Starting with the first LCR in .38 Special, Ruger had a real hit on their hands. There are now versions in .357, .22LR, and .22mag, and an exposed hammer version, the LCRx. The most recent additions are an LCR in 9mm Parabellum, which shares the steel frame of the .375 model, and an LCRx with a 3" barrel, an extended grip, and adjustable sights.
It's hard to say exactly what market Ruger is aiming at here; it's too big for a backup gun, and the adjustable sights can hang up in a concealed holster. It's too light for competitions like PPC, where you need the mass of a heavy barrel to get back on target quickly between shots. At 15oz, it's only a few ounces heavier than the standard LCRx, so there's not a lot of difference in recoil.
A Ruger VP says that “The newest LCRx is the perfect revolver for backpacking, concealed carry, home defense, or just plinking” which covers an awful lot of ground but I think he may have hit the nail on the head with his first suggestion. Backpacking, you want a lightweight gun that won't weigh you down, but which has enough authority to discourage the kinds of animals you might encounter. Now .38 Special, even in +P, is a bit light for the black bears in my state, although it might be just the thing for the mountain lions we're starting to see; a friend carries an airweight Smith & Wesson .357 in a fanny pack when he's in the wilderness. It's not pleasant to shoot, but it's effective.
What I'd really like to see is a .22LR, 8-shot LCRx with a 3 or 4" barrel, and an LCRx in .44 Special with a steel frame and a 3" barrel. The .22 would make a great "kit gun" for trappers, anglers, and hunters, and the .44 would be the perfect lightweight yet powerful sidearm for wilderness hiking trips. I don't know if you could fit 5 .44s in the LCR's frame, though it may well be possible. But I'm willing to bet we'll see a .22 version in the coming year.
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