The Best Revolvers: Tested & Rated

Do you know what type of firearm has enjoyed amazing staying power?

Revolvers!

You'd think after the 1911 came out, the revolver would have hit that dusty trail, only to be brought out for fun here and there.

Yet, there are still major revolver manufacturers making everything from plinkers to big-bore blasters.

Revolvers are still popular and improving, and seeing new growth, and we've isolated what we think are the best on the market and broken them down into separate and distinct categories.

So keep reading to see our favorites!

Best Revolvers Comparison Chart

How We Chose the Best Revolvers

Creating a list of the best handguns is quite a daunting task since there’s plenty to choose from, but the Pew Pew Tactical team took the task head-on and narrowed our list of revolvers we think hit the mark.

But how did we arrive at these models?

For us, choosing the best starts with testing a variety of guns and putting actual hands-on time with every gun on the list. We send hundreds of rounds downrange over the course of weeks, and sometimes even months or years, to evaluate the pistols we recommend.

While testing, we look for things like reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, aftermarket support, best uses, and bang for your buck.

Want to learn more about how we rate guns? We got in-depth on our process here!

Best Revolvers

1. Smith & Wesson 686 Plus - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe

$877

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$877 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 7
• Barrel Length: 2.5" - 7"
• Weight: 34.5 oz. - 48.2 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

No list would be complete without the ubiquitous and well-loved S&W 686.

Luckily for us, Smith has decided to keep this revolver around since its inception and continues to offer new versions of it.

One of our favorites is the 686 Plus (or 686+), which keeps everything the same as the standard model, but with the addition of a 7-shot cylinder instead of the regular 6-shot.

With the 686 Plus, you get an excellent trigger out of the box, a heavy barrel with full underlug, a fully adjustable rear sight, and that distinct lithe, balanced feeling that S&W revolvers are known for

The 686 Plus is available in barrel lengths from 2.5 to 7 inches, with standard, deluxe, and performance center models being offered.

While there are a ton of neat options for these revolvers, it is hard to beat a good 6-inch model. The 686 Plus is a great shooter that few people regret buying.

You can read more in our full review of the S&W 686 Plus.

2. Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8 - Best Tactical Revolver

Best Tactical Revolver

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 327 TRR8

$1403

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1403 at Kygunco

GrabAGun (see price)

Classic Firearms (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 8
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 35.2 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

Tactical revolver — I bet you didn't expect to hear that one today.

A tactical revolver might seem silly, but in the modern age, why not?

Legend has it that the S&W Model 327 TRR8 was designed for police with shields because the lack of a slide ensured they could reliably shoot through the shield ports.

While no SWAT cop likely carried one, they are about as tactical as a revolver can get. This includes the presence of both an optic rail and a light rail.

You also get an 8-round capacity with .357 Magnum rounds. S&W cut the gun to use moon clips, which makes reloads very fast and easy. The iron sights are massive and easy to see, and the rear sight is adjustable.

This gun was built from the ground up to be a modern fighting revolver. There was a reason it was the Punisher's choice in Season 2 of Daredevil.

TV shows aside, if I had to pick a revolver for home defense or duty, it would be this model.

Its combination of features makes it about as modern as a revolver can be. The TRR8 is a viable option if you live in a state with rigid gun control.

What do you think of the S&W TRR8? Rate it below!

3. Heritage Arms Rough Rider - Best Plinker

Best Plinker

Heritage Rough Rider Revolvers

$140

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$140 at GrabAGun

Firearms Depot (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .22LR
• Action: Single-action
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 1" - 16"
• Weight: 25.5 oz. - 45.28 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

Plinking is the age-old art of just having fun with guns. It's informal, non-competitive, and can be a way to work on casual marksmanship skills.

Plinking can typically be done with any caliber, but the classic .22LR rimfire round is often the most affordable and fun way to get it done.

The Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider series of revolvers make for great plinkers. They are incredibly cheap and come in a multitude of sizes and shapes.

From the absurdly long 16-inch model all the way down to the 1-inch, no-sights Boot model, there is surely one to tickle your fancy. Some models also come with .22 Magnum conversion cylinders, and if the one you pick doesn't, Heritage also sells the cylinders separately for $30.

There is something for everyone, even for those who want to mount a red dot. The Rough Rider series are great guns that are perfect for the casual plink session.

They are plenty accurate and have that Colt Single Action Army design that's to die for. Heck, sometimes they can be had for less than $100 if you catch the right sale, but they rarely drift above $200.

If your collection is missing a revolver and you have a tight budget, Heritage Manufacturing guns are for you.

4. Ruger LCR - Best for Concealed Carry

Best for Concealed Carry

Ruger LCR

$415

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$415 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .22LR, .38 Special +P, .357 Magnum, 9mm, .327 Federal Magnum
• Action: Double-action only
• Capacity: 5 (.38/.357, 9mm), 6 (.327 Fed), 8 (.22LR)
• Barrel Length: 1.87"
• Weight: 13.5 oz. - 17.2 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

The Ruger LCR is the Glock of revolvers, and I mean that in more ways than one.

Obviously, the first comparison is the polymer frame and portions of the gun, but it runs deeper than that.

Ruger has made a simple, functional, and easy-to-use revolver. It is chambered in a multitude of calibers, including .38 Special, .357, 9mm, .22 LR, and even .327 Federal Magnum.

Shooters can opt for a shrouded hammer or the LCRx model with an exposed hammer.

The gun also comes in at an affordable price point and can be commonly found for less than $500. Their popularity makes it easy to find good holsters, which goes a long way when it comes to concealed carry.

Did I mention it has the best stock double-action trigger I've ever used? Holy crap is Ruger's friction-reducing design effective! It's a great trigger that makes shooting the little gun a heckuva lot easier.

The small size and lightweight make it easy to tuck away and hide, and It's comfortable regardless of the carry method. The LCR might not be fancy with a classic design, but it's a workhorse of a revolver.

You can take a look at our full review of the 9mm Ruger LCR here!

5. Ruger Super Redhawk .454 Casull - Best Hunting Revolver

Best Hunting Revolver

Ruger Super Redhawk .454 Casull

$1083

at GrabAgun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1083 at GrabAgun

Brownells (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .454 Casull
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 2.5" - 7.5"
• Weight: 44 oz. - 52 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

There are a lot of good hunting revolvers out there, but the Super Redhawk in .454 Casull finds the right blend of power, smart design, and modernization to make it one of the best.

While people love .460 S&W and .500 S&W, they are kinda silly and not much better than .454 Casull for handgun hunting. Not to mention, the S&W X-Frame revolvers are massive, even compared to the Super Redhawk.

With the Super Redhawk, we get a variety of lengths, from the downright flashbang-worthy 2.5 inches to the nice 9.5-inch option. To me, the five or 7.5-inch is just perfect balance-wise.

The Super Redhawk is a traditional DA/SA revolver with Ruger's massive, beefy frame. Double action makes the gun easier to use with a single hand, and this is an important feature for things like unexpected bear defense.

It's a large, robust gun designed to absorb the recoil from big, heavy cartridges. It's not absurdly large like an X-frame .500 S&W, but it's no Airweight.

Integrated scope bases make adding optics easy. In my experience, these guns are very accurate and, for magnum caliber guns, fairly easy to shoot and handle.

Another bonus of .454 Casull is the ability to chamber the lighter .45 Colt loads. It also holds six rounds versus the 5 of some larger calibers. When you put it all together, the Super Redhawk is an excellent hunting revolver.

6. Uberti 1851 Navy - Best Black Powder Revolver

Best Black Powder Revolver

Uberti 1851 Navy Revolver

$429

at Sportsman's Guide

Prices accurate at time of writing

$429 at Sportsman's Guide

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .36
• Action: Single-action
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 7.5"
• Weight: 41.6 oz.
• Country of Origin: Italy

You haven't lived until you've tried to master the black powder revolver. I once heard someone say it was a bit like alchemy to really figure one out.

Uberti is well known for their replicas and produces some of the finest cowboy guns out there. Stick with suggested load data from respected sources to keep things safe.

If you want an easy-to-get-into black powder revolver, the Uberti 1851 Navy will be tough to beat. It's a .36 caliber gun that's light and easy to shoot. The 1851 Navy comes in a few different configurations and finishes, but they are all very affordable.

In most cases, you don't need an FFL to transfer them since they are technically not firearms. Order one online and have it shipped to your house.

Uberti's 1851 Navy revolvers are good-looking guns that faithfully replicate the classic revolvers of the era. They are robust and a great way to experience history.

Trust me, while it seems intimidating to get into, the thrill of firing a black powder and seeing the smoke and smelling the burning powder is well worth it. Plus, it's living history in your hand!

7. Ruger GP100 - Most Durable

Most Durable

Ruger GP100

$730

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$730 at GrabAGun

Classic Firearms (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Action: DA/SA
• Capacity: 6, 7
• Barrel Length: 2.5" - 6"
• Weight: 36 oz. - 45 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

The questions "What first revolver should I get?" and "What is the best all-around revolver?" get thrown around quite a bit.

While these are tough questions to answer, one of the most common answers is the Ruger GP100.

Why is this, you ask? Well, in short, they have outstanding durability and shootability.

Ruger is known for their beefy frames that are built to handle steady loads of magnum ammo without failure. Another side-effect of these heavier frames is that they tame recoil more than a comparable S&W revolver.

The GP100 is available in various barrel lengths and trims, and can be had in both 6 or 7-shot versions. I find that S&W revolvers typically have better triggers, but the GP100 still has a nice, smooth trigger pull in both DA and SA.

Legendary durability, a good hand feel, and reasonable pricing make the GP100 a true "bread-and-butter" revolver that can handle anything you need it to do.

Be sure to check out our full review of the Ruger GP100 here!

8. Kimber K6s - Best for Everyday Carry

Best for Everyday Carry

Kimber K6S DASA 3″

$969

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$969 at GrabAGun

Kygunco (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Action: DA/SA or DAO
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 2.5" - 4"
• Weight: 23 oz. - 29 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA

Although it may come as a surprise to some to see Kimber on a best-of revolver list, those who know, know.

What sets the K6s apart is its ability to hold 6 rounds of .357 magnum in a gun its size. Kimber claims it is the smallest cylinder capable of doing so.

Snag-free adjustable sights, an easy-to-reach push-button cylinder release, thin grips, and a flat-sided cylinder make the K6s one of the easiest-to-carry revolvers on the market.

To top everything off, you get a great trigger, a full underlug, and sleek lines that make for both a good-looking and quality-feeling revolver.

The standard K6s is available in both 2 and 3-inch barrel lengths, with options for hammered (DASA) or hammerless models. Kimber also offers a 4-inch target model.

However, the DASA 3-inch is our pick. It is just the right size for someone who wants to carry a revolver, but isn't necessarily looking for a pocket gun or a monster hand cannon. The exposed hammer and slightly longer sight radius make it very easy to shoot and keep things fun at the range.

Although Kimber is a relatively new player in the revolver market, they came in swinging with one of the best production revolvers we have seen in a long time.

Check out our full review of the Kimber K6s!

Meet the Experts

Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike spearheaded this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. His experience as a machinegunner, recreational shooter, and hunter has given him unique insight into bipod usage. Additionally, Travis has thousands of articles to his name with a variety of publications and has tested countless guns, bipods, and other firearm accessories.

Editing and adding to this article is Pew Pew Tactical Editor, Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor, long-range shooting, and hunting. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He is a big wheel gun fan himself, owning over 20 different revolvers.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

The revolver doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon.

With companies new to revolvers like Kimber and Henry joining the fray, it shows that these guns are far from dead.

Are there any revolvers you feel should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below! Just looking for the small stuff? We got you covered with our article on the 7 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers!

Latest Updates

May 2025: Added specs for each revolver. Also added a complete comparison chart.

February 2024: Removed products - Taurus 856 Executive, Chiappa Rhino, Colt Python. Added products - S&W 686 Plus, Ruger GP100, Kimber K6s