Another shop project, Ruger LCRx crane latch

CougarMtn · Feb 15, 2025

Since I didn't have anyone interested in buying my LCRx, I figured I would spend some time with it in the shop, correcting what I consider a major hassle. The very stiff cylinder release button. Well documented on other forums...

The 357 magnum version of the LCR (x) has a lot stiffer crane release button/latch than the other models, because Ruger found they needed stiffer springs to overcome the recoil of the 357 mag, in such a lightweight revolver. Under heavy loads, the cylinder lock pins could release. (S&W had a similar issue years ago with the early 44 mags.)

Hogue sells an extended release for the Ruger GP100, but I wasn't able to find anything, anywere, for the LCRx.

Here is my version. I purchased another latch button off ebay, so I would still have the original, if this didn't work out. The extended latch is stainless, pinned, and epoxyed. (Latch button is hardened steel, so couldn't tap for threads.) Works much easier. Even the wife can operate it now. Before she could not.

gmerkt · Feb 15, 2025

I'm guessing that Ruger didn't consider a stiff cylinder release latch a problem on such a gun. Whose purpose is concealed carry, rather than repeated sport shooting which would require frequent opening. Said another way, once you load these light, highly concealable revolvers, they mostly stay loaded for carry. Might be an issue if you unload every day after carry. For me, .357 is too much cartridge in such a small, light gun. It's all I can do to hang on to a Model 36 S&W in .38 Special. Not using +P. But my hands have gone kinda bad in old age.

CougarMtn · Feb 15, 2025

Very true gmerkt, but even shooting 38 spl, training, I still stuck with the stiff latch. I probably will never shoot 357 mags in this revolver, but I do like having the more robust stainless steel frame, vs the aluminum 38 model.