The first revolver is said to be made by Samuel Colt in Connecticut around the year 1836. Samuel Colt received a U.S. patent for the revolver mechanism that allowed a gun to fire multiple times without having to reload. The gun was equipped with a revolving cylinder that contained five to six bullets and a new and innovative cocking device.
Purchasing a Revolver
Before purchasing a revolver, or any other type of gun for that matter, you will want to be sure that you understand the intended purpose of the gun, and you will want to ensure that you know how to handle it both safely and effectively.
Owning a gun is a big responsibility and the safety of owning and using one should be taken into serious consideration.
The Advantages of a Revolver
One of the biggest advantages you can find with a revolver is the overall efficiency of it. All you really need is the trigger to fire it and they do not require any other special steps or manipulation to make them work.
Revolvers are also very reliable and will be able to shoot more rounds without experiencing any difficulty or malfunctioning, as you may see with a handgun. As long as the revolver is properly maintained, cleaned, regularly inspected, and cared for, the instances of any kind of failure or malfunctioning are seriously diminished.
Finally, revolvers have the ability to shoot a wider variety of ammunition opposed to other guns and they do not require any magazines to operate.
Thinking of purchasing a revolver? The following are reviews of some of the best revolvers currently available:
Smith & Wesson Model 642
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Revolver has the capability of holding five rounds of .38 special ammunition. Also known as a pocket pistol, this Smith & Wesson revolver features an aluminum alloy frame and a stainless-steel cylinder and barrel that are protected against heat and moisture so that the revolver will not rust when used in more humid climates.
Price: This revolver retails for under $$
Purpose
This revolver is a concealed carry revolver and is also used by law enforcement and the military. It is also ideal for personal protection and self-defense and is state compliant.
Features
- Lightweight design for easy carry
- Stainless steel construction for durability
- A snag-free enclosed hammer
- Revolver is rated for Continuous +P use
- Overall length of the revolver is 6.3- inches
- Matte silver frame finish
- Weighs in at approximately 14.4 ounces
*+P use refers to the maximum allowable pressure for these loads and +P typically means the cartridges are only about 10% above the normal pressure of a cartridge
Pros
- The design of the revolver makes it simple and easy to use
- It is one of the smaller framed defense revolvers available
- Very reliable
- Available in different calibers with different hammer designs
Cons
- May feel more recoil than you would with a heavier gun
- Hammer is not exposed
- Trigger pull may be long and heavy
Ruger Vaquero
The Ruger Vaquero Revolver is a single-action revolver that was based on the Colt Single Action Army Revolver. It boasts a traditional and very western style look with a handing filing grip. It also features a patented reverse index pawl for easier loading and unloading of the revolver and a beveled cylinder for simplified holstering.
Price: This revolver retails for around $$
Performance
This revolver is very well-balanced and has a natural point of aim. The trigger pull is in the three to four-pound range and the revolver is very accurate and includes fixed sights.
Features
- Has a black checkered and comfortable grip
- Cold hammer-forged barrel
- Large crescent-shaped ejector rod head
- Reverse indexing pawl
- Montado-style hammer
- Transfer bar mechanism and loading gate interlock
Pros
- Very sturdy, durable, and reliable construction and design
- Precise functions and accuracy
- Six-shot cylinders
- Fixed sights
- Manageable recoil
Cons
- Loading assembly may feel gritty when operating the gate
Magnum Research BFR
The Magnum Research BFR, or Big Frame Revolver, is a chambered revolver and can fit handgun rounds as well as rifle calibers. This revolver is an upgraded model and features a taller and narrower hammer spur and one-piece rubber grip with no screws. It is one of the biggest revolvers that is currently on the market.
Price: This revolver retails for under $$$
A few specs: The overall height of this revolver is six inches with a cylinder width of 1.75-inches. The trigger pull is around four to five pounds and the overall weight of the revolver is 5.3 pounds.
Features
- A long cylinder
- Newly designed rear sight
- Newly designed hammer
- Brushed stainless steel construction
- Newly designed grip
Pros
- Big and powerful gun
- Can use an assortment of round options
- One-piece screwless rubber grip
- Ideal for hunters because it is rifle chambered
Cons
- Carries a larger price tag
Colt Cobra
The Colt Cobra Revolver is a snub-nose double action revolver with a six-shot capacity and is .38+P capable. It also features a fiber optic front sight that can be swapped. It also has a small frame and an only two-inch barrel which makes it ideal or concealed carry. It is a suitable revolver for both new and beginning shooters and more seasoned professional shooters.
Price: This revolver retails for under $$
Other Specs: Stainless steel frame material and a matte frame finish. The barrel length is 2-inches with an overall gun length of 7.2-inches and overall height of 4.9 inches.
Features
- Fiber optic front sight
- A Colt Branded rubber grip
- A short 2-inch barrel length
- Six-round capacity
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Pros
- Smooth double action pull
- Easy to get the sights aligned while drawing the trigger back
- Trigger finger moves in more of a straight line
- Front sight is not machined integrally with the barrel
Cons
- Locks up like other Colt models
- Cylinder release is drawn rearward
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a reliable and well-made revolver than any of these three would be a good option for you. The biggest difference between them would have to be their size, so determining which would be best suited for you will require you to consider the purpose of the revolver and if you intend to use it as a conceal and carry or an addition to your hunting pack.
