When it comes to the most popular guns in the United States, it goes without saying that the revolver has long held a special place in the hearts of many firearm owners. This has been true since the 1800s when these guns became a staple of the American military and the Wild West. In fact, this gun type has continued to grow in both usage and collectability, making it a popular option for gun lovers.
Why Buy a Revolver?
Compared to the likes of a semi-automatic, a revolver is a far simpler mechanism to operate. Now, internally, that isn’t the case. However, if you’re not an avid shooter, a revolver is the sort of defensive firearm that will remain in operation tucked away in a gun safe for years if needed.
Who Uses Revolvers?
It won’t come as any surprise to learn that while revolvers are no longer used by the military and law enforcement, they remain very popular. The reality is that collectors are big fans of many of these guns, while there is also a strong self-defense argument for a revolver. In addition, anyone who loves to have a choice of brands, calibers, and configurations will have a strong set of options in the revolver world.
1. North American Arms Mini-Revolver
- Total North American Arms revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 57,142
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 4.9% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $250
North American Arms is responsible for the mini-revolver. This company’s base is in Provo, Utah, in the U.S. It can be made to chamber .22 S/LR and .22 WMR. These mini-revolvers make for a popular choice when considering concealed carry.
2. Colt Anaconda
- Total Colt revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 65,062
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 5.6% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $1,430
Colt CZ Group makes the Colt Anaconda in a West Hartford, Connecticut plant. This gun is chambered for only one type of bullet, the .44 Mag. The higher price indicates the Anaconda has always been relegated to a boutique status among magnum revolvers.
3. Colt Python
- Total Colt revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 65,062
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 5.6% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $1,230
The Colt CZ Group is also responsible for the Colt Python. All U.S. guns are made in West Hartford, Connecticut. This weapon is made to chamber the .38 Spl and the .357 Mag. The venerable Python was once regarded as the holy grail regarding accuracy for a .357.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard
- Total Smith & Wesson revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 232,476
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 20.0% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $430
Smith & Wesson made the popular M&P Bodyguard chambered for the .38 Spl. They have two manufacturing locations in the United States: Columbia, Missouri, and Springfield, Massachusetts. The Bodyguard joins the ranks of the M&P Shield in having affordable and light options for concealed carry.
5. Ruger Blackhawk
- Total Ruger revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 276,999
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 23.9% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $640
Sturm, Ruger & Company make the Ruger Blackhawk from their U.S. manufacturing locations in Prescott, Arizona; Southport, Connecticut; Mayodan, North Carolina; and Newport, New Hampshire. The Blackhawk can be chambered for .357 Mag, .41 Rem Mag, .45, .30, .44 Spl, 9mm, and .40. Ruger’s Blackhawk is arguably the most successful single-action revolver.
6. Ruger Wrangler
- Total Ruger revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 276,999
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 23.9% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $175
The Ruger Wrangler is a gun made by Sturm, Ruger & Company. They have several manufacturing plants in the U.S., including Prescott, Arizona; Southport, Connecticut; Mayodan, North Carolina; and Newport, New Hampshire. The gun is chambered for .22 LR. These single-action revolvers are a popular choice for blinkers.
7. Taurus Judge
- Total Taurus revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 492,584
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 42.5% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $410
The Taurus Judge is a gun produced by Taurus Armas, S.A., whose manufacturing location is in Bainbridge, Georgia. This gun has two chambering options: a .410 bore and a .45 LC. We can sit and argue the efficacy of the Judge all day, but you can’t argue against its enduring popularity.
8. Taurus Model 856
- Total Taurus revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 492,584
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 42.5% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $325
The Taurus Model 856 is manufactured in Bainbridge, Georgia, by Taurus Armas, S.A. It comes with one chamber option for .38 Spl. The 856 is reminiscent of the J-frame line of revolvers from Smith and Wesson.
9. Taurus Raging Hunter
- Total Taurus revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 492,584
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 42.5% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $800
The Taurus Raging Hunter is another Taurus Arms, S.A. gun manufactured in Bainbridge, Georgia. This gun is easily adjustable, including chambering options for .38 Spl, .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .460 Mag, .454 Casull, and .500 Mag.
10. Heritage Rough Rider
- Total Taurus revolvers manufactured for the U.S.: 492,584
- Percent of total revolver manufacturing in the U.S.: 42.5% of all U.S.-made revolvers
- Base price: $110
Taurus Armas, S.A, makes this Heritage Rough Rider. They are manufactured in Bainbridge, Georgia, and have available chamberings for .22 LR and .22 WMR. Heritage isn’t going to win awards for fit and finish, but they make for a great plinking gun on the cheap.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Metropolitan Museum of Art / Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
