The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is our go-to recommendation if you’re looking for a first revolver. Reliable, takes both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds, soaks up the recoil, and looks great to boot!

It disappeared for a bit…but it’s back. The Python has made a triumphant return and builds onto Colt’s Snake Gun series. This revolver is a decent wheelgun that admittedly had some kinks on first launch, but those seem to be worked out. It offers a modern stainless steel barrel while keeping to that classic Python look. It’s accurate and a stunningly fun gun to shoot.

The King Cobra is Colt’s revival of the medium-framed magnum revolver from their older “snake gun” lineup. While it may be a fairly standard 6-shot, 3-inch barreled revolver, it comes in at a price point similar to that of its competitors. This means you get the name value that comes with owning a Colt product without having to pay a premium for it.

The Ruger SP101 is a small-frame revolver with magnum capability. Although geared toward concealed carry, the SP101 is overbuilt to handle a steady diet of heavy magnum loads. It does this by utilizing a triple-locking cylinder, solid sidewalls, and a thick frame. Low-profile sights, a smooth double action, and a crisp single action elevate this revolver even further. A transfer bar mechanism ensures safety against accidental discharge. Overall, the SP101 is a well-built revolver that users can rely on in any situation.

The Chiappa Rhino uses a unique design that aligns the barrel with the bottom cylinder chamber rather than the top one. This results in a low bore axis that makes the gun incredibly comfortable to shoot as far as revolvers go.