Always a versatile choice, revolvers have been making a resurgence in popularity over the past several years. I recently heard a statement on a podcast that got me thinking:
“If you can run a revolver trigger, you’ll run any trigger.” – Daryl Bolke, American Fighting Revolver
He’s right, for so many reasons. Don’t get me wrong, I love my semi-autos, but there’s just something nostalgic about a revolver, and those triggers? You should give one a shot.
Revolvers work well with minimal training. They’re easy to learn and deliberate to shoot. They can make a great first handgun if you’ve just decided to carry for self-defense, or just something a little different to add to your EDC rotation if you’ve been carrying awhile. Revolvers are also quite popular as backup guns.
We’ve broken down the best revolvers available by category, so all you need to do is decide which revolver is right for you and order it on Guns.com.
Although truly a multipurpose revolver, the classic Model 36 makes an ideal everyday carry gun. A DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 Special, this revolver cut its teeth as the choice of detectives in generations long gone.
Still in production more than 70 years after its introduction, this J-frame is crafted with a traditional frame (no internal lock) and a 1.88-inch blued carbon steel barrel. Don’t be fooled, though – it may look the same as the first one off the line back in the 1950s, but today’s models offer the cutting-edge technology, reliability, and performance you’d expect from a modern Smith & Wesson revolver.
Caliber: .38 SPL
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length:1.88 inches
Weight: 19.64 ounces
BEST ICONIC REVOLVER: Colt Python
You want options? The Colt Python has options. This iconic revolver has a model for you, whether you’re looking to EDC, take it for a hike in the woods, or place it neatly on the bedside table for home defense.
Part of Colt’s Snake Gun series, the Python features a thicker, more durable frame and smooth, reliable trigger. It’s rugged and accurate with several barrel lengths to choose from, ranging from a compact but hearty 2.5-inch to an imposing 8-inch model.
Caliber: .357 MAG (also accepts .38 SPL)
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 2.5, 3, 4.25, 6, or 8-inch
Weight: Varies by model
BEST OF THE OLD WEST REVOLVER: Ruger Wrangler
With its classic old West style, the Ruger Wrangler will bring out your inner cowboy, no matter where you hang your hat. Built in the USA, the Wrangler is a .22 LR revolver with a cold hammer-forged barrel and bladed front and integral notch rear sights. With a plethora of choices on the length of the barrel and Cerakote colors available, the Wrangler is rugged, safe, reliable, and highly customizable.
Best Revolver for Home Defense: Taurus Judge Home Defender
A revolver that doubles as a shotgun – what could beat that for home defense? The dual-cartridge Taurus Judge Home Defender with 13-inch barrel has all the stopping power you’ll need.
Rubber grips help to absorb the powerful recoil, but they’re easily swapped out if you prefer a different style, as the Judge Home Defender will fit any aftermarket grips made for medium-frame revolvers. At 3.66 pounds, you’ll have 5 rounds of either .45 Colt or .410 to protect your home.
Caliber: .45 Colt / .410 bore
Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 13 inches
Weight: 3.66 pounds
BEST UNDERAPPRECIATED EDC REVOLVER: Diamondback SDR
The Diamondback SDR was designed as a self-defense option combining reliability and ruggedness in a small, highly compact, and concealable revolver. Featuring a six-shot capacity, low-profile front and fiber-optic rear sights, as well as a crisp, smooth trigger, it also offers a unique and intuitive push-button cylinder release.
Barrel length options include a super concealable 2-inch as well as a 3-inch. Available chamberings include .357 Mag (that also accepts .38 SPL +P) as well as 9mm.
Caliber: .357 MAG (.38 SPL +P), 9mm
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 or 3 inches
Weight: Varies by model and barrel length
Best Budget-Busting Revolver: Korth Classic
This revolver just hits different. The Korth Classic by Nighthawk Custom is renowned for precision craftsmanship, as each revolver is meticulously assembled by a single gunsmith and features a front sight crafted with a 14-karat gold bead.
Offered in options of .357 Mag and .44 Mag, three different barrel lengths, and four finishes, the Korth Classic will set your bank account back a little, but it will be worth it. This revolver is a true treasure, and one your friends won’t also have.
Caliber: .357 Mag, .44 Mag
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3, 4, or 6 inches
Weight: 43.04 ounces (.357 with 4-inch barrel)
Best Nontraditional Caliber Revolver: Smith & Wesson 460 XVR
With its extra-large frame, the S&W 460XVR (X-treme Velocity Revolver) offers the highest muzzle velocity of any production revolver currently on the market. It’s chambered in .460 S&W Magnum, a cartridge mainly designed for hunting large game and carrying for protection while hunting or hiking in backwoods bear country. For a big, heavy handgun in a hefty caliber, it offers low felt recoil, keeping it secure in your hand when firing.
