What makes for a good beginner revolver?
This is the big question. Honestly, it’s a tough call to make because revolvers are just so freakin’ awesome.
But, like any other type of gun, some designs are simply better than others…and there’s also plenty of designs that are not exactly beginner-friendly.
But I’m here to help! If you’re new to revolvers and looking for the best ones to start with, stick with me. I think I’ve nailed down some gun models that are easy to handle and use.
So, learn from my mistakes and triumphs!
First, I want to talk about the difference in revolver types. Then we’ll cover what criteria often make for a good, easy beginner revolver.
After that, I’ll send you off with some recommendations of my favorites.
Let’s dive in!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Plinker Revolver
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Best Snub-Nose Revolver
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Single-Action Revolver
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BEST MEDIUM FRAME REVOLVER
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Best Budget Revolver
Table of Contents
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Revolver Types: Single Action, Double Action, and DAO
In short, we have three types of revolvers to consider; so, let’s break down those styles.
Single Action Revolver
A single-action revolver has to be manually cocked before each shot.
When you pull the hammer back, the cylinder rotates and brings a live round in line with the barrel and the hammer.
After rounds have been fired, a gate, usually on the right side of the frame at the rear of the cylinder, can be opened. This allows the cylinder to rotate to line up with the ejector rod.
From here, you can use the ejector rod to remove empty casings, then reload the cylinder and begin again!
Single Action with Loading Gate Open and Ejector Rod Depressed
Double-Action Revolver
A double-action revolver fires by cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger. In this fashion, you have a very short and often crisp trigger pull.
You can also fire the handgun by pulling the trigger which will begin to rotate the cylinder, cock the hammer, release the hammer, and fire the gun. But, the trigger pull feels much longer and heavier when fired in double-action mode.
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, with the rear of the cylinder facing down, press the ejector rod, and watch the cases fall free.
Double-Action Only
In a revolver, this most often means there’s no visible or accessible hammer spur with which to cock the revolver.
These guns are built for concealed carry and self-defense purposes and usually sport a fairly compact design.
What to Look for When Choosing a Revolver
Now that we’ve looked at three types of revolvers, let’s go over what features to look for when shopping.
Size and Weight
One of the cool things about revolvers is that you can chamber massive and powerful cartridges in them.
The most powerful production handgun is a revolver. However, these guns are often way too big for a newbie to safely shoot.
When a gun is too big and heavy, it’s tough to shoot, grip, and safely handle.
You want a moderately sized revolver heavy enough to absorb recoil, but not so heavy you tremble trying to hold it up!
Something too heavy is simply not fun to shoot — especially when the shooter is on the younger side.
Recoil and Caliber
Am I going to suggest a .357 Magnum on this list? Of course!
But am I going to suggest an Airweight .357 Magnum J-frame?
Nah dawg, not me. That’s too much gun for a newbie to handle. It’s loud, bright, and slaps your hand.
My choices put an appropriate caliber in an appropriate platform with safe handling in mind. The caliber needs to be proportional to the size of the gun.
Too much recoil and muzzle flip can be dangerous so you won’t see any of the big magnums on this list either.
Ease Of Use
By their nature, revolvers are easy to shoot and handle.
There isn’t much to them in terms of form and function. That said, some prove easier to use than others.
I love the Chiappa Rhino, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for a new revolver owner.
It defies normal revolver handling, requiring a little bit more experience to handle with ease.
My choices are all very simple guns that could be explained in mere minutes to a novice shooter.
After all, we do want them to have fun and, most importantly, be safe.
Durability
The Colt Python is a sweet revolver. It’s one of my favorites, and honestly, it’s one of everyone’s favorites. Why?
Because look at it…
But it didn’t make this list because it notoriously comes out of time. Do the new models do this?
I’m not sure, but they’ve had problems too.
Guns with issues, even good guns, are frustrating. Beginners shouldn’t be frustrated about the reliability of their firearm.
Plus, newbies might struggle to diagnose and fix a problem.
Best Revolvers for Beginners
1. Ruger Wrangler
The Ruger Wrangler might be the best handgun for beginners out there.
It’s small, affordable, very light, and chambered in the teeny tiny, fun-to-shoot .22 LR. As such, it barely moves between shots and honestly hardly recoils at all.
Ruger imitated Colt’s old single-action army revolver in its design. A single-action hammer delivers a very crisp and light trigger pull for accurate shots.
Plus, the thin SAA grips allow shooters of all sizes to embrace and handle the Wrangler safely.
One of the best parts of the SAA design is the simplicity. New shooters do not need a complicated revolver by any means. Loading, cocking, and firing the weapon is far from difficult.
Admittedly, loading and ejecting one round at a time takes a little time on the reload, but you aren’t gunfighting with the Ruger Wrangler.
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. I think any new shooter would be well-armed with a Ruger Wrangler and 10/22 to start their journey into the world of firearms.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Interested? Read up on our complete review of the Wrangler!
2. Ruger LCR 9mm
Snub noses are not good beginner guns, but the Ruger LCR 9mm is the best snub nose for beginners.
First and foremost, it’s affordable. The Ruger LCR series in general are quite budget-friendly and deliver a lot of gun for very little money.
On top of that, the delightful trigger has to be the best stock double-action revolver trigger on the market. It rolls back smoothly with just a little fight and doesn’t give you much resistance.
Shooting a snub nose accurately isn’t easy, but the Ruger LCR eliminates some of the skill required.
Rarely will someone shout, “9mm!” when it comes to choosing a revolver caliber, but it makes sense.
The 9mm round provides plenty of oomph and capability for self-defense purposes but is cheap to plink and train with as well. Well…cheaper.
Blasting away with a 9mm revolver isn’t as uncomfortable as a .357 Magnum but hits harder than a .38 Special.
The LCR utilizes cheap moon clips for quick reloads and provides you with a good snub nose for the range and concealed carry.
Additionally, the LCR can also be had in .357 Magnum, .22 LR, and even .327 Federal!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Take a peep at our full review of this awesome little revolver!
Have you tried the Ruger LCR? If so, rate it below!
3. Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus
Those looking for a high-quality revolver to have some fun at the range should look no further than the S&W 686 Plus.
Utilizing Smith’s medium L-Frame, the 686 Plus with its full underlug provides excellent balance while still having enough weight to mitigate recoil.
The Plus model denotes that the gun holds seven rounds instead of the standard six found on most revolvers.
Just like almost every other S&W revolver, the 686 Plus has an excellent trigger. Pair that with the nice adjustable rear sight, and you have a gun that is hard to miss with at the range.
Don’t be fooled by all the talk of range shooting though, the 686 series of guns are more than capable of flexing into concealed carry, woods gun, and home defense roles as well.
They are available in several different barrel lengths, including 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 inches.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Cimarron Model P .357 Magnum
If you want to step up from the Wrangler and into a cowboy gun with a little more oomph than the .22 LR, then Cimarron has you covered.
Italians seem to love the American West almost as much as Americans do. From spaghetti westerns to replica revolvers the Italians provide us with plenty of awesome Old West stuff.
The Cimarron Model P brings an affordable, centerfire Single Action Army design. Cimarron revolvers are very well made, especially at their price point.
What seems like sacrilege to some is the reason I think the Model P is a great beginner’s revolver.
The sacrilege is the .357 Magnum chambering over the .45 Colt. Yes. You read that right.
.45 Colt is the round of tradition with the cowboy guns, but .357 Magnum is better for beginners. .357 Magnum can also fire .38 Special, and that’s important.
.38 Special is rather soft shooting, and, heck, even the .357 Magnum is rather soft from this big revolver.
Both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds are cheaper and easier to find than .45 Colt and provide you with more than enough oomph for practical purposes.
It’s a fun plinker, a solid woods gun, and even a half-decent hunting pistol.
Plus, it retains the easy ergonomics of the SAA designs and makes magnums an easier entry point.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Ruger GP100
The GP100 from Ruger is a true workhorse.
For a true do-all, last-forever revolver, I recommend the 4.2-inch barrel model.
Because of its all-stainless construction and full underlug, the gun is heavy — weighing in at 40 ounces. However, this also helps the GP100 tackle .38 Special and .357 Magnum with no problem
It is available in both blued and stainless steel finish, with both models sporting a fully adjustable rear sight.
The GP100 is also available in a few other calibers and barrel lengths, as well as a few different types of sight configurations.
Ruger revolvers are known for their durability, and the GP100 is no exception. I wouldn’t put it past one to survive a nuclear blast.
They are great revolvers at a reasonable price that are built to handle anything you can throw at them.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. Taurus 627 Tracker
So you want to dip your toes into the pool and try out a .38/.357 revolver but are unsure about shelling out $700-1000?
Luckily, Taurus has you covered with the competitively priced Tracker revolver.
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. You also get a fully adjustable rear sight, and the real icing on the cake…a factory ported barrel to help reduce recoil.
While Taurus admittedly had some quality control issues in the late 2000s with the metallurgy on their revolvers, that seems to have been rectified over the last several years.
They may not be quite as smooth as a Smith or as tanky as a Ruger, but they shoot well, have excellent features, and are easy on the wallet. Oh, and they are available in .44 Magnum for those looking for even more power.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Ruger SP101
Have we mentioned Ruger really has the whole revolver thing on lock?
Ruger’s SP101 is another solid choice for an all-stainless double-action revolver.
Being the smaller brethren to the GP100, the SP101 is only a 5-shot revolver, but its size makes it much easier to conceal and easier to handle for those 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 — with a 2.25-inch barrel and a weight of 26 ounces.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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We have a full review of the SP101, so make sure to take a look at that below for more details!
Final Thoughts
Revolvers can be a heck of a lot of fun with that old-school charm! But there are plenty of models that perform on par with semi-autos on the market.
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 pretty personal decision, but I hope 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? Share with us all in the comments! And if you’re looking for some .357 Magnum goodness…check out our 9 Best .357 Magnum Revolvers.
46 Leave a Reply
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.