By my count, we are at least a dozen years into the "revolver renaissance," and it shows no signs of slowing down as more and more gun owners realize that the dead-simple manual of arms can be a big advantage in a stressful situation. Combine that new chamberings for those who demand the latest and greatest with "retro" guns which harken back to the tough guys of yore, and soon we discover that the future of the wheelgun has never been brghter.
Charter Arms | Mag Pug Combo
The Mag Pug Combo revolver comes with two interchangeable cylinders—one for .357 Mag. and one for 9 mm, using patented “no moon clip” technology for simplified ammo changes. It’s also available with a 4.2-inch barrel.
▶Fixed front and rear sights
▶Ported design with diamond cuts
▶Stainless-steel or black passivated finish
▶Options for classic walnut or professional backpacker wooden grips
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2.2 inches
Overall Length: 6.75 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $637
(866) 769-4867 charterfirearms.com
Diamondback | SDR
Diamondback adds a 9 mm model to its growing SDR line of revolvers. With replaceable sights, rubber grips and a polished-stainless finish, this stylish revolver offers both form and function.
▶Three TK Custom moon clips included
▶Pushbutton cylinder release
▶Hogue rubber grips
▶Fiber-optic sights
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Cylinder capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 6.53 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces
MSRP: $821
(321) 305-5995 diamondbackamerica.com
Heritage | Roscoe
Available with either a 2- or 3-inch barrel, the Roscoe is a tribute to the classic wheelgun used by the likes of lawmen, plainclothes detectives and hard-boiled cinematic sleuths of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.
▶Exposed hammer
▶Fixed front and rear sights
▶Checkered wooden grips
▶Glossy-black finish
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 4.8 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $364
(800) 845-3776 heritagemfg.com
Smith & Wesson | Model 36 Classic No Internal Lock
Removing the much-maligned internal lock, the classic look of the Model 36 exposed-hammer small revolver is designed to appeal to the discerning wheelgun enthusiast. Smith & Wesson also released Model 10 and Model 19 revolvers in this new No-Lock line.
▶Wooden diamond grips
▶Blued finish
▶Fixed-blade front sight
▶Classic cylinder release
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 1.88 inches
Overall Length: 6.94 inches
Weight: 19.64 ounces
MSRP: $849
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Taurus | 650
A compact, DAO revolver, the 650 was designed for concealed carry and personal defense. Its snag-free, enclosed-hammer design makes it quick and easy to draw while maintaining a low profile. The 650 is also available with a 3-inch barrel and a black finish.
▶Internal hammer
▶Rubber grips
▶Replaceable serrated-blade front sight
▶Transfer-bar safety
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $469.99
(800) 327-3776 taurususa.com
