Choosing a revolver for self-defense doesn’t have to be complicated. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to use a .38 Special and go about your day — there are a multitude of other options out there. If you’ve decided to use a wheelgun for your daily carry, we have some magnum revolver suggestions for you. Here’s our top five list of magnum revolvers for self-defense.
1. Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic
Whether you prefer a classic aesthetic or simply want a revolver produced with a proven platform, the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic is worth a closer look. This is a beautifully made gun with walnut grips and a polished, blued finish. Chambered in .357 Magnum — a classic in its own right — it has a six-round capacity. Speedloaders for the Model 19 aren’t difficult to come by like they are for some revolvers, and that’s a big bonus.
The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic is a K-frame revolver. It has a 1.45-inch width, so it’s relatively slim, and an overall length of 9.87 inches. The barrel itself is 4.25 inches, meaning this isn’t a snubby, and that’s a big plus for controlling felt recoil and muzzle rise. While it’s chambered in .357 Magnum, you could certainly run .38 Special through it to reduce felt recoil. Of course, that changes the ballistic performance a bit. If you do choose to use 357 Magnum make sure you’re familiar with how your chosen ammunition penetrates and expands.
2. Ruger GP100
This is a fantastic gun with a number of model options within the family of guns. This particular Ruger GP100 is chambered in .327 Federal Magnum, a cartridge that really should get more attention than it does. .327 Federal Magnum was designed by Federal and entered production in 2008. Its general purpose was to offer ballistics similar to that of the 357 Magnum, only allowing greater capacity. For example, with .327 Federal Magnum, you might get six rounds where there would otherwise only be five if it was .357 Magnum.
The Ruger GP100 in .327 Federal Magnum has a seven-round capacity, putting it at a higher capacity than many similarly designed revolvers. It has a five-inch barrel, which is excellent for ballistics but can make it a bit more challenging to conceal. The gun’s overall length is 10.38 inches and its empty weight is 39 ounces. It’s made from alloy steel and has smooth walnut grips with the Ruger logo embedded in the uppermost portion of the side. If you want a magnum revolver but prefer to have more rounds available without a reload, this just might be the gun for you.
3. Nighthawk Korth Mongoose
Although this gun is offered with different barrel lengths, it’s the four-inch barrel we’re focused on (if you really want a snub-nosed magnum revolver, though, this is one of the best-made models around). The Nighthawk Korth Mongoose is chambered in .357 Magnum and has an overall dark — yes, black — finish, meaning glare is reduced and it’s outside the norm expected for revolvers. That can be a nice thing when you’re interested in carrying a gun that isn’t easily described at random.
The Nighthawk Korth Mongoose has a six-round capacity and boasts an interchangeable cylinder. That means if you want to change it up and not carry magnum, you could get the 9x19mm Parabellum cylinder and use that instead. This gun has a whole host of excellent features like a high-polished trigger, roller trigger system, and fantastically smooth trigger pull (especially when you consider the fact that it is a single-action/double-action). The rear sight is fully adjustable. This revolver has an overall length of 8.86 inches, making it easy to conceal.
4. Taurus 608
In recent years, Taurus has definitely upped their gun quality game. The Taurus 608 is a nice example of a well-made magnum revolver worth considering for daily carry. It’s chambered in .357 Magnum, which is an admittedly common defensive option for revolvers, but unlike others, it has a greater capacity. This revolver holds 8 rounds, so even without a speedloader, you have options.
The Taurus 608 has a four-inch barrel and an overall length of 9.67 inches. Now, with its greater capacity comes a bit more size, so its width is 1.80 inches and its empty weight is 45 ounces. That doesn’t mean it cannot be concealed, only that it might be a bit more challenging to make it work. You might be surprised what you can conceal with the correct holster and gun belt combination. The 608 has a stainless steel frame with a matte finish and rubber grips with finger grooves. Its front sight is fixed, the rear sight is adjustable, and it’s a single-action/double-action. This gun is a great choice for carry and, thanks to its larger capacity, it might be perfect for gun owners who’d prefer not to carry a speedloader.
5. Colt King Cobra
A revolver list isn’t complete without Colt, but it can be difficult to choose just one model from their revolver lineup. The King Cobra is a great option thanks to its solidly designed frame and proven performance. With its three-inch barrel, it’s a smaller and more concealable option, which is a big point in its favor. This revolver is built for serious use and is comfortable, accurate, and reliable.
The Colt King Cobra is chambered in .357 Magnum and has a six-shot capacity. With its shorter barrel length, that means felt recoil and muzzle rise will be somewhat more noticeable than they might otherwise be, but it remains manageable. The gun has a 28-ounce empty weight, which isn’t as heavy as many revolvers. Its slightly lighter weight is a bonus when it comes to the weight of the gun itself on your belt. And since it’s a .357 Magnum, it is possible to use .38 Special if you prefer. It has a brushed stainless finish and sports Hogue Overmolded grips, the latter of which are comfortable in the hand (they also make it easier to shoot when it comes to recoil).
Revolvers for Self-defense
Revolvers are often dismissed for self-defense purposes, and that’s a shame. A well-made revolver isn’t only a beautiful thing, it’s reliable, accurate, and certainly worth considering for your carry gun. If you’re going to carry a magnum revolver for self-defense it’s a good idea to not only carry a speedloader but practice with it. Having that speedloader available won’t do you much good if you’re not experienced in using it. Revolvers are just like any other firearm and require practice and training. Remember, shooting skills are perishable. Keep up the trigger time long-term, regardless of your platform of choice.
What’s your favorite magnum revolver for defensive use? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
