Best Ruger LCR Holsters of 2022

Today with an overproduction of small semi-automatics intended for self-defense and concealed carry, most of the CCL holders are assured that almost nothing can beat the subcompact pistol. Moreover, many younger gun owners have never heard of the time-proven rule of the thumb that a semi-automatic pistol is an offensive weapon and a revolver is the best defensive handgun.

One interesting a forerunner of these weapons is AAI QSPR – Quiet Special Purpose Revolver, based on the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver Model 29. It was equipped with a smooth-bore 35mm (1.378 inches) short barrel, used special ammunition, and had no sights because it was meant to be used at contact range, inside Vietnam tunnels.

Comparison of the Best Ruger LCR Holsters 

What Makes the Ruger LCR a Great Concealed Carry?

Concealed carry revolvers are the workable choice of personal protection since their invention, as most firearms manufacturers were producing small revolvers in the 1850's.

By 1950, Smith & Wesson released the .38 caliber, 5-shot , snub nose J-frame revolver, which is still in production to this day. This versatile platform has many iterations, but the Chief’s Special typical barrel length was 1.875 inches (48mm) with an overall length of 6.3 inches (160mm).

Most CCW revolvers are easy to conceal, easy to carry, and easy to operate. In addition, they offer the rugged reliability of a decent six-shooter. When talking about dependability, a revolver is a trustworthy self-defense weapon since it is nearly impossible to jam a wheel gun, just pull the trigger again.

They are also very capable in terms of handling potent loads like +P ammo. Chambered in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Special the pocket revolver is perfectly viable as an implement of defense.

As you may assume, all of these attributes suit nearly any CCW buyer's desires so that Ruger`s construction team did not have much to be bothered by when looking for new solutions. The lightweight polymer and aluminum alloy Ruger LCR series was a success immediately upon release from the drawing board.

The LCR was much more compact than previous renditions and literally applied the famous phrase "Five for sure".  It gained enormous popularity throughout the gun community and especially in CCL holders world.

Whereas for CCW purposes, you're typically looking at small-frame sizes and barrel lengths of four inches or less, the Ruger LCR with a 1.87-inch barrel is designed for function first making it very popular snubbie revolver and arguably the best-concealed carry revolver available on the market.

A consistent wish for something light and strong at your fingertips, Ruger has granted it through its two models: a double-action only LCR and the LCRx with a low-profile hammer. As excellent defensive handguns, both models chamber .38 Special and will run +P, as well as a .357 Magnum. They can also be found in .327 Federal Magnum, 9mm Luger, .22 LR, and .22 Magnum models.

The LCR (short for Lightweight Carry Revolver) is deliberately made for close range engagement and self-defense, so design and the unique ergonomics of this compact repeating gun enable you to draw it quickly and conceal easily.

Featuring a streamlined design for an easy draw from concealment, LCR`s curved shape of the grip makes it easier to conceal than a similar sized semi-automatic pistol with a large rectangular grip that will dig into your belly.

Regarding safety, Ruger LCR, like other snubs, has a heavy trigger pull measured at 10- to 12-pound either way. Granted, compared to a friction-reducing cam in the trigger group, Ruger has smoother pull, it takes a deliberate pull of the trigger to fire LCR.

What is the Best Type of Holster for the Ruger LCR?

When it comes to concealed carry, such a compact weapon as the Ruger LCR (the barrel isn’t even two-inches long) can be worn comfortably inside-the-waistband or could fit into a pocket of your jeans or sports jacket, concealed carry vest, or briefcase. This little gem deserves only the best, and luckily, even better holsters for the LCR will be relatively cheap in most cases due to the fewer materials used.

As your trusty companion built for self-defense and for deep concealment, you will need an extremely reliable holster. Ruger LCR and LCRx conceal very easily on the belt and the outside-the-waistband rigs are 100% workable for concealed carry. Of course, there are still very popular pocket carry and ankle carry revolvers, though many CCL holders find an IWB rig carries them fairly well.

You are likely to possess many holsters as do most gun owners, but whether you purchased the Ruger LCR to carry it in a pocket or on your ankle, you should consider the primary holster to be an IWB holster. Inside-the-waistband holsters allow for multiple positions on your body, good concealment, and ease of access.

Furthermore, when the IWB holsters are well designed and made from high-quality materials, are comfortable and secure, and will last for many years. 

Review of the Best LCR Holsters

The choice of the holster is a personal one, based on different carry styles, comfort, and your budget. We have picked and reviewed some of the best holsters for Ruger LCR available in the market.

1. Best Ruger LCR Holster: LIRISY Concealed Carry Belly Band Holster

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Belly band holsters are one of the most versatile and comfortable ways of concealed carry available. This method of concealment enables you to wear your Ruger LCR inside-the-waistband (IWB), appendix, as a high-riding OWB holster, and even high up like a shoulder holster.

This style of LIRISY Belly Band Holster enables you ambidextrous wear since it can be rotated to the left or right to provide you with the right position to carry your LCR revolver. The belly band is built of soft, thick neoprene so it can handle the weight of a more massive gun very well.

Its overall dimensions are 42-inches long and 5-inches wide and will comfortably fit up to a 45-inch diameter waist. However, there are some complaints about narrow Velcro strip that is approximately only 2-inches wide.

This holster is designed with a weapon retention pocket sewn onto the outside of the belt, one magazine pouch, and one movable pocket suitable for a second magazine, your cell phone, a folder, or a flashlight.

Though the manufacturer advertises that you can carry full-size pistols and revolvers in this holster, in fact, this type of rig is most appropriate for small subcompact or compact guns and LCR sized revolvers.

Bottom Line

The Lirisy`s lightweight, low-profile design holds your gun tightly, enabling you to feel comfortable wearing it all day. Your Ruger LCR won’t be exposed to the public when you are running or working and even if you're wearing nothing but yoga pants or a T-shirt and jeans.

2. Best Ruger LCR Holster Runner-up: DESANTIS N38 The Nemesis Pocket Holster

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The DeSantis Nemesis is an ambidextrous holster constructed on simple gun safety basics that that trigger guard should be protected at all times when the sidearm is not in active use.

The N38 holster is explicitly made for revolvers with barrels up to 2-inches and is purpose-built for pocket carry or simple inside-the-waistband carry.

Overall, the holster is made of black, viscous nylon material, but since the outside material is very "tacky", the Nemesis pocket holster will not move in your front pocket when you pull out your gun. Actually, the sticky foam of the outer shell is almost like fly paper and will keep the Nemesis in place in your waistband as a simple IWB holster.

On the other hand, the slick pack cloth inside the DeSantis Nemesis holster allows for a low-friction draw, and the core material is just the right amount of foam to break up the outline of the Ruger LCR.

This soft material holster doesn't come with any retention mechanism, although it still provides enough retention for truly securing the gun inside the holster

Bottom Line

The DeSantis N38 pocket holster is quite comfortable for pocket or even inside-the-waistband carry of small revolvers, such as Ruger LCR. The Nemesis holster will keep your LCR upright and ready to draw in your front pocket comfortably during extended wear without any irritation to the skin.

3. Best Ruger LCR Holster Second Runner-up: Inside The Waistband Leather Holster for Ruger LCR 38 Special 2" Barrel

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Cardini USA makes really nice, leather holsters, and this genuine cowhide leather, concealed carry, inside-the-waistband holster is no exception. Cardini Leather USA IWB holster is constructed with reinforced stitching for added durability and comes with a single spring steel clip to ensure protection and safety.

The steel-tempered clip doesn't protrude in a useless open position like some cheap counterparts but reliably serves to enhance support and strength.

The belt clip can fit belts up to 1.75-inches in width and provides a discreet outline that doesn’t show through clothing, as well as enables easy removal of the holster.

The holster features a narrow design but sports a shielded leather riser to keep the back end of the LCR from contacting/rubbing your body and which also helps to re-holster.

This IWB leather holster has the interior suede lining which helps with a smooth draw and protection of your Ruger LCR when you re-holster.

Though the holster doesn't have adjustable features, it is molded to fit the curve of your body for maximum comfort and is designed to mount at an ideal cant for a proper firing grip.

Like some "top brand name" holsters, Cardini comes with double stitching and two-piece construction for more natural and comfortable wear. This typical concealed-type holster boasts a narrower profile than other IWB leather holsters.

Bottom Line

This is a great option, however, the Cardini IWB holster is available only for a right-hand draw and can be ordered in either all tan or all black. The Cardini Leather holster is the best option for those who are looking for an IWB premium cowhide holster that is very affordable but also fits the LCR specifically.

4. Best Ruger LCR Wallet Holster: BORAII Eagle Pocket Holster for Ruger LCR

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Most Kydex holsters are large due to the fact that they cover most of the weapon. However, the BORAII Eagle developed a unique design for a holster shell made of Kydex which entirely envelopes the trigger area only and eliminates negligent discharge.

BORAII’s innovative design adds negligible bulk to the weapon making even "pocket nines" actually pocket-able guns. A BORAII Eagle trigger guard holster is built to reduce bulk with its light profile and holds your LCR in the same upright position every single time.

The Kydex holster is molded around the trigger guard completely covering the trigger with a satisfying locking click. Basically, it features a hook design to hook onto your pocket in order to unholster the weapon. In other words, when you draw the gun, the hook catches the pocket and stays put.

It comes with a lanyard attached and another end loop that wraps around the belt loop of the pants. It serves for retention and also keeps the holster from falling to the ground after drawing. Please take into account that this holster requires you to remove the holster from your pocket when you are reholstering the weapon.

Minimal in size, this holster is made to be used comfortably in the front pocket of tighter fitting pants. Usually, BORAII mimics the shape of a wallet while inside the pocket, but it'll take some getting used to.

Bottom line

While this minimalistic holster slightly prints in your pants and looks like a rectangular object such as a cell phone, it is more comfortable than most available pocket carry options.

5. Best Ruger LCR Pocket Holster: Don't Tread on Me DTOM Combination Pocket/IWB Holster

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This is a second generation DTOM (Don’t Tread on Me) Combination holster that doubles as a pocket holster and an inside-the-waistband (IWB) carrying platform.

This combination is possible with two included removable metal clips that snap onto the holster. Though the small clip is very narrow, the larger clip can fit over a large belt, but there are few issues with their strength.

Unlike the original version, this updated holster features the rivet is buried beneath the lining material so it will not scratch the revolver. The holster itself is made of sturdy Armadillo Nylon and the inner lining is a slick, nylon type of material.

While the smoothly lined interior aids in a quicker, smoother draw, it may be problematic to hold up to a hot barrel/cylinder. In general, we would not advise putting a hot Ruger LCR down your pants anyway.

The trigger area is well covered and the extra material below trigger guard helps the revolver ride well either inside-the-waistband or in your pocket. The DTOM combo holster has heavy stitching around the trigger guard free from loose threads, but in the appendix position, the lower portion of the holster can irritate your leg when sitting.

When worn inside-the-waistband (IWB) with a larger clip, this holster allows for a lower conceal profile and is a right-handed draw only, but as a pocket holster, it is ambidextrous.

Bottom Line

There are several benefits of using CC6 Holster in the role of a pocket holster. It increases the retention of the handgun, protects the trigger from being accidentally pulled, and, in pocket carry configuration, the profile of the holster masks the outline to prevent your LCR against ‘printing'.

6. Best Ruger LCR IWB Holster: Relentless Tactical - The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster

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Relentless Tactical's Ultimate Suede Leather holster is designed for inside-the-waistband carry. This is a very well-made, "no-nonsense" holster that fits the LCR perfectly while providing maximum protection with everyday comfort.

The soft suede leather is a fantastic holster material especially when it comes into contact with bare skin, what is usually expected from the common IWB rig.

Besides, this form-fitting holster has suede on both the inside and outside because it is an excellent material for keeping a grip inside your waistband while also enhancing a smooth draw.

On the flip side, the holster is not form-fitted for a specific make and model, so the grip on the frame might not be as tight as a holster molded for a particular firearm.

The Relentless Tactical high-quality IWB holster is an open-top design with a metal clip to secure the rig to the belt making it comfortable even while squatting or bending.  While the metal clip is not anything fantastic, it sits on its own genuine leather platform and provides a sturdy attachment point for your belt.

The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and is handmade in the USA of genuine suede leather making it a great bargain.

Bottom Line

You already went traditional when selecting for the Ruger compact revolver; the next logical step would be purchasing a classic open-top IWB, all black leather holster such as the Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede holster.

This is a great option for anyone looking for basic concealed carry IWB holster that won’t break the bank.

7. Best Ruger LCR Ankle Holster: LIRISY Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry

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When other carry methods do not work out, the ankle holster becomes a viable option. This is a particularly popular carry option used to carry a small backup weapon or a deeply concealed primary handgun.

The Lirisy Ankle Holster is made of breathable neoprene material for proper ventilation and an elastic retention strap with a metal snap instead of loud Velcro. Made of neoprene, the Lirisy ankle sheath is softer than other holsters and it will provide a no-itch characteristic for prolonged wear.

The holster is designed with a calf strap to keep your Ruger LCR in place and to keep it from slipping. In addition to that, the holster features a foam pad behind your gun to increase comfort and prevent against pinching and poking, for your added convenience.

The comfortable, thick neoprene easily handles the weight of your handgun, but it is quite understandable that you should not carry any full-size sidearm in an ankle holster since it is not going to handle a heavy gun well. That being said, the Lirisy ankle holster can fit micro pistols, pocket revolvers, or subcompacts that have an overall length less than 6.5-inches.

This quality neoprene holster includes a thumb-operated elastic retention strap for retention to keep your LCR safe and secure, particularly when engaged in high movement activities.

Although the holster is ambidextrous, ankle carrying is the most finicky carry method for both comfort and design. Considering that, Lirisy offers their rig in two sizes to accommodate different ankle circumferences.

Bottom Line

Whereas handguns continue to get smaller, the ankle-carrying method becomes a much more popular way of concealing your firearm. The Lirisy ankle holster is an inexpensive option to a try if you are not sure whether you are going to like ankle carrying or not.

8. Best Ruger LCR Shoulder Holster: Barsony Black Leather Vertical Cross Harness Shoulder Holster

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The Barsony traditionally designed shoulder rig with a vertically oriented holster is made with some decent leather material but with nylon straps of questionable quality that will not stand up to long-term use.

This shoulder holster is designed primarily for concealed carry for compact pistols and revolvers. A wheel-gun like the Ruger LCR is the perfect candidate for this underarm holster since it is designed to minimize the outline of the revolver and provide deep concealment.

For further comfort on the shoulder where the gun will be carried Barsony incorporates a wide, flat shoulder pad made of durable suede that grabs your clothing and does not slide from your shoulder as easily as Cordura material shoulder pads. That thickly padded section of the strap helps balance the weight of the Ruger LCR and keeps it comfortable day in and day out.

While this Vertical Cross Harness shoulder holster has adjustable snap retention straps which allow you to adjust how tight your Ruger is held, the revolver release is on the outer side and could feel a bit odd when drawing your LCR.

What makes the Barsony Cross Harness gun sheath exceptionally comfortable are the four possible size adjustments for a perfect fit and 2-way height adjustment for your revolver.

While this holster comes with a sight protection channel built right in, it includes tie-downs for your belt as well. The Barsony underarm rig is tunable up to chest size of 52-inches and is available in both right-hand and left-hand configurations.

Bottom Line

As very reasonably priced shoulder rig, Barsony is a decent beginner holster ideal for a lighter firearm like Ruger LCRx/LCRx or an aluminum J-frame size revolver.

9. Best Ruger LCR Concealed Carry Holster: Wallet Pocket Holster For Ruger LCR by Ace Case

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If you own ”pocket” revolver, such as five-shot Ruger LCR with shrouded-hammer design, the pocket holster is mandatory for you. The Ace Case’s Pocket Holster is an inheritor of an old-fashioned wallet holster, which concealed the entire firearm and allowed an owner to shoot their handgun without even removing it from the holster. The Ace Case Pocket Holster covers most of the frame of your LCR while keeping it in a position to quickly draw as if you had no holster at all.

This slim-line, soft-sided holster is cut from a black textured material that is lightweight, durable, and sweat resistant.  While its solid nylon construction features a no-slip exterior, the interior is fully lined to protect the finish of your gun.

As its name says, the Wallet Pocket Holster is purpose-built for revolvers intended to be carried inside the front pocket of trousers. The holster holds the LCR in an upright position, breaking up its profile and prevent the revolver from "imprinting" on the outside of the pocket.

The Ace Case rig stays securely in place by using friction within the pocket and compression in the waistband. However, this is not as perfect as manufacturer claims, because there are few complaints that holster does have a tendency to come out of the pocket along with the gun occasionally.

As a positive feature, the holster entirely covers the trigger and has a textured band surrounding the revolver frame. This green band has a rubberized texture that will grip the fabric of your pocket keeping the holster in your pocket when you go to draw.

Bottom Line

The Ace Case Holster is a more affordable, practical option than many high-end brands on the market. The flexible holster design adds a little bulk to the LCR, but this combination more resembles a wallet or phone than the L-shape of a typical self-defense revolver.

Conclusion

As you may have been able to conclude so far, you can carry your Ruger LCR in multiple ways, whether in a deep concealment ankle holster or quite comfortably in a shoulder harness rig. No matter what you decide, it is vital that the holster provides a comfortable, secure method of concealed carry for your Ruger LCR.

We’ve detailed some of the best rigs above to help you with your purchase decision. Simply take into account your specific preferences and carry use, and then choose the option that best suits your needs.