– it should work. Since the cylinder is long-strand glass-reinforced polymer, that should work.
I mean, I’m in agreement that it’s a solution in search of a problem, but…
Since I work at a company that does plastic-related R&D, this is, actually, relevant to my interests.
I don’t wanna be the first (or in the first fifty) to shoot this thing, but I think it’s an interesting idea.
a plastic revolver. seriously. how in the hell am i supposed to pistol whip zombies into submission with a polymer wheel gun. yet another sign of Armageddon.