5 Best Revolvers to Protect Your Home: Our Picks
We live in an unpredictable and unreliable world these days. Many factors of life are not what they used to be, and home security is a new or renewed concern for many. Part of any home security plan should include a reliable firearm, and few hold the reputation of reliability that belongs to the revolver.
While lacking the magazine capacity of most full-size semi-auto pistols, the venerable wheel gun is virtually impossible to jam and often chambered in powerful cartridges like the .357 Magnum that put plenty of energy on target. There are many good revolvers out there to protect your home. Here are my picks for the 5 best revolvers to protect any home based on my years of experience in the firearms industry.
Ruger LCRx 3”
Ruger LCR. Image: Ruger.
The big boy of the LCR family, the 3” barreled models provide a good sight radius for accurate shot placement while remaining short enough to maneuver in a tight spot. The weapon weighs in at under 16 ounces in 38 Special +P making it a viable carry gun for those who need a double-duty weapon.
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Chambered in .22LR, .22 Magnum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum, this revolver provides an affordable “one gun” defensive solution for both in and out of the home. MSRP $579
Ruger GP-100
Ruger GP-100. Image: Ruger.
This well-built wheel gun will take on all comers. Chambered in .22 LR, .327 Federal, .357 Magnum, and .44 Special, the GP-100 can bring some serious power to the table. Available in a variety of barrel lengths, this revolver is an accurate weapon with enough weight (40 oz. in .357 magnum with a 4” barrel) to take some of the sting out of the magnum cartridges.
The additional weight lowers recoil, allowing for faster recovery between shots, meaning a quicker follow-up shop if needed. MSRP $769
Taurus 692
Taurus 692. Image: Taurus.
The Taurus 692 is a hefty medium frame revolver boasting a 7-round capacity in .357 magnum, and giving the option of 2.5”, 3”, or 6.5” ported barrels, the 692 is configurable to any need.
The ported barrel reduces muzzle rise & recoil, allowing you to regain your target quicker and put more rounds onto it if needed. As an added bonus the 692 is supplied with a conversion cylinder for 9mm Luger, allowing for a low recoil option and flexibility in the ammunition used, a major plus with today’s shortages. MSRP $652.50
Charter Arms Pitbull
Charter Arms Pitbull .45. Image: Charter Arms.
This compact powerhouse gives you five rounds of .45 ACP in a package the same size as a standard six-round .38 Special. (Compare to the semi-auto option).
The big-bore .45 cartridge excels as a man stopper with one-hundred and ten years of military pedigree to back it up. With less recoil and a lower cost per round than the .44 Special or .45 Long Colt, this revolver will handle home defense with aplomb, and unlike many .45 ACP revolvers, it does not require moon clips. MSRP $506.80 And if you live in the land of grizzlies and need more power than this, check out the .460 S&W.
Smith and Wesson Model 66
I know there are two other full size .357 magnum revolvers recommended here, but I could not leave this one out.
Long the gold standard for defensive revolvers, the Model 66 Combat Magnum has an enviable reputation for reliability and accuracy. In my personal experience, it also has the nicest trigger of the revolvers listed. Available in 2.75” and 4.25” barrels with an MSRP of $874, this .357 Magnum will provide some serious peace of mind in today’s uncertain world.
If you want the slicked-up version designed for tactical use, check out this review
Honorable Mention: Rock Island M200
For those with a pandemic depleted pocketbook, this budget revolver has built a reputation as a no-frills defensive weapon. Boasting a lifetime warranty and a rock-bottom price point, the Rock Island Armory M200 can fill the need for a “house gun” without emptying the pocketbook and not disappoint in performance. MSRP $275
Offering power and controllability, the revolver is no stranger to defensive use. Like any pistol they require practice, especially in the magnum calibers, however for those that chose to become proficient with them, the revolver provides a reliable and powerful solution for home defense. They were the defensive tool of choice 100 years ago and are still a relevant choice today.
Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast, and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, Cheaper Than Dirt, Daily Caller, and other publications.
In this article:Charter Arms, Charter Arms Pitbull, Model 66, Rock Island M200, Ruger GP-100, Ruger LCRx 3, , Smith and Wesson, Taurus 692
Written ByRichard Douglas
Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast, and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, Cheaper Than Dirt, Daily Caller, and other publications.
5 Comments
5 Comments
January 24, 2021 at 9:39 am
Three of five are cheap stinkers. Any .38/.357 S&W, Colt, or Ruger with a four or six inch barrel excellent choices. I like the S&W 686+ with that extra ‘hole in the cylinder’.
Never go cheap….Buy the best you can get your hands on….No regrets then(Video) Top 5 Handguns For Home DefenseReply
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Biff Malibu
January 24, 2021 at 11:02 am
I have all the revolvers mentioned in this article except the RIA. All are excellent weapons.
Reply
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Bill in Webster
See AlsoYakuza Like a Dragon Best Weapons for Every Job - Bright Rock MediaChina to teach masculinity to boys because of changing gender rolesThe 10 Best Security Camera for Apartment In 2022 (Indoor & Outdoor)Cape Town's Drag Scene on 35mm FilmJanuary 24, 2021 at 10:57 am
REVOLVERS DO JAM! The only handguns I’ve ever had that jam up like their internal parts are welded together are revolvers (even though I keep them clean and adequately lubed). My brand new S&W .22 mag, with one particular kind of ammo, will seize up after about two cylinders of rounds. Nothing will move the cylinder or hammer until it’s cleaned. My brand new Ruger LCRx was jamming all the time until I tightened the front screw (which had been left loose by the factory). It worked great for a while, then something inside went wrong when I was practice firing with snap caps. Now it’s a paperweight until I get it to a gunsmith. My semi-autos have failed to fire or eject on occasion, but I’ve always been able to get them up and running quickly, unlike the two revolvers I mentioned. Might be better to stick with high-quality semi-autos for home defense.
Reply
(Video) 5 RARELY Known Reasons Why Revolvers Suck for Self Defense -
Steve Cornwell
January 25, 2021 at 3:46 pm
The Ruger GP100 is the only one on that list that would ever go home with me. What did Smith and Wesson do to this guy to make him so mad he promotes what I consider trash over any S&W product? The L-Frame S&W’s either 586 or 686 are arguably the best mass produced revolvers in .357 mag ever produced and they did not make his top 5? Unbelievable in my opinion. I have never written an article for a single media outlet but I have owned, shot and been a wheelgun fan for 40+ years and the only jam I have ever had was a very old Smith 38 spl when the nut on the end of the ejector rod loosened up. I fired all 6 rounds just fine but it wouldn’t open the cylinder for a reload until I tightened it up. I still have the pistol and after tightening that up over 10 years ago it has never given me any additional problems.
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FAQs
What gun should I get to protect my home? ›
If you're looking for a fast and accessible firearm, then go for a semi-automatic pistol. In many gun experts' opinions, it's the best firearm type for home defense. It's cheap, concealable, accurate, and very fast.
Is a revolver a good home defense weapon? ›After the shot, the cylinder rotates, making the gun ready to fire again. For a first home-defense firearm, a revolver is hard to beat. And if you're looking for a firearm you might choose to carry concealed sometime down the road, a revolver won't leave you disappointed.
What are the top 5 concealed carry revolvers? ›- Best CCW Revolver. Ruger LCR. The low weight, Hogue Tamer grip, and small form factor make the . ...
- Most Durable. Ruger SP101 DAO. ...
- Highest Capacity CCW Revolver. Smith and Wesson 686 Plus. ...
- Editor's Pick. Kimber K6s. ...
- Lightest CCW Option. Smith and Wesson 642.
- Mossberg 500. The Mossberg 500 is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns in America. ...
- Glock 19. The original Glock 17 is one of the most powerful firearms; it's designed for advanced users. ...
- AR-15. ...
- Smith and Wesson Governor.
Most modern double-action revolvers have an internal safety, either a hammer block or a transfer bar, that positively prevents firing without the trigger being pulled.
Is a 357 good for home defense? ›Yes, even in a world awash with polymer, high-capacity heaters the . 357 Magnum remains a viable choice for self-defense.
What is the most popular revolver in America? ›Ruger GP100
The GP100 is an extremely popular full-sized revolver available in the United States. The line is a double action revolver available in six, seven, eight, and even ten shot! Available in a multitude of calibers including . 22LR, or something a bit larger like .
38 Special only produces 264 foot-pounds of force (147-grain bullet at 900 feet per second out of a 4-inch barrel), while standard pressure 9mm can produce 365 foot-pounds of force (124-grain bullet at 1,150 feet per second). This is 38.25% more energy at the muzzle in favor of the 9mm.
What is the most famous revolver? ›One of the most famous handguns of all time is the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Also known as the Peacemaker, Frontier Six-Shooter and the M1873, the Single Action Army is also a staple of Hollywood films, appearing in virtually every cowboy and western film ever made.
Why you should carry a revolver? ›Ease of Use: One of the main reasons for people opting for a revolver for concealed carry is the ease of use. A double action revolver doesn't have a slide you need to pull back. If you can open the cylinder, load rounds, and squeeze the trigger in an accurate fashion, you're all set.
Which is better 9mm or 357 Magnum? ›
The 357 Magnum round loaded with a 125-grain projectile reaches almost 1,500 feet per second and strikes targets with 585 foot-pounds of energy. Needless to say, ballistically, it outperforms the 9mm. The 357 Magnum also has no problems reaching the FBI standards and even exceeding them.
What is the most popular snub nose revolver? ›1. Ruger LCR. Finally, we get to my all-time favorite snub nose revolver, the Ruger LCR. The Ruger LCR takes the cake because it's an affordable, widely available option that comes in every caliber and model you could ever want, from the typical suspect likes .
What pistol do cops use? ›By far the most popular police service pistol in the United States, the GLOCK 22 fires the potent 40 S&W cartridge and holds more rounds for its size and weight than most other full-sized handgun in its class.
Should you keep a round in the chamber for home defense? ›Modern carry pistols are almost always designed to be carried with a round in the chamber. Check with your manufacturer to be sure, but it's a rare defensive pistol that's not designed with drop safeties and other internal and external features to prevent negligent discharges.
How many guns should I own? ›Many people capitalize on this and take their own personal defense very seriously and often ask the question “how many guns should I have?” This answer depends on the size of your household and your budget. At a minimum, every household should have at least two firearms. One handgun and one rifle.
What do you need for home defense? ›At the very least, your home defense kit should include: a tactical flashlight, a firearm, a bleeding control kit, a cell phone, body armor and clothing. Some of these items are similar to what you might carry in your self-defender kit outside the home. A collection of home defense gear kept by the author's bed.
What is the most effective non-lethal self-defense weapon? ›- Taser. ...
- Pepper Spray. ...
- Stun Gun. ...
- Keychain Knuckle Weapon. ...
- Baton. ...
- Flashlight. ...
- Tactical Pen. ...
- Kubotan.
The Byrna Launcher is an incredibly powerful and effective non-lethal self-defense weapon that can be taken virtually anywhere. Powered by compressed air (CO2), the Byrna Launcher shoots .68 caliber round kinetic and chemical irritant projectiles that can disable a threat from up to 60-feet away.
Is a 357 good for home defense? ›Yes, even in a world awash with polymer, high-capacity heaters the . 357 Magnum remains a viable choice for self-defense.
Is a snub nose 38 good for self-defense? ›38 Special is most commonly used in short-barreled 'snub nose' revolvers such as the Ruger LCR and Smith & Wesson J-Frame. These revolvers are purpose-made for concealed carry and have features that make them ideal for self-defense.
Are single action revolvers good for self-defense? ›
Though today they are basically thought of as curiosities, a single-action revolver is actually a very viable self-defense gun. Available calibers range from the flying ashtrays of former eras (. 44 Special, . 45 Colt) in reproduction pistols and modern single-action magnums of incredible power.
Will a 357 stop a bear? ›357 Magnum or other similar-caliber load, a well-placed shot with a good bullet will certainly kill a bear, but it's not recommended.
What does more damage 45 or 357? ›357 Magnum is more powerful since it has more powder. However, this doesn't mean the . 45 ACP isn't reliable for self-defense. In fact, it's a great round as well.
How much more powerful is a 38 or 357? ›Today, Winchester's 357 Magnum Silvertip round launches a 145-grain bullet at 1290 FPS with 536 ft. -lbs. of energy. That's more than double the muzzle energy of the 38 Special.
What is the most popular snub nose revolver? ›1. Ruger LCR. Finally, we get to my all-time favorite snub nose revolver, the Ruger LCR. The Ruger LCR takes the cake because it's an affordable, widely available option that comes in every caliber and model you could ever want, from the typical suspect likes .
How far is a snub nose 38 accurate? ›Regarding ammunition, the choice for use in a snubnose . 38 is a bit more critical than it would be for a larger revolver. Sights are reportedly regulated for heavier bullets at standard velocity. I've found this to be roughly true, mostly at distances of 15 to 25 yards.
Why would I want a single-action revolver? ›The benefit of a single-action firearm is that the trigger pull is both light and short. This allows you to squeeze the round off without having to exert much force through your hand which could affect your accuracy.
Do people still carry single-action revolvers? ›With all the modern handgun choices available today it might seem counterintuitive, but single-action revolvers are still a viable concealed carry option. For those competent with one, a single-action revolver can be a legitimate carry option.
What's better single or double action? ›Some believe that single action handguns have better triggers than double action guns. This is because single action triggers do not have to overcome the added resistance of cocking the gun like a double action gun. To many, this makes single action guns much easier to hit with.
What is the most popular revolver in America? ›Ruger GP100
The GP100 is an extremely popular full-sized revolver available in the United States. The line is a double action revolver available in six, seven, eight, and even ten shot! Available in a multitude of calibers including . 22LR, or something a bit larger like .
Do any revolvers have a safety? ›
Most modern double-action revolvers have an internal safety, either a hammer block or a transfer bar, that positively prevents firing without the trigger being pulled.
What is the most famous revolver? ›One of the most famous handguns of all time is the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Also known as the Peacemaker, Frontier Six-Shooter and the M1873, the Single Action Army is also a staple of Hollywood films, appearing in virtually every cowboy and western film ever made.