Here are some of the best tested revolvers we have for concealed carry (carrying a weapon in your pocket), hunting, plinking and home defense.
What type of gun has a long-lasting power?
Revolvers!
After the 1911 was introduced, you’d assume the revolver had fallen into obscurity, and would only be used for fun on occasion.
There are still many revolver manufacturers who produce everything from small-bore blasters to large-bore guns.
We’ve broken down the categories of revolvers into which we believe the best are.
Continue reading to find out our favorites!
What We Looked for When Choosing the Best Revolvers
The task of creating a list of best handguns can be daunting, as there are so many to choose from. But the Pew Pew Tactical Team took on the challenge and narrowed down our list of revolvers that we believe hit the mark.
How did we come up with these models?
We begin by testing the guns on our list and getting hands-on experience with each one. Over the course of several weeks and even months, we send hundreds of rounds to the range in order to test the pistols that we recommend.
During testing, we consider things such as reliability, accuracy and ergonomics. We also look at aftermarket support.
Learn more about our rating system. Here is a detailed explanation of our rating process .
Our pick for the Best Overall Revolver
1. Smith & Wesson – 686 Plus
S&W 686 is a staple of the S&W family and is a favorite among many.
Smith, fortunately for us has kept this revolver in production since its conception and continues to produce new versions.
The 686 Plus is one of our favorite models. It has all the features of the standard model but adds a 7-shot cartridge instead of the 6-shot.
The 686 Plus comes with an excellent trigger, a barrel that is heavy and has a full underlug. It also features a rear sight that can be adjusted, as well as the slender, balanced feel that S&W revolvers have become known for.
Standard, Deluxe, and Performance Center models are available for the 686 Plus.
There are many options available for these revolvers. However, a 6-inch model is the best. The 686 Plus revolver is a fantastic gun that most people will not regret purchasing.
Best Tactical Rifle
2. Smith & Wesson TRR8 327
You probably didn’t expect that today.
Why not?
According to legend, the S&W 327 TRR8was created for police who carried shields. The lack of a sliding slide allowed them to reliably fire through the shield ports.
They are as tactical as revolvers can be, even though no SWAT cop is likely to carry one. The presence of an optical rail and a lighting rail is included.
Also included is an 8 round capacity that uses.357 magnum rounds. S&W designed the gun so that it uses moon clips. This makes reloading very quick and easy. Iron sights are large and easy to view, while the rear sight can be adjusted.
This gun is a modern fighting revolver. It was for a good reason that the Punisher chose it in Season 2 Daredevil.
This model would be my choice for duty or home defense, regardless of what I watch on TV.
The combination of features make it about modern as a revolver can be. If you live in an area with strict gun controls, the TRR8 may be a good option for you.
What do you think about the S&W S&W TRR8? Please rate it!
Best Plinker Revolver
3. Heritage Arms Rough Rider
Plinking, or just playing with guns, is an age-old tradition. It is informal, non-competitive and can help improve casual marksmanship.
The classic.22 LR rimfire is the most affordable and fun way to do it.
The Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider revolvers are great for plinking. These revolvers are very affordable and available in many different sizes and shapes.
The 16-inch model is the longest model.
Even those who wish to mount a red-dot will find something suitable. The Rough Rider Series are excellent guns for casual plinking.
The Colt Single Action Army is a beautiful design and they are very accurate. Sometimes they are available for under $100, but rarely go above $200.
Heritage Manufacturing is the answer if you are looking for a revolver to complete your collection and have a limited budget.
Best Concealed Carry Revolver
4. Ruger LCR
The Ruger LCRis a revolver that is similar to the Glock in many ways.
The first comparison would be the polymer gun frame and parts, but the comparison goes deeper.
Ruger made a revolver that is simple, easy to use, and functional. The revolver is available in a variety of calibers including.38 Special.357,.22 LR.22 WMR and even.327 Federal Magnum.
Shooters have the option of a shrouded or exposed hammer on either the LCRx or LCR.
Guns are also available at a reasonable price, and you can often find them for less than 500 dollars. It is easy to find holsters for these guns because of their popularity. This makes them ideal for concealed carry.
It has the best double-action stock trigger I’ve used. Ruger’s friction reduction design is amazing! The trigger is a fantastic feature that makes shooting this little gun much easier.
The compact size and light weight make it easy to hide and tuck. It is comfortable no matter how you carry it. It’s not a fancy revolver with a classic look, but the LCR is a reliable and durable weapon.
Here is our complete review of the Ruger 9mm LCR !
Best Hunting Revolver
5. Ruger Super redhawk.454 Casull
The Super Redhawk is one of the most powerful hunting revolvers available. Its smart design and modernization make it one the best.
Although people like.460 S&W or.500 S&W for handgun hunting, these are not as good as.454 Casull.
The Super Redhawk comes in a range of lengths. From the flashbang 2.5-inch to the nice-looking 9.5-inch. The five- or 7.5 inch is perfect for me in terms of balance.
The Super Redhawk revolver is a Ruger DA/SA with a massive frame. The double action allows the gun to be operated with one hand. This is important for unexpected situations such as bear attacks.
This is a robust, large gun that’s designed to handle the recoil of heavy, big cartridges. It’s not as large as an X frame.500 S&W but it isn’t Airweight.
The scope base is integrated, making it easy to add optics. These guns are, in my experience, very accurate, and for magnum-caliber guns, they’re easy to handle and shoot.
The.454 Casull can also chamber lighter.45 Colt rounds. The Super Redhawk holds six rounds, compared to the five of some other calibers. The Super Redhawk revolver is a great hunting revolver when you consider all the factors.
Best Black Powder Revolver
6. Uberti 1851 Navy
You’ve not lived until you master the black-powder revolver. Someone once said that it’s a little like alchemy to figure out how to use one.
Uberti produces some of best cowboy guns available. To keep your firearms safe, stick to the load data provided by reputable sources.
The Uberti1851 Navy is a good choice if you are looking for a black powder revolver that’s easy to use. The gun is a.36-caliber revolver that’s easy to use and light. The 1851 Navy is available in several different finishes and configurations, but all are very affordable.
Since they are not technically firearms, you do not need an FFL in most cases to transfer them. You can order one online to be delivered directly to your home.
Uberti’s 1851 Navy revolvers look great and faithfully reproduce the classic revolvers from the period. These guns are sturdy and an excellent way to learn about history.
While it may seem intimidating, the thrill you get from firing black powder, smelling and seeing the smoke is worth it. It’s also living history!
Best Revolver – Most Robust
7. Ruger GP100
Many people ask “What revolver is best for me?” or “What revolver is the most versatile?”
Ruger GP100 is one of the answers that most people give to these tough questions.
You may ask, “Why?” They have exceptional durability and shootability.
Ruger’s frames are known for being beefy and built to withstand magnum ammunition without fail. These heavier frames also tame the recoil better than comparable S&W revolvers.
The GP100 comes in a variety of barrel lengths and trims. It is also available in 6 and 7-shot versions. S&W revolvers have usually better triggers. However, the GP100 has a nice smooth trigger in both DA or SA.
The GP100 revolver is a “bread and butter” revolver with a great hand feel. It can do anything you ask of it.
Check out our complete review of the Ruger GP100 !
Best Revolver – Honorable Mention
8. Kimber K6s
Kimber may surprise some, but those who are familiar with the brand will not be surprised.
The K6s is unique in that it can hold six rounds of.357 Magnum magnum. Kimber claims that it is the only cylinder small enough to do so.
The K6s revolver is one of the most convenient to carry revolvers available. It has snag-free adjustable sight, a push-button release that’s easy to reach, and thin grips.
You also get a smooth, sleek design, a complete underlug and a nice trigger. This revolver is both attractive and feels high-quality.
Standard K6s comes in 2 and 3 inch barrels. You can choose between hammered models (DASA) and hammerless versions. Kimber offers a 4-inch model as well, but we prefer the DASA 3-inch.
Kimber, a relatively young player on the revolver scene, has come in with one of the most impressive production revolvers that we have seen for a very long time.
See our complete review of the K6s.
Final Thoughts
The revolver isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
It is clear that revolvers are not dead. Companies like Kimber and Henry have joined the fray.
