For budget-friendly, reliable self-defense revolvers, here are the top options worth considering.
BEST OVERALL BUDGET PICK
Taurus 856 (~$300–$380) — 6-shot 38 Special, solid reliability for the price. Taurus quality control has improved significantly in recent years. Best bang for the buck if you’re on a tight budget. We’ve tested a few 856s over the years.
We gave an A- grade to a Taurus 856 Model 2-856021 38 Special. The 856 has a consistent trigger pull in double-action or single-action mode, a small grip that feels like a large grip, and it offers 6 shots in about the same package as a 5-shot revolver. At $278, the price is more than reasonable.
A Taurus Defender 856 2-85639NS 38 Sp. +P, $306, got an A- grade and a Best Buy nod. Offers six-shot capacity, a 3-inch heavy barrel, and a tritium-insert front-sight.
A Grade A gun, a Taurus 856 Defender Ultra-Lite 2-85639ULNS 38 Sp. +P, $405 was Our Pick in this test. Offered good accuracy and is ultra-lightweight. The DA trigger was smooth but heavy, with stacking.
A SOLID RUNNER UP
Ruger LCR (~$450–$550) — Lightweight polymer/aluminum frame, great for concealed carry. Smooth double-action trigger for a budget gun. Available in 38 Special +P or 357 Magnum.
We tested a Ruger Light Compact Revolver (LCR) 5401 38 Special and gave it a B- grade. It was a little lighter, so more recoil goes with that. One of the best factory triggers we have seen in a standard production revolver. No issues with reliability.
OTHER VALUE BRANDS
Several other nameplates such as EAA, Charter Arms, and Rock Island Armory offer affordable wheelgun choices. Here are a few summaries of guns we’ve tested:
EAA Weihrauch Windicator 741566103612 357 Mag., $394
An A- gun, the Windicator is simple to operate, features a swing-out cylinder, has an ejector rod long enough to easily eject spent cartridge cases, and the action is smooth enough. If you need a house gun or truck gun to be fired occasionally but which must always come up shooting, this handgun fits the bill. Overall length: 8.5 in. Barrel length: 3.75 in. Weight loaded: 33.5 oz. Capacity: 6.
The Charter Arms Boomer 74429 in 44 Special, $443, earned a B- grade because it was difficult to shoot at distance due to the lack of sights. At extremely close range, it was easy to control. A laser grip would enhance this revolver.
Charter Arms On Duty Aluminum No. 53810 38 Special, $430, got only a C grade because it needed better sights and rounding off the trigger.
Charter Arms Boxer 53620 38 Special, $349. The Grade A revolver works as designed and is reasonably smooth and more accurate than expected. It is a reliable utilitarian piece. Despite the shortest sight radius and lightest weight, the Boxer was the most accurate revolver in slow fire.
Rock Island Armory M206 51283 38 Special, $240, was a B grade gun because we disliked the too-long hammer spur and the wooden concealment grips are not well designed.
The Grade A Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 163050 38 Special +P, $389, had all the right quality and features in a concealable revolver: consistent trigger pull, DA or SA trigger mode, recoil absorbing grip, and light weight.
Charter Arms Off Duty 53811 38 Special, $404 earned an A- because it started off with a gritty trigger, which soon slicked up. t was the lightest and most compact in this test.
Rossi Model R35102 38 Special, +P $390, Grade B, had the best trigger and the most comfortable and largest grip. The spurred hammer could get hung up in a draw from concealment.
Rock Island Armory Model 206 51289 38 Special, $320, B-, gave good accuracy for a DAO revolver; the grip was dated.
Rossi RP63 2-RP639P 357 Magnum, $380, Grade B, was the smallest tested in this month. The Rossi would have been the easiest to carry, but it also kicked the most — no surprise. We had a few issues with the sights, but we loved the price on this dependable little sixgun.
Rossi RP63 2-RP639 357 Magnum, $373, was a Grade: A- Best Buy choice. The RP63 is a no-nonsense 357 well suited for everyday carry. The sights are large and easy to acquire. The double-action trigger pull is heavy at 15 pounds, but it’s serviceable for close-range defensive situations. The grip helps dilute felt recoil.
Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 38 103039 38 Special +P, $348, A-, the M&P Bodyguard 38 was easily concealable and lightweight. The DAO trigger pull was smooth. Though it offers only five shots, it is well suited for conceal carry.
Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 163050 38 Special +P, $389, was an A grade gun and had all the right quality and features in a concealable revolver: consistent trigger pull, DA or SA trigger mode, recoil absorbing grip, and lightweight.
Key Things to Look for in a Self-Defense Revolver
- 38 Special +P or 357 Magnum — both are proven defensive calibers.
- 44 Special is also a powerful round that isn’t among the most expensive available.
- Snag-free hammer (shrouded or hammerless) if you plan to carry concealed
- Steel or stainless frame for longevity. Aluminum frame for lighter weight.
The Bottom Line
The Taurus 856 if money is tight, or the Ruger SP101 if you can stretch a little — both are reliable, well-regarded, and will serve you well for home or personal defense. Run at least 200 rounds through whichever you choose to verify reliability before trusting it for defense.
