Updated Feb. 2024: Removed products - Taurus 856 Executive, Chiappa Rhino, Colt Python. Added products - S&W 686 Plus, Ruger GP100, Kimber K6s
Do you know what type of firearm has enjoyed amazing staying power?
Revolvers!
You'd think after the 1911 came out, the revolver would have hit that dusty trail, only to be brought out for fun here and there.
Yet, there are still major revolver manufacturers making everything from plinkers to big bore blasters.
Revolvers are still popular and improving and seeing new growth, and we've isolated what we think are the best on the market and broken them down into separate and distinct categories.
So keep reading to see our favorites!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall Revolver
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Best Tactical Revolver
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Best Plinker Revolver
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Best Concealed Carry Revolver
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Best Hunting Revolver
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Best Black Powder Revolver
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Most Robust Revolver
How We Chose the Best Revolvers
Creating a list of the best handguns is quite a daunting task since there’s plenty to choose from, but the Pew Pew Tactical team took the task head-on and narrowed our list of revolvers we think hit the mark.
But how did we arrive at these models?
For us, choosing the best starts with testing a variety of guns, and putting actual hands-on time with every gun on the list. We send hundreds of rounds downrange over the course of weeks, and sometimes even months or years, to evaluate the pistols we recommend.
While testing, we look for things like reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, aftermarket support, best uses, and bang for your buck.
Want to learn more about how we rate guns? We got in-depth on our process here!
Best Overall Revolver - Our Pick
1. Smith & Wesson 686 Plus
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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No list would be complete without the ubiquitous and well-loved S&W 686.
Luckily for us, Smith has decided to keep this revolver around since its inception and continues to offer new versions of it.
One of our favorites is the 686 Plus (or 686+), which keeps everything the same as the standard model, but with the addition of a 7-shot cylinder instead of the regular 6-shot.
With the 686 Plus, you get an excellent trigger out of the box, a heavy barrel with full underlug, a fully adjustable rear sight, and that distinct lithe, balanced feeling that S&W revolvers are known for
The 686 Plus is available in barrel lengths from 2.5 to 7 inches, with standard, deluxe, and performance center models being offered.
While there are a ton of neat options for these revolvers, it is hard to beat a good 6-inch model. The 686 Plus is a great shooter that few people regret buying.
You can read more in our full review of the S&W 686 Plus.
Best Tactical Revolver
2. Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 8-round capacity
- Removable optics rail and accessory rail
- Performance Center tuned action
Cons
- Expensive
Tactical revolver — I bet you didn't expect to hear that one today.
A tactical revolver might seem silly, but in the modern age, why not?
Legend has it that the S&W Model 327 TRR8 was designed for police with shields because the lack of a slide ensured they could reliably shoot through the shield ports.
While no SWAT cop likely carried one, they are about as tactical as a revolver can get. This includes the presence of both an optic rail and a light rail.
You also get an 8-round capacity with .357 Magnum rounds. S&W cut the gun to use moon clips, which makes reloads very fast and easy. The iron sights are massive and easy to see, and the rear sight is adjustable.
This gun was built from the ground up to be a modern fighting revolver. There was a reason it was the Punisher's choice in Season 2 of Daredevil.
TV shows aside, if I had to pick a revolver for home defense or duty, it would be this model.
Its combination of features makes it about as modern as a revolver can be. The TRR8 is a viable option if you live in a state with rigid gun control.
What do you think of the S&W TRR8? Rate it below!
Best Plinker Revolver
3. Heritage Arms Rough Rider
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Tons of barrel lengths and configurations
- Cheap ammo
Cons
- Not built for CCW or competition
Plinking is the age-old art of just having fun with guns. It's informal, non-competitive, and can be a way to work on casual marksmanship skills.
Plinking can typically be done with any caliber, but the classic .22 LR rimfire round is often the most affordable and fun way to get it done.
The Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider series of revolvers make for great plinkers. They are incredibly cheap and come in a multitude of sizes and shapes.
From the absurdly long 16-inch model all the way down to the 1-inch, no-sights Boot model.
There is something for everyone, even for those who want to mount a red dot. The Rough Rider series are great guns that are perfect for the casual plink session.
They are plenty accurate and have that Colt Single Action Army design that's to die for. Heck, sometimes they can be had for less than $100 if you catch the right sale, but they rarely drift above $200.
If your collection is missing a revolver and you have a tight budget, Heritage Manufacturing guns are for you.
Best Concealed Carry Revolver
4. Ruger LCR
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Amazing trigger
- Easy to conceal
Cons
- 9mm version requires moon clips
- Short grip
The Ruger LCR is the Glock of revolvers, and I mean that in more ways than one.
Obviously, the first comparison is the polymer frame and portions of the gun, but it runs deeper than that.
Ruger has made a simple, functional, and easy-to-use revolver. It is chambered in a multitude of calibers, including .38 Special, .357, 9mm, .22 WMR, .22 LR, and even .327 Federal Magnum.
Shooters can opt for a shrouded hammer or the LCRx model with an exposed hammer.
The gun also comes in at an affordable price point and can be commonly found for less than $500. Their popularity makes it easy to find good holsters, which goes a long way when it comes to concealed carry.
Did I mention it has the best stock double-action trigger I've ever used? Holy crap is Ruger's friction-reducing design effective! It's a great trigger that makes shooting the little gun a heckuva lot easier.
The small size and lightweight make it easy to tuck away and hide, and It's comfortable regardless of the carry method. The LCR might not be fancy with a classic design, but it's a workhorse of a revolver.
You can take a look at our full review of the 9mm Ruger LCR here!
Best Hunting Revolver
5. Ruger Super Redhawk .454 Casull
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Integrated scope ring mounts
- Dual chambering for .454 Casull and .45 Colt
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Recoil can be harsh on pistol scopes
There are a lot of good hunting revolvers out there, but the Super Redhawk in .454 Casull finds the right blend of power, smart design, and modernization to make it one of the best.
While people love .460 S&W and .500 S&W, they are kinda silly and not much better than .454 Casull for handgun hunting.
With the Super Redhawk, we get a variety of lengths, from the downright flashbang-worthy 2.5 inches to the nice 9.5-inch option. To me, the five or 7.5-inch is just perfect balance-wise.
The Super Redhawk is a traditional DA/SA revolver with Ruger's massive, beefy frame. Double action makes the gun easier to use with a single hand, and this is an important feature for things like unexpected bear defense.
It's a large, robust gun designed to absorb the recoil from big, heavy cartridges. It's not absurdly large like an X-frame .500 S&W, but it's no Airweight.
Integrated scope bases make adding optics easy. In my experience, these guns are very accurate and, for magnum caliber guns, fairly easy to shoot and handle.
Another bonus of .454 Casull is the ability to chamber the lighter .45 Colt loads. It also holds six rounds versus the 5 of some larger calibers. When you put it all together, the Super Redhawk is an excellent hunting revolver.
Best Black Powder Revolver
6. Uberti 1851 Navy
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Black powder revolver
- Lightweight and easy to shoot
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be tricky to learn
- Not for beginners
You haven't lived until you've tried to master the black powder revolver. I once heard someone say it was a bit like alchemy to really figure one out.
Uberti is well known for their replicas and produces some of the finest cowboy guns out there. Stick with suggested load data from respected sources to keep things safe.
If you want an easy to get into black powder revolver, the Uberti 1851 Navy will be tough to beat. It's a .36 caliber gun that's light and easy to shoot. The 1851 Navy comes in a few different configurations and finishes, but they are all very affordable.
In most cases, you don't need an FFL to transfer them since they are technically not firearms. Order one online and have it shipped to your house.
Uberti's 1851 Navy revolvers are good-looking guns that faithfully replicate the classic revolvers of the era. They are robust and a great way to experience history.
Trust me, while it seems intimidating to get into, the thrill of firing a black powder and seeing the smoke and smelling the burning powder is well worth it. Plus, it's living history in your hand!
Best Revolver - Most Robust
7. Ruger GP100
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Durable
- Easy to shoot
- Numerous models to choose from
Cons
- Pricing tends to fluctuate
The questions "What first revolver should I get?" and "What is the best all-around revolver?" get thrown around quite a bit.
While these are tough questions to answer, one of the most common answers is the Ruger GP100.
Why is this, you ask? Well, in short, they have outstanding durability and shootability.
Ruger is known for their beefy frames that are built to handle steady loads of magnum ammo without failure. Another side-effect of these heavier frames is that they tame recoil more than a comparable S&W revolver.
The GP100 is available in various barrel lengths and trims, and can be had in both 6 or 7-shot versions. I find that S&W revolvers typically have better triggers, but the GP100 still has a nice, smooth trigger pull in both DA and SA.
Legendary durability, a good hand feel, and reasonable pricing make the GP100 a true "bread-and-butter" revolver that can handle anything you need it to do.
Be sure to check out our full review of the Ruger GP100 here!
Best Revolver - Honorable Mention
8. Kimber K6s
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Thin profile
- 6-round capacity
- Adjustable sights
Cons
- Recoil can be stout when shooting .357 magnum
Although it may come as a surprise to some to see Kimber on a best-of revolver list, those who know, know.
What sets the K6s apart is its ability to hold 6 rounds of .357 magnum in a gun its size. Kimber claims it is the smallest cylinder capable of doing so.
Snag-free adjustable sights, an easy-to-reach push-button cylinder release, thin grips, and a flat-sided cylinder make the K6s one of the easiest-to-carry revolvers on the market.
To top everything off, you get a great trigger, a full underlug, and sleek lines that make for both a good-looking and quality-feeling revolver.
The standard K6s is available in both 2 and 3-inch barrel lengths, with options for hammered (DASA) or hammerless models. Kimber also offers a 4-inch target model, but the DASA 3-inch is our pick.
Although Kimber is a relatively new player in the revolver market, they came in swinging with one of the best production revolvers we have seen in a long time.
Check out our full review of the Kimber K6s!
Final Thoughts
The revolver doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon.
With companies new to revolvers like Kimber and Henry joining the fray, it shows that these guns are far from dead.
Are there any revolvers you feel should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below! Just looking for the small stuff? We got you covered with our article on the 7 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers!
40 Leave a Reply
This is a reasonable list with two very conspicuous omissions, namely the Korth and Manurhin. I own both along with several of the revolvers on this list. Shooting these two magnificent side by side with the others quickly reveals their superiority. Magnificent design and fabulous triggers result in fantastic accuracy. Some will say their high cost disqualifies them. I respectfully disagree.
Umm...The Smith 686 but no Colt Python?
The S&W TRR8 is simply an amazing gun: lightweight, moon clips for easy reloading, 8 rounds, 5", easy to carry!!! The 686+ 3" is easy to carry, extra firepower, the best balance of the barrel length. What's not to like!! Where's the python?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? WTH!!!!!!!!!!!
What's not to like? The stupid lock.
S&W cut the gun to use moon clips, which makes reloads very fast and easy. Then on the Ruger we read; Cons
9mm version requires moon clips. So are moon clips a PRO or CON?
Still loving my 686+ 3" bbl. Bought it just ahead of the 2016 election: in case HRC won. I still can't thank her enough for running and losing that year. Regularly carry it in a Remora IWB.
I would have liked to see the Taurus raging hunter in 460 because of the versatility of this gun. you got the 460 and you can drop down to the 454 cassull if the 460 is too much or drop all the way down to the 45 long colt. Not to mention the variety of loads in each caliber. I have one in 44 mag then I bought one in 460 cause at the time when I bought the 44mag there were no 460s to be found so I ended up with 2 of them. I'll use the 44 mag when I kno my shots on deer are gonna be closer and the 460 when I need to reach out a little farther. Depends on where I'll be hunting that day.
I think somewhere along the line you left out J frame S&W. I was a firearms instructor from 30+ years ago. Taught all kinds of hand guns but I have favored J frame Smith revolvers for a long time. More than half of my students only took the class so they could qualify for a CC permit. Most had no experience with firearms at all. Several women. A lot of the women did not have the strength to rack an auto. Also some men. The problems with autos is that there is too much going on with them, especially in a stressful situation and a limited amount of experience. Slides, magazine, magazine latch, safety, and if fired, an excited shooter with the hammer back on a loaded chamber. How to get safe again? How do you handle a misfire? With a DA revolver if you can get either hand on it and squeeze the trigger it will work. No safety, no mag, or release. If it fails to fire because of ammo failure just squeeze the trigger again and it will work. no Time wasted figuring what was wrong the first time. So much simpler to operate and when the hammer is down it is safe. Most shooters do not have the training for autos and don't even know how to quick check to see if there gun is loaded. On a J frame Smith The ammo is visible from the side. A quick glance is all it takes any time. My first choice Is the model 38 airweight. after that the model 49, then 649 and then 37. I like the shrouded hammer, but the hammerless DA only are good too. There are a lot of newer models out that are too new for me to keep up with but any 2 in 38+ P will protect you just fine if you do your part. Just my opinion from a 72 year old shooter with a lot of first hand experience. Keep it simple if you want to survive.
I enjoyed the review. I have lusted for the S&W Model 327 TRR8 for a couple of years. My first revolver was the Kimber DA/SA with a 3 inch barrel. I picked up a Ruger GP100 with a 4 inch barrel a couple of weeks later.
The Kimber is a pretty revolver, much like everything Kimber makes. The Ruger GP100 is built like a tank. I also have the S&W Model 686 with a 6 inch barrel. It is a solid performer. Last year I added S&W Models 19 and 27. I thought it was time to get some old school blued revolvers. They are beautiful and are safe queens.
I have three great revolvers that use moonclips, a S&W 625 chambered in .45 ACP, a S&W 610 chambered in 10mm and a S&W 986 chambered in the world’s favorite round the 9mm Para Bellum.
My most recent purchases were the .44 Magnums, a Colt Anaconda and an older S&W Model 29. They are great looking and kick like mules.
I have more to cover but no Taurus revolvers made the list so will end my comments here..
I have the Ruger LCR 357 and with crimson trace laser-grips I’m totally confident of quickly hitting Minute of Dead Guy. I practice with 38 but carry 357 because if I really need it, a sore paw afterwards is worth it.
Would be helpful to know what speed loaders are available especially for the 7 or 8 round weapons and who makes holsters for them especially with a red dot.
Always enjoy and learn from your posts. Thanks!
No mention of the fine handguns we commoners can afford, like the Ruger SP101 in .357 Mag or the Taurus 856 in .38 Special. Sort of a "don't you envy me" article.
Yes
No shortage of opinions. I suppose like most choices we are BIASED toward the choices we've made. I own the S&W 686 plus with a 6 inch barrel. Perhaps my favorite gun. First of all my eyesight is not what it one was the long barrel makes it easier for me to see the sight picture. In single action the low trigger pull and gun weight improves my accuracy. Truth I was not aware of the 327Trr8 but at close to $1500 you could buy two 686. 8 shots vs 14
The Heritage, a major negative, not mentioned. It does not have a swing out cylinder. You need to push out one spent case at a time. They are worth the money. Might be wise to spend more.
It is great if not confusing that there are so many great choices.
The Diamondback Sidekick has swing out cylinders in both .22LR and .22 Magnum
Great list! I would also add the Ruger Wrangler as an alternative to the Heritage Rough Rider. The Wrangler is slightly more expensive (still around $200) but I think it is a bit higher quality and better looking in my opinion. It is also a very accurate plinker.
You have a con about the Best Plinker that it is not designed for CCW or competition. Why would you consider CCW or competition capabilities for something you rated as a plinker?
Also, the Ruger GP100 is a good revolver. But there is a reason I own a Taurus Tracker and not the GP100. The Tracker's trigger is much better. And the Tracker is $200-300 cheaper.
I get the impression that the people writing these articles have not fired all of the pistols they are ranking.
I had the Taurus Tracker it was a nice revolver. I still have the Taurus 608. It is a beast.
Although they are a bit large the Ruger Gp100 is a great CCW, especially in winter time.A nice shoulder holster makes them pretty easy to conceal. Add a nice trigger job and some night sights to a 7 round 357magnum and you have a real shooter.
Travis, what are your thoughts on the Kimber Revolver for C&C?
I own a 6" .44 S&W Magnum, yes, the Dirty Harry gun. I was always in love with it. And I recently bought the S&W 686plus, 4". It has a great balance.
Great comments.
Even if it's really expensive, when the best are mentioned, I feel the Manurhin MR73 should be in the list. But if it's only about newcomers of 2023, of course not.
I would love to see the Manurhin MR73 for much less.
Dear Mr. Pike,
I read your article on red dot for pistols. It is very valuable, thank you for information. Can you recommend me any suitable red dot for revolver Kimber K6 DAO 2 inch bar.. I want to keep size of gun as small as it is possible. Thank you.
Best Regards
Petr Sedina
A subject filled with more BS than a political debate. Beginner? Get a fine, accurate .22 rimfire revolver, specifically a Smith & Wesson Model 17; a good earlier one (without the ridiculous "safety keyhole") if you can find one.. You'll keep it for your lifetime, they're that good. More advanced? either a good Smith & Wesson .357 magnum; shoot mostly milder .38 special or Colt Python for snob appeal. Semi-auto? SIG P220 or classic 1911; either in .45 app. Target shooting ? S&W model 41; again its .22 rimfire with awesome accuracy.
BEEN CARRYING CONCEALED FOR 42 YEARS, 27 OF THOSE WITH A 1911. SWITCHED TO A SPRINGFIELD XDS 45 FOR A COUPLE YEARS BUT IT WAS A BIT TOO BULKY. STARTED REPPING FOR CHARTER ARMS AND THEY GAVE ME A 2 1/2" BULLDOG 44 SPECIAL. AT 15 YARDS, IT STACKS WINCHESTER 200GR SILVERTIPS! BEEN CARRYING IT EVER SINCE.
AS A LONG TIME HANDGUN HUNTER, IF I'M IN A STAND I USE A RUGER BLACKHAWK HUNTER IN 41 REMINGTON MAG WITH A 4X LEUPOLD SCOPE. IT WILL "MICKEY MOUSE" 210GR REMINGTON SOFTS AT 50YDS. FOR LONG RANGE, IT'S A REMINGTON XP 100 IN 7 BR WITH A BURRIS 2-7X. HAVEN'T HAD TO SHOOT ANYTHING MORE THAN ONCE INSIDE 200 YARDS!
I’m late to the wheel gun game. My first handgun was a 9mm. I started wheel guns with a Taurus Judge. It’s more of a hand sized shotgun. I then added a Kimber K6S DA/SA with a 3 inch barrel. It’s a little too high end and I added a Ruger GP100 4 inch shortly thereafter. I won’t bore with anymore details. However, the list is eclectic
Great comments. I bought the Taurus Judge because my wife did not hit the target with her 9mm. I figured a .410 shotgun shell would stop most threats. Furthermore, it is more of a pointing revolver than an aiming one.
I really, really like my Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt and especially with the moon clips for .45 ACP. Not sure why but the ACP’s are a tad more accurate than the Long Colt’s at 25 yards. But, it doesn’t matter, I’m extremely fond of the revolver. It fills my hand nicely. And, it’s so “purty”.
As an owner of 2 Dan Wesson revolvers, and a Ruger Security Six, I don't understand why there are NO S&W or older Ruger models (still on sale NIB) on this list. The 686 S&W is a VERY solid gun. As are most of the Sturm Ruger revolvers. Stop selling fancy in a wheel gun. They are not fancy, just extremely reliable in go to situation. I carry a wheel gun ALL the time when I'm hunting big game as self preservation when you run into that wrong critter(Bear or Mountain Lion) at the wrong time
I can’t say I’ve tried plinking with the Heritage as they (with maybe an exception or two) are illegal in my state due to their zinc-alloy frames.
Maybe you could have put an asterisk in the “plinking” category and added the Ruger Wrangler in it as well.
I’m not sold on the merits of the “Zamak” bans but since more than one state has banned these, the Wrangler deserves a mention.
In the ideal world, Ruger would make a “Wranglerized” Bearcat, which could be the ultimate .22 LR plinker!
I started out my firearms life with a revolver. For a period of time in my youth, I grew up on a ranch and consequently among doing things like riding a horse nearly daily, milking the milk cow in the morning and evening, cleaning stalls, etc. I even got to carry a .22 revolver (after having demonstrated I had listened to the "older" guys safety dictates). Later on, while on my way to deployment to Viet Nam, I purchased a used model 10 Smith & Wesson 5". Ended up trading that for a .30 M-1 Carbine. (error - had to leave it there).
Since then, I have had a variety of revolvers and still have several. Carried a Colt Cobra for a long time. Liked it primarily for the 6 round capacity. Still have it.
So - still kind of a revolver guy. Being a revolver guy, I still pay some attention to what is going on with them. One of the things I have noted is that the rather inconsistent quality reports on the Heritage Rough Rider. Does not seem to be much middle ground, either people love them or hate them. Accuracy seems to be the issue, generally.
As far as the Taurus revolvers go, I did own a gun store for several (15 or so) years and never had to send one back for repair/adjustment. We also used them in our training program. Good guns. But that was then, some 25 years ago. Maybe I missed something (granted, the Very early Taurus did have some issues at times).
The Smith & Wesson revolvers have always been a favorite of mine, largely due to good quality and a decent out of the box trigger - and the ability to make that trigger more smooth easily. Can't seem to get away from them! (but who wants to?)
Most likely I will be packing a Ruger Redhawk .44 mag this hunting season if my shoulder does not heal up enough to use a rifle. (messed it up trying to do stuff I used to could do at a far younger age!)
Heck, I even have a couple of Black Powder revolvers. One is a Ruger stainless Old Army and on the other end of the spectrum is an original Remington New Army.44. Both a kick in the butt to shoot!
Yeah, I am kind of a revolver guy. What do I regularly carry? A Sig P365. Every now and then though a small revolver will find its way into my pocket or a larger one on my hip, especially when on horseback!
Gotta love those revolvers - but beware, they are habit forming!
Art B.
My very first store bought and only big caliber revolver was the new model Blackhawk 357 /38. But it also came with the 9mm cylinder. You could pick the cost of the range day by what caliber you wanted to have fun with.
Wish I still had it.
Excellent
You can't have serious 'best wheel gun' list without the S&W 686 someplace. Get real.
I'm a fan of Pietti' 1858 Remington Army with both 8 and 5.5" barrels. My favorite is the 5.5", easy to shoot and pretty danged accurate to 20 yards. It isn't as heavy as the 8" "original". The 2858 Remmy has a cylinder that rolls out without having g to completely dismantling the whole pistol AND they're interchangeable, I have 3 cylinders between the two. I did get a loading stand that gives me 18 rounds in less than 4 minutes. Squeeze off 6, roll out the chamber, roll in a fresh one and you're back off to tge races.
Ok, I found a couple typos. The model is tge 1858 Remington New Army. Chambered in .44.
If I could only own one handgun it would be a single action Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in .45 Colt.
My very first gun was a S&W Model 66 4"(the stainless version of the model 19), and I kick myself for ever letting it go. I would love to buy another, but they're just too pricey for my pension, especially in our current economy.
I'd come closer to being able to afforf one of the new Rossis.
Still own my old model 36, and carry it sometimes. When my wife and I married, her wedding present from me was a model 60. She still loves the gun.