7 Best CCW Revolver: The Best for Daily Carry

Choosing the right CCW revolver that fits your needs can feel overwhelming. With numerous brands, price ranges, and functionalities to consider, it requires patience and thorough research to make an informed decision. But fear not, I’ve taken care of the groundwork for you. I’ve compiled this article featuring the best 7 CCW revolver, making it straightforward for you to find the perfect fit. So, let’s dive in!

Why A Concealed Carry Revolver 

Concealed carry revolvers pack a punch in a small package, offering full-sized handgun calibers like .357 Magnum while remaining remarkably compact. Their size and shape make them easy to stash away—whether it’s in a waistband, strapped to an ankle, or slipped into a pocket. Plus, with a range of sizes and calibers available, there’s a perfect match for everyone, from those with weaker hands to those seeking protection from a variety of threats, big or small.

What’s great about revolvers is their simplicity; a quick check tells you if they’re loaded, and unloading can’t get any simpler. It’s no wonder they’re a go-to for folks who prefer a straightforward approach to self-defense. So, if you’re on the hunt for your ideal concealed carry companion, there’s a revolver out there with your name on it. If you are not concerned about concealed carry, but just want the best revolver, we have an article on our favorite revolvers.

How I Chose the Best CCW Revolver

As a former Marine with over twenty years of experience in shooting, I’ve tested a wide array of revolvers. But for this list best of CCW revolvers, I didn’t just rely on my own knowledge. I also consulted with professional shooter friends to ensure a well-rounded selection. We’ve put together a list, ranking from 1-7, tailored to various preferences.

I’ve organized the revolvers into groups based on their strengths, so you can find one that suits your specific needs. Plus, there’s a buyer’s guide to help you decide which revolver is the right fit for you. Read on to discover your ideal CCW revolver.

Gun University’s Choices of the Best CCW Revolvers

Best CCW Revolvers

1 Taurus 856 Defender TORO		Optics Ready Six Shot Capacity 3-inch Barrel	Check Price
2 Ruger LCR		Polymer Infused Frame Comes in Numerous Calibers Friction Reducing Cam Trigger	Check Price
3 S&W 432UC		Low Recoil Awesome Sights Lightweight	Check Price
4 S&W 640 Pro Series		Compact Revolver With Real Sights Excellent Trigger Stainless Steel Design	Check Price
5 Ruger SP101		Multiple Caliber and Size Options Excellent Trigger Full-length Grips	Check Price
6 S&W 43C		Ultra Lightweight 8-shot 22LR Cylinder Designed for Concealed Carry	Check Price
7 Taurus 692 Executive Grade		Mid Size Revolver 9mm and .357 Magnum Chamberings Porting	Check Price

Spec Comparison of the Best CCW Revolvers

Below is a table of the specifications for the best concealed carry revolver.

Best CCW Revolvers

Here is our list for the best concealed carry revolvers:

1. Taurus 856 Defender TORO
2. Ruger LCR
3. S&W 432UC
4. S&W 640 Pro Series
5. Ruger SP101
6. S&W 43C
7. Taurus 692 Executive Grade

Best CCW Revolvers – Reviews 

The World of Concealed Carry Revolvers 

We know why concealed carry revolvers rule and we know that there are some awesome options out there as well. We’ve given you some basics, but now let’s dive deeper into the world of revolvers and examine a few questions you may have about the classic wheel gun. 

What About Barrel Length

Barrel length will always be a compromise between concealability and control. The longer the barrel, the tougher the gun is to conceal, the shorter the barrel the tougher it is to control. That’s only part of the equation. We also have to consider caliber and barrel length.

If you get a revolver with a short barrel, say 1.87 inches, then something like a .357 Magnum can be a challenge. It’s extremely loud, has lots of concussion, and muzzle flash with intense recoil, and you only gain a marginal improvement in velocity. To me, that’s not worth the trade-off, but to you, it might be. On the flip side, the .22LR handles like a dream from a super short barrel.

You have to find the right barrel length that doesn’t compromise concealability but offers you the control and ballistic advantage necessary for your chosen caliber. My general guidance would be to avoid .357 Magnum, .45 ACP .327 Federal Magnum, .44 Special, and other more powerful calibers in barrels shorter than 2 inches. Stick to 2.5 to 3-inch barrels.

For .38 Special, 9mm, .32 H&R Magnum, .22LR, and .22 Magnum, you can use short barrels without much of a challenge. You could still benefit from a longer barrel, but you can get away with a pocket rocket in these calibers.

What Caliber? 

Revolvers come in a wide variety of calibers. From the meager .22LR up to the .500 S&W Magnum. For self-defense, the rounds typically top out at .357 Magnum, so we’ll cover some of the more popular rounds for self-defense. It’s not exhaustive, but it is the most common choice you’ll come across. If you like something with a lot of power, we have an article dedicated to best 44 Magnum revolvers, although we dont necessarily suggest them for small framed concealed carry guns.

.22 LR and .22 Magnum 

.22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum are very different calibers but are also very similar. In a self-defense revolver, they both tend to be on the small, low-recoiling side of the revolver market. Both fire a very small projectile and should be used with FMJs rather than hollow points to ensure adequate penetration. 

As rimfire rounds, the ignition system tends to be less reliable, so they are often paired with heavy hammer springs to help improve reliability. They also tend to fit anywhere from six to eight rounds in what’s typically a five-shot cylinder. Check out our favorite revolvers in 22LR.

.32 H&R Magnum

The .32 H&R Magnum is a cartridge from the 1980s that didn’t get a whole lot of attention. It’s a great snub nose cartridge that bridges the gap between rimfire rounds and cartridges like the .38 Special. It offers less recoil than the .38 Special but still enough oomph to reach adequate levels of penetration. The cartridge is small enough that users can get six rounds in what’s traditionally a five-shot cylinder. It’s had a good comeback in recent years. 

.327 Federal Magnum 

The .327 Federal Magnum is a great round, but it didn’t take off as much as many revolver shooters would have liked. The .32 caliber projectile is pumped up to magnum velocities to ensure there is adequate penetration and expansion. The projectile size is smaller and allows for a five-shot cylinder to hold six rounds. 

The .327 Federal Magnum is a great round, but finding revolvers that chamber it and ammunition can be tricky. The ammo is also expensive, which sucks. 

.38 Special 

The classic revolver round for self-defense and concealed carry is the .38 Special round. The .38 Special is over a century old and still kicking. It’s a light recoiling round with a heavy enough projectile to penetrate and even expand with some revolvers. This old round is often the just-right choice for most shooters with a snub-nose revolver. 

From a super short barrel, the .38 Special is best used with a wadcutter and not a hollow point. These tend to penetrate deeply and reach the necessary vitals. With barrels longer than two inches, a JHP is likely the better choice. This ammo is very common and not very expensive. 

9mm 

The 9mm cartridge is designed for automatic pistols but has seen success in revolvers. This cartridge will probably require a moon clip for ejection, but these moon clips also act as quick reloaders. The 9mm cartridge works well in revolvers and, much like the .38 Special, offers limited recoil and muzzle rise. 

The popularity of 9mm makes it affordable and widely available. There are many defensive loads available for the cartridge in several weights as well. The only downside is that there aren’t a ton of 9mm revolvers on the market. 

.357 Magnum 

The .357 Magnum is a classic revolver fighting cartridge. It was produced for police use and has become a revolver favorite. A .357 Magnum digs deep and can penetrate extremely well. The rounds can expand and continue to penetrate even from smaller revolvers. 

Revolvers firing the .357 Magnum can be quite small and light, which does create some excess recoil and muzzle flash. In mid-size revolvers, the .357 Magnum tends to be an excellent defensive round for threats on two and four legs. Shooters going with a .357 Magnum won’t have a problem finding ammo, but it tends to be a little costly. Here is our list of best 357 Magnum revolvers. 

The Hammer Conundrum

Concealed carry revolvers come in various setups, with hammerless designs being quite popular. These revolvers sport trimmed or enclosed hammer spurs, making them double-action-only for easy drawing and snag-free carry. While exposed hammer revolvers allow for single-action use, the benefits for defensive purposes with short barrels are often outweighed by the simplicity and concealability of hammerless designs.

The choice between hammerless and exposed hammer revolvers is mostly personal preference. While single-action triggers may offer accuracy advantages, especially in mid-size revolvers, practical considerations for deep concealment often lean towards double-action-only designs.

Grips 

Concealed carry revolvers usually come with slim grips for better concealment, but they might not feel as comfy or offer a solid grip. On the flip side, bigger grips give you more control and comfort but can make it tougher to hide your gun, especially in pockets or on your ankle. Another thing to consider is that larger grips might not play nice with speed loaders, especially on smaller revolvers. It’s all about finding the sweet spot between grip size and concealability, and practice definitely helps smooth out any issues you might run into during shooting sessions.

Best CCW Revolver – Buyer’s Guide

When selecting a concealed carry revolver, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the perfect firearm to meet your needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Best CCW Revolver

Size and Concealability: Think about how you’ll carry your revolver. If you want something that’s easy to hide, go for a smaller model like a snub-nose or micro compact. But if you prioritize capacity and control, a larger revolver might be your best bet.

Caliber: Consider what you’ll be using it for and how comfortable you are with recoil. The usual suspects for self-defense are .38 Special and .357 Magnum, but smaller calibers like .22LR and .327 Federal Magnum can offer less kick and easier concealment.

Capacity: Revolvers typically hold fewer rounds than semi-automatic pistols. So, balance your need for firepower with comfort and concealability. You’ll find options ranging from 5 to 8 rounds, depending on the model and caliber.

Trigger: Pay attention to how the trigger feels. A smooth, consistent trigger is key for accuracy and ease of use, especially in high-stress situations. Some revolvers have double-action-only triggers for simplicity and safety.

Sights: Make sure you can easily aim your revolver. Look for models with sights that suit your shooting style and environment. Adjustable sights, night sights, or fiber optics can make a big difference, especially in low-light conditions.

Materials and Finish: Consider the revolver’s construction and finish. Stainless steel and aluminum frame are sturdy and long-lasting, while polymer parts can save weight and cost. Choose a finish that matches your style and protects against rust.

Budget: Figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Revolvers come in all price ranges, so think about what features are most important to you. Sometimes it’s worth investing a bit more for quality and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Revolvers have remained a popular concealed carry choice for well over a century. Their shape, small size, and excellent firepower make them a natural choice for both experienced and new shooters. A good wheel gun can be an excellent self-defense tool, and hopefully, we’ve helped you narrow down the right revolver for you. 

Best CCW Revolver – FAQs

What are some popular calibers for concealed carry revolvers?

When you’re looking at concealed carry revolvers, some popular calibers to consider are .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .22LR, .327 Federal Magnum, and 9mm. These calibers strike a good balance between manageable recoil, stopping power, and the availability of ammo.

How many rounds do concealed carry revolvers typically hold?

When you’re looking at concealed carry revolvers, they usually hold between 5 to 8 rounds. The smaller ones, like those snub-nose styles, might have fewer rounds. But if you go for a bigger model, you can get more rounds in there.

Why choose a lightweight revolver for concealed carry?

Lightweight revolvers offer advantages such as ease of carry, reduced fatigue during extended periods of carrying, and better concealability. They are ideal for folks who prioritize comfort and convenience in their concealed carry setup.

Are concealed carry revolvers suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. They’re simpler to handle than semi-automatic pistols because they have fewer parts and controls to worry about. Still, you’ll want to get some training under your belt to handle them safely and effectively when you need to.