Ranking Revolver Makers from Best to Worst!..(for Self-Defense!)

[@coalcreeker583]

Love my Rugers. This has nothing to do with quality but Charter Arms invented the transfer bar and could have made a killing by licensing it to other gun makers. They felt that it was so important to gun safety that they just gave it to the gun community. Respect.

[@lil1941]

I always believed that. Yet I actually found out that Harrington and Richardson produced some revolvers that predated the founding of Charter Arms which had a similar system. I believe these were also top break models. Don't get me wrong I like Charter Arm's Copper Beryllium firing pins which they always stated as being unbreakable.

[@demo2952]

I love my 3” sp101 with hogue grips

[@stevenkreft4326]

Just remember that Bill Ruger was the man who came up with the idea for magazine limits and sold out to Clinton for an exception for his company.

[@Gerald-do9yg]

Thanks "Coal", believe I. "Credit where Credit is due"! The Iver Johnson Co. Had the "Hammer the Hammer" Safety mechanism WAY back in the Day, good old -line Companies gone but not forgotten! Blsgs, gg

[@lil1941]

@@Gerald-do9yg Thanks I most likely had mistaken one company for the other regarding the introduction of the first floating firing pin. That being Iver Johnson instead of Harrington & Richardson.

[@Daddy53751]

Back in the mid 80’s my mother picked up a Taurus 85 as her off duty. 10-12 years and a zillion rounds later a couple internal parts wore out, and she sent it out to them for repair. Zero charge of course, and that thing came back with everything but the frame and barrel replaced! It’s still her EDC today.👍🏻

[@The_Painter31]

I have a Taurus in .44 Special and I bought it way back in 1992 and its worked flawlessly with thousands of hot rounds, everything made in the 2000's is where the issues started.

[@pirobot668beta]

I had a Ruger GP100, 4" barrel...I bobbed the hammer, made her double-action only. Sent over 12,000 rounds through her over a 6 year span..not a single failure to function! Sure, there was a bit of top-strap cutting from all the magnum loads, but otherwise she was the most bestest gun I ever had!

[@sleepthoughamostqruelandde1116]

My edc for last 24years for 90%of the time has been a charter arms undercover 38special I inherited from my great grandfather!!😊😊 Never felt under gunned! It was his back up duty weapon for almost 30 years before i received it! Keep it loaded with swchp 158gr at home and 158gr fmjfn! Great video Thank u 😊

[@michaeljohnson-mc9lx]

I bought a Taurus Executive grade .38 special+p for my wife as a purse gun. It works great! No hammer spur to get caught on anything, It's beautiful! The trigger does have quite a bit of take up before it breaks. "double action only". Despite the drawbacks..... I almost want one for myself lol..

[@oldcop18]

My 30 yr career began in ‘68 when being armed off duty was a job requirement. The only approved weapons for off-duty were Colt or S&W so I bought a Colt Cobra new in 1968 and still own it. My issued service revolver saved my life three times so I continue to carry the 340PD no-lock or 442 Pro in retirement.

[@jasonashley4579]

Thank you for your service, carry a 442 with crimson trace boot grip on it myself when I'm not carrying a model 15-3 combat masterpiece stoked with FBI load.

[@andrewcleveland]

Thank you for your service! I absolutely love my S&W 442. I’ve owned plenty of handguns, but that little 442 goes with me everywhere.

[@oldcop18]

Thx everyone for your responses. As an FYI when I ran .357 out of my 340PD it created too much recoil for fast & accurate follow up shots. I keep it loaded w/+P 110 grain hollow points for better control in this light gun.

[@charlesdada6434]

I want to know: how good were leather saps? And could they come back as an "off" switch for mouthy culprits?

[@oldcop18]

@@charlesdada6434 The one I carried was a real fight stopper but I doubt you’ll see them make a come back. Too many police chiefs & sheriffs have very little street time and don’t understand how important a tool these are. Most are more worried about being sued. Tasers & pepper spray don’t always work.

[@raybo34]

I have 2 Charter Arms revolvers. Accurate and reliable. Works for me.

[@tadpetrie3464]

I have a Bulldog .44 Special, it is my favorite EDC gun! You can't go wrong with Son of Sam's gun of choice!😂

[@petersimon5060]

I the watcher. Had a colt 357 python which i sold why you might ask every one said it was a great gun well it was not. Reliable itwas not what i exspected to look at the gun it was a pretty gun with a relly nise name SNAKE. IT WAS a Peice of crap the cilender😢😢would jam when shot 38 and 357 other people new had same problem dont buy one its crap. .

[@petersimon5060]

I had a 22 colt diamond back it never felt right in my hand so i sold it i do not like colt revolvers but i do love the 1911 acp. ❤❤😅.that is the old ones. The watcher.

[@toegoth]

Charter arms is underrated especially when considering the pit bull line can use 9mm, 45 acp, and .40 with no moon clips.

[@jnottingham1981]

I have the charter 357 professional iv 6 round cylinder it has the best action of all my revolvers even better than my 629 performance center s&w

[@snubnosed357]

Smith & Wesson Model 60 owner right here 👋🏾

[@TomD1999]

I've got 2 Taurus revolvers, 1 S&W, a Mod 19 Combat Special and a bunch of other pistols of various types and caliber. The plebeian Taurus' are perfect for their purpose and I've never had an issue with either and I would trust my life with either. But when you handle and work the buttery smooth S&W, you just know that you're in a different realm. You've gone from a functional revolver to a mechanically perfect work of art.

[@sizedjoker2353]

Taurus revolvers are a solid option for sure

[@tacticalbilly7602]

I guess I'm one of the unlucky ones cause every Taurus I bought failed when taken to the range for the first time. Taurus Judge, the 66 and the 44. Either the cylinder wouldn't rotate/spin or something wrong with the trigger. After the third time, the RSO said " Stop buying Taurus'! " This was a few years ago though. I might try again with one of the newer models.

[@sizedjoker2353]

@@tacticalbilly7602 that's crazy I haven't had any problems with mine except the g3 but it was a range gun. Me and my buddies put 1,000s of rounds through it without cleaning it.

[@CBX1980]

I never had a good one.​@@tacticalbilly7602

[@fivecrosses9040]

@@sizedjoker2353 which gun did you put thousands of rounds through without cleaning?

[@sizedjoker2353]

@@fivecrosses9040 g3

[@thinman8621]

Have owned a couple Charter Arms for many years. Worked for a time in a gun shop that sold Charter Arms. Fit and finish is not as refined as some others but price point is excellent, and they shoot very well. Would argue that they are quite serviceable.

[@randyblackburn9765]

I bought a charter undercover in 76 and it was junk , out of time shaved lead and cut my forehead

[@thinman8621]

@@randyblackburn9765 Had a Ford built in same time frame that was a poor performer. Should we be ranking current products based on nearly 50 year old experience?

[@randyblackburn9765]

@@thinman8621 you can go on the tube and find recent issues with Charter . Yes they claim that they have great warranty and fixed issues. But why not fix it right the first time and why not test fire before shipping? In my previous text I said that MINE was junk from near 50 years ago . We ordered 2 my brother got one which was top notch mine was junk . All said I hear of issues with new S&W and Colt revolvers and probably Charter has a better customer service than Smith. Personally I go to auctions and buy older Colt and S&W

[@89Harry89]

RIA around 14th minute is Czech made Alfa-proj remarked as Rock Island Armory... They are not bad (I had their model Alfa-proj 3540 - 4" barrel, no rear sight, 357Mag. - for a few months) but not great either. They have casted frames, inside parts too and I believe outer barrels are casted too. Only "good" feature are screwed inner barrels (when frame prolongates you can screw barrel more far into outer barrel and reduce cylinder gap so even manufacturer knows they have crappy material on frames). In your table I'll put somewhere in the middle - top of serviceable. They are expensive like hell even here in Czech rep. Guns are here expensive in generally but I bought Alfa in 2019 for 10500 CZK (approx. 450 USD) and in these days they jumped to almost 18000 CZK (780 USD), they've just gone mad in Brno... Those branded like RIA will be even more! For that price you can get two secondhand Tauruses in great condition here. Mine Taurus 85S cost 12000 CZK (cca 520 USD) brand new last year. I don't like rubber grips at all so I've put VZ Grips on mine. Sorry for my english but i hope message is clear :)

[@donshively9395]

Odd as it seems, I’m just a little old man … that keeps an American Arms 22 lr, 3/4 barrel with plastic folding grip clipped in the right front pocket of my jeans. I’ve never liked a heavy piece of iron to carry around (though I have several). I’m too weak in the hands and they make my pants ride down. I just snatch up my Mini Revolver, fold it into the plastic grip and slide it into my pocket, clipping it like a pager. You don’t even feel it. I pull it out, flick my wrist and out it pops like a spur trigger switchblade. Suddenly I have five very LOUD shots! They can barely see it in my hand!

[@TheEndOfYou2]

My #2 carry firearm is S&W 640 .357. Been carrying it for years, and it still shoots great. Never leave home without it.

[@gregcampwriter]

I agree about Taurus. My 327 isn't refined, but it works every time I squeeze the trigger, and as I gain in years, "not refined, but always functions" is a more and more respectable trait.

[@mattdg1981]

I love my Taurus m605. All black and runs great. No complaints. Accurate as hell.

[@fat_basturd5345]

@@mattdg1981I love my stainless 605 also. Inexpensive but doesn’t feel like it at all.

[@louisirwin2474]

What's the best round for that Taurus in your experience? The Federal magnum? Or something a shade lighter?

[@hardingdies7811]

Nice video, but I think you missed a VERY IMPORTANT point, which would move RUGER partially into TOP NOTCH. If you look into the reloading manuals, you will often find an asterix (*) at the max loadings and the footnote will state, "Only for use in RUGERS". That's because they are RUGGED and built to handle the heavy duty loads that would break a S&W or COLT. And yet they are beautiful and easy to maintain and customize. I have many revolvers of different makes and the LAST gun I'd ever consider parting with is my RUGER Blackhawk .357 Convertible, 6 1/2'bbl. It will print groups

[@richardhouvener6423]

Asterisk.

[@MrG-xm1up]

Ruger is #1 in my book

[@bassandkeys8178]

Yeah but this is about revolvers for self defense. For which the ability to handle very hot loads isn't a factor.

[@stever8776]

​@@bassandkeys8178 Once again Ruger DA/SA can handle hotter loads over a longer period of time! Compare any S&W J Frame to a Ruger SP-01! The SP-01 is available as a 6 shot .327 Federal Magnum which is a high pressure cartridge. The Ruger Redhawks are extremely strong.

[@johnandrewserranogarcia7223]

Yankee already talked about Ruger only loads in another video.

[@Matersoup]

I'd actually rate the j frame and the SP101 as dead equal. The Ruger's durable modular design gives it an edge.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

I have been a Ruger guy for decades, and the SP101 is one of the best imo

[@Walter_Sobchak_43]

I inherited my fathers Ruger Security Six .357 that he bought back in the mid 70's. Still looks brand new (bluing and all) and shoots great. That Ruger is unbelievably well made. My mother bought the Taurus 805 .38 for self defense and it looks, shoots, and feels like a quality revolver.

[@harrisonlewis6853]

I like my Magpug Charter Arms in stainless steel. Id put Charter Arms in the solid serviceable catalog.

[@bustabass9025]

S&W model 66, 2.5 in barrel. Bought it back in 1987. Several handguns later, and it's still my favorite EDC revolver.

[@dimassalazar906]

I have a couple of good newer revolvers but I end up carrying the one I have shot the best. My old Model 19

[@robertg3592]

Got the 66 and its a great gun

[@ordisiify]

Nice gun S&W 3 inch 66-4.

[@lil1941]

Me too! When you pick up that baby you know you've got some serious heat in your hand. I also loved the S&W model 65 and the Ruger Speed Six in 2 3/4". These babies really do the job.

[@bustabass9025]

@lil1941 I put a set of American Legend walnut and rubber grips on mine. Fits my hand perfectly, and they look stunning against that bright stainless finish. It screams, "ALL BUSINESS!" 👍🏿

[@edljnehan2811]

The Ruger SP101 and GP100 are absolutely my favorite revolvers. I also own a Taurus tracker model 627 in 357 Magnum and it is also a pretty awesome gun😊

[@johnvincent4048]

The SP101 is a great revolver. And if you're brave you can shoot the supercharged Buffalo Bore. 357 ammo.

[@edljnehan2811]

@@johnvincent4048 I'm brave and I have haha

[@johnvincent4048]

​@@edljnehan2811I also have a Ruger .44 mag Super Blackhawk Lipsey 2" barrel. Best revolver ever in my hands. I shot Buffalo Bore. 44 mag +p+! Talk about snappy, WOW!

[@edljnehan2811]

@@johnvincent4048 my, that's a big one. Haha

[@MTB_Pathfinder]

Not a good idea paid SP101, where is Kimber K6S and Diamondback SDR may be paid

[@BigDogDaddyD]

Great video. Thank you. Since the 70's, I carried an N-frame 4" S&W Mod 28 357 for years. Moved to a Colt 1911 when JHP's became reliable in semi-autos. Now I carry a 2011 in 45 ACP.

[@MTB_Pathfinder]

4 inch SW mod 28 has 44 ounces weight.... Every day carry 44 ounces.... and 42.4 mm diameter cylinder... Охуеть

[@station7thedoor]

The first serious revolver I ever ordered, was a Charter Arms .357 Magnum snubby. It arrived broken right out of the box. The dealer I was purchasing it through felt bad, and instead offered me a Ruger GP100 that had some refinement to the trigger. That Ruger is still probably the best revolver I own. I never gave Charter another chance.

[@user-lo6cf3df1x]

I have a few revolvers, My Taures 85 steel frame with a with a Wolf trigger Set up works just great for me

[@michaelfelt5130]

Military guy here. Am getting a 357 mag for home defense for my wife and I. 357 because we can fire .38 special, .38+ or 357. Want a revolver so it can always be loaded w/o ruining magazine springs. Looking at the Taurus Raging Hunter 357 w/ ported 5.12” barrel and 7 round capacity.

[@carryeveryday910]

Oh boy where do we start. You couldn’t of been a combat MOS or you would know loaded magazines don’t ruin the springs lol it’s loading and unloading over time that wears them out. I have magazines that will sit loaded for a year before I shoot the ammo in them and the work flawlessly when I burn rounds through them. Secondly a revolver much less in .357 is going to be considerably more difficult to control for fairly novice shooters due to heavier triggers/typically worse sites etc.

[@amdelux1]

I’ve owned my Taurus model 85 snub for years.I’m not saying that it’s the best but it has served me well with zero problems, very reliable.

[@jwdundon]

I don't know about you, but if I get in a gun fight, I value my life a lot more than the discounted price of a Taurus.... It may be a good gun hell. I've got toward survivors and they are good guns cuz my life's in the line. I want something quality of a Dan Wesson or better.

[@edsal26]

@@jwdundonbut you drive a cheap car?

[@jwdundon]

@@edsal26 I drive 100 miles for work every day. So, I don't drive my $80,000.00 truck for commuting, NOR do I drive one of my classic cars. I am frugal, I paid 500.00 for a 100,000 mile Ford focus, (worth 3500.00), yeah CHEEP. that has some dents and smelled bad on the inside. AC works good, cruise works good, 35 mpg, and dependable. The money I save on this shitbox, I can spend on FINE guns. THE last high end gun I bought was a 1982 Colt Python 6" barrel STAINLESS STEEL I gave $1600.00 for it. (Yeah, they didn't officially make a stainless Python until 84). It's realistically a $3000.00 maybe $3500.00 hand gun. - it doesn't get shot much, my Dan WessonS can outshoot it.

[@edsal26]

@@jwdundon You have a better chance of being in a car accident than a defensive shooting incident. Spend more time in your car.

[@jwdundon]

@@edsal26 100% agreement with you. It's a certainty I will have a car accident way more often than be involved in a self defense shooting. I can buy a 100,000 car, that won't stop me getting in a car accident. Lane assist, or Blind spot monitoring, can help. And yeah my shit box has that. So what? Like a self defense shooting, I TRY to AVOID dangerous situations. When I drive, I constantly, avoid dangerous situations. (Avoid somebody's blind spot, watch for escape routes if I need one) DO NOT ROAD RAGE, be polite to other drivers. Don't take unnecessary risks passing somebody. Don't text and drive. Etc.... Your point saying buying a cheap car is like buying a cheap gun.... Simply doesnt hold water.

[@supermatt25]

The new Rossi RP63 isn’t even in the same stratosphere as the Taurus, it is far superior in fit and finish. The Taurus revolvers are crude in comparison. As a matter of fit and finish, the Rossi is as good or better in appearance that the Ruger SP101, although it being rather new is not as proven as the Ruger….but it gives up nothing in fit and finish to the Ruger and is far beyond the Taurus. The Rossi is the most revolver dollar for dollar on the market imho

[@timothylocklear2961]

I like Rossi revolvers, but comparing Rossi to Ruger is like comparing a honda to a Porsche.

[@supermatt25]

Well what I stated is that the “new” Rossi, as in the RP63 that is fairly new on the market…and it absolutely is as nice “in fit and finish” as the Ruger. I handled them side by side at the gun store when my son was shopping revolvers. He left with the Rossi and saved over $200 compared to the SP101

[@davidkachel]

@@timothylocklear2961 The new Rossis are in a higher league. I have the RP63 and the comparison to Ruger is perhaps too generous to Ruger! I would say they are approaching S&W levels. I may even buy another.

[@davidkachel]

You saved me a bunch of typing.

[@jnottingham1981]

I love my diamondback sdr 357

[@christopherlink6256]

The Charter, for the money, is a great rev, I have 2 s& w686 plus, that would be my top pick, there are some on your list I don’t have experience with, But I am a revolver guy myself!

[@carryeveryday910]

Currently carrying a S&W 432 UC lipseys exclusive. Favorite carry gun I’ve ever owned and that is saying something. Fit/finish/sights/trigger/chambering etc all incredible.

[@krashdude1]

I just recently purchased a new Taurus 942 Ultra Lite Revolver in 22LR. It was defective out of the box, would not ignite any primers. Sent it back to Taurus.They said the frame was so defective they would need to destroy the firearm and issue me a new one, replacing the serial number. I would have to pay for the FFL transfer. 16 weeks....16 weeks later and they cannot send me a new replacement. Customer service reps just always say " well they are made in Brazil, so..." My recent experience

[@kidvision564]

Just read the google reviews on taurus

[@davidschaadt3460]

Oh God. Ivet heard some horror stories like that.

[@PatrickThreewit]

Stick to the Ruger SR22LR.

[@dennisjwaltke4871]

I bought a 942M ultralite last week and it works perfectly. I have a Smith&Wesson snubbie 38 special in stainless steel which is immaculate. My Ruger security six in357 magnum is a workhorse. Sorry that you had a bad experience.

[@justwippet]

Same story here only worse. Bought the 942 22 Magnum Ultra Lite. Worked great for 50 rounds and then - click, no boom. Sent it to Taurus for repair. Two months later I was informed it was defective and needed to be replaced. Two months later, I get the replacement. 150 rounds later? Click, no boom. Sent it back and, two weeks later, the gun is defective and has to be replaced AGAIN (they said the frame was bent). I opted for the 22LR version as a replacement this time. We'll see how that works out when I finally get it.

[@Truesight333]

Charter light n inexpensive, lots of options, got 44 n 38

[@Marconius-SPQR]

I have an EAA .38/.357 mag. While the fit and finish are adequate, the performance is very good. Shoots 2" groups @ 50' with 2" barrel. Single action is very smooth, double action is rough but not unmanageable. Never had a misfire.

[@stevenrush9862]

I turned 21 and went straight to the sporting goods store and bought the then new Colt King Cobra SS 6 inch. 40 years later that revolver has served me VERY well.

[@richardrichmond8006]

Interesting review. Retired Law Enforcement 40 years of service. Smith & Wesson is #1 for me, especially any Smith made before 1980. Great triggers. All of mine are from the 1960s to late 1970s, and they are the counter-sunk cylinders and the pin barrels. I particularly like the Smith Model 38 and 49 Bodyguards for pocket guns. Colt snubs second, again, anything made before 1975. My 1959 Colt Cobra and 1965 Colt Detective special are going strong. Colt has been bought out so many times that I gave up when they sold the horse off the top of the building. I never forgave them for the firing pin plunger on the 80's Series 1911-blasphemy. I worked part-time in a family-owned gunshop started in 1955 from 2020 to 2023, and the fit and the finish from those manufacturing years starting in 1980 for Colt were nothing to crow about. However, I can't speak for Colt after CZ. I agree with Ruger being up there as a workhorse gun revolver. I have a Ruger Speed Six and an SP101 in 9mm. Taurus and Rossi's quality has always been spotty, and we refer to Taurus in a hyphenated way, beginning with a part of a woman's anatomy in front of Taurus. We didn't carry Taurus or Rossi except for a special order that was paid in full before we ordered. From what I have seen, the Kimber revolvers are OK. I am not impressed with Henrey Revolvers. All my big bore double action revolvers, 44 or 45 are Smith N-frames. None of the others you mentioned interest me, so to each his own.

[@markmeador]

I have a Colt Python with a 4” barrel. I bought it in a pawn shop for $120.00. That was over 40 years ago. Best trigger of any revolver I have ever shot. I also have a Colt Police Positive that was used as a police firearm before they switched to automatics. Colt Frontier 22 my dad bought me in 1969. The only modern revolvers I own are a S&W 642 j-frame and a Heritage Roughrider.

[@richardrichmond8006]

@@markmeador Those are great choices. The Heritage Revolvers are an affordable and reliable firearm. My counterpart is a Stainless Ruger Single Six Convertible-those Colt Frontiers are fine little kits or trail guns. The Colt Police Positive is a dandy revolver and a gem to carry in a pancake holster. I am looking for a Colt Trooper in a four-inch barrel. The Trooper and Python have the same frame and lock works- the Python has the iconic heavy barrel. Of course, I will add a Tyler grip adapter, as I have with all of my old-school revolvers.

[@grayrider1865]

S&W has probably changed hands as much as Colt has.

[@Erik_m509]

Big revolver fan. Wish CZ would really bring back the Dan Wesson line of revolvers. Seems like they come back around every now and then. Got to shoot a friends 6” Dan Wesson. Fit and finish were every bit as good or better than the Colt Python and amazingly accurate.

[@mattdg1981]

I have an older 15-2 dan Wesson with a 6 1/2" barrel and it's a freaking laser. Nicest revolver I own besides my super Blackhawk bisley 7 5/8" in 44.

[@TheYankeeMarshal]

They are replacing Dan Wesson with Colt. That is why Dan Wesson is not on this list. They are no longer made.

[@zenjon7892]

CZ now owns Colt, so that explains that. I do love CZ, and I do love Colt...

[@frankbutta9344]

Smith & Wesson occupies the majority of my revolver collection. I can get *any* part quickly and easily. That can’t be said for any other revolver, except for Ruger.

[@lenzielenski3276]

DW Accuracy is due to the barrel setup. Action and trigger leave a lot to be desired

[@justis4men211]

My Mag Pug makes a big boom every time.

[@richardvaughan3088]

I've had a RIA M206 for about 3 years. It has been great.

[@iduswelton9567]

Former owner of the S&W model 681 .357 mag Full Combat - i loved this weapon - it was very reliable, accurate, rugged, and i bought it directly from the a class 3 dealer back in 1983 for $150 - i let a Dr talk me into selling it to him for $600 in 1995 and i kick myself everyday for selling it - my #2 favorite is the S&W model 65-4 .357 mag. and I wish i still had that one also - my current weapon is a Llama 380 compact, it's an older gun most likely made in the mid 60s but it suits me fine for now 🤓

[@corirawlinson868]

Worked with an officer who carried a model 581. I swear that thing is perfect.

[@whiplash8277]

Haven't watched your videos in years, but glad I saw this one. Well done, Yankee.

[@thomasdonlin5456]

The first pistol I ever bought was a Ruger Security Six with a 4” heavy barrel. I love it! It’s still with me.

[@tonymouer4263]

I just purchased a Charter Arms Undercoverette .32 H&R Magnum for concealed pocket carry. It comes with an aluminum frame weighing in at only 12 oz!!! That's super light weight!!! It cost me only $352 brand new at Buds Gun Shop paying the cash price, getting 15$ off for signing up for email, and of course shipping is free. $352 for a six-shot lightweight .32 H&R Magnum concealed carry hammerless revolver! Who's going to beat that! No one!!! That's such an excellent deal I think you can take your chart and put the gun I just purchased at the top of the list for value!

[@AirrNavarra]

i just got one. it is really cool! love the minimal recoil when shooting 32 H&R Long. easy to conceal, easy to carry, easy to shoot, easy to train with. #PracticeShouldntHurt

[@rotadyma]

Great video yankee! My love and obsession for revolvers is exploding. My first couple of purchases were Taurus. I bought the 627 Tracker in 357 first. Next, I bought the EAA Windicator in the 2". After that bought a Taurus Raging Hunter 5.2" in 357. And very recently I bought the Chiappa Rhino 30DS and just today I ordered the Ruger Redhawk 5.5", 8 shot 357. Yeah, I guess I'm becoming addicted. Let me know if you think I made good choices. Thanks.

[@anthonyguidas2012]

I’ve always been a revolver fan, I like seeing a list like this.

[@str8shooter159]

The Ruger Redhawk 357mag 8 shot S&W 627 357mag 8shot Great guns

[@slkric1724]

I have had great success out of my Rossi RM64. I also have a Taurus 605 Defender. But it has had so many problems. It has been fixed under warranty three times so far.

[@stephenmartin9393]

Smith and Wesson, Colt and Ruger are at the top of the list. Anything else is pretty much inconsequential.

[@jeffreyedwards6759]

I've owned a Ruger security six for 45 years and I would and have trusted my life with it!!

[@stever8776]

When Ruger came out with the GP100, I foolishly traded my Security Six. Still like the GP100. But went back to the Security Six in 4" and 2.75" their values have actually increased. Tests in the Security Six vs the S&W 66 showed after 2000 rounds of full power .357 magnums, the S&Ws had worn out. They stopped the test on the Ruger at 5,000 rounds and it still was going strong.

[@rw8147]

I got a security six in trade a few years back and was blown away by how good it is. I want another, except in 4" barrel, and would love a speed six 3" in 9mm.

[@andrewhetjonk9975]

My first handgun was a security six. I'll never give it up

[@garyK.45ACP]

Seems like a very fair ranking. I concur. I have many revolvers, ALL are either Colt or S&W, mostly S&W. I have never owned a Ruger revolver, though they are certainly high quality, they just seem a little "extra" in the weight/bulk departments.🤷‍♂ I like Rugers, I have many Ruger rifles and shotguns, I was just never a fan of any of their handguns. I have never been a fan of SA revolvers...give me a classic DA any time!

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

What amno do u run in your old revolvers? I'm inheriting some, and really curious of 38 and 357 that they maybe prefer to run.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@Yetified_Mayhem My answer will probably disappoint you. 99.5% of the ammo I fire are handloads. Factory ammo in .38 Special and .357 Magnum is ridiculously expensive. I handload for every centerfire handgun or rifle I own and cast at least one type of bullet for each. The only centerfire factory loads I have purchased in recent years (other than specialty carry ammo) are 9mm and 5.56/.223 and only when I get a deal on them that makes it worthwhile. And yes, I use cast lead bullets in autoloading handguns and rifles also. They work great. By far, the majority of the handloads in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum are 148 gr. cast lead wadcutters with 2.8 gr. of Bullseye powder in .38 Special cases. Very mild load, recoil slightly more than a .22 LR, very accurate, AND I get 2500 loads from 1 pound of powder! I also cast a 158 gr. lead SWC. In the .357 Magnum I load those with 14.5 gr. of 2400 for a "magnum load". But, again, I rarely shoot those. There isn't much point in wasting powder, lead or money to make a hole in paper or ring a piece of steel. For carry loads, in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, I use Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P 158 gr. lead SWC-HP. I can make up .38 Special +P loads using the 158 gr. cast lead SWC to duplicate my carry load for practice...but again, those are at a minimum. You don't need a lot of recoil and noise to practice. Trigger control, sight picture, follow through are all more critical than fire, flash and noise. Do not use .38 Special +P in any .38 Special revolver not marked for them. Any .357 Magnum factory load is safe in any revolver made for .357 Magnum. Any .38 Special loadings can also be fired in .357 Magnum revolvers. Enjoy the revolvers!

[@davidkachel]

I have some Ruger DAs, but have never been a fan of their full size single-actions. Wrong balance. They look like Colts (sorta) but lack the mojo.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@davidkachel I haven't found any "mojo" in any single action revolver. The only SA I own is a S&W Performance Center Schofield which I bought in the early 2000s. It's chambered in .45 S&W. I make cases for it by trimming .45 Colt cases. But rarely fire it. I'm a S&W collector, so I bought it mostly for that reason. FWIW I think the break top is a MUCH better action than a Colt SAA type rod ejector, but I understand it is not as strong. I like the .45 Colt cartridge and have 3 revolvers for that cartridge, 2 S&W Model 25-5s and 1 Colt New Service. I'm a revolver guy, just not an SA revolver guy. But...to each their own. And FWIW, I also have many autoloading handguns, so I am not _exclusively_ a revolver guy.

[@davidkachel]

@@garyK.45ACP Mojo can only be had in the traditional SAA design from Colt (or some clones). You have to use one a lot before you find the mojo. For a practical demonstration of someone who's found the mojo, watch some of the videos by TUCOtheratt here on youtube. Be forewarned, he has a sense of humor! Some people do find mojo in types of guns other than the SAA, but they just can't get into heaven!! ;-)

[@jasonpheifer9694]

Have you tried the rock Island m 200 or m206 I hear a lot of " best budget" reviews

[@rickcasual]

I got a ruger sp101, i carry it, theyre awesome, replace the ugly grip plates, i got some copper ones, looks great

[@jordancoleman714]

Copper inserts? Where did you find those?

[@robbie0884]

REVOLVERS ALL DAY! 💪

[@Loadrunner620]

Revolvers i like, Smith and Wesson, Kimber and Dan Wesson. I like .357 Magnum caliber revolver for self defense and conceal carry

[@PatrickThreewit]

Near my computer I have a New Model Ruger Blackhawk 41 magnum, 6.5-inch barrel, single action, loaded with semi-wadcutters cowboy action 210 gr. If I think things may deteriorate I can use Hornady lever-evolution loads. I keep my Shield 9 under my car seat if I go to a town. With the Blackhawk, I practice at 7 to 25 yards and occasionally at 50 yards.

[@mistermusik]

Good ranking. My first revolver was a Windicator. New to me but I put hundreds of rounds through it. Only thing starting to go wrong is the timing. After a visit to the gunsmith I have confidence it will function as new. I consider it serviceable. And because it is evolved from a line that stretches back to the early 80s, you can swap in different grips, barrels and barrel shrouds to suit your needs, if you can find them. Mine started off as 4” barrel with a pretty bad stock rubber grip. My current configuration for it is 2” with a smaller bakelite grip. It’s an accurate 6-shot 38spl that can be concealed.

[@lynnlittle8671]

I’m glad to see favorite carry revolver, my little Kimber DAO K6s, ranked as it is here.

[@tylersmallman9343]

I’ve loved Taurus since they were a bit janky honestly. I’ll always be that little whitetrash kid in my heart with lots of love for everything subpar.

[@elder1144]

Great review. I have a Taurus 856 and was wondering what you think of that one? I have about 200 rounds fired with no issues and the one best reason for having this one for me was the 6 rounds. I don't know why most manufactures went to 5 perhaps you do.

[@Lordsatan-tz6bn]

I am the one who sees the 9mm sufficient for self defense because I am usually with my wife and daughter. They can handle a 9mm.I love the 357 mag and see revolvers as superior.Thank you for this video it was very informative.It motivated me to carry my 7 shot Ruger gp 100.My 9mm as back up.

[@huntermcdougal5013]

S&W 586 owner… purchased in 2012. My favorite gun I have ever owned.

[@defendor66]

Decided to carry a revolver over a semi auto, just feels right 😅 went with a Taurus.

[@eljot6305]

My suggestion, if you put Korth on the top of the list: Try Janz. They're also made in Germany like Korth and Spohr, but they are really the 'toppest' notch. And even more expensive. Greetings over the pond, from - you might have guessed it from my choice of brands - Deutschland.

[@ju00]

Thx for this vid. I don't have a single revolver but was considering options from Taurus

[@SolidBren]

Great ranking! Glad to hear numerous companies are improving their products! You've been on a role with good gun content!

[@2009Berghof]

Fifty years ago I qualified on a police range with my S&W Model 15 revolver. We were allowed 100 rounds to qualify. I chose to shoot half my allotment in the Charter Arms snub that I owned. After shooting fitty rounds, I found my hand sore from the sharper edges of the Charter revolver. I had no such reaction after ever shooting any of my S&W revolvers.

[@joshuamonk6245]

There are 2 revolvers that I wish I had never sold. I sold them for... reasons. Those revolvers were my S&W model 10( no dash) and my S&W modle 19-2.

[@hokehinson5987]

My daily carry is charter arm undercover which is at least 20 + yrs old. My shooting buddy gave it to me. He carried it for the time he drove trucks. Works. Accuracte at 3 yards. Good enough for personal defense. Average shot is like 7 feet. Own a k frame s&w .38spl target, ruger blk hawk, the hand gun you can bludgeon your attacker with if you miss! Heavy & clunky but popular!

[@TallTreesClub]

Ha ! So much for S&W !! Just bought a 686 Plus. Arrived with swirl marks on the barrel and the cylinder wouldn't open. Good thing I didn't sign the papers and sent it back. A month later and the supply warehouse didn't get a replacement, so I had the local gun store cancel the order and opted for a trusty PX4 Storm Beretta

[@buncha5651]

The Korth and the Manhurin are expensive and well finished, but they don't shoot any better than S&W or Ruger. 😊

[@Lamont580]

My MR73 absolutely shoots better than the American cousins in my collection. I have two Korth revolvers, a 4 inch from '73 and a 6 inch from '69, but they're museum pieces.

[@kidvision564]

For $5,000 they better shoot well

[@thomascronan9964]

Got way old dan wesson 357.4 inch screwed on. The finish is still exemplary. Best 140 bucks I ever spent

[@wj0067]

I like the S&W model 19 classic... like the "modernization" of it. Which just makes it better. With some nice woden hogue grips... Unfortunately I live in Canada, where even a pocket knife can cause trouble. Protect your 2A rights people it's FUBAR up here. I do like the new Colts... 4.25"(I do like this length, & Canadian again the barrel can't be under 4.25") and the Blued Python inparticular.

[@cschym2705]

We all need to do our part to stop Communism!

[@Tonyhodges33]

I own a 1955 vintage model 19 and it is one of the sweetest revolvers I have ever owned.

[@elsullo2]

@@cschym2705 You clearly have no IDEA what Communism is, or where to find it. (It is only under YOUR BED!).......................elsullo

[@jamesedmond3351]

You got what you voted for.

[@CoreyCJordan]

I own S&W, Ruger, Taurus, and Charter Arms revolvers. The only one to have issues was my Charter Arms 2", 8 shot Pathfinder. It arrived at my FFL with a .019" cylinder to firing cone gap. I returned it. 6 weeks later, it arrived with a new barrel. This one was a much higher quality barrel. It has a pressed in (into the shroud) reverse crown barrel. However, someone misadjusted the cylinder latch, and the cylinder was pushed against the forcing cone... Zero gap. I readjusted it myself, and it was fine thereafter. My other two Charter Arms revolvers have been trouble-free. As to Rossi... I recently purchased their new RM64 .357. It is stainless with a gorgeous gas nitride black finish. The trigger is very smooth, but the hammer spring is excessively strong. The trigger return (rebound) spring is far stronger than necessary. I understand why, being driven by liability issues. However, both can be tuned to significantly reduce trigger force while having more than enough spring to be reliable in double action. I'll break edges and polish surfaces, too. I do trigger jobs on all of my Taurus revolvers. These triggers went from acceptable to outstanding. Those include the 627 4" .357, 605 2" .357 and an 856 3" .38 Special. My favorite is my S&W model 15-3. I bought this from an elderly family member. Only 18 rounds ever fired through it. It is flawless, about as close to new as I'm likely to find.

[@davidkachel]

RP63 here, also had to replace atrocious springs. Then, I had the bargain of the year. I hope they don't raise the price before I can snag another one.

[@jasonashley4579]

The model 15 combat masterpiece is probably the finest .38 service revolver one can carry, carry one myself.

[@ordisiify]

​@@jasonashley4579My first handgun! S&W 4 inch 15-3..Bought it in 1969. Perfect revolver , with wide target hammer and ttigger.

[@orionbennett776]

Revolvers are a recent add on to my collection, so I've stayed kind of low dollar. Got 3 so far, a RIA 206, and except for that annoying snub nose kick ... it's been dependable. A Rossi RM66 .357, and it has so far blown me away. crisp trigger, dependable, and 6" barrel, extremely accurate. And last but not least .. A Taurus 82. I owned one back in the 70's, loved it, sold it to get a 1911 ... and kicked myself for getting rid of it. Just bought another Taurus 82. Not the quality of the one I bought in the 70's, but accurate, and dependable.

[@kurtisdruschel4935]

I carry 9 Smith &Wesson, and Smith & Wesson air weight 38 special back up

[@Starman2440]

Have 6 Taurus pistols--3 revolvers and 3 Semi-autos. I have shot them all frequently without any issues. Have 4 S & W N frame revovers....three had to be sent back for repairs. I have 4 Ruger Single Action pistols...have had issues with all of them---broken/replaced many transfer bars over the years on them.

[@davidkachel]

Curious... which N frames and did you buy them new or used?

[@Starman2440]

@@davidkachel All New M-25, M-27, M-29, & M-57. The M-57 was the only one that didn't get a trip to Springfield, Mass.

[@victorhasselblad6458]

My primary EDC is A Glock 26 with A 33 round fun stick. My back up is A Smith wesson 360 PD. Just love this revolver. I do shoot both gun's every week. Also I have had an FFL for 27 years. Great video thank you.

[@jeffreymorgan4381]

I only have four manufacturing revolvers. Colt S&W Ruger and Taylor single action. Been happy with all of them.

[@belayasmert9943]

I picked up pre-lock taurus 66 4"bbl a few years ago at a pawnshop I gotta say it's a very accurate revovler with one hella smooth action In excellent condition. Which is my H/D gun.

[@tk423b]

If you want the safest, most powerful and easiest to carry handgun, then try a 357 revolver.

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

U forgot to say sexy

[@libra7624]

Its not about caliber but more of what revolver your best with as far as draw speed and fast accurate shot placement on vitals like heart and head, a caliber cant operate its self and the effectiveness of the caliber isnt its power but where you put that power to stop the threat

[@bobjones-bt9bh]

327 federal is superior in a snub

[@davidford1564]

Which one?

[@SMS2884]

Only snub I ever owned was a 357 j frame. I took it to the range. First round screwed the timing. 2nd round sent a piece into my cheek. You will NEVER convince me a 357 revolver is safe to carry lol.

[@sorrowcat2724]

I have a Taurus 605 as seen as in the video. Chambered in .357. It’s a kickass gun that’s never missed a beat!! I have over 500 rounds through it.

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Great list, fair review. Glad all the ones on the list exist and offer people reliable wheel gun options at vatiety of prices

[@Hanashibi]

What is your thought on a 4" Model-13-3, shoulder holster for a typical carry gun?

[@mrdato116]

People like to hate on Taurus , but almost every batch of new Colt Pythons had some kind of problems. Also just Google Ruger gb100 7 shot , sticking cylinder. Oh yeah SW canted barrels too lol

[@PurePuritan]

Taurus sells gernades not guns

[@mrdato116]

@@PurePuritan yep and ur mom 😉

[@PurePuritan]

@@mrdato116 taurus: made by monkies for monkies

[@mrdato116]

@@PurePuritan yep and ur mom 😉

[@Miata822]

S&W 638, carrying for about 30 years now and it's still my favorite.

[@rebeccabirchfield5908]

I have been looking for a video that compared revolver quality by manufacturer. This provided very good detail for the author's decisions for relative ranking.

[@davidbarnes7711]

Agreed. Can't wait to hear more about the Diamondback SDR.

[@Nvdasmth1]

I own a Taurus tracker 22wmrimfire excellent trail gun with mounting for red dot sights. I have a CHARTER Arms snubby 22 Rim fire 6 round excellent back up. ankle carry with 38 grain Rem Soeerdot HP

[@anthonymotton6150]

A Single Action list would be appreciated. This mostly objective review has helped me assess my DA revolver possessions with perspective! Thanks

[@davegrove795]

Nicely done! I’m prejudiced to my Ruger GP 120, but reluctantly admit that others exist.

[@Drinksalotobeer]

Thanks for a very informative video! I really don't know anything about revolvers and money is a little tight right now. I was thinking about either a Taurus or an EAA revolver, now I think I'll get a Taurus. Thanks again!

[@stevenrichardson4928]

Good video, great assessment. For Version 2, please include RIA M206 and Spohr Revolvers. Thanks!

[@stevenrichardson4928]

…and perhaps the Taurus 856 in your ratings. Thanks!

[@anthonyguidas2012]

I like the image you used for the Smith & Wesson, I have that exact 686 plus.

[@rick343]

People can brag and show off their semi auto pistols all they want, I'll never be impressed , you can't beat the reliability of a revolver, I was raised learning about shooting, back in the late 60's by my dad, using his service revolver, he taught me about, first and foremost, gun safety, and we target practiced and hunted regularly, with a variety of firearms, I won't depend on anything for carrying, except the good ole revolver.

[@GrowLLLTigeRRR]

My favorite revolver to shoot is my 4" S&W 25-5. My favorite revolver to carry is my Ruger SP101.

[@elsullo2]

You did not mention QUALITY CONTROL as a very sad Twenty-First Century issue, especially for Smith & Wesson revolvers! Even the Custom Shop guns often need to go back to the factories for major service. They have really poor spec standards for things like trigger pull weight and cylinder to barrel gap. One spiffy gunshop thought I looked dumb, a skill I have studied, and they happily presented me a S&W 642 for sale that you could fit a thick credit card through that cylinder gap! I am glad that I got my Smiths before 2005! I urge everyone to NOT buy without handling each piece for examination first..........................elsullo

[@lenbjj13]

My EAA I've had for 8 yrs (windicator) no problems shoots great and didn't do anything to it. My Ruger sp101 I had to do a trigger job on it and buy a hogue grip for it. Also paid double for the Ruger. Keep that in mind ppl. You know what they say about opinions.

[@PrentissYeates]

50 years ago I put on layaway a Ruger security six at my job as a clerk at a sporting goods store, long story made short, lost my job and my layaway- times 15 years ago, I bought the replacement a Ruger GP100. No regrets

[@FCV0511]

AFAIK the Heritage Arms Roscoe guns are made by Taurus, and they're more or less Taurus 85s. Should be good to go. Rossi's stuff is also made by Taurus these days, and I find the examples I've handled have seemed higher quality than their Taurus brethren. Your mileage may vary.

[@lil1941]

Excellent video! If you don't like revolvers, maybe you have never given them an honest try. If you do you'll probably realize how much fun they really are to shoot. Their simplicity is what wins us over to them. They do have a longer history than semi-autos. When kept in proper working order they are extremely reliable. Most autos will jam, just watch any KZbin video on pistol shooting. You almost always see a jam, but not so with a revolver.

[@davidmeeker7481]

In some training circles, revolvers are considered " experts guns", where as it used to be considered the best " beginner" gun. Ive trained, qualified and carried a SW 686 in Federal service. Ive carried and trained with both Semiautos and revolvers and dont feel outgunned with a wheelgun. I wish the gurus could make up their minds.

[@yakbutter78]

Because it's both. It's a great beginner gun because there is no magazine, no safety/mag release/takedown levers to learn, no malfunction drills, etc. Shooting 38 special in single action in a steel revolver is a breeze. It's an expert's gun because shooting DA quickly and accurately is hard, especially with full power loads. And reloads are difficult as well.

[@davidkachel]

@@yakbutter78 Saved me a bunch of typing!

[@TomD1999]

Over time, I've had a number of people ask me for advice for a home defense pistol. Most of the people had zero to a small amount of previous gun experience and my advice to every one of them to buy a double action revolver in whatever caliber I thought appropriate for them, from .22 (for a no-experience single woman) to 357. I've always begged them to go to a range and get at least a few hundred rounds of experience. But the fact is that they eventually bought (or not) whatever weapon they ended up with, 1 box of ammo (God knows what kind) and few get any real training. If they bought a semi-auto and ever need the pistol, very probably their brain is going to lock up and with no training to fall back on, isn't going to know if a loaded mag is in the gun, whether it is chambered or to even remember if there is a safety, much less how to disengage it. With a revolver, it's point and shoot. 99% of the threats are gonna haul a** at the 1st sound of gunfire anyway.