Gun Tests Magazine has shot and compared dozens of short-barrel revolvers over the past few decades. The classic snubnose has a barrel 2 inches or shorter, but we think 3-inch tubes also fill the weight, length, and portability needs of the wheelgun carrier. With that in mind, we’ve compiled our Top 10 357 Magnum Carry Revolvers in the list below. The guns mentioned are all double-action revolvers in the powerful 357 chambering and have shorter barrels. We know some folks carry 4-inch barrels, and we salute them, but most of us prefer a little shorter wheelgun with a lighter weight.
10
Rossi RP63 2-RP639 357 Magnum, $373
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This gun lands a spot on this list of revolver big-name heavyweights because it’s much more affordable than anything else below it. 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. Overall Length, 7.95 in. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Weight Loaded, 30.1 oz. Capacity, 6.
9
Taurus Tracker 692 357 Magnum/9mm Luger, $487
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Taurus 692 revolver offers a choice of chamberings, the most obvious of which is 357 Magnum, which also allows 38 Specials. But a second cylinder in 9mm Luger offers fast reloads and real economy. For its flexibility, many shooters would rank this one higher on the list. Overall Length, 8.14 in. Barrel Length, 3 in. Weight Loaded, 39 oz. Capacity, 7.
8
Smith & Wesson Model 360 PD 163064 357 Magnum, $1099
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
With one of the shortest barrels on this list, the Model 360 PD is the gun to carry all day, but that light weight makes for terrific recoil with 357 Magnum ammo. The fiber-optic front sight pops. Accuracy was good. Overall Length, 6.3 in. Barrel Length, 1.88 in. Weight Loaded, 13.8 oz. Capacity, 5.
7
Taurus Model 605 Executive 2-605EX39 357 Magnum, $567
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Another more-affordable item on this list. The 605 Executive is the best-looking 605 we have ever seen. The finish is nice, and the wood grip is comfortable, especially with 357 Magnum loads. Accuracy was excellent. Overall Length, 7.5 in. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Weight Loaded, 25.5 oz. Capacity, 5.
6
Smith & Wesson PC Model 19 Carry Comp 13323 357 Magnum, $1199
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 19 is set up for conceal carry. Even though it is heavier, the revolver is easy to shoot well, and the compensator helps tame powerful 357 Magnum ammo. Accuracy was good. The trigger could have been better. Overall Length, 7.5 in. Barrel Length, 2.5 in. Weight Loaded, 35.4 oz. Capacity, 6.
5
Colt Python BP3WTS 357 Magnum, $1400
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Python was the fastest and most accurate in the February 2026 issue, and it was Our Pick that month. We thought the deeply-blued finish was the most pleasing of the pistols tested that month. But there are others on this list that cost much less. Overall Length,8.3 in. Weight Loaded, 41.4 oz. Barrel Length, 3 in. Capacity, 6.
4
Smith & Wesson Performance Center Pro Series Model 640 178044 357 Magnum, $909
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
This revolver isn’t as light as the two Smith & Wessons tested alongside it, but neither is it a heavyweight. The 640 Pro’s weight and heavier barrel, coupled with the rubberized grips, make for a light-kicking revolver. Add in the moon-clip option, and you have a formidable revolver. A fine choice for concealed carry. Overall Length, 6.6 in. Weight Loaded, 24.1 oz. Barrel Length, 2.13 in. Capacity, 5.
3
Taurus Defender 605 2-60539NS 357 Magnum, $467
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A smooth and reliable handgun that is the most affordable on this list. The tritium front sight is a good feature. We liked the ability to chamber 357 Magnum rounds more than we liked firing them in this handgun. The Taurus is a good defense revolver worth its price. If you’re on a budget and want a hammer, shoot one with both 38 Specials and 357s and see what you think. Overall Length, 7.5 in. Barrel Length, 3 in. Weight Loaded, 25.1 oz. Capacity, 5.
2
Ruger GP100 01753 357 Magnum, $1050
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Smooth, controllable action. Modest recoil with all loads, and good-to-excellent accuracy potential. This is a credible combat revolver well suited to any serious role. Overall Length, 8.0 in. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Weight Loaded, 39.0 oz. Capacity, 6.
1
Smith & Wesson M686-6 164300 357 Magnum, $904
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This S&W Model 686 is a seven-shooter, not a six-shooter, and it comes drilled and tapped for a red dot, both of which we love. But it still has that action lock. Overall Length, 8 in. Weight Loaded, 38.5 oz. Barrel Length, 3 in. Capacity, 7.
