I carry a LCR 357 and it really kicks, but the trigger is great.
I had a LCR in 22 I sent it back twice for repair and sold it after 2nd time. The trigger on it is hard to pull, but that is to be expected for a 22 cal.
They came out with it in a 9 mm which might not be bad, but I have not shot one.
If you want my reccomendation I would get the LCR in 327 cal. And shoot 32 cal bullets through it. My dealer also reccomends this set up.
I bought a ruger SP 101 in 327 cal (3 in barrel) a couple years back and the 32's have almost no kick. Plus you can shoot 32, 32 mag and all the way up to 327 cal. The 327 mag have about 75-80% of the kick of its bigger brother 357 mag.
Before I bought the 357 LCR I rented a 38 version and had it hurting my knuckle for the first 15 rounds than I changed the way I held it and that cleared up the problem.
Try renting a 38 and shooting mild loads to see if it is for you. They also make bullets for these snub nose that have a lot less muzzle flash.