What are the best 38 Special revolvers for concealed carry? Gun Tests shooters have fired dozens of these guns head to head over the last few years, including models from Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Colt, Taurus and more. We’ve included basic dimensions that will help you figure out the right gun for you.
We’ve often NOT liked some market favorites because we’re able to shoot several firearms side by side, which shows the deficiencies and strengths of each firearm.
Of course, we haven’t tested every handgun on the market, so we’ll be interested to see which one in this listicle is your favorite. As always, prices reflect what we paid for the gun at the time of the test. — Todd Woodard
GUN TESTS GRADE: B-
A little lighter, with recoil that goes with that. One of the best revolver triggers we have seen. Action Type, Double action only. Overall Length, 6.5 in. Overall Height, 4.5 in. Weight Loaded, 0.96 lbs. Barrel Length, 1.875 in. Cylinder Capacity, 5 rounds. Trigger Pull Weight (Double Action), 9.5 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
Even with a 12-pound trigger and fixed sights, this little revolver still shot very well. If you are looking for a small and reliable pocket pistol at the best price, grab the base Model 642 Airweight and hide it wherever you like it. This was rated a Best Buy. Action Type, double action only. Overall Length, 6.4 in. Overall Height, 4.2 in. Weight Loaded, 1.07 lbs. Barrel Length, 1.875 in. Capacity, 5. Trigger Pull Weight, 11.78 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
With better sights, better grips, and some good detail work, we might have to give the Model 442 Ultimate Carry model some consideration as a replacement for what we already know to be a very good revolver. Action Type, double action only. Overall Length, 6.5 in. Overall Height, 4.3 in. Weight Loaded, 1.19 lbs. Barrel Length, 1.875 in. Capacity, 5 Trigger Pull Weight, 11.68 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Stainless-steel construction throughout. We docked it a grade for the very heavy trigger. Action Type Double -action and single -action revolver. Overall Length, 6.25 in. Overall Height, 4.2 in. Weight Loaded, 1.35 lbs. Barrel Length, 1.875 in. Cylinder Capacity, 5 rounds. Trigger Pull Weight (Double Action ), 12+ lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The 642 snubnose is affordable and enjoys a good reputation. It was bested here by more expensive revolvers with better sights and features. We would recommend the 642 as a backup and for general use. Action Type, Double-action-only revolver. Overall Length, 6.31 in. Overall Height, 4.3 in. Weight Loaded, 16.8 oz. Barrel, 1.88 in. long, matte stainless steel. Cylinder Gap, 0.006 in. Capacity, 5 rounds. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 13.5 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Best Buy. Offers six-shot capacity, a 3-inch heavy barrel, and a tritium-insert front-sight. Action, Double- or single-action revolver Overall Length, 7.5 in. Overall Height, 4.8 in. Weight Loaded, 28.0 oz. Barrel, 3.0 in. long, matte stainless steel. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 7.1 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 11.75 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Taurus 85 is a good revolver in the snubnose category. We liked the fit, finish, and smoothness. The piece performed well, but we prefer the Heritage. Action Type, Double action, single action. Overall Length, 6.56 in. Barrel Length, 2.0 in. Overall Height, 4.8 in. Weight Loaded, 23.9 oz. Cylinder gap, 0.006 in. Capacity, 5. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 12.0 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 4.75 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The 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. Action Type, Double action/single action. Overall Length, 6.95 in. Barrel, 2.2 in. Overall Height, 5.1 in. Weight loaded, 20.7 oz. Cylinder Gap, 0.005 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 12.9 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 3.5 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Heritage Roscoe is a nicely finished handgun, among the nicest examples of factory
blue we have seen. Very smooth. Accuracy is outstanding for the type. Action Type, Double action, single action. Overall Length, 6.55 in. Barrel Length, 2.0 in. Overall Height, 4.7 in. Max Width, 1.4 in. Weight Loaded, 22.9 oz. Cylinder gap, 0.005 in. Capacity, 5. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 12.0 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 3.2 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A lightweight revolver chambered in a serious cartridge, so recoil is present. The grips go a long way in handling recoil. The action is smooth. Reliability is a given. The XS sights are by far the best addition to the J-frame. Action Type, Double-action-only revolver Overall Length, 6.3 in. Overall Height, 4.3 in. Weight Loaded, 18.1 oz. Barrel, 1.88 in. long, stainless steel shrouded. Cylinder Gap, 0.005 in. Capacity, 5 rounds. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 12.5 lbs.
