Ruger LCR Want more high-tech, super modern material in your snubbie? The LCR has some titanium components in the cylinder’s front latching system and what Ruger refers to as an “optimized spring tension” design and “enhanced lockup geometry.”

Charter Arms Crimson Patriot Although Charter lists a 2.2-inch barrel in the Crimson Patriot’s specs, the barrel on my test sample was closer to 21⁄2 inches long. Its rifling has eight grooves, which Charter claims results in higher bullet velocity and increased accuracy.

Charter Arms Southpaw The Charter Arms Southpaw, chambered in .38 Spl., is all business. A low-profile front sight helps ensure fast presentation, double-action operation means it’s always ready to go and the aluminum version trims enough weight that you won’t even know it’s there—until you need it.

North American Arms Mini-Master Compared to its 4-ounce, 3 5/8-inch Short Mini-Revolver cohort, North American Arms’ Mini-Master is a giant. But at 7 7/8 inches long, 3 5/8 inches tall and weighing 10.7 ounces, it is still more compact and lightweight than most of the centerfire handguns on the market.

Taurus Judge  With self-defense the primary objective, Taurus has bolstered its Judge lineup to include four new variations of this versatile revolver. A magnum version has a longer cylinder to accommodate 3-inch shotshells. The Ultra-Lite Judge utilizes an aluminum-alloy frame, as opposed to steel, to reduce weight. A “tactical” configuration has a ported barrel and a short section of Picatinny rail for attaching accessories.

Snubby Balistics "Snubby" is a term that has crept into the shooter’s lexicon to identify those revolvers with exceptionally short barrels. There is no sound reason why anyone would want to abbreviate a handgun barrel to a degree that would interfere with the gun’s ballistic performance, unless they want to create a revolver that is easier to conceal in most clothing.

Taurus Model 605 Since a self-defense handgun will only be utilized in a dire situation, when your life depends on its use, it must be accurate, easy to shoot and most importantly, reliable. The Taurus Model 605 B2 meets those criteria.

Smith and Wesson Combat Magnum Shooting the Model 19 can be pleasant or intimidating. Using .38 Spl. wadcutters the revolver is a joy: accurate, noticeably quicker handling than its N-frame brothers and at 36 ounces, it tugs a lot less on the belt than its larger forerunners.