Whether you know them from your favorite TV show, a movie, a video game, or your own time on the range, everybody knows and recognizes the thunderous power of a .357 Magnum revolver.
The reason for its popularity is no mystery. This effective cartridge has been around since 1934, and the simple design and undebatable results of the weapons that fire them have made it hard to improve upon since then. The .357 Magnum round has withstood the test of time, remained a satisfying weapon for both beginners and experienced shooters, and the handguns associated with it are one of the first things people think of when they hear the word “revolver.”
With it being one of the most well-known weapons in the world, in no small part due to its reputation as a powerhouse and the pop-culture that displays that, there are a lot of brands that have tried to create their own revolver for the legendary .357 Magnum cartridge. If you’re looking into getting your first handgun, or you’re looking for a weapon that just feels right, here are ten of the best .357 Magnum revolvers.
Ruger Redhawk 5.5 In
This stainless steel revolver is about as classic as you can get. With its wooden stock material and rugged shape, the Ruger Redhawk is designed to tug on that feel of nostalgia for romantic gunslingers and western cowboys. Not only does it borrow the look, this revolver is a dead ringer for the power and the fear that those old handguns carried with them, and they even add some modern improvements as well.
Unlike the gunslingers of the wild west, you won’t have to worry about this revolver breaking down on you when you need it most. The stainless steel construction of this piece keeps the weapon clean and durable. You’ll get years and years of use out of this handgun before you ever have to worry about it getting old. Even with minimal maintenance, this weapon is sturdy enough to stay as good as the day you bought it.
It’s a double-action revolver which, while it does break away from the nostalgic feeling it gives off, makes firing this thing a whole lot more convenient. The fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight also help update this revolver, and its manageable recoil helps you remain accurate even while wielding this powerful handgun.
At around 3 pounds, this revolver falls within the perfect weight range. It has a bit of heft to it, making it satisfying to hold, but it’s also light enough that carrying it around isn’t going to bother you in the slightest. It’s quick, it’s maneuverable, and it has just enough weight for you to recognize what you’re aiming.
One of the things that hasn’t gotten an update since the old days is the sound. The Ruger Redhawk is loud, and while that may startle some first-time users it’s all part of the charm in this gun. A .357 Magnum is a powerful weapon by default, but this revolver takes it a step further by making its bark as bad as its bite.
It isn’t cheap, especially not for someone looking for their first handgun, but it’s far from a collector’s item either. For this price, you’ll be getting a durable and effective firearm, and it just so happens that it’s also one of the best looking firearms on the market.
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Smith & Wesson Model 60
If you’re willing to sacrifice some of the .357 Magnum’s characteristic power for more utility, than you might be looking for a small frame revolver. In that case, it’s hard to go wrong with the Smith & Wesson Model 60. As the name that started it all, you know you’ll be getting one of the best revolvers on the market that seriously knows how to use its ammo. There’s a bit of a premium price just for the brand alone, but when you’re getting this level of quality every dollar is made worth it.
The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is all about making a quality weapon as compact as possible, and it does this in spades. Sacrificing one shot to turn this into a 5 shot revolver instead of the traditional six-shooter helps manage space right away, and a sleek 2.25 inch barrel gives this more than enough reason to call itself small frame.
Despite its size, this revolver is still comfortable to hold and easy to use. The synthetic grip helps keep it light, and the stainless steel adds weight to control recoil without getting in the way of keeping this revolver mobile. It does lose a bit of power, but that doesn’t stop it from still having a level of power that you’ll rarely see in a handgun.
Now while it does have a lot of firepower, this revolver does have a limited purpose. Outside of the range, this revolver is mainly built for safety and security. It’s perfect for a concealed carry, self-defense, or home defense weapon, but taking it hunting with you as your gun of choice may be a little awkward. For the level of confidence this revolver provides, it’s well worth the price.
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Taurus Model 66 Magnum
If you’re not interested in a hunting or concealed carry revolver, and you’re strictly looking for a way to make your home a safer place, the Taurus Model 66 Magnum is an excellent choice for security. This revolver excels in the specific area of safety and proper use, making it both a reliable choice for life and an excellent way to ease yourself into the world of revolvers.
It’s a bit bulkier than a small frame revolver, with the capacity to hold 7 rounds, but it makes up for it in reducing the size of the barrel to a modest 4 inches. It’s not very heavy, it’s not very big, but it’s just enough to be comfortable to hold and scare away any trouble that comes your way. The recoil is controlled, the rubber stock material will keep this gun firmly in your hand, and it features a Single Action/Double Action trigger that maximizes accuracy without any detriment to speed. With high firepower and the tools to keep it under control, this is everything you’d want in a home defense weapon.
For the safety of others, this handgun also features the Taurus Security System, an excellent way to make sure that nobody can fire this weapon without your permission. When this system is active the gun cannot be fired even if the safety is off, which is a standard transfer bar to keep the hammer from striking the fire pin. This acts as an effective solution to keep the handgun from being used improperly, and helps you rest easy knowing that it can’t be used when it’s not in sight.
The only way to deactivate this system is with a key provided to the buyer, and that’s what makes this weapon so reliable for security purposes. It’s not inexpensive, but this revolver makes safety into a worthwhile investment.
Ruger Model SP-101
As another 5 shot revolver, the SP-101 adopts some of the compact utility of small framed revolvers, but isn’t willing to sacrifice any of its power. With a 3 inch underlug barrel it isn’t quite as small as the Smith & Wesson Model 60, but it’s still easily concealable and packs a bit more of a punch.
For a weapon of its size, it’s remarkably durable. Stainless steel means that this revolver can take plenty of punishment, and it’ll resist moisture better than other weapons. The bit of extra weight it adds on to control recoil is also a welcome addition. The cushioned grip it features makes holding onto the weapon second nature, as it firmly sits in your hand and makes firing accurately simple.
As one of the most powerful small frame revolvers out there, the SP-101 obviously excels at being hidden and in any self defense situation, but it also wouldn’t be out of place as a sidearm if you know the game you’re hunting could get up close and mean.
The real selling point here is the price itself. The SP-101 may not be as small as prestigious as the Smith & Wesson Model 60, but it’s also quite a bit cheaper. If you’re new to small frame revolvers, this is a perfect place to start just to see how you like them. You won’t be disappointed with the quality Ruger provides.
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Korth Mongoose
If money is no object for you, then there’s no other option that’ll be more satisfying than this. Korth’s reputation and the prestige of their weapons is rivalled by no other, and the Mongoose is one of the results of that incredible ingenuity.
As a 6 shot revolver with a 4 inch barrel, this revolver is a bit too big to act as a concealed carry if you’re wearing anything other than baggy clothes, but it’s meant more for being a sporting revolver. If you’ve got what one of these, you’ll want to show it off and what it can do.
The Mongoose is a master craft of a revolver, with a polished combat trigger, a skeletonized hammer, and firm rubber grips that make holding this weapon as comfortable as possible, and holding this weapon will be comfortable. All of Korth’s revolvers are made to order and to match the customer. The revolver you get from them will be unique from every other, and the care put into getting you the perfect weapon makes it strong for a lifetime. No matter how many rounds you fire out of the Mongoose, it’ll fit just as well in your hands and look as good as the day you bought it.
Along with the cylinder for .357 Magnum, this revolver comes with another cylinder for 9x99mm Parabellum rounds, and extra features are also a welcome addition.
It’s expensive, but it’s expensive for a reason. With unprecedented accuracy, longevity, and satisfaction guaranteed, buying the Mongoose is a must if you’ve got the money for it. You’ll simply never need another handgun again.
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Charter Arms Mag Pug
The best of the best may not come cheap, but that doesn’t mean that you have spend thousands of dollars to get a reliable weapon. The Charter Arms Mag Pug is a perfect example of that. It’s not cheap, but it’s doesn’t cost as much some other handguns and it’s certainly affordable. The price isn’t indicative of its quality, however, as this revolver offers exceptional delivery at a low price.
This revolver is made with the consumer in mind first and foremost, everything else comes in at a close second, making it an excellent revolver for entry-level performance. With how well the revolver treats the buyer, the fact that everything comes second won’t even get noticed. The Single Action/Double Action trigger allows you to fire this weapon in your preferred style, the bulky grip makes it easy and comfortable to hold, and it’s meager 23 ounce weight will never weigh you down. It’s easy to maneuver, easy draw, and easier to shoot.
With its low weight, 5 shot capacity, and its 2.2 inch barrel, this also one of the smallest revolvers we have on this list. Firepower takes a hit, but versatility is bumped up in every other location. The stainless steel also makes it very durable of its size, capable of lasting even after years of constant use. The strong construction and the matte black finish of this revolver means that it’ll stay strong and stylish.
For the price it’s offered at, you’ll struggle to find a better small frame revolver than the Charter Arms Mag Pug. It’s concealable, it’s versatile, it’s comfortable, and it’s affordable. This is the perfect handgun for getting some home security on a budget, just like some of these quality 9mm pistols and handguns.
Taurus 605 Protector Polymer
If you’re looking for something on an even tighter budget, then you should look back to Taurus. As mentioned with the Model 66, Taurus is a name that has earned its reputation as reliable and exceptional, and the Model 66 isn’t the only stellar purchase that one can make from them. The Taurus 605 Protector Polymer offers everything the Model 66 does, just in a smaller package at half the price.
At 19.75 ounces, this is the lightest revolver on this list, and if you’re just buying a weapon for home security this makes it an exceptional purchase. With it being as light as it is, and with a comfortable rubber grip, it’ll be easy to get used to and easy to grab out of wherever you choose to store it. This is a fantastic gun for when you need it fast.
Of course, it is still firing .375 Magnum rounds. This revolver does a great job of managing the recoil for what it is, but without that extra weight that stainless steel provides, its control just doesn’t match up to the other revolvers on this list. Recoil is unavoidable, and every revolver is going to require some practice at the range to learn how to control it before you need it, but this one might require a bit more practice than the others to fire off all 5 shots with accuracy without sacrificing speed.
The revolver owes its light weight to its polymer frame construction. It may not be stainless steel, and it still isn’t quite as durable, but it is reinforced at the very least. This revolver won’t go breaking on you any time soon, and with proper care you can easily make this thing last just as long as any stainless steel revolver.
As a small, strong, and insanely affordable safety weapon, this revolver will never let you down. It’s reliable, versatile, and comfortable, proving once again that Taurus knows what their customers need when it comes to security.
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Dan Wesson 715
If the Ruger Redhawk is meant to evoke feeling of classic revolvers, the Dan Wesson 715 is a modern beast for a modern era. If you don’t think cowboys when you hear the world revolver, this is probably what you visualize instead. Nobody would blame you for that, this is a gorgeous handgun that wears its power across every inch of itself. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it’s a revolver that demands respect like no other.
The frame and the barrel of the revolver are crafted and treated with a rare amount of care, as both are polished immaculately but are then given a matte finish to keep the sun from reflecting off its beautiful silver shine. This means that while you’ll still have a handgun of outstanding appearance, you won’t be getting glare in your eyes while you’re looking down the sight.
You’ll find that this is a common theme with the Dan Wesson 715. This revolver seems to match form with function at every turn, making it not only a prestigious item to have but also one that works as well as it looks.
The heft of this handgun, with a total length of a whole 11 inches and a weight of almost 3 pounds, means that while it isn’t a concealable weapon, it packs a ton of power and offers control that few other handguns can match, and the firm rubber stock material makes it as comfortable to hold as the competition. With a smooth Single Action/Double Action trigger, this revolver is one of the most accurate and versatile ones that you can buy, and its speed depends solely on how much the buyer is willing to practice with it. The revolver has the potential to meet any challenge, and it has the quality to prove it.
On the other hand, this is a premium handgun that not many will have the budget to buy, and it may not be a 100% perfect fit when compared to the Mongoose. That said, for less than half of the price the Dan Wesson 715 provides a 99% perfect fit at a more reasonable, if still expensive, price tag.
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Chiappa Firearms Rhino 40DS Handgun
Some of you might find this revolver to be ridiculous looking. There are plenty of people who agree with you, it’s an ugly gun no matter how you look at it that seems to be designed in a way to match its namesake as much as possible. Some of you also might find that the Chiappa Rhino is 40DS is the cool kind of ugly.
This revolver’s unique, almost flat design is the immediate benefit. Its slim frame and its hexagonal cylinder makes it capable of easily slipping into any holster or a deep pocket.
Another unique design decision with this weapon is its low barrel and low hammer, allowing it to fire from the bottom chamber of the cylinder. Aside from being an awkward contraption underneath the surface to allow this to work, this has two excellent benefits. The first is that there’s more room at the top of the weapon for sight radius and fiber optic sights, and the second is that recoil is more manageable than ever. The Rhino’s handling is unrivalled, and its accuracy is hard to beat because of it.
It does tip a bit onto the expensive side, especially for a revolver that teeters on the edge of futuristic and ridiculous, but its intuitive design makes it an excellent entry-level choice if you don’t have money to spend.
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Colt .357 Magnum Python
One of the most recognizable Magnum revolvers of all time, and the certified best way to take down walkers, the Colt Python deserves its reputation. Infamous for its use in pop-culture as “the Magnum,” this revolver is far from just being flair and movie magic. There’s a reason for its popularity, and that’s because it works just as well in practice as it does on the silver screen.
This premium revolver carries a beauty with it that not many revolvers can match, and its stainless steel plating remains intact and exceptional even on the oldest builds of this gun. The construction of the Colt Python is unrivalled, as strong as it gets and guaranteed to last a lifetime. This revolver can take everything you throw at it, fire all the ammo you give it, and it’ll still have the same shine as the day it was made.
All the variants of this revolver are heavy, especially the 8 inch barrel variant, but all that does is make it easier to control, keeps the recoil to a minimum, and makes it feel even more powerful. With how comfortable this handgun is, the weight is never considered a detriment, and firing the weapon almost makes it feel weightless anyway. The trigger is so smooth that it feels like the revolver is reading your mind and fires as soon as you think of shooting.
Unfortunately, no new Colt Python’s have been made since 2006, and yet it’s continued use in media is a testament to how incredible this revolver truly is. Buying it used will be one of the most expensive revolver purchases you can make, but for a weapon of this quality and with the legacy it carries it’s well worth every cent. Just make sure you get one that’s been taken care of.
Conclusion
More than any other firearm, finding the revolver you want involves looking at the manufacturer in charge. Some names will offer more variety for their revolvers, whether that be additions or optional cylinders, and some will provide excellent customer service to help you through the process of making sure you get exactly what you’re paying for.
Along with that, the name behind a revolver will help tell you what you can expect from it. Every name specializes in something different, and while all high-end revolvers are stellar in almost every area, some with peak in specific places that others don’t. Depending on what you’re looking for, whether it be speed, accuracy, size, firepower, along with what you’re buying it for are all factors to consider when deciding which brand to go with. As a defense weapon, a concealed carry, or a hunting weapon, the revolver offers more versatility than any other weapon, get the best one for you.