Ruger LCR + big dot =can't hit a thing

Fullclip610 · November 14, 2015, 12:44 AM

First gun a few years back was a ruger LCR 357. Since then I got a few semis and rifles. Pretty accurate with the compact/full size semis but can't hit the broad side of a barn with the lcr w 38 spcl. From about 7 yards aiming right at the target And 75% of the shots I have no idea where they end up. Right after I got it with factory sites I was okay with it. On a suggestion from someone I put XS big dots on it, and now I can't hit a thing with it. Could there be an issue with how I put the sights on (took some finagling to get the pin in) or is it probably just me? ( I won't get upset!)

Model12Win · November 14, 2015, 03:32 AM

Focus on the front sight.

Focus on good trigger control and breathing. Don't make excuses, the Big Dots are excellent battle sights.

TBM900 · November 14, 2015, 09:33 AM

The most important factor with snubbie's is trigger control.

Yes the new sight may be 'off' relative to the point of impact on target, and you do need to learn their relationship, but once you confirm the two it's all about trigger control.

For me the LCR naturally points to point of impact, I've drilled the point where I can focus on a target, close my eyes, draw, then open my eyes and the sights will be aligned & centered on the target most of the time. That's not a nod to my skill but rather to the natural pointing of the pistol. After that it's all about mastering the trigger while keeping the front sight on target.

Have you tried to master 'staging' the trigger?

gbclarkson · November 14, 2015, 10:06 AM

My LCR hits high at 7 yards, which is probably a normal and expected point of impact for a short-barreled revolver. It is right on further downrange. Snubbies take a lot of practice. Before spending money on different sight configurations, have another shooter try it.

SEKLEM · November 14, 2015, 10:32 AM

The LCR requires a smooth squeeze of the trigger and consistent follow through.

My guess as to the reason why you're not shooting it as well as you original did is because you've gotten used to the lighter shorter trigger pull of your semi autos.

Hate to say it, but you probably just need to practice shooting with it more.

2damnold4this · November 14, 2015, 10:44 AM

I love the Big Dot on my 342 snubby. I think generous amounts of dry firing have helped me shoot snubbies more than anything else.

Doc Holliday 1950 · November 14, 2015, 11:26 AM

My wife has the exact same model and at 7 yards she hits dead center slightly up. She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's. Try going back to basics.
Doc

buck460XVR · November 14, 2015, 01:02 PM

Quote:

And 75% of the shots I have no idea where they end up.

You need to get close enough to the target to see where your bullets are landing and if there is a pattern or hits are all over the place. Even if you need to do this at 3 yards. This needs to be done off a good rest to make sure it's the sights/gun or if it's you. None of the suggestions will do you any good till you know this.

Slimjim9 · November 14, 2015, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday 1950

She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's.

Slight correction Doc, the HCD Lite load is not +P. Not that it's a bad round, I keep it in my Model 36 bedroom gun, but it is standard pressure. I think the lightest +p load they have is the 110gr+p which I use in my LCR357. It is manageable but a noticeable step up in recoil from the 90gr. There is also an in-between 110gr standard pressure but I haven't tried that one.

Doc Holliday 1950 · November 14, 2015, 04:54 PM

Slim,
Arigato.

Doc

old bear · November 14, 2015, 05:27 PM

Quote:

My wife has the exact same model and at 7 yards she hits dead center slightly up. She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's. Try going back to basics.
Doc

Doc, remember that most 38 caliber and .357 Magnum revolvers are sighted in for 158Gr. bullets, so any lighter bullet will hit below the normal point of aim. If your wife can handle it, it may not be a bad idea to step up to a 125Gr. bullet in a +P round.

Did the holster work OK?

abowlieb · November 14, 2015, 09:38 PM

I sold my lcr because I couldn't hit a barn with the thing. Tried different loads, different sights. Nothing would work. Put hundreds of round though it with no better results. Not my first time shooting a snubbie revolver. I chalked it up as the grips were to small for my hands. The gun just wasnt for me. Its good for what it was made for but doesn't do any good if I cant hit what I am aiming at. Im sure it was me and had nothing to do with the gun but the LCR is the only gun I had a problem shooting.

Doc Holliday 1950 · November 14, 2015, 10:35 PM

Old Bear,
The Belly Band works like a charm. Now that the cold weather is here, I can wear it under my Winer Coat and draw it cross handed. Wife liked it too and got her one in the Lady's size. It has spots for 2 snubs and 2 spots for a speed loader or strips or whatever. I will remember your sage advice and pass this on to my "MUCH BETTER HALF".
Thanks for the gift. I will use it well.
Doc

old bear · November 15, 2015, 03:07 PM

Doc, COOL

Good to hear.

Fullclip610 · November 15, 2015, 06:26 PM

It's probably definitely me but I was wondering if it could be the sights that were off. Especially bc I did ok with it before the new XS sights. I'll try the suggestions you guys mentioned. The trigger is a big difference than the SA semi triggers. I don't carry it so it's not that big of a deal. If I didn't have like ~1000 rds of 38 I would sell it but seems like kind of a hassle. Thanks all!

Doc Holliday 1950 · November 15, 2015, 07:08 PM

Fullclip,
Go to your range and ask the range master if he can help you set up a block
so you can rest your gun on it and try firing it at your target approx. 3-5 yards.
Maybe before that, remove the sights you put on.
We don't use fancy sites on wife's LCR 357.
Doc

WCWV · November 15, 2015, 07:31 PM

Yeah, easy on the trigger. I have a LCR 357 and I shoot mainly 38special cast reloads and it's one of the most accurate little shooters I have. Shoots really good

Super Sneaky Steve · November 15, 2015, 07:53 PM

A round dot in a square trench doesn't lend it'self to accuracy.

To back to the front post.

Radny97 · November 15, 2015, 08:44 PM

IMHO snubbies are not beginner guns. They can cause a flinch and recoil is substantial. Your grip technique has to be quite good. However, in my experience they are generally MUCH more mechanically accurate than your average polymer pocket gun (I have several of both) they are just harder to shoot well until you have a good DA pull and no flinch.

Vet66 · November 16, 2015, 08:22 PM

Fullclip610, I can relate to your problem....I solved mine in two ways. Change of ammo and, forget using single action on a snub. I switched over to double action only when using a 2.250" SP 101, the groups shrunk.... Now I am able to do 2-3" 5 shot groups @ 10 yards with that revolver with no problem. Oh, and, practice is key.

Dave Chuppa · November 16, 2015, 08:49 PM

I put the standard dot on my LCR357. Works for me. I practice with 130gr. 38 Special Federal American Eagel.

Fullclip610 · November 16, 2015, 10:19 PM

I probably should go back to the original site..just have to find it first. Hopefully it won't be as hard to get the pin in the second time around. Thanks!

November 14, 2015, 12:44 AM	#1
Fullclip610 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2014 Posts: 119	Ruger LCR + big dot =can't hit a thing First gun a few years back was a ruger LCR 357. Since then I got a few semis and rifles. Pretty accurate with the compact/full size semis but can't hit the broad side of a barn with the lcr w 38 spcl. From about 7 yards aiming right at the target And 75% of the shots I have no idea where they end up. Right after I got it with factory sites I was okay with it. On a suggestion from someone I put XS big dots on it, and now I can't hit a thing with it. Could there be an issue with how I put the sights on (took some finagling to get the pin in) or is it probably just me? ( I won't get upset!)

November 16, 2015, 08:49 PM	#21
Dave Chuppa Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Posts: 448	I put the standard dot on my LCR357. Works for me. I practice with 130gr. 38 Special Federal American Eagel. __________________ TWO HANDGUNS AND RELOADS, EVERY DAY ALL DAY

November 14, 2015, 03:32 AM	#2
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Focus on the front sight. Focus on good trigger control and breathing. Don't make excuses, the Big Dots are excellent battle sights.

November 14, 2015, 09:33 AM	#3
TBM900 Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2015 Posts: 777	The most important factor with snubbie's is trigger control. Yes the new sight may be 'off' relative to the point of impact on target, and you do need to learn their relationship, but once you confirm the two it's all about trigger control. For me the LCR naturally points to point of impact, I've drilled the point where I can focus on a target, close my eyes, draw, then open my eyes and the sights will be aligned & centered on the target most of the time. That's not a nod to my skill but rather to the natural pointing of the pistol. After that it's all about mastering the trigger while keeping the front sight on target. Have you tried to master 'staging' the trigger?

November 14, 2015, 10:06 AM	#4
gbclarkson Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: None of yer business, sonny Posts: 440	My LCR hits high at 7 yards, which is probably a normal and expected point of impact for a short-barreled revolver. It is right on further downrange. Snubbies take a lot of practice. Before spending money on different sight configurations, have another shooter try it.

November 14, 2015, 10:32 AM	#5
SEKLEM Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 124	The LCR requires a smooth squeeze of the trigger and consistent follow through. My guess as to the reason why you're not shooting it as well as you original did is because you've gotten used to the lighter shorter trigger pull of your semi autos. Hate to say it, but you probably just need to practice shooting with it more.

November 14, 2015, 10:44 AM	#6
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	I love the Big Dot on my 342 snubby. I think generous amounts of dry firing have helped me shoot snubbies more than anything else.

November 14, 2015, 11:26 AM	#7
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	My wife has the exact same model and at 7 yards she hits dead center slightly up. She adjusted her aim just a tad lower and the high hits stopped and this is using Hornady 90 grain +P ammo. Started her off with 38 shorts worked up to 38 specials then to +P's. Try going back to basics. Doc

November 14, 2015, 04:54 PM	#10
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	Slim, Arigato. Doc

November 14, 2015, 09:38 PM	#12
abowlieb Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2013 Posts: 112	I sold my lcr because I couldn't hit a barn with the thing. Tried different loads, different sights. Nothing would work. Put hundreds of round though it with no better results. Not my first time shooting a snubbie revolver. I chalked it up as the grips were to small for my hands. The gun just wasnt for me. Its good for what it was made for but doesn't do any good if I cant hit what I am aiming at. Im sure it was me and had nothing to do with the gun but the LCR is the only gun I had a problem shooting.

November 14, 2015, 10:35 PM	#13
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	Old Bear, The Belly Band works like a charm. Now that the cold weather is here, I can wear it under my Winer Coat and draw it cross handed. Wife liked it too and got her one in the Lady's size. It has spots for 2 snubs and 2 spots for a speed loader or strips or whatever. I will remember your sage advice and pass this on to my "MUCH BETTER HALF". Thanks for the gift. I will use it well. Doc

November 15, 2015, 03:07 PM	#14
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	Doc, COOL Good to hear.

November 15, 2015, 06:26 PM	#15
Fullclip610 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2014 Posts: 119	It's probably definitely me but I was wondering if it could be the sights that were off. Especially bc I did ok with it before the new XS sights. I'll try the suggestions you guys mentioned. The trigger is a big difference than the SA semi triggers. I don't carry it so it's not that big of a deal. If I didn't have like ~1000 rds of 38 I would sell it but seems like kind of a hassle. Thanks all!

November 15, 2015, 07:08 PM	#16
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	Fullclip, Go to your range and ask the range master if he can help you set up a block so you can rest your gun on it and try firing it at your target approx. 3-5 yards. Maybe before that, remove the sights you put on. We don't use fancy sites on wife's LCR 357. Doc

November 15, 2015, 07:31 PM	#17
WCWV Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2015 Posts: 137	Yeah, easy on the trigger. I have a LCR 357 and I shoot mainly 38special cast reloads and it's one of the most accurate little shooters I have. Shoots really good

November 15, 2015, 07:53 PM	#18
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	A round dot in a square trench doesn't lend it'self to accuracy. To back to the front post.

November 15, 2015, 08:44 PM	#19
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	IMHO snubbies are not beginner guns. They can cause a flinch and recoil is substantial. Your grip technique has to be quite good. However, in my experience they are generally MUCH more mechanically accurate than your average polymer pocket gun (I have several of both) they are just harder to shoot well until you have a good DA pull and no flinch.

November 16, 2015, 08:22 PM	#20
Vet66 Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 187	Fullclip610, I can relate to your problem....I solved mine in two ways. Change of ammo and, forget using single action on a snub. I switched over to double action only when using a 2.250" SP 101, the groups shrunk.... Now I am able to do 2-3" 5 shot groups @ 10 yards with that revolver with no problem. Oh, and, practice is key.

November 16, 2015, 10:19 PM	#22
Fullclip610 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2014 Posts: 119	I probably should go back to the original site..just have to find it first. Hopefully it won't be as hard to get the pin in the second time around. Thanks!