If you want a firearm you can count on for personal or home defense, gun enthusiasts will tell you that revolvers are an excellent option for keeping you and your family safe.
2023 is an exceptional year to get into the revolver game, but choosing the right one can be daunting with the wide variety of models, brands, and options.
There are many things to consider when deciding what features you need, such as price, capacity, caliber, brand, and durability.
Whether you are a novice or a gun enthusiast, you should select nothing but the best with a demand for precision and function.
I have analyzed the revolver market and decided on the 10 Best Revolvers For 2023 to ensure you find the perfect fit for your budget with the features you want.
If you want to make an informed decision on the best revolvers available, continue to the list below.
Table of Contents
#1. Colt Python 6” .357 Mag Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 6”
- Overall Length: 11.5”
- Weight: 46 oz.
The Colt Python 6” .357 Mag Revolver is an excellent option for shooters who want a premium revolver that packs a punch.
One thing I love about the Colt Python is its durable stainless steel construction from top to bottom.
It offers an impressive 6” American forged stainless steel barrel and has a swappable fixed front sight with an adjustable rear sight to have precision shooting at extended ranges.
The Python is chambered with the powerful .357 Magnum, but it is also compatible with .38 Special cartridges providing you more options on your load.
This revolver is very intimidating with an 11.5” overall length, and it looks gorgeous with its stainless steel finish and walnut target grip.
The downside to this revolver is that it is heavy, hard to conceal, and more expensive than most other revolvers.
However, you will quickly realize it is worth every penny once you shoot this bad boy.
If you want a large and powerful revolver, the Colt Python 6” .357 Mag Revolver is the way to go.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special +P Revolver Hammerless
- Caliber: .38 Special
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 1.78”
- Overall Length: 6.3”
- Weight: 14.6 oz.
If you are looking for a lightweight revolver for personal protection or concealed carry, the Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special +P Revolver Hammerless is a simple choice.
This revolver offers several features ideal for concealed carry, including a light frame, hammerless design, and compact size.
First, it has an internal hammer, which ensures that you can fire +P ammunition continuously without any fear of the hammer getting caught on your pocket.
Its aluminum alloy frame, synthetic grip, and stainless steel cylinder enhance durability while providing a firearm under a pound.
Things to consider about this weapon are its 1.78” barrel, 5-round capacity, and double action only action, making it perfect for close-range engagements, but it will suffer at medium and long distances.
The Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special +P Revolver Hammerless is an excellent choice for shooters who want a revolver they can count on for personal defense.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Taurus Model 856 2” 6RD .38 Special Revolver
- Caliber: .38 Special
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 2”
- Overall Length: 6.55”
- Weight: 22 oz.
The Taurus Model 856 2” 6RD .38 Special Revolver is another excellent option for self or home defense.
It is constructed with a stainless steel frame and hardware with a beautiful matte stainless finish to give you a durable weapon that looks good.
Taurus equipped this model with a soft rubber grip that gives you a comfortable shooting experience with enhanced control.
Its standard 6-round capacity lets you get more shots out and keep you safe.
It has excellent recoil management for a .38 Special revolver and a dual/single action for precise follow-on shots.
If you are looking for a quality revolver at an excellent price, the Taurus Model 856 2” 6RD .38 Special Revolver is a go-to firearm.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Smith & Wesson 351PD .22 WMR Revolver
- Caliber: .22 Magnum
- Capacity: 7 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 1.88”
- Overall Length: 6.19”
- Weight: 11.4 oz.
The Smith & Wesson 351PD .22 WMR Revolver is a lightweight firearm that is perfect for concealed carry.
This J-Frame revolver is made of aluminum alloy, making it significantly lighter than its stainless steel counterparts without sacrificing build quality.
It has a compact 6.19” overall length and weighs only 11.4 ounces, offering you an excellent concealed carry revolver.
A significant feature of the 351PD is its HI-VIZ fiber optic orange front sight and fixed U-Notch rear sight for an excellent sight picture in low-light environments.
It also has an impressive 7-round capacity, giving you a better capacity than other revolvers.
Since it is chambered in .22 WMR, you will have enhanced recoil control.
However, it is not as powerful as other calibers, but it still has enough power to take down assailants.
It also looks beautiful with a black finish and a comfortable wooden grip.
If you want a compact revolver with a slightly larger capacity, the Smith & Wesson 351PD .22 WMR Revolver will be perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Rock Island M206 .38 Special Revolver
- Caliber: .38 Special
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 2”
- Overall Length: 6.75”
- Weight: 25.44 oz.
The Rock Island M206 .38 Special Revolver is an ideal choice for shooters who want an affordable firearm without sacrificing features.
The M206 is chambered in .38 Special and has a 6-round capacity to give you a blend of power and capacity.
It has a single/double action that gives you more precise follow-on shots to engage your target.
I recommend this revolver to first-time firearm owners because it has an 11.5 – 13 pound trigger pull.
A heavy trigger pull is a crucial safety feature in firearms, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharges by demanding a more deliberate and conscious effort to fire the weapon.
It also has a black parkerized finish for improved durability and a checkered wooden grip for enhanced control.
The Rock Island M206 .38 Special Revolver is an affordable revolver that you can count on.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Colt King Cobra 357 Magnum 6 Round Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Overall Length: 8”
- Weight: 28 oz.
The Colt King Cobra 357 Magnum 6 Round Revolver is a premium revolver built to last with a brushed stainless steel frame.
This model has a 3” barrel and an overall length of 8”, weighing just 28 ounces.
Owners of the King Cobra will tell you that it can handle round after round with no issues allowing you to engage your target when it is needed the most.
Since it is a larger revolver, it may not make the best concealed carry, but it makes an ideal firearm for home defense or the range.
It has a standard 6-round capacity and is chambered in .357 Magnum, providing plenty of power to take down any target.
It also has a black Hogue Overmolded grip, which provides enhanced control and comfort.
The Colt King Cobra 357 Magnum 6 Round Revolver is an excellent choice if you are looking for a revolver that will last.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. Taurus 605 .357 Magnum Revolver With VZ Grips
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Overall Length: 7.5”
- Weight: 23.52 oz.
The Taurus 605 .357 Magnum Revolver With VZ Grips is a small-frame revolver at an excellent price point.
It comes with many features found in more expensive models, including a front Night Sight with Orange Outline, an enhanced grip, and an extended ejector rod.
With its night sights, you can quickly get a good sight picture in low-light environments making it an excellent choice for a concealed carry.
It is chambered in .357 Magnum, but you can also use .38 Special +P ammunition for more versatility.
The 605 is built to last with a stainless steel frame and hardware with a matte stainless finish.
A downside to this weapon is that it has a 5-round capacity instead of the standard 6-round, but 5 rounds are plenty of ammunition in a self-defense scenario.
If you are looking for an affordable revolver with excellent features, the Taurus 605 .357 Magnum Revolver With VZ Grips is a go-to weapon.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Taurus Tracker 627 Medium 6.5” .357” .357 Mag/.38 Spl +P Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/ .38 Special +P
- Capacity: 7 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 6.5”
- Overall Length: 10.75”
- Weight: 40 oz.
The Taurus Tracker 627 Medium 6.5” .357” .357 Mag/.38 Spl +P Revolver is a rugged revolver you can count on to deliver superior performance.
It is chambered in .357 Magnum and is compatible with .38 Special +P allowing you to use a large variety of loads.
The Tracker has a 7-round capacity giving you more shots between reloads.
To give you a precise and comfortable shooting experience, it includes a 6.5” stainless steel ported barrel with a gas expansion chamber to reduce felt recoil, a rubber grip, and an adjustable rear sight.
The 6.5” barrel will also give you more precise shots at further distances allowing you to engage targets further away.
Its stainless steel hardware and frame provide enhanced longevity and durability.
The downside to the Tracker is that it has an extended 10.75” overall length and weighs 40 ounces making it not an ideal option for concealed carry.
If you want a revolver for home defense with an excellent capacity, the Taurus Tracker 627 Medium 6.5” .357” .357 Mag/.38 Spl +P Revolver is an ideal choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum Revolver 2.25” Hammerless
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.25”
- Overall Length: 7.2”
- Weight: 25 oz.
The Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum Revolver 2.25” Hammerless is another excellent option for concealed carry, personal defense, and home defense.
The SP101 is chambered in .357 Magnum and has a 5-round capacity giving you the power and capacity you need in a pinch.
This model has a pinned replaceable black ramp front sight with a fixed rear sight for a clear sight picture.
It also includes a triple-locking cylinder providing the weapon precise alignment for dependable operation.
A feature I like about the SP101 is its easy toolless breakdown for simple cleaning and maintenance.
For improved control and comfort, it also includes a black rubber grip that can easily be swapped out for a custom grip.
If you want a hammerless revolver, the Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum Revolver 2.25” Hammerless is an excellent option.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#10. Chiappa Firearms Rhino 60DS Large 9mm Revolver
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 6”
- Overall Length: 10.5”
- Weight: 32.96 oz.
The main selling point of the Chiappa Firearms Rhino 60DS Large 9mm Revolver is that it is chambered in 9mm compared to the conventional .357 Magnum or .38 Special.
Since it is chambered in 9mm, it offers a wide variety of bullet types and loads, allowing you to customize your load for your unique situation.
9mm rounds have a higher velocity providing you more penetration compared to traditional revolver rounds and lower recoil than the .357 Magnum.
With the Rhino 60DS, you get an aluminum alloy frame with steel hardware for a durable weapon that is lighter than other large-frame revolvers.
It has an impressive 6” barrel with an overall length of 10.5”.
It also comes equipped with a standard 6-round capacity giving you enough ammunition for personal defense.
The Rhino 60DS also features a lower bore axis, which reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise for more precise shots down range.
Another significant feature is its fixed red fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear fiber optic sight for improved visibility in any lighting condition.
If you want the options and performance of a 9mm revolver, the Chiappa Firearms Rhino 60DS Large 9mm Revolver is an ideal choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Benefits of Revolvers
Revolvers are excellent firearms that have been around since the 19th century and offer several advantages compared to other handguns.
The main benefits of owning a revolver are its reliability, durability, and simplicity.
They are more reliable because of having fewer moving parts, meaning they are less likely to jam or malfunction.
Revolvers are built to last with durable designs that extend their lifespans and can fire thousands of rounds with less wear and tear.
Operating a revolver is pretty straightforward to use, allowing first-time firearm owners to use them proficiently.
Disadvantages of Revolvers
Compared to other handgun types, revolvers have a couple of disadvantages, including lower capacity, slower to reload, heavier triggers, and are typically larger than other handguns.
Most revolvers feature a capacity of around 6 rounds, which is plenty for most situations, but semi-automatic firearms can have almost triple the capacity.
Revolvers are slower to reload, making them more difficult to reload in high-stress situations.
With heavier trigger pulls, revolvers are not as precise as other firearms.
Lastly, revolvers tend to be larger and heavier, making them harder to conceal.
Final Verdict
Revolvers are an excellent option for any scenario, providing power, durability, and reliability.
If you are comfortable with a lower capacity, a revolver is an excellent option, but I would grab a semi-automatic handgun if you want more ammunition.
References
Revolver Vs. Semi-Automatic – What Are The Differences?
Revolvers vs Pistols: Which Is the Best Option for Home Defense?
See Also
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
9 Best Handguns For Bear Defense
9 Best Guns For Hiking, Camping, & Backpacking
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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