I settled on the Ruger LCR platform a long time ago, choosing it over the Smith and Wesson J Frame options or the small 380 autos for my deep concealment and backup gun needs. Overall, I have always liked the gun for its purpose, but I was never quite satisfied with the stocks, or grip, depending on how you like to term it.
The factory Hogue Tamer grips that come stock on most LCRs are actually quite good for shooting as they tame the recoil quite well due to the cushioning built into the backstrap area. The problem with them, however, is that they are rather bulky, thus compromising the deep concealment ability that the gun is intended for, and they are also rather tacky in texture, thus clinging to fabric.
The problem has been, in the decade-plus that I have used the LCR, that I have not found a satisfactory replacement for the stock Tamer grip. Despite trying a number of options, I always returned to the Tamer. Until now.
A relatively new player in the revolver grip game is a company called Hamre Forge. I first looked at the generation 1 grip for the LCR a while back but was not fond of the two-piece design. Well, the new second generation grip is a single piece, attaching by screw to the bottom of the heel, just like the stock Tamer grip does. A much better design, in my opinion. I ordered one and put it on my main LCR. The grip comes as two options: hooked or no-hook. I love the versatility that the hook offers, but being left-handed it is more limited in usefulness for me, and the hook, being on the right side of the gun, can obstruct holster options for a left-handed shooter. Therefore, I chose the no-hook grip.
This grip is stellar, and it is the first after-market option that I have found that I prefer over the Tamer. It carries smaller, as it is a bit thinner, and the material offers good grip, yet does not cling to clothing. As I often wear my LCR on my ankle I find it conceals better than the Tamer grip, and it does not snag the pants when drawing the gun as the factory grip did.
Now, I will say, you feel significantly more recoil with these grips compared to the Tamer, and that is inevitable. However, for my purposes, I will accept more recoil in trade for the better concealment that the Hamre Forge grip offers. Also, despite more recoil, I actually shoot the gun more accurately with the Hamre Forge grip, and I think that is because the different width and shape helps reduce some of the problematic grip issues I was experiencing with the Tamer grip. Overall, fantastic upgrade to the gun.
Now, while this is not important to the functionality of the gun, the Hamre Forge grip also looks exponentially better than the factory Tamer. The LCR, in my opinion, has always been rather fugly, J Frames being much better looking. However, with the Hamre Forge installed, the gun looks MUCH more symmetrical and more attractive. Stupid thing to worry about, but, still true.
The Hamre Forge Generation Two grip for the LCR, highly recommended.
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For the ammo I use for training, go to: https://www.ammoman.com/9mm-blazer-brass-124-grain-fmj-5201-1000
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