The Most Popular Snub-nose Revolver, Ranked

Choose the snub-nose revolver you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:49
In the world of firearms, choosing the right snub-nose revolver can be a daunting task due to the variety of options available, each with its own strengths and specifics. For beginners and enthusiasts alike, it's critical to have a reliable source of information that reflects the experiences and opinions of a large number of users. A ranked list based on user votes provides just that, offering insights into what is most valued and trusted in the community. This dynamic ranking serves not only as a guide to purchasing but also as a discussion starter among aficionados, helping to highlight key features and quirks of different models. By participating in this voting process, users contribute to a clearer picture of the market, enabling others to make informed decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, your vote helps everyone pinpoint which snub-nose revolvers stand out in the crowd.

What Is the Most Popular Snub-nose Revolver?

  1. 1
    81
    votes

    Smith & Wesson Model 642

    Smith & Wesson
    This revolver is one of the most popular snub-nose revolvers due to its lightweight design, reliability, and ease of use. It is also known for its accuracy and durability.
    The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is a popular snub-nose revolver known for its compact design and reliable performance. It is a lightweight, 5-round revolver that is commonly used for concealed carry and personal defense purposes. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, with a stainless steel cylinder and barrel. It features a double-action-only (DAO) trigger system, providing a consistent trigger pull for every shot. The hammer is concealed, allowing for snag-free drawing from a holster or pocket. The Model 642 has a 1.875-inch barrel length and weighs approximately 15 ounces. It is chambered in .38 Special caliber, offering a good balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. The revolver has a snag-free ramp front sight and a fixed rear sight, providing quick target acquisition. The grips are made of synthetic rubber, offering a comfortable and secure hold. It has a cylinder capacity of 5 rounds and operates with a swing-out cylinder for easy reloading. With its compact size, lightweight construction, and reliable performance, the Smith & Wesson Model 642 is a favored choice among those seeking a versatile and concealable snub-nose revolver.
    • Caliber: .38 Special
    • Barrel Length: 1.875 inches
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Action: Double-action-only (DAO)
    • Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    Ruger LCR
    Jephthai · CC BY 3.0

    Ruger LCR

    Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc
    The Ruger LCR is another popular choice for a snub-nose revolver. It is known for its lightweight design, reliability, and accuracy. It also has a unique trigger system that reduces recoil.
    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
    23
    votes
    Taurus 85
    Geckcgt · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Taurus 85

    Taurus International
    The Taurus 85 is a popular snub-nose revolver due to its affordability, reliability, and ease of use. It is also known for its accuracy and durability.
    The Taurus 85 is a popular snub-nose revolver known for its compact size, reliability, and ease of use. It is commonly used for self-defense and concealed carry purposes.
    • Caliber: .38 Special
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.5 inches
    • Weight: 21 ounces
  4. 4
    12
    votes

    Colt Detective Special

    Colt's Manufacturing Company
    The Colt Detective Special is a classic snub-nose revolver that has been popular for many years. It is known for its reliability, accuracy, and durability. It also has a unique design that makes it easy to use.
    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
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Charter Arms Bulldog
    M62 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Charter Arms Bulldog

    Charter Arms
    The Charter Arms Bulldog is a popular snub-nose revolver due to its compact size, reliability, and affordability. It is also known for its accuracy and durability.
    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
  6. 6
    9
    votes

    Kimber K6s

    Kimber Manufacturing
    The Kimber K6s is a newer snub-nose revolver that has become popular in recent years. It is known for its lightweight design, accuracy, and reliability. It also has a unique trigger system that reduces recoil.
    The Kimber K6s is a compact, double-action revolver known for its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design, making it one of the most beautiful revolvers available. It combines modern craftsmanship with classic revolver design elements to offer a truly stunning firearm.
    • Caliber: .357 Magnum
    • Capacity: 6 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.1 inches
    • Width: 1.39 inches
    Kimber K6s in other rankings
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    Rossi 352

    Rossi
    The Rossi 352 is a popular snub-nose revolver due to its affordability, reliability, and ease of use. It is also known for its accuracy and durability.
    The Rossi 352 is a popular snub-nose revolver known for its compact size, ease of use, and reliability. It is a versatile firearm suitable for self-defense, concealed carry, and target shooting.
    • Caliber: .38 Special
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 2 inches
    • Action: Double-action
    • Weight: 22 ounces
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Dan Wesson 715

    Dan Wesson Firearms
    The Dan Wesson 715 is a high-end snub-nose revolver that is known for its accuracy, reliability, and durability. It is also known for its unique design and high-quality materials.
    The Dan Wesson 715 is a stunning revolver that stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful revolvers available.
    • Caliber: .357 Magnum
    • Barrel Length: 6 inches
    • Action: Double-action/Single-action
    • Capacity: 6 rounds
    • Frame Material: Stainless steel
    Dan Wesson 715 in other rankings
  9. 9
    11
    votes

    North American Arms Mini-Revolver

    North American Arms
    The North American Arms Mini-Revolver is a popular snub-nose revolver due to its compact size, affordability, and ease of use. It is also known for its accuracy and durability.
    The North American Arms Mini-Revolver is a compact and lightweight snub-nose revolver designed for concealed carry and personal protection. It is known for its small size, simple design, and reliable performance.
    • Caliber: .22 LR
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 1.125 inches
    • Overall Length: 4.75 inches
    • Weight: 4.5 ounces
  10. 10
    0
    votes
    The Smith & Wesson Model 340PD is a high-end snub-nose revolver that is known for its lightweight design, accuracy, and durability. It is also known for its unique design and high-quality materials.
    The Smith & Wesson Model 340PD is a popular snub-nose revolver known for its compact design and powerful performance. It is a lightweight, five-shot revolver primarily chambered in .357 Magnum, offering reliable self-defense capabilities in a small package.
    • Caliber: .357 Magnum
    • Capacity: 5 rounds
    • Barrel Length: 1.875 inches
    • Overall Length: 6.3 inches
    • Weight (unloaded): 11.4 ounces

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular snub-nose revolver

  1. Reliability
    How dependable is the revolver? Can it fire consistently and without jamming or malfunctioning?
  2. Accuracy
    How accurate is the revolver when firing? Is it capable of hitting your intended target consistently?
  3. Durability
    How well can the revolver withstand frequent use and the wear and tear that comes with it?
  4. Weight and portability
    Is the revolver lightweight enough to carry comfortably, especially for concealed carry purposes?
  5. Capacity
    How many rounds can the snub-nose revolver hold?
  6. Manufacturer reputation
    What is the manufacturer's track record for producing high-quality firearms?
  7. Aesthetics/cool factor
    While not necessarily a practical factor, some enthusiasts might judge a revolver on its "cool" factor or visual appeal.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular snub-nose revolver. 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

  • 2498 views
  • 208 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.

More information on most popular snub-nose revolver

Background Information: Snub-Nose Revolvers Snub-nose revolvers are a type of handgun that have a short barrel and compact frame, making them easy to conceal and carry. These firearms are popular among law enforcement officers, self-defense enthusiasts, and gun collectors alike. The earliest snub-nose revolvers were developed in the late 1800s as a response to the need for a more concealable firearm. The design became popular among law enforcement officers and civilians alike due to its compact size and ease of use. Snub-nose revolvers typically have a barrel length of 2-3 inches, which makes them ideal for close-range shooting. They are often used as backup or concealed-carry guns, due to their small size and lightweight construction. Snub-nose revolvers come in a variety of calibers, from .22 LR to .357 Magnum, and are available in both single-action and double-action models. They are known for their reliability and simplicity, as they have fewer moving parts than other types of handguns. Overall, snub-nose revolvers are a popular choice for those seeking a concealed-carry firearm that is easy to use and reliable. With their compact size and powerful calibers, they are a force to be reckoned with in the realm of handguns.

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