Are you a new shooter in the market for a revolver? What discerning taste you have!
Revolvers are popular for defense against predators (four-legged and two-legged) and they’re lots of fun to shoot, but many of them are terrible guns for inexperienced shooters.
How do you know which is which?
Today, we’ll share the best beginner revolvers we’ve tested and give you some advice on how to decide which one is right for you.
Let’s go!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall
-
Best .22 LR
-
Best Budget
-
Best Snub Nose
-
Best Single-Action
-
Best Medium Frame
Table of Contents
Loading…
Beginner Revolver Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Action | Capacity | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Price | |
| S&W 686 Plus | .357 Mag/.38 Spl | DA/SA | 7 | 2.5-7″ | 7.5″-12.3″ | 35-48 oz | $733 |
| Ruger Wrangler | .22 LR | SA | 6 | 3.75-7.5″ | 8.62-13″ | 28-34 oz | $167 |
| Taurus Tracker 627 | .357 Mag/.38 Spl | DA/SA | 7 | 4″, 6.5″ | 8.75″, 10.75″ | 35 oz, 40 oz | $410 |
| Ruger LCR 9mm | 9mm | DA | 5 | 1.87″ | 6.5″ | 17 oz | $627 |
| Cimarron Model P .357 Mag | .357 Mag/.38 Spl | SA | 6 | 4.75″ | N/A | N/A | $542 |
| Ruger GP100 | .357 Mag/.38 Spl | DA/SA | 6 | 2.5-6″ | 8-11.5″ | 36-45 oz | $628 |
| Ruger SP101 | .22 LR, 9mm, .327 Fed Mag, .357 Mag/.38 Spl | DA, DA/SA | 5 | 2.25-4.2″ | 7.2-9.1″ | 25-30 oz | $560 |
How We Tested the Best Beginner Revolvers
For this article, we gathered a bunch of revolvers we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical — as well as a few we’ve researched and had recommended to us by people we trust. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.
Meanwhile, every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.
Best Beginner Revolvers
1. Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Seven-round capacity
- Chambered for .357 Mag and .38 Spl
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .357 Mag/.38 Spl
- Action: Double action/single action
- Capacity: 7
- Barrel Length: 2.5-7″
- Overall Length: 7.5-12.3″
- Weight: 35-48 oz
Want one revolver that can do it all? Look no further than the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus.
This L-Frame revolver is light enough to carry every day and heavy enough to mitigate recoil.
Speaking of recoil, it’s nothing new shooters should worry about. Revolvers chambered for .357 Mag can also shoot the much softer-recoiling .38 Spl cartridge.
You can build a solid foundation at the range with the lighter round before stepping up to the magnum, all with one revolver. Your wallet and recoil management will thank you.
The Plus model holds seven rounds instead of the standard six found on most revolvers. Surprise!
Just like almost every other Smith & Wesson revolver, the 686 Plus has an excellent trigger. It’s a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) revolver, meaning that you can use the trigger to cock and release the hammer, or cock it yourself and use the trigger only to release it. Double action is faster, single action creates a shorter, lighter pull.
With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5 to seven inches, the 686 Plus is more than capable of serving in concealed carry, bear defense, and home defense roles.
Be sure to check out our full, hands-on Smith & Wesson 686 Plus review!
2. Ruger Wrangler – Best .22 LR
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Almost no recoil
- Super affordable
- Extremely inexpensive ammunition
Cons
- Low power
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 6
- Barrel Length: 3.75-7.5″
- Overall Length: 8.62-13″
- Weight: 28-34 oz
Forget about revolvers, the Ruger Wrangler might be the best handgun for beginners out there — period.
It’s small, affordable, very light, and chambered in the teeny, tiny, fun-to-shoot .22 LR. It barely moves between shots so its perfect for beginners who need to work on the fundamentals before tackling recoil management.
Ruger imitated Colt’s old single-action army revolver in its design. This results in a very crisp and light trigger pull for accurate shots.
Plus, the thin grips allow shooters of all sizes to embrace and handle the Wrangler safely.
One of the best parts of this design is its simplicity. Loading, cocking, and firing the Wrangler is totally beginner-friendly.
Admittedly, loading and ejecting one round at a time takes a while, but you aren’t gunfighting with the Ruger Wrangler so consider it an opportunity to reflect on your last string of fire and mentally prepare for the next one.
It’s a plinker, and maybe a pest removal gun. Ruger’s little Wrangler delivers a ton of fun from a very cheap platform.
It’s tough to beat as a beginner’s revolver, or as a beginner’s gun in general. You’ll be well-prepared with a Wrangler and Ruger 10/22 to start your journey into the world of firearms.
Interested? Read up on our complete Ruger Wrangler review!
3. Taurus 627 Tracker – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Affordable
- 7-round cylinder
- Ported barrel reduces recoil
Cons
- Not as refined as some of our picks
Specs
- Caliber: .357 Mag/.38 Spl
- Action: Double action/single action
- Capacity: 7
- Barrel Length: 4″, 6.5″
- Overall Length: 8.75″, 10.75″
- Weight: 35 oz, 40 oz
So you want to dip your toes into the revolver pool without shelling out $700-1000? You’re going to love the competitively priced Taurus Tracker 627.
Coming in at $450-$550, the Tracker is notably cheaper than many of its medium-framed rivals. While the price may scream entry-level, the Tracker is packed with some quality features.
Like the 686 Plus, the .357 Magnum Tracker also has a 7-shot cylinder that takes .357 Mag and .38 Spl. You also get a fully adjustable rear sight and — this is the real icing on the cake — a ported barrel to reduce recoil.
Taurus revolvers may not be as smooth as a Smith & Wesson or as rugged as a Ruger, but they shoot well, have excellent features, and are easy on the wallet.
4. Ruger LCR 9mm – Best Snub Nose
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Super easy to carry concealed
- Sleek, hammerless design
- Chambered for 9mm!
Cons
- Difficult to shoot accurately
- Limited capacity
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Double action
- Capacity: 5
- Barrel Length: 1.87
- Overall Length: 6.5″
- Weight: 17 oz
Snub-nosed revolvers are not good beginner guns, but the Ruger LCR 9mm is the least-bad snub nose for beginners. Allow me to explain.
Tiny guns are inherently difficult to shoot accurately because there’s very little material to hold onto and the short distance between the front and rear sights makes aiming tricky. It’s extra challenging with a powerful magnum cartridge.
This is one of the few revolvers that shoots 9mm. This popular cartridge provides plenty of power for self-defense, but it’s cheap to train with and the recoil isn’t too harsh for new shooters.
On top of that, this has to be the best double-action revolver trigger I’ve used. It rolls back smoothly with just the right amount of resistance.
If you want more options, the LCR also comes in .22 LR, .327 Federal, and .357 Magnum/.38 Spl.
Take a peep at our Ruger LCR review to get all our shooting impressions.
Have you tried the Ruger LCR? If so, rate it below!
5. Cimarron Model P .357 Mag – Best Single-Action
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- The Wild West vibes are strong in this one
- Easier to shoot than conventional cowboy-style revolvers
- Fairly affordable
Cons
- Single-action trigger isn't ideal for defensive use
Specs
- Caliber: .357 Mag/.38.Spl
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 6
- Barrel Length: 4.75″
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
If you want to step up from the .22 LR Ruger Wrangler and into a cowboy gun with a little more oomph, the Cimarron Model P has you covered.
Like the Wrangler, the Model P uses the aclassic Colt Single Action Army design. Cimarron revolvers are very well made, especially for the price.
What seems like sacrilege to some is the reason I’m recommending the Model P to beginners.
The controversy comes from it’s .357 Mag/.38 Spl chambering instead of the conventional .45 Colt. Heresy!
It’s true that .45 Colt is the round of tradition for cowboy guns, but .357 Magnum is better for beginners because, like I said, revolvers chambered for .357 Mag can also fire .38 Spl.
The Model P can be as tame or as powerful as you need it to be.
Both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds are cheaper and easier to find than .45 Colt and they provide you with more than enough oomph for practical purposes.
The Model P is a fun plinker, a solid woods gun, and even a half-decent hunting pistol. If you live in a state that restricts ammunition capacity, it can also be a respectable home-defense option.
6. Ruger GP100 – Best Medium Frame
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Versatile
- Available in several configurations
- Famously durable
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .357 Mag/.38 Spl
- Action: Double action/single action
- Capacity: 6
- Barrel Length: 2.5-6″
- Overall Length: 8-11.5″
- Weight: 36-45 oz
The Ruger GP100 is a true workhorse. If you’re looking for a self-defense pistol you can carry everyday without babying it, this is the one for you.
Ruger offers several versions of this revolver, but I recommend a .357 Mag/.38 Spl with a 4.2-inch barrel if you’re going to lug it around.
Because of its stainless steel construction and full underlug, the gun is heavy — up to 45 ounces, depending on barrel length. This helps make recoil surprisingly beginner-friendly.
It’s available in blued and stainless steel finishes, with both models sporting a fully adjustable rear sight.
Ruger revolvers are known for their durability, and the GP100 is one of the toughest. I wouldn’t put it past one to survive a nuclear blast.
They’re great revolvers at a reasonable price that are built to handle anything you can throw at them. What’s not to like?
7. Ruger SP101 – Best CCW
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lots of cartridge options
- Searless hammer is great for carrying concealed
- Cushioned rubber grip
Cons
- Limited capacity
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR, 9mm, .327 Fed Mag, .357 Mag/.38 Spl
- Action: Double action, double action/single action
- Capacity:5
- Barrel Length: 2.25-4.2″
- Overall Length: 7.2-9.1″
- Weight: 25-30 oz
Have we mentioned Ruger really has the whole revolver thing on lock? The Ruger SP101 is another solid choice for an all-stainless double-action revolver that you can carry concealed.
Only having five shots isn’t ideal, but the SP101’s compact size makes it much easier to conceal and easier to handle for people with smaller hands.
Base models feature non-adjustable sights and rubber grips. Should you choose, the grips are easily changed if you want to try something different. Models with improved sights are also available.
The SP101 I recommend comes in a very handsome and compact package. The 2.25-inch barrel and a weight of 26 ounces are carry-friendly, and the seamless hammer won’t get snagged during the draw stroke like you might experience with other revolvers.
The tradeoff for the seamless hammer is that you can’t fire this version in single action; it’s a longer, heavier double-action trigger pull every time. That’s how you shoot a CCW revolver anyway, though, so I don’t mind.
We have a Ruger SP101 review, so make sure to take a look for more details!
How to Pick the Best Beginner Revolvers
Revolvers might look similar, but there are a few factors that make some great for beginners and some downright dangerous. Let’s walk through these together.
Double Action, Single Action, and Double Action/Single Action
When we talk about double and single actions, we’re describing how many jobs the trigger is doing. Double-action triggers rotate the cylinder, cock the hammer, and release it in one motion. Single-action triggers only drop the hammer. Some can work both ways, depending on whether or not you’ve already rotated the cylinder and cocked the hammer with your thumb.
To reload a single-action revolver, you open a gate (usually on the right side of the frame), line up a chamber with the ejector rod, and punch out spent cases one at a time. New rounds go in the same way.
A single-action revolver with the loading gate open and ejector rod depressed.
To load and unload the double-action, the cylinder usually swings out of the gun on the left side after you depress the cylinder release latch.
Tip the gun up, press the ejector rod, and watch the spent cases fall free. Then insert new rounds one at a time or all together.
Caliber
One of the cool things about revolvers is the wide range of cartridge offerings. Buy a .22 LR plinker, a .500 S&W Mag hand cannon, or anything in between — but not as your first handgun.
As a beginner, you’ll want a moderately sized revolver that’s heavy enough to absorb recoil but not so heavy that you struggle to hold it up.
You’ll notice that I recommended revolvers in .357 Mag/.38 Spl, 9mm, and .22 LR. These are all manageable for new shooters. If you opt for .357 Mag/.38 Spl, get comfortable with .38 Spl before trying .357 Mag.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike authored this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped. Travis is an NRA-certified instructor and Concealed Carry Instructor for the state of Florida. He has thousands of articles to his name with a variety of publications, including Pew Pew Tactical.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Revolvers can be a heck of a lot of fun and we love their old-school charm! They can also make you a better shooter and serve as a practical self-defense gun.
Not to mention, you just feel like a badass cowboy or an ‘80s vice detective with one of these in your hands.
As always, choosing the best gun for you is a personal decision. But now you have an idea of what to consider, and a few guns to start your search!
What’s your favorite revolver for beginner shooters? Any to avoid? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for some heavy hitters, check out our guide to the Best .357 Magnum Revolvers!
60 Leave a Reply
Well, you listed both of my favorites, the 686 and the GP100.
Some of the old S&W with wood grips and blued are so nostalgic.
Sure, we carry a SA with a long mag, but wheel guns are just so much fun.
The bottom line here is do you want to bet your life that you will need only 5,6 or 7 rounds in a self defense situation when you can easily have 10, 12 or 15 available? If so, by all means pack a revolver
Well I stand corrected on my comment then.
Rugers are cast not forged so it’s debatable as to how tough they are. And I’ve seen the Taurus 44 Mag grenade into a thousand pieces after about thousand rounds. And I noticed you all completely overlooked the stupid lock on the S&W’s. These things matter…
I must object. A Single Action for a beginner in 22LR???? NO! A double action like a S&W 617 is far better (and It pairs nicely with your S&W 696)
And a Cimarron SA. Load only 5 and use the half cock???? No! a Ruger Vaquero in .357 is a stronger and safer system. (Personally, I like the Bisley Vaqueros)
It seems that ya'll are more interested in fancy, Tommie Technical pistols and thus think that wheel guns are something that aren't worth packin'. While I like the added firepower of my Bersa Thunder Plus or the Bersa TRP9C, I find that I carry my 65 year old S&W Model 36 the most. I've NEVER had to use either of the Bersas or the Smith in CCB, but I am more than aware that those situations take place in an instant within 15 feet. Any of my carry guns perform flawlessly at that range. The Plus for the Smith is that it goes "Bang" every time I pull the trigger. Unless carried in Condition One, the Bersas require additional actions to go "Bang". Over Fifty + years, the Smith gets my vote for primary. BTW the Smith wears Pachmyar's and has for the last 45 years. And though I like a cross-draw holster, the Smith lives in a custom-made Pancake that I stitched together in 1976.
Smith and Wesson now makes the 686 plus with no internal trigger lock! They are making several revolvers now without the internal trigger lock!
Why not include The Judge in the article?
Newcomers should at least be made aware of revolvers that can fire bullets & shot shells. Shot shells being ideal for snakes & bullets for obstacles like doors, etc.
I do not recommend snub nose or hammerless for beginners.
Don’t worry about approving my comments . I’m unsubscribing .
Your reviews are idiotic anyway .
Y’all got a bunch of little girls working there or what ?
I mean, yeah we do have girls that work here but that has nothing to do with comments. What can I help you with, Davo?
What’s up with this ?
Looks like the choices were geared to budget hunting, carry and plinking. Not so much for the small splinter group of competitors. I skipped the 7 shot offers and went right to the larger framed 8 shots. Never looked back. I have 5 in various lengths, weights and calibers. Something to think about.
I've only be at this for about a year, and at my local range five times. The 686 Plus was a rental option and I thought it would be interesting to compare that to a couple of semi-automatic handguns. The 686 felt perfect in my hands, and gave the best accuracy for me. So I bought one. As a beginner, the 686 is not intimidating when using the 38 special ammo so it gave me confidence. Once comfortable, using the 357 magnum ammo was easy to adjust to. Thanks for your great reviews. I agree that the 686 Plus is something everyone should consider.
Perhaps like a trip to the doughnut shop. So many great choices that it is tough to stop at one. Not sure I understand why the term beginner. Seems my guns need birth control-or not. For some reason revolvers appeal to me. I have the 686
plus with a 6inch barrel. My eyes are not great. The longer barrel makes is easier to see use the sights. Surely not a conceited carry gun. I also own a Taurus 856 2in barrel also in stainless. Surely not the S&W quality but it is like a third the price. Far as quality issues and Taurus seems they have solved issues. Mine works fine. The finish you can see it has been used and carried
Best s/a Ruger Blackhawk, best budget Taurus 82,65 for full size. Best budget ccw Taurus 856,605. I own an love Rugers but they have become pricy.
The first gun I ever bought was a Ruger single six (SS) about 50 years ago. About 40 guns later, my go to gun and the one I trained my grandkids to shoot a handgun with is that Ruger. It's also the wife's favorite.
Ruger GP100 is an excellent revolver. Smooth trigger, and heavy enough to absorb a lot of the recoil.
SP101 has a way too stiff trigger.
I would love to get a S&W revolver, except that I do not want an internal trigger lock.
Over the decades, I have taught a lot of people to shoot. I like to start small and work my way up. For first time shooters, I like a single action 22lr. Then I move to a .357 shooting .38 Special wad cutters. When they master that, I start loading the .357 with .357 Mag ammo. My favorite is the S&W 586 (blue version of the 686). It has a 8 3/8" barrel and the longer sight picture is good for longer ranges. Another trick that I use is to leave some of the cylinders empty so I can watch them flinch and then show them how to avoid that.
Absolutely, I have a Super Single Six. It comes with two cylinders. One .22LR.
The other for .22 Mag.
I also taught my kids to shoot on that pistol. It's my opinion that it's best to learn to shoot on a single action revolver.
I just can’t bring myself to buy any S&W with a “hillary hole”…
Not a bad list. I would also include the stainless steel Smith & Wesson m640 centennial in .357 magnum
It is an excellent choice.
great list. personal prefs = GP100 (357) & SP101 (327)
Roger that on the LCR and the LCRx as well. I usually keep mine loaded with H&R Mag in the house and .327 for out and about. The same with my SS 3in SP101. That chambering is just so versatile.
Also .32 ACP in a pinch.
My EDC was the original Sig P365. As soon as the 12 rnd mag came out I bought 2. That gives me 25 total rounds. I am comfortable with that number of rounds. I load with 147 grain sub sonic Federal Hydra Shock.
I recently bought a P365 XL, so I gave my wife the older 365. She has a difficult time racking the slide.
After some research I decided to get her a Taurus model 327 in 2 inch stainless. It's chambered in 327 federal. I chose this over a 357/38 special because the 327 will chamber 32 short, 32 long, 32 H&R mag, as well as 327 Federal magnum
My dad passed away a couple years ago and I got his S&W model 19, nickel plated. Probably my favorite gun to shoot. Couple years ago picked up in S&W model 638 . Got it for my wife to carry as she has wrist issues and a semiautomatic would be difficult for her. Went with that over at 6:42 because I like the option of having SA if appropriate. And ask the shrouded hammer so it doesn’t really snag on anything when drawing . It’s still pretty snappy for her but she has improved with it. It’s such a light gun. I mention this in any forum or review, but I wish there were more options for a .22 WMR in a subcompact revolver. It’s not the optimum self-defense round, but it’s nothing to sneeze at and I think that round be great cc for my wife with the lack of recoil . Not a lot of options though for sub compact in that caliber.
I bought a Heritage SA for $169 . It came with a .22 LR and a .22 magnum cylinders . Fun and cheap to shoot. I take it to the range with my two 9mm's and usually shoot 100 rds of .22 LR or .22 WMR along with 200 rds 9MM. A cheaper, fun way to consume the full hour of range rental time .
You missed 3 of the best beginner handguns. Model 34 S&W, 4", Model 18 S&W, 4" and the Model 17 S&W, 6". All 22lr where beginners should start so that they don't develop a flinch right off the bat.
Surprised you did not mention the RUGER LCR .327 - the most versatile and powerful self defense for most people
All I know is the Author's opinion of what's a "Budget Revolver" and what's not is completely opposite. The Smith & Wessons, Rugers (except for the Wrangler) and Cimmarons, are way North of $500. That's not what I consider "Budget" to be. Approaching the $1000 point, is pushing into the higher end revolvers.
Budget Revolvers are under $500. Which would be the EAAs, Taurus', Ross's, and Charter Arms guns.,
The article is titled "Best Beginner Revolvers", not "Best Budget Revolvers". The only places the word "budget" appear are with the LCR (which is one of Ruger's cheaper centerfire revolvers) and the Taurus Tracker.
I have heard that the S&W 686+ can also fall out of time, compared to the standard 686. Is that true?
I have a 4in 627 Tracker and have had a very hard time finding an IWB kydex holster. Anyone know who might make one??
Also, have those at PewPew thought about doing a revolver only concealed carry holster article?
I'd talk to Alien Gear's Customer Service. I know they have a holster for the 6.5" barrel 627 Tracker, because a buddy owns that model.
They have a chat line on their site during business hours.
I’ll try them, thank you! For some reason I didn’t think to look there, I appreciate it.
Just love the old colt detective specials…The just don’t make them like that now… Don’t want a two piece barrel..
Having a N-frame .357-8 machined to accept moon clips I'd require any new purchased revolver (L-frame 586) to also accept moon clips. Speed loaders are a little bulky.
In the photo with the 3 revolvers, is the one on the right side with a skeleton hammer a Smith? If so, what model is it and is the hammer an upgrade?
Looks like the Korth Mongoose :)
Glock Guns Buy Online has a wide selection of Glock available online. Choose from our large inventory of new and used guns. Our team of experts will help you choose the right gun for your needs.
My first firearm was the Ruger LCRx 3" in .38spl+p. It was categorized as a kit gun. Extremely accurate and fun to shoot. But I have small hands and the grip was too large. Also, with the 3" barrel it was not a good concealed carry gun. So *gulp* I sold it.... So I could purchase an SP101 snub nose in .357 magnum. Ironically, I named my SP101, "Pew Pew". :) I have added a few firearms to the arsenal but my SP101 is my absolute favorite. Shooting this gun (.38 spl) is pure joy. I have fired some .357 mag rounds but not my favorite. Too much punch. I'm a small woman with increasing arthritis in my wrists, thumbs, etc. SO I mostly carry Pew Pew with .38 spl defensive rounds. Love my SP101.
Over the years I've helped a lot of people choose and learn to shoot a new handgun. The SP101 is a top choice. easy to manage with 38 spl loads for learning and practice, and plenty of stopping power in .357 magnum. Great home defense gun, and fun to shoot too.
The 686 is a solid choice. I have a 586 because I like the blued finish. Also, a Model 60 and 642 for carry. Some shy away at the S&W price, but understand that you can pay $300 less for a "clone" but you may find yourself seeing a gun smith to "finish" fitting the gun. In the end, you save nothing and have a lower valued handgun. With Revolvers, you do get what you pay for. Think of the Smith as an investment - something you can pass down. I sadly saw a Colt collection for sale at a local gun shop. The "kids" didn't want the old man's collection after he dies. So sad.
when I was in my early twenties (about 40 years ago) I went to the local gun store in Lincolnwood Il. because you couldn't buy a gun in Chicago. My momma & uncle had taught me how to shoot when I was about 12 starting with a Remington .22 pump and a Beretta 9mm. The owner of the gun store ran through all of the pertinent questions regarding what was I going to use the gun for, etc. I walked out of the store with a Ruger single 6. I won and love my Colts, Glocks, Springfield, Beretta & S&W's, but living now in rural northern Illinois, my go-to all purpose tool is still the Ruger. It has sat out in the barn through all seasons and doesn't have a hint of rust, unlike some of the blued rifles I keep indoors. It has also proven to be the perfect hand gun with which to teach my grand kids basic safety and how to shoot.
My first pistol (also about 40 years ago) was a Ruger Single Six. It's still the one I usually grab when I want to go plinking, and I taught my son how to shoot with it.
Oh, and here I was thinking a revolver one would not have to sell his children to afford might be mentioned.
how do i go about buying one of the revolvers reviewed???
how do I go about buying one of the revolvers reviewed???
alex
There's a link provided to most of the guns in this article
Step one....go to the gun store. Step two....buy the gun. Step three....walk out of the gun store.
Simple and to the point, can't go wrong. I found an SP101 in a 3" for my carry, truly an excellent gun.
Yeah, I’ve got a stainless SP 101 with a 3 in barrel chambered in .327 Federal Magnum. For taking a newbie shooting I can “download” with .32 H&R Mag or .32 S&W longs. I just love this gun. Oh, and for concealed carry, I’ve got the LCR also in .327 Fed Mag.
I have most mentioned including the Taurus 605 my LCR is a 327 Federal Magnum, a six shooter. The Blackhawk is my oldest personally. I have 22 LR and 22 Magnums including a seven shot J Frame.. I have 9MM, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP revolvers. A S&W 629 is my only 44. I would like another 327 or two, but I'm set.
Yeah, I’m quite fond of .327 Fed Mag. Have Ruger’s LCR, LCRx, and SP101 (SS w/3 in bbl) in that caliber. Not only powerful but versatile.
Forgot to mention, they’re all 6 shot.
Update: I recently procured a Ruger Single Seven. .327 Fed Mag and seven round cylinder. What’s NOT to love about that?
I really like my Ruger SP-101 in .357 with Wiley Clapp front and rear sights. Small frame but strong revolver with plenty of stopping power in a compact size. Swapped out the OEM grips with a wrap around Hogue grip. Easier on the hand with a fully wrapped rubber grip,
You've got to get the Chiappa Rhino on this list. It's a perfect choice for beginners and makes practically all other carry/home defense revolvers obsolete.
"Never give a sucker an even break." - W.C. Fields.