Revolvers

Why Choose a Revolver?

Revolvers have been largely displaced by semi-automatic pistols for duty use, but they remain an excellent choice for home defense, concealed carry, and hunting for good reasons. They’re mechanically simple — no slide to rack, no magazine to seat, no manual safety to engage. Point and shoot. They feed reliably from any position, including from inside a bag or pocket where a semi-auto slide might be pushed out of battery. And for new shooters or anyone who wants maximum simplicity under stress, a double-action revolver is hard to beat.

Single Action vs. Double Action

Double action (DA/SA) — Pulling the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. Modern defensive revolvers like the S&W J-Frame, Ruger LCR, and Ruger GP100 are double action. Heavy trigger pull for the first shot (DA), lighter pull if you manually cock the hammer (SA). The standard choice for defensive revolvers.

Single action — The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. Classic Western/cowboy revolvers like the Ruger Blackhawk, Ruger Wrangler, and Heritage Rough Rider are single action. Great for range fun, plinking, and cowboy action shooting. Not recommended as a primary defensive carry gun due to the manual cocking requirement under stress.

Caliber Guide

.38 Special / .357 Magnum — The classic defensive revolver pairing. Most .357 Magnum revolvers also chamber .38 Special, giving you a lighter practice round and a powerful defense load in the same gun. .38 Special is manageable for most shooters; .357 Magnum is significantly more powerful with more recoil. Our top recommendation for a defensive revolver caliber.

9mm (Revolver) — A growing category. Revolvers like the Ruger LCR 9mm and S&W 986 chamber 9mm using moon clips, letting you use the same ammo as your semi-auto. Excellent option if you want to standardize your ammunition.

.44 Magnum — Powerful enough for hunting most North American big game. The Ruger Super Redhawk and S&W Model 629 are the most popular platforms. Significant recoil — not for new shooters as a first revolver.

.22 LR / .22 WMR — Rimfire revolvers are excellent for training, plinking, and introducing new shooters. The Heritage Rough Rider and Ruger Wrangler are affordable, fun single-action .22s that make great range companions.

.45 Long Colt — A classic caliber with a long history. Available in both single-action (Ruger Blackhawk, Uberti) and double-action platforms. Popular for cowboy action shooting and hunting.

Staff Picks

Smith & Wesson 642 (.38 Special, Snubnose) — Our top concealed carry revolver recommendation. Hammerless design snags on nothing, lightweight aluminum frame, and the .38 Special +P is a legitimate defensive caliber. One of the most-carried revolvers in America.

Ruger GP100 (.357 Magnum) — The best value full-size defensive and range revolver we carry. Nearly indestructible, excellent trigger, and handles full-power .357 Magnum loads without complaint. Built to last a lifetime.

Ruger LCR (.38 Special or 9mm) — A modern lightweight carry revolver with one of the best double-action triggers in its class. Polymer frame keeps weight down for all-day carry. Available in multiple calibers.

Colt Anaconda (.44 Magnum) — A premium large-frame revolver for hunting and the range. Excellent fit and finish, classic Colt Python-style action. If you want a serious .44 Magnum revolver, the Anaconda is the top of the line.

Heritage Rough Rider (.22 LR) — The most affordable way to get into revolvers. A fun, reliable single-action .22 that’s perfect for the range, new shooters, and youth instruction. Hard to beat the value.

Questions about which revolver is right for your needs? Call us at 800-917-7137 or use our live chat. We’ve been selling revolvers since 1992 and we’re happy to help.