Revolvers are a unique breed of handgun.
New gun models are released every year, but the old standbys never go out of style.
Revolvers are still popular with shooters who value simplicity, reliability, and affordability.
They typically have fewer moving parts than other handguns and are simple to use.
They are an excellent choice for women who want a reliable handgun that is perfect for self-defense or learning how to shoot.
The lack of complex mechanisms means that revolvers tend to be smaller, lighter, and easier to handle than other types of handguns.
If you pull out a revolver, you can be confident that you can engage your target.
If you are looking for something different but still simple and easy to use, consider these 8 Best Revolvers for Women.
Table of Contents
#1. Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special Airweight Revolver
- Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.31”
- Weight: 15 oz
If you’re looking for the best revolver for women, look no further than the Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special Airweight Revolver.
It weighs only 15 ounces and has an overall length of 6.31”, making it easy to handle and conceal.
The lightweight aluminum frame makes it easy to carry all day, while the single/double action makes it simple to use.
The stainless steel cylinder and 1.875” barrel are solid and durable, while the snag-free enclosed hammer ensures that you can always pull back the trigger with confidence. Rated for continuous +P use with a 5-round capacity, this revolver is perfect for those who want a powerful personal defense weapon.
It also has a beautiful matte silver finish and a black synthetic grip built to last.
Get the Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special Airweight Revolver today and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re well-armed and ready for anything.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Ruger Wrangler .22 LR 6-Shot 4.62” Revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Overall Length: 10.25”
- Weight: 30 oz
The Ruger Wrangler .22 LR 6-Shot 4.62” Revolver is an excellent choice for those just starting out with firearms or looking for a low-cost option to practice with.
With a 6-round capacity and .22 LR caliber, this revolver is perfect for learning the basics or just having fun plinking targets.
The Ruger Wrangler is also a great choice for those on a budget, as its affordable price point makes it an excellent option for those who are just getting into shooting.
With a cold hammer forged 4.62” barrel and a 1:14” twist ratio, this revolver is also great for those who want to take their shooting up a notch and are looking for reliable shooting.
Finally, with a synthetic checkered grip and black Cerakote finish, the Ruger Wrangler is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
If you want a full-sized revolver at 10.25” with a single action, the Ruger Wrangler is an excellent option.
So if you’re looking for a low-cost option to practice with or just want to have some fun with a revolver, the Ruger Wrangler .22 LR 6-Shot 4.62” Revolver is a great choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Taurus 856 2″ .38 Special Revolver
- Caliber: .38 Special +P
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.55”
- Weight: 15.7 oz
The Taurus 856 2” .38 Special Revolver is a powerful, carbon steel revolver that is the perfect revolver for women for self-defense.
With a 6-round capacity, this revolver is perfect for those who want to feel safe and protected.
The carbon steel frame and 2” barrel make this revolver durable and strong, while the matte black finish gives it a professional style.
The soft rubber grip ensures a comfortable and firm hold, while the 22-ounce weight makes it easy to carry.
It includes a removable serrated blade front sight and has a 6.55” overall length, making it perfect for concealed carry.
It has both single and double action to provide accurate shots with fast follow-on shots to take down your target.
Also, the weapon is authorized for sale in California, making it perfect for women who may have had a hard time finding the right pistol in their state.
If you want a reliable revolver that will always perform, the Taurus 856 2” .38 Special Revolver.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Heritage Rough Rider 22LR 6.5” Revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Overall Length: 11.79”
- Weight: 33.4 oz
The Heritage Rough Rider 22LR 6.5” Revolver is an excellent option for women who want a full-sized revolver right out of a western.
There are a few benefits to the Rough Rider that makes it an excellent weapon for any shooter.
Chambered for .22 LR ammunition, the weapon is perfect for those who want cheaper ammunition and reduced recoil.
Also, the weapon is one of the best revolvers for women, or range enthusiasts because of its low cost.
It comes equipped with a 6.5” machined barrel that is micro-threaded for superior performance.
With authentic Cocobolo grips and a single action, it looks and feels like the legendary Single Action Army revolver.
If you are looking for a reliable revolver with a classic style at an affordable price, the Heritage Rough Rider 22LR 6.5” Revolver is perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Ruger LCR-22 .22LR 8 Shot Revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 8 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.5”
- Weight: 14.9 oz
The Ruger LCR-22 .22LR 8 Shot Revolver is perfect for those who want a higher capacity than most revolvers.
Its eight-round capacity allows you to engage your target with several follow-on shots for maximum engagement capability.
They crafted its frame with aerospace-grade aluminum, 6.5” overall length, 1.87” barrel, and a polymer fire control housing to reduce its overall weight for a comfortable all-day carry.
The polymer fire control housing paired with the Hogue Tamer Monogrip helps reduce perceived recoil for pinpoint accuracy.
It has a double-action-only design with a snag-free internal hammer that provides consistent rounds down range.
It features Ruger’s patented friction-reducing cam providing smoother operation and a non-stacking trigger pull.
They crafted it with a stainless steel cylinder that is fluted to reduce weight, and it includes a PVD finish providing extra durability.
If you are looking for a high-capacity revolver that is compact and reliable, the Ruger LCR-22 .22LR 8 Shot Revolver is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Colt King Cobra Target .357 Mag Revolver, Matte Stainless Steel
- Caliber: 357 Magnum
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Overall Length: 9.256”
- Weight: 36 oz
The Colt King Cobra Target .357 Mag Revolver is a double-action revolver with solid heavy-duty construction.
It’s one of the best revolvers for women who want the serious firepower of a 357 magnum.
Besides packing a punch, the Colt King Cobra has a stainless steel frame with a matte finish and an Altamont Wood grip, making it not only durable but a head turner.
A downside to the solid stainless steel design is that it weighs more than other options at 36 ounces.
It features a 4.25” barrel, a fiber optic front sight, and an adjustable rear sight for enhanced accuracy.
The King Cobra is perfect for home defense or the range with a six-round capacity.
It is a bit more expensive than other models on this list, but it comes with the performance and reliability expected from Colt.
If you are looking for a large and powerful gun, the Colt King Cobra Target .357 Mag Revolver, Matte Stainless Steel is perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. Smith & Wesson Model 442 Revolver .38 S&W Special +P
- Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.3”
- Weight: 14.6 oz
The Smith & Wesson Model 442 Revolver .38 S&W Special +P is a compact double-action-only revolver that is perfect for women looking to conceal carry or home defense.
It features a carbon steel cylinder, a stainless steel 1.875” barrel, and an alloy frame, making it durable and lightweight.
Weighing just 14.6 ounces with a 6.3” overall length, this revolver is perfect for a comfortable all-day carry.
One of the best features of the 442 Revolver is that it has an internal snag-free hammer making it simple to use and easy to carry.
It is important to note that this model does not feature an internal lock.
With a five-round capacity, the Smith & Wesson Model 442 Revolver .38 S&W Special +P makes an excellent weapon for pretty much anything from a daily carry to home defense.
If you are looking for a lightweight, double-action-only revolver that’s easy to carry, then the Smith & Wesson Model 442 Revolver .38 S&W Special +P is perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Taurus 856CH Small .38 Special +P Revolver
- Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.55”
- Weight: 22 oz
Last up on our list of the best revolvers for women is the Taurus 856CH .38 Special.
The Taurus 856CH Small .38 special +P Revolver is a powerful little revolver that is perfect for those who want something small and easy to conceal that can still get the job done.
With a six-round capacity, you will have plenty of ammo to take down your target.
It is lightweight and compact, with an overall length of 6.55” and a 2” barrel that weighs only 22 ounces.
Its rubber grip is comfortable and provides superior control.
The low-profile internal hammer and double action also make this revolver easy and comfortable to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who just want a simple and easy-to-use handgun.
This revolver is perfect for conceal carry, home defense, or range use.
So if you’re looking for a great small revolver that packs a punch, the Taurus 856CH Small .38 special +P Revolver is the perfect choice for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Benefits and Disadvantages
With any handgun, there are benefits and disadvantages to that type of weapon.
It is essential to review both to understand what type of handgun you should own.
Benefits of a Revolver
- Simple to Use: All you have to worry about is pointing and pulling the trigger with a revolver.
- Easy to Clean: Revolvers can easily be cleaned without taking apart your weapon.
- No Brass Cleanup: Revolvers do not expel spent rounds, unlike other pistols.
- Reliable: Revolvers have limited moving parts, reducing the number of parts that can malfunction.
- Affordable: Revolvers are usually more affordable than other types of pistols.
Disadvantages of a Revolver
- Limited Capacity: Compared to other pistol types, revolvers have a much lower capacity, with an average of six rounds, while semi-automatic pistols of similar size can have fifteen-plus rounds per magazine.
- Heavier Trigger Pull: Revolvers tend to have a heavier trigger, which may cause lower accuracy for beginner shooters.
- Short Sight Radius: When firing a snub nose revolver, the sight radius is much shorter, which may decrease your accuracy because of an inability to see improper sight alignment compared to a larger sight radius.
Final Verdict
Revolvers are solid weapons you can count on in any scenario, from home defense to a daily carry.
However, revolvers are not for everyone because of some of their drawbacks.
For those who want a high capacity with the ability to swap magazines quickly, a semi-automatic pistol would be a better option.
But, a revolver owner could use a speed loader or moon clip to reload their revolver for easy access to additional ammunition quickly.
For women who want a weapon that consistently delivers with a history of high performance, a revolver is the way to go.
References
Which Is Best: Semi-Automatic Pistol vs. Revolver
The Revolver: Unappreciated Advantages
The Pros and Cons of Double-Action Revolvers
See Also
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
12 Best Handguns For Beginners
12 Best Subcompact 9MM Pistols
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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