Revolvers for Sale — .357 Magnum, .38 Special & More
Revolvers remain one of the most trusted handgun platforms ever built. Simple, reliable, and powerful — the revolver's mechanical design eliminates magazine-related malfunctions, requires no slide to rack under stress, and can chamber cartridges too powerful for most semi-automatic pistols. Our revolver selection covers the full spectrum of calibers and configurations for home defense, hunting, range use, and concealed carry.
Revolver Calibers
- .38 Special / .357 Magnum — The most versatile pairing in revolver shooting. One revolver handles both calibers for practice and defense
- .44 Magnum — Maximum power for hunting and bear country. Available in Ruger Redhawk, Smith & Wesson 629, and more
- .22 LR / .22 WMR — Affordable rimfire revolvers for plinking, training, and small game hunting
- .45 Colt — Classic cowboy cartridge available in single-action and double-action configurations
- .460 S&W / .500 S&W — Maximum magnum power for dangerous game and long-range handgun hunting
Top Revolver Brands
Smith & Wesson (Model 686, 629, 642, 442), Ruger (GP100, SP101, Redhawk, Blackhawk, Wrangler), Taurus (Judge, 856, 605), Colt (Python, Anaconda, King Cobra), Charter Arms (Undercover, Bulldog), Chiappa (Rhino), Heritage Manufacturing (Rough Rider).
Frequently Asked Questions — Revolvers
Are revolvers still good for self-defense?
Yes — revolvers remain excellent self-defense firearms. Their mechanical simplicity means virtually no malfunctions, they function reliably with any ammunition including light or specialty loads, and their manual of arms is straightforward for new shooters. A Smith & Wesson 642 or Ruger LCR in .38 Special remains one of the most recommended pocket carry options for personal defense.
What is the difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum?
.38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers use the same diameter bullet but .357 Magnum is a longer, more powerful cartridge. A .357 Magnum revolver can safely fire both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition, giving you the flexibility to practice with lighter .38 Special loads and carry the more powerful .357 Magnum for defense. A .38 Special revolver cannot fire .357 Magnum.
How many rounds does a revolver hold?
Most revolvers hold 5-6 rounds in the cylinder. Small-frame snub-nose revolvers typically hold 5 rounds. Full-size .357 and .44 Magnum revolvers typically hold 6 rounds. Some designs hold 7-8 rounds in smaller calibers like .22 LR or .327 Federal Magnum. The Taurus Judge holds 5 rounds of .45 Colt or .410 shotshell.
What is the best .357 Magnum revolver?
The Ruger GP100 and Smith & Wesson Model 686 are the two most respected .357 Magnum revolvers. The GP100 is nearly indestructible with a robust frame ideal for high-volume shooting. The Model 686 offers a smoother action and refined trigger preferred by competition shooters. Both are available in multiple barrel lengths from 2.5 to 6 inches.