Ruger vs. Smith & Wesson — Which is Better for Revolver Concealed Carry?

Published: October 6, 2026

Many of the questions we get from readers sound like, “Which gun should I buy?” In the case of concealed carry with revolvers, the question is usually, “Ruger or Smith & Wesson — Which is better?”

After testing hundreds of products in the CCW segment, we can conclusively say that neither brand is categorically better. Both companies make reliable, well-regarded carry guns, and the right choice comes down to the specific model and how it fits you.

Revolvers make a good carry choice: simple, reliable, and forgiving of limp-wristing or a weak grip. Here’s how the options break down by size. Catalogs change, so check current availability and barrel lengths.

Pocket and Deep Concealment

S&W 442/642 (38 Special +P, 5 rounds): The classic. The 642 has a concealed hammer and the 442 has a lightweight alloy frame. Both are easy to carry and have a long track record.
S&W 340/360 PD (357 Magnum, scandium): Very light, but 357 loads are brutal in a gun this small. Most people shoot 38 +P in them.
S&W 351 PD (22 WMR): Easy to shoot and 7-8 rounds, but low power. A fine choice for recoil-sensitive shooters, though most would pick 38 Special over 22 LR for defense.
Ruger LCR (38 +P, 357, 9mm, 22 LR, 22 WMR): The polymer fire-control housing gives a smoother, lighter trigger than most small revolvers. The 9mm version lets you share ammo with a pistol. The LCRx has an exposed hammer and a 3-inch barrel.
Ruger SP101 (357 Mag, 5 rounds, 2.25- or 3-inch barrels): Heavier and sturdier, so recoil is more manageable. It also comes in 327 Federal Magnum (6 rounds).

Midsize, Belt Carry

S&W Model 60 (357 Mag, 5 rounds): A stainless J-frame with a stout build and 2- or 3-inch barrels.
S&W Model 66 Combat Magnum (357 Mag, 6 rounds, 2.75-inch barrel): A great shooter with a good trigger. Heavier, so you need a solid belt and holster.
S&W Model 65/686 (357 Mag, 3-inch or 4-inch barrel): The 686 is larger and heavier, but very controllable.
Ruger GP100 (357 Mag, 6 rounds, 3-inch barrel): Extremely tough, with a smooth trigger. The 4.2-inch barrel version is longer than most folks like, so look at the 3-inch barrel.

Picking One

For everyday pocket or ankle carry, the S&W 642 or Ruger LCR in 38 +P is the usual answer.
For better shootability and some 357 capability, the Ruger SP101 or S&W Model 66 are the best bets. Both are heavier but much easier to shoot well.
Practice with the ammo you’ll actually carry. Snubbies have heavier triggers and shorter sight radii, so they take more practice than a larger revolver.
Revolvers hold fewer rounds (5-6) than most semi-autos, and reloads are slow. Practice with speedloaders or speed strips if you plan to rely on one.

Here are some specific Gun Tests articles to read up on the models listed above:

Smith & Wesson Model 442 UC Lipsey’s Special 13996 38 Sp.

S&W Model 442 Centennial Airweight 162810 38 Special

Smith & Wesson Ultimate Carry 642 13995 38 Special

Smith & Wesson 642 AirLite 103810-2 38 Special

Smith & Wesson Model 360 PD 163064 357 Magnum

Smith & Wesson Model 351 PD 160228 22 WMR

Ruger LCR 5452 327 Federal Magnum

9mm Luger Snubnose Revolvers: Ruger LCR versus Taurus 905

Hammerless Snubnoses: Ruger LCR vs. Smith & Wesson M42

Ruger Model LCRx 5439 22 WMR

Ruger LCR 5452 327 Federal Magnum