Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black Review

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black Made a Bold First Impression

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black is a grip designed specifically for the Ruger LCR revolver. It promises enhanced concealment and a comfortable shooting experience, especially with lighter loads. I’ve always valued the Ruger LCR for its lightweight and concealable nature, but I often found the stock grip to be a bit too bulky for my preferred carry methods.

My search for a better grip stemmed from a need for deeper concealment without sacrificing too much control. The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black, with its sleek design and focus on concealability, seemed like the perfect solution. Upon unboxing, the grip felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid. The combination of smooth polymer sides and a rubberized front and back strap looked promising.

Compared to the factory LCR grip and a couple of aftermarket options from Pachmayr, the Hogue offering stood out for its significantly smaller footprint. I was initially concerned about recoil management, as the grip is noticeably shorter, but the rubberized section offered a glimmer of hope. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the grip looked fantastic and felt good in hand, but I needed to see how it performed at the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range session with the Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black was dedicated to assessing its impact on concealability and recoil management. I tested it at an indoor range, focusing on accuracy and comfort with .38 Special and .38 Special +P loads. The grip made a noticeable difference in concealment when carrying the LCR in an appendix holster. The reduced bulk eliminated printing, even with lighter clothing.

However, the smaller size also translated to less surface area for my hand to grip, making recoil more noticeable, especially with +P ammunition. The smooth side texture, while contributing to concealment, offered less purchase than the aggressively textured factory grip. I found that focusing on a high, firm grip was crucial to maintaining control. There were no issues with the grip slipping or shifting during firing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black has proven to be reasonably durable. There are no signs of cracking or deformation in the polymer, even after regular use and exposure to varying temperatures. The rubberized sections show slight wear from friction against clothing, but nothing significant. Cleaning the grip is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to the stock LCR grip, the Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black excels in concealability but falls short in recoil absorption and overall control, particularly with heavier loads. For everyday carry with standard pressure .38 Special ammunition, it’s a definite improvement. But for those prioritizing maximum control and comfortable shooting with +P or .357 Magnum rounds, other options might be better suited.

Breaking Down the Features of Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black

Specifications

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black is specifically designed for the Ruger LCR revolver. It is constructed from a combination of durable polymer for the sides and a softer, recoil-absorbing rubber material for the front and back straps. The grip features finger grooves for enhanced ergonomics, although these are subtle. The “Boot” style signifies its minimized length for enhanced concealment, and the total weight is negligible, adding virtually no bulk to the already lightweight LCR.

These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the LCR’s concealability and handling characteristics. The reduced size makes it disappear under clothing, while the rubberized section attempts to mitigate the increased felt recoil. The finger grooves help create a more secure grip, although their effectiveness is limited by the overall size of the grip.

Performance & Functionality

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black performs its primary function – enhanced concealment – exceptionally well. It transforms the LCR from a gun that might print to one that’s virtually invisible under most clothing. However, this comes at the cost of reduced recoil absorption and diminished control, particularly with higher-pressure ammunition. The grip is reliable and stays firmly in place once installed.

The main strength of this grip is its ability to minimize the LCR’s profile for concealed carry. A notable weakness is the compromise in recoil management, which may be unacceptable for some shooters. It meets expectations for concealment but falls short of expectations for optimal shooting comfort, particularly with +P loads.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black features a simple, functional design. The combination of smooth polymer sides and rubberized straps is aesthetically pleasing and feels good in hand. The finger grooves are subtly incorporated and don’t interfere with different hand sizes.

The grip is generally user-friendly, but the smaller size may require some adjustment for shooters with larger hands. There is minimal learning curve for installation or handling, though mastering recoil control requires practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black appears to be quite durable, with the polymer and rubber materials holding up well under regular use. The grip should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.

Repair is unlikely to be necessary, as the grip is a single molded piece. However, replacement is relatively inexpensive if damage does occur.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It’s a self-contained grip solution. Customization options are limited to potentially stippling the smooth polymer sides for enhanced grip.

The grip is compatible with any holster designed for the Ruger LCR, but its smaller size might require some adjustments to retention screws for a secure fit. There are no readily available aftermarket parts specifically designed to enhance this particular grip.

Pros and Cons of Hogue TAMER BANTAM BOOT LCR Black