Only a few decades ago, new revolvers, especially revolvers for self-defense and protecting your home for have dominated this roundup of new guns. However, those days are long-gone, and the popularity of revolver has faded. Except it hasn't. There's a Revolver Renaissance going on right now, as people of all skill levels are starting to embrace the simplicity and durability of a well-built wheelgun.
Colt | 3" Python
Colt expands on its recently reintroduced Python with a 3-inch model ideal for concealed carry. Though the new wheelguns cosmetically resemble the originals, they feature updated materials and design elements. What hasn’t changed is the efficacy of six rounds of .357 Mag. delivered quickly and accurately.
▶ Walnut grips
▶ Underlug barrel
▶ Adjustable rear sights
▶ Ribbed topstrap
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(800) 962-2658 colt.com
Heritage Manufacturing | Barkeep Boot
A smaller version of the popular Barkeep, this single-action revolver is easily concealed and promises outstanding reliability. Its birdshead grip further enhances concealability while remaining easy to grip on the draw.
▶ Accepts Heritage .22 WMR cylinder
▶ Black-oxide finish
▶ Wooden grips
▶ Ships with wooden ejector rod
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 1 inch
Overall Length: 6.38 inches
Weight: 25.5 ounces
MSRP: $196.80
(800) 845-3776 heritagemfg.com
Heritage Manufacturing | Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy
While “Tactical Cowboy” might sound silly, this single-action revolver is indeed tricked out for pursuits more serious than mere plinking. It is also able to accept Heritage’s .22 WMR cylinder for those seeking added punch.
▶ Threaded barrel
▶ Picatinny rail atop frame
▶ Simulated carbon-fiber grips
▶ Fiber-optic front sight
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 6.5 inches
Overall Length: 11.85 inches
Weight: 32.1 ounces
MSRP: $212.88
(800) 845-3776 heritagemfg.com
Korth | Mongoose
Made from the finest billet steel, the Mongoose is a classically designed revolver currently offered in 3- and 4-inch barrel lengths. The trigger face has been highly polished, and the world-renowned smooth-action trigger is truly something to behold, whether shooting single- or double-action.
▶ 14K gold bead front sight
▶ Ventilated rib
▶ DLC finish
▶ Turkish walnut grip
Specifications
Caliber: .44 Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 9.1 inches
Weight: 40.54 ounces
MSRP: $4,299
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Ruger | Wrangler With Birdshead Grip
Thanks to its aluminum-alloy frame and Zamak grip frame, the Ruger Wrangler tips the scale at less than 30 ounces. The latest addition in this featherweight line boasts a birdshead grip. Cerakote finish options include black, burnt bronze and silver.
▶ Cold-hammer-forged barrel
▶ Knurled hammer spur
▶ Smooth trigger face
▶ Black Cerakote finish
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.8 inches
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
MSRP: $279
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
Standard Mfg. | Switch Gun
Five rounds of .22 WMR you can carry in your pocket? Standard Manufacturing’s Switch Gun offers magnum rimfire power in a compact pistol that weighs slightly over half a pound.
▶ Folds into handle
▶ Pushbutton to open
▶ Pocket clip included
▶ Oversize hammer
Specifications
Caliber: .22 WMR
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: .88 inch
Overall Length: 2.125 inches
Weight: 9 ounces
MSRP: $449
(860) 225-3401 stdgun.com
Taurus | 327
This redesigned Taurus 856 is chambered for .327 Fed. Mag. and provides what might be the best balance of power, accuracy and controllability in a wheelgun at a price most shooters can afford. Thanks to that chambering, it can also fire .32 H&R Mg. and .32 S&W Long ammunition. A stainless steel model is also available.
▶ Serrated-ramp front sight
▶ Rubber grip
▶ Carbon steel frame and barrel
▶ Snag-free rear sight channel
Specifications
Caliber: .327 Fed. Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 6.55 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $371.05
(800) 327-3776 taurususa.com
Taurus | Defender 605
Designed from the ground-up with self-defense in mind, this .357 Mag./.38 Spl. wheelgun is concealable and relatively lightweight, yet packs a serious punch. It is also available with wooden grips and a Cerakote finish.
▶ Hogue rubber grip
▶ AmeriGlo tritium night sight
▶ Smooth, snag-free finish
▶ Extended ejector rod
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 23.52 ounces
MSRP: $472.63
(800) 327-3776 taurususa.com
