Revolvers might be old news, but they will never go out of style.
But not all revolvers are created equal, and not all of them are well-suited to beginners or shooters who are new to revolvers in general.
So how do you pick the right one without falling into the pitfalls of gimmicky or useless guns? Great question!
We handled all the heavy lifting for you and put together a list of revolvers that are great for beginners, no matter your use case.
All of these have seen extensive testing by the Pew Pew Tactical team and have our stamp of approval, so let’s dive in and find the right revolver for you!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall Beginner Revolver
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Best Rimfire Revolver
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Best Budget Revolver
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Best Concealed Carry Revolver
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Best Small Frame Revolver
Table of Contents
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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 | $895 |
| Ruger Wrangler | .22 LR | SAO | 6 | 3.75-7.5″ | 8.62-13″ | 28-34 oz | $177 |
| Taurus Tracker 627 | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | DA/SA | 7 | 4″, 6.5″ | 8.75″, 10.75″ | 35 oz, 40 oz | $490 |
| Ruger LCR 9mm | 9mm | DAO | 5 | 1.87″ | 6.5″ | 17 oz | $627 |
| Ruger SP101 | .22 LR, 9mm, .327 Fed Mag, .357 Mag/.38 Spl | DA/SA, DAO | 5 (9mm, .357, .38), 6 (.327 Fed), 8 (.22LR) | 2.25-4.2″ | 7.2-9.1″ | 25-30 oz | $659 |
How We Tested the Best Beginner Revolvers
Every gun on this list has had a minimum of 500 rounds through it. That said, some revolvers have seen upwards of 1,000+ rounds over extended periods of time. Many of these picks are wheelguns that members of the PPT staff have owned for years.
Picks are prioritized based on ease of use, features, ergonomics, reliability, accuracy, and value — keeping in mind that this article is aimed at beginner shooters without extensive revolver experience.
Accuracy & Reliability Testing
Revolvers with dedicated reviews have undergone strict testing to assess accuracy. This includes a minimum of 500 rounds of ammunition of both practice FMJ and defensive JHP. Accuracy tests are conducted with five-round groups at 7 yards using a shooting rest to remove shooter error. Groupings are measured after every string of fire.
Any malfunctions or issues while shooting at the range are noted during testing.
Revolvers with written reviews are linked so that you can learn more about each.
Meet the Experts
This article was spearheaded by Pew Pew Tactical Editor & Senior Review Analyst Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified and USCCA-certified instructor, a former competitive shooter, and an avid hunter.
His experience as an instructor gives him unique insight into what sets newcomers up for success when it comes to shooting revolvers.
To say he is a revolver enthusiast is an understatement. Wyatt has previous experience as a home-based FFL and personally owns over 200 firearms — over 20 of which are revolvers. He grew up shooting revolvers and has hands-on experience with every single revolver on this list, as well as countless others that weren’t included.
Best Beginner Revolvers
1. Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus – Best Overall Beginner Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Excellent trigger
- 7-shot capacity
- Soft on recoil with .38 Special
- Fully adjustable rear sight
Cons
- On the more expensive side
- Might be too large for those with smaller hands
Specs
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- Action: Double-Action/Single-Action
- Capacity: 7
- Barrel Length: 2.5-7″
- Overall Length: 7.5-12.3″
- Weight: 35-48 oz
I am coming out swinging with my favorite overall pick — the 7-shot Smith & Wesson 686 Plus.
If you are looking for a target revolver, range toy, or even a potential home defense revolver that you don’t need to fiddle with or upgrade, this is the guy.
What makes this the top dog? Simply put, it has everything you’d want in a revolver.
The balance is superb if you spring for a 4” or 6” model. It also has good sights, and one of the better revolver triggers out of the box, both of which help highlight the 686’s knack for outstanding accuracy.
If you start with the lighter .38 Special loads, you can easily develop some good fundamentals before moving up to the more powerful .357 Magnum.
I have a 6″ 686, and I can comfortably say that it is the easiest .38/.357 revolver to shoot in my collection.
Smith & Wesson offers the 686 Plus in barrel lengths from 2.5” to 7”, ensuring there is one that is the right size for you.
The 686 Plus handles so well and is a gem to shoot, especially with .38 Special. It truly is the gold standard by which all large-frame revolvers are judged.
Be sure to check out our full, hands-on Smith & Wesson 686 Plus review!
What do you think of the 686 Plus? Rate it below!
2. Ruger Wrangler – Best Rimfire Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely low recoil
- Both the gun and ammo are very affordable
- Also great for younger shooters
Cons
- The sights aren't the best
- Loading can be tedious
Specs
- Caliber: .22LR
- Action: Single-Action Only
- Capacity: 6
- Barrel Length: 3.75-7.5″
- Overall Length: 8.62-13″
- Weight: 28-34 oz
Forget about revolvers, the Ruger Wrangler is an excellent beginner gun — period.
The Wrangler is a .22LR revolver that is roughly based on the old Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker) revolver of the Old West.
As such, the Wrangler is a single-action-only revolver, meaning the hammer needs to be cocked before every shot. While this might sound like a chore, it is great for a few reasons.
Firstly, it means you are always getting a light and short single-action trigger pull, which makes accurate shooting that much easier. Secondly, it slows down your shooting, giving you more time to focus on fundamentals and less on ripping through ammo as fast as possible.
Since the Wrangler is chambered in .22LR, you can shoot on the cheap all day and shoot without getting fatigued due to the complete lack of recoil.
I purchased a Wrangler for my fiancée a couple of years back as a Christmas gift. It was her first revolver, and it proved to be a perfect entry into the category due to how accessible and easy it is to shoot and operate.
These revolvers are very affordable, and the ammo is dirt cheap. Those two things are a recipe for squeezing in a lot of training. And who doesn’t want to play the part of a cowboy every now and then?
Interested? Read up on our complete Ruger Wrangler review!
3. Taurus 627 Tracker – Best Budget Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ported barrel helps reduce recoil
- Fully adjustable rear sight
- 7-shot capacity
- Priced well
Cons
- Action and trigger aren't as smooth as a S&W or Ruger
Specs
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- 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 rivals, like the 686 Plus. While the price may scream entry-level, the Tracker is packed with some quality features.
Like the 686 Plus, the 627 Tracker also has a 7-shot cylinder that accepts .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
You also get a fully adjustable rear sight, nice rubber grips that soak up recoil, and the real icing on the cake — a ported barrel for even more recoil reduction.
I have had my 627 Tracker for well over a decade now. It has served me well as a range gun and has been a stalwart companion on my hip during some long hunting treks deep in the woods.
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 Concealed Carry Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 9mm is more affordable than .38 Special
- Very smooth double action trigger
- Lightweight and easy to conceal
Cons
- Sights aren't the best
- Smaller size makes it harder to shoot
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Double-Action Only
- 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 less gun 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.
So what makes the LCR the best of the snubbies for newer shooters? Two things.
Double-action triggers are notoriously long and can be really heavy. The Ruger LCR uses a patented friction-reducing cam that helps produce a very smooth rolling break. It is by far the best factory double-action revolver trigger in a gun this small.
The other thing is that the Ruger LCR is one of the few revolvers that comes chambered in 9mm. Not only does 9mm provide plenty of power for self-defense while keeping recoil manageable, but it’s also much cheaper to train with than .38 Special or .357 Magnum.
If you are new to revolvers and are dead set on carrying a snub-nose, the 9mm LCR is just about the best option out there.
Take a peep at our review of the 9mm Ruger LCR to get all our shooting impressions.
5. Ruger SP101 – Best Small Frame Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely durable
- Sized nicely for those with smaller hands
- Still has soft recoil even for the smaller size
Cons
- Only holds 5 shots of .38 Special or .357 Magnum
- Price can start rising when you look at models with adjustable sights
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR, 9mm, .327 Federal Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special
- Action: Double-Action/Single-Action or Double-Action Only
- Capacity: 5 (9mm, .357, .38), 6 (.327 Fed), 8 (.22LR)
- Barrel Length: 2.25-4.2″
- Overall Length: 7.2-9.1″
- Weight: 25-30 oz
Our last spot once again goes to Ruger (have I mentioned that they really know revolvers?).
The SP101 is a small-frame revolver that covers a lot of bases. It is small enough and light enough to conceal, but also has just enough weight and grip real estate to make it easy to shoot.
These guns are perfect if you want something more substantial than a true pocket snub-nose, but don’t want something as big as the 686 or the 627 Tracker.
Ruger offers the SP101 in a variety of calibers, with the most common versions being the .38 Special and .357 Magnum variants, both of which hold five shots.
The majority of SP101s come with 2.25” barrels, but 3” and 4.2” barrels are available. For me, the 3” barrel is my “Goldilocks” size that strikes that perfect balance between shootabiltiy and concealability. I have a 3″ SP101 in .327 Federal, and it is one of my all-time favorite revolvers.
On top of barrel and caliber configurations, you can also get the SP101 with an exposed hammer or without (if you are going for full concealment). Base models feature a fixed rear sight, but adjustable sights are available on some of the other models.
Ruger is known for making ultra-rugged and reliable revolvers at reasonable prices, and the SP101 is one of the building blocks upon which that reputation was built. If you are seeking that perfect small-ish to medium-sized revolver, look no further.
Want to know more? Check out our full review of the Ruger SP101!
Understanding Action Types
You may see the term DA/SA, double-action, or other “action” terms thrown around. Don’t know what those terms even mean? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
- Single-Action Only (SAO): These revolvers require the hammer to be manually pulled back (cocked) after every shot. Since the hammer is already pulled back by the user, all the trigger does is release the hammer, making for a very short and light trigger pull. This type of action is most commonly seen with cowboy and western-style revolvers.
- Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA): Revolvers that are DA/SA can operate in two different ways. In double-action mode, the trigger the cocks the hammer for you and then releases it all in one pull. This results in a longer, heavier trigger pull because it has to perform two actions (double-action) at once. DA/SA revolvers also have exposed hammers that can be cocked manually. Doing so sets the trigger further back and gives you the same short and light pull of an SAO revolver.
- Double-Action Only (DAO): A double-action only revolver utilizes the same double-action firing method mentioned above, but typically features a design with no exposed hammer. This means the gun cannot be manually cocked into single-action for a lighter trigger pull and can only fire in double-action mode. These types of revolvers are typically built with concealed carry in mind. The lack of a hammer means nothing can get snagged on clothing when being drawn from concealment.
Choosing the Right Caliber
While it may be appealing to go full Dirty Harry and pick up a .44 Magnum revolver or even a behemoth bear-slaying .500 S&W Magnum, neither is really ideal for the beginner.
Revolvers already have a bit of a learning curve. Learning to manage a long double-action trigger is tough enough, and the tall bore axis of revolvers and the lack of a slide mean they already produce more recoil than most standard semi-automatic pistols.
Springing for a caliber with even more recoil right out of the gate can easily lead to recoil anticipation, poor accuracy, sore hands, and really expensive ammo — none of which you want.
For most shooters looking for a do-all revolver, the best choice is either .38 Special or .357 Magnum. These calibers strike a balance between power, shootability, affordability, and availability.
Going with a .357 Magnum revolver is the most popular option because it can also safely chamber and fire the cheaper, lighter-recoiling .38 Special. This allows you to use .38 Special for general plinking and training while also keeping the magnum power of .357 on tap.
For small plinker or trainer revolvers, .22LR is the obvious choice due to its prevalence, low recoil, and extremely cheap ammo prices.
I also like 9mm if the revolver is available in that chambering. While it offers less flexibility than something like .357 Magnum, it still produces good terminal ballistics and is cheaper to shoot and train with than .38 Special.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a fun range toy, a home defense tool, or even a concealed carry gun, a revolver might be the right choice.
Remember, choosing the best gun for you is a personal decision. But now you have an idea of where to start and what to look for!
Already into revolvers? Let us know your favorites in the comments below! Not sold on a revolver quite yet? Then check out some other options in our article on the Best Handguns for Beginners!
Latest Updates
November 2025: Complete re-write of the article based on new testing. Removed the previously included Cimarron Model P and Ruger GP100.
70 Leave a Reply
An endless discussion. Both have merits, Revolver can be shot one handed, Cocking a slide can be done one handed but try to do it. Also detective movies, a revolver does not leave brass behind, Never mentioned but two revolvers is of course an option, Silencers do not work on revolvers
Unless the revolver is built with a threaded barrel. They are out there… you just don’t know about them. Maybe there’s more that's true about your life than your experience.
No casings left behind… and no one hears the report of a firearm. Ever hear that news report?
I gave my sister a 1970s S&W model 10. .38 Special. She said it’s perfect…
"K-Frame is best frame" as I like to say. I have a pair of a Model 10s, one 4" and one snubnose. I still carry the snubnose frequently because of how great the Model 10s are. Your sister has good taste!
No mention of the Charter Arms Coyote 380 revolver? Why?
Dave Westcott
Dave, Charter definitely makes some neat revolvers. We always try to keep lists short enough to be readable, and the Coyote's spot was occupied by the 9mm Ruger LCR. The double-action trigger on the LCR is just too nice to not include it, and reduced recoil 9mm loads can cover much of the same ground that .380 ACP does.
Great topic! I am a 68 y.o. 5’1” woman. I recently went into my lgs to look at a compact 1911 for concealed carry. I revealed to the owner that I have an SP101 snub nose chambered in .357 mag. But I was looking for something a little more concealable in size and weight.
That particular day my wrist strength was pretty lame (arthritis). So the gs owner asked me to rack the slide of the pistol I was looking at. I had some difficulty. So he dissuaded me from thinking I needed that pretty 1911 — which would have been a sale for him. He told me my SP101 is the absolute best gun and he even keeps one on his nightstand. Then he and his partner took me out to the parking lot and they both showed me the revolvers they keep in their trucks. So I came home without a new toy.
The next day I took a couple of guns that didn’t get used in our home: my husband’s lcp and a Bond derringer I had, to the shop to sell.
After he gave me a fair offer for each, I asked about a light-weight revolver.
So I came home with an S&W 642. Which I looked at for a week before deciding to fire it.
While very, very pretty, that little gun is not a friendly shooter imo. My Ruger is a DA/SA. I practice with both but when my hands get a little tired, I practice in SA mode. The Smith is DAO with a concealed hammer and upgraded trigger to reduce the weight of the trigger pull.
At the range, I found the trigger to be between my Ruger SP101 in DA/SA mode.
For practicality:
I prefer a SA/DA gun. I like having that external hammer. I like that a lot. I am NOT a fan of the concealed hammer. That is a handicap imo and it just looks weird. I have never had an issue with the external hammer on my SP101. A proper holster will protect that.
First time at the range with the Smith: first I put 55 rounds through my SP101. It’s a great gun.
Next, the Smith. I only managed to fire 15 rounds before my poor, abused hand refused any more. The big issue with the 642 is not only is it a very lightweight revolver, the design of the grip is for pure punishment for the shooter - which is great for after-market grip makers!
While I was satisfied with the accuracy of the pretty little gun —especially since my focus was more on addressing limp wristing than on dinner, firing a gun that offers zero recoil absorption is truly torture.
Final comparison: Shooters, wheel guns are so infinitely simpler to clean.
Wheel guns rarely misfire.
If you need more than 5-6 rounds, you’re probably already dead in a personal protection situation. You likely will not be in a Miami Vice situation where you are defending against multiple aggressors.
I lived in Chicago when they banned gun dealers over 50 years ago. I walked about 3 city blocks north into Lincolnwood to a gun shop where one of the intelligent salespeople or maybe an owner consulted with me and sold me a stainless steel Ruger single six. I own more than a dozen revolvers and automatic handguns from .22 to .45. I moved out of Chicago to a rural area over 40 years ago. The Ruger single 6 is my wife's and my "go to" gun that resides in the kitchen with cast iron pans and pots, channel locks, hammer, scissors, computer, etc. It has fired more shots than all of the other handguns (and probably rifles) combined.
Love my super wrangler! I went a step further and got the blackhawk convertible. 9mm and 38/357 cylinders with a 6.5 barrel. Fine shooting pistol in 9 and 357. haven't shot any 38s through it LOL
My 1st revolvers were single action, along with a navy arms 44 cap and ball :-) My 1st center fire was a ruger super blackhawk 44 mag. More a personal preference on the SA or DA to me. Have a ruger super wrangler with a 22lr and a 22 mag cylinder, then have a ruger blackhawk with a 9mm and 357 cylinder. Both loads of fun and purty dang accurate. And LOVE the convertables due to being able to shoot the cheaper ammo, or go full hog LOL
Have only ever had SA revolvers, but looking to maybe add a GP100.
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 :)
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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.