The Most Popular Revolver for Concealed Carry, Ranked

Choose the revolver you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 07:33
In a society where personal safety is a paramount concern, choosing the right revolver for concealed carry is not just a matter of preference but of critical importance. Many seek a blend of reliability, compact design, and firepower, finding it challenging to sift through the multitude of options available. This live ranking serves as a collective insight into what is currently trusted and preferred based on real-user experiences. Every vote cast in this ranking helps to shape a clearer picture of which revolvers meet the specific needs of concealed carry users. As trends and technologies evolve, so too does the list, ensuring that it remains a timely and relevant resource. Whether you're a seasoned carrier or new to the world of concealed firearms, your input is crucial in helping others make informed decisions.

What Is the Most Popular Revolver for Concealed Carry?

  1. 1
    66
    votes
    Smith & Wesson Model 640
    Mike Searson · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Smith & Wesson Model 640

    Smith & Wesson
    This J-frame revolver is compact, lightweight, and has a snag-free design, making it ideal for concealed carry.
    The Smith & Wesson Model 640 is a popular revolver designed for concealed carry. It is known for its compact size and reliable performance.
    • Caliber: .357 Magnum
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2.125 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.6 inches
    • Weight: 23 ounces
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Ruger LCR
    Jephthai · CC BY 3.0

    Ruger LCR

    Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc
    The lightweight compact revolver (LCR) from Ruger is a popular choice among concealed carry enthusiasts due to its ease of use and reliability.
    The Ruger LCR is a popular and widely recognized revolver designed for concealed carry purposes. With its sleek and compact design, it offers ease of use and reliable performance. The lightweight construction and advanced features make it a favorite among gun enthusiasts and self-defense practitioners.
    • Caliber: .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum
    • Action: Double-action-only (DAO)
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 1.87 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.5 inches
    Ruger LCR in other rankings
  3. 3
    16
    votes

    Smith & Wesson Model 442

    Smith & Wesson
    This classic J-frame revolver is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its lightweight, compact design and reliable performance.
    The Smith & Wesson Model 442 is a popular concealed carry revolver known for its compact and lightweight design. It offers reliable performance and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for self-defense purposes.
    • Caliber: .38 Special
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 1.875 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.31 inches
    • Weight (unloaded): 15 ounces
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    Ruger SP101
    Mcumpston (talk)Mike Cumpston · Public domain

    Ruger SP101

    Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
    This double-action revolver is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its small size, solid construction, and the ability to handle a variety of ammunition types.
    The Ruger SP101 is a popular revolver designed for concealed carry purposes. It is a compact and reliable firearm known for its durability and ease of use.
    • Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 Special
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2.25 inches
    • Overall Length: 7.20 inches
    • Weight: 25 ounces
    Ruger SP101 in other rankings
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Taurus Judge
    HarveyHenkelmann · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Taurus Judge

    Taurus International
    This revolver is popular among concealed carry enthusiasts due to its ability to shoot both .410 shotgun shells and .45 Colt ammunition.
    The Taurus Judge is a popular revolver for concealed carry that offers versatility and power. It is known for its ability to chamber both .410 gauge shotshells and .45 Colt cartridges, providing the option for close-quarters self-defense or longer-range shots. With its distinctive appearance and reliable performance, the Taurus Judge has become a favorite among concealed carry enthusiasts.
    • Caliber: .410 gauge / .45 Colt
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2.5 inches
    • Overall Length: 9.5 inches
    • Weight (unloaded): 29 ounces
  6. 6
    12
    votes

    Colt Detective Special

    Colt's Manufacturing Company
    This classic revolver is popular among concealed carry enthusiasts due to its small size, lightweight design, and reliable performance.
    The Colt Detective Special is a compact revolver designed for concealed carry. It is highly regarded for its reliability, versatility, and smooth operation. Known for its sleek design and solid construction, the Detective Special has been a popular choice among law enforcement officers and civilians alike.
    • Caliber: .38 Special
    • Capacity: 6 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.75 inches
    • Weight: 21 ounces
    Colt Detective Special in other rankings
  7. 7
    12
    votes

    North American Arms Mini Revolver

    North American Arms
    This tiny revolver is popular among concealed carry enthusiasts who want a discreet weapon that can be easily concealed.
    The North American Arms Mini Revolver is a compact and lightweight revolver that is specifically designed for concealed carry purposes. It is known for its small size and easy concealability, making it a popular choice among self-defense enthusiasts.
    • Caliber: .22 LR
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Action: Single action
    • Barrel Length: 1.125 inches
    • Overall Length: 4 inches
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Smith & Wesson Model 60
    Dori · Public domain

    Smith & Wesson Model 60

    Smith & Wesson
    This small-frame revolver is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its lightweight design and ability to handle a variety of ammunition types.
    The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a popular revolver designed for concealed carry purposes. It is a small and compact firearm that offers reliable performance in a compact package. The Model 60 is known for its versatile design and has gained popularity among self-defense enthusiasts and law enforcement personnel.
    • Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 Special
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2.125 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.56 inches
    • Weight: 22.6 ounces
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Charter Arms Bulldog
    M62 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Charter Arms Bulldog

    Charter Arms
    This revolver is popular among concealed carry enthusiasts who want a powerful handgun that is easy to conceal.
    The Charter Arms Bulldog is a popular revolver for concealed carry. It is known for its compact size and durability, making it a reliable choice for self-defense.
    • Caliber: .44 Special
    • Barrel Length: 2.5 inches
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Weight: 21 ounces
    • Frame Material: Stainless steel
    Charter Arms Bulldog in other rankings
  10. 10
    14
    votes

    Colt Cobra

    Colt Manufacturing Company
    This revolver is popular among concealed carry enthusiasts due to its small size, lightweight design, and reliable performance.
    The Colt Cobra is a compact, lightweight double-action revolver designed for concealed carry. It offers reliable performance and excellent accuracy in a small package, making it a popular choice among concealed carry enthusiasts.
    • Caliber: .38 Special
    • Capacity: 6 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2 inches
    • Overall Length: 7.25 inches
    • Weight (Unloaded): 25 ounces

Missing your favorite revolver?

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Ranking factors for popular revolver

  1. Size and weight
    The revolver should be compact and lightweight, making it comfortable for daily carry and easy to conceal.
  2. Capacity
    The number of rounds the revolver can hold is important for self-defense situations, as more rounds can provide an advantage.
  3. Reliability and build quality
    The revolver should have a proven track record of reliability and be made with high-quality materials to ensure durability.
  4. Ease of use and ergonomics
    The revolver should be easy to operate under stress, with user-friendly controls and comfortable ergonomics for a variety of hand sizes.
  5. Trigger pull and action
    A revolver with a smooth trigger pull and consistent action will lead to better accuracy and faster follow-up shots.
  6. Sights and accessories
    High-quality sights are essential for accurate shooting, and the ability to mount accessories such as lasers or lights may be important for some users.
  7. Price and value
    The revolver should offer a reasonable balance of cost and quality, ensuring that it's accessible to a wide range of users while still providing a reliable and effective concealed carry option.
  8. Safety features
    Revolvers should have adequate safety features, such as a transfer bar or a hammer block, to prevent accidental discharge.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular revolver for concealed carry. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or revolver is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1527 views
  • 196 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each revolver once every 24 hours. The rank of each revolver is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular revolver for concealed carry

When it comes to concealed carry, revolvers have been a popular choice for many gun owners. These guns are known for their simplicity and reliability, making them a popular choice for self-defense purposes. There are many different types of revolvers available on the market, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most popular revolvers for concealed carry include the Smith & Wesson Model 642, Ruger LCR, and the Taurus 85. When choosing a revolver for concealed carry, it's important to consider factors such as size, weight, and capacity. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the gun is comfortable to hold and shoot, as well as reliable and accurate. Ultimately, the most popular revolver for concealed carry will vary depending on personal preference and individual needs. However, by taking the time to research and compare different options, gun owners can find a revolver that best suits their needs and provides them with peace of mind when it comes to self-defense.

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