While last year’s SHOT Show had a bumper crop of new revolvers, this year was by no means a slouch. The popularity of revolvers seems to be on the increase. Double-action revolvers, especially those with “snub” barrels, are popular for self-defense, while those with longer barrels excel in the field. Similarly, single-action revolvers are favorites of hunters and cowboy action shooters. So, let’s take a look at some of the best revolvers I saw at the 2024 SHOT Show.
20 of the Best Revolvers of SHOT Show 2024
1. American Precision Firearms R-1
A traditional combination of steel and wood, the R-1 looks like a mating of the S&W K and L-frame revolvers. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it comes in 3-, 4-, and 6-inch barrel lengths. The 3-inch version has a fixed rear sight and ramp front sight. Likewise, the 4- and 6-inch models have an adjustable rear sight and Baughman-type front sight. These 6-shooters also have attractive hardwood combat-style grips.
MSRP: $1,332.89 (4-inch blue version).
For more information, please visit AmericanPrecisionFirearms.com.
2. Chiappa Firearms Stormhunter
The Rhino is an unusual revolver as the barrel lines up with the lower chamber in the cylinder for the lowest bore axis extant. This new version is in .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel and a white StormHunter finish. The “hammer” is a cocking indicator, and these wheelguns have an amazing action. The frame and barrel shroud are alloy, while the cylinder and barrel are steel. In addition, the rear of the cylinder is relieved to take moon clips.
MSRP: $1,820.74.
For more information, please visit ChiappaFirearms.com.
3. Chiappa Firearms 60DS Match Master
Looking very much like the revolvers used in Police PPC matches, the Rhino version is a limited edition. Chambered for .38 Special, it has a 6-inch barrel and a gray PVD finish with Hogue Micarta target grips. Other features mirror the Stormhunter above. Atop the barrel is an Aristocrat Rib with an adjustable rear sight and protected front partridge sight. They have a fantastic DA pull, and I’d love to use one in a PPC match!
MSRP: $3,314.62.
For more information, please visit ChiappaFirearms.com.
4. Colt Python Blue Version
It had to happen—Colt is now out with a Python sporting a Royal Blue finish. A .357 Magnum sixgun, it comes in 4.25- and 6-inch barrel versions. It is identical to the stainless-steel 2020 Python and has the replaceable front sight, adjustable rear sight, and the sexy vent-rib barrel with full underlug. Additionally, it includes checkered walnut grips with gold medallions. It looks very much like my treasured 1974 vintage blue Python.
MSRP: $1,599.00.
For more information, please visit Colt.com.
5. Colt Python Elite
The Colt Python Elite is available from Brownell’s and is a special edition of the 3-inch barrel stainless-steel version. It features a polished finish, an unfluted cylinder, and a shortened grip frame. The black and grey swirl, textured G10 grips are combat style and have Colt medallions. In addition, the post front sight has a tritium insert for low-light use.
MSRP: $1,499.00.
For more information, please visit Brownells.com or BudsGunShop.com.
6. Colt Python Matte
Another new Colt Python variation is the Python Matte. As the name implies, it is stainless steel but has a non-reflecting matte finish. Instead of wood grips, it has Hogue black over-molded rubber combat grips with a Colt emblem and dimple texturing. It appears that it is available in 3-, 4.25-, 5-, and 6-inch.
MSRP: $1,203.99 (4.25 inch).
For more information, please visit Brownells.com or BudsGunShop.com.
7. Colt Python Classic
The new Python Classic has a 2.5-inch barrel and—except for the rear sight—could almost be mistaken as a vintage Python. It sports the checkered walnut “sliver” grips, with a silver Colt medallion, that was once standard on the 2.5-inch Python. Another special edition, like the Elite and Matte, theClassic is not listed on the Colt website. However, it is available through such outlets as Brownell’s and Bud’s Guns.
RETAIL: $1,411.09.
For more information, please visit Brownells.com or BudsGunShop.com.
8. Diamondback America SDR
Proving that “snubby” revolvers are popular, Diamondback just debuted the SDR. It seems like Diamondback took the best features from other popular wheelguns and incorporated them into this model. The revolver is a forged, polished stainless-steel sixgun, chambered in .357 Magnum. Additionally, its 2-inch barrel has a full underlug and crowned muzzle. Both front and rear sights are low-profile and have fiber-optic inserts. The interface is provided via rubber combat-style grips.
MSRP: $777.00.
For more information, please visit DiamondbackFirearms.com.
9. Lipsey’s S&W Models 442 and 432 Ultimate Carry J-frames
Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson have come up with two “snubby” revolvers that are the epitome of this design. One is a 5-shot .38 Special +P, the other a six-shooter in .32 H&R Magnum. Both have Airweight frames with either blued or stainless barrels and cylinders. The front sights are XS tritium coupled with windage-adjustable U-notch rear sights. In addition, both have G10 VZ UC grips, chamfered charge holes, and an optimized DA trigger.
MSRP: $759.00.
For more information, please visit Lipseys.com.
10. North American Arms Sentinel
NAA has unveiled a new version of their stainless-steel SA mini-revolver; it is called the Sentinel. It appears to be a mating of the swing-out cylinder Sidewinder, with the large locking mechanism found on the Pug. This makes unlocking the cylinder easier and faster for loading. It’s in .22 WMR, with a .22 LR conversion available. Likewise, it has a 1.5-inch barrel and black rubber pebble grips. Another available option is a tritium front sight.
MSRP: $400.00.
For more information, please visit NorthAmericanArms.com.
11. Nighthawk Custom/Korth Super Sport GTS
Here’s another wheelgun I’d love to shoot Police PPC with! The Nighthawk Korth Super Sport GTS is a DLC-finished steel .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel with polygonal rifling. There are four pre-set adjustments on the front sight for pre-determined distances and a fully adjustable rear sight. Likewise, a roller-trigger action delivers an unmatched SA/DA pull, while finger-groove Turkish walnut grips provide positive engagement. The barrel housing has rails and changeable weights, and the cylinder accepts moon clips.
MSRP: $7,199.00 (base).
For more information, please visit NighthawkCustom.com.
12. Ruger Super Redhawk .22 Hornet
A popular varmint cartridge in my youth, Ruger has now chambered the Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet with a triple-locking 8-round cylinder. This huge, stainless-steel DA wheelgun has a cold hammer-forged 9.5-inch barrel. Additionally, an extended frame with integral mounts is ready to accept optics. Correspondingly, an adjustable rear sight and green Hi-Viz front sight offer accuracy without an optic. Hogue Tamer Monogrip and peg-style grip frame provide the interface, while a transfer-bar mechanism makes it safe.
MSRP: $1,499.00.
For more information, please visit Ruger.com.
13. Ruger/Talo Cobalt Cerakote Wrangler
This SA .22LR sixgun will have definite appeal to outdoorsmen, women, and kids. It has a 6.5-inch barrel, weighs just 31.2 oz., and has a transfer-bar mechanism and loading gate interlock for safety. Sturdy fixed notch and blade rear sights, and rust-resistant Cobalt Cerakote finish also add to its durability. The overall package is complimented by hardwood grips. As a Talo Exclusive, it comes with a DeSantis Wild Hog field and range holster.
MSRP: $279.99.
For more information, please visit Ruger.com or TaloInc.com.
14. Taurus 605 Executive Grade
Continuing with its Executive Grade Series, Taurus now brings us an upgraded Model 605. This new model is a 5-shot .357 Magnum with a 3-inch full underlug barrel. It has a satin stainless steel finish, a hand-tuned DA trigger, and an extended ejector rod. Likewise, the fixed rear sight couples with what looks like a fiber-optic front sight. However, it is actually a brass insert. Presentation-grade wood grips set off this handsome and powerful revolver.
MSRP: $757.99.
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
15. Taurus 327 Defender T.O.R.O.
I’m a big fan of .32 calibers—especially the .327 Federal Magnum. Taurus has now introduced the 6-shot 327 Defender into its T.O.R.O. series. It has a 3-inch full underlug barrel, comes in matte black or stainless, and has an extended ejector rod. In addition, it features recoil-absorbing rubber grips and a bobbed hammer. The frame top strap is made optics-ready and will fit MRDS with the Holoson K footprint.
MSRP: $553.99.
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
16. Taurus Deputy
Do you want a modern sixgun that has the flavor of the Old West? Look no further than the new Deputy from Taurus. Chambered in .357 Magnum or .45 Colt, it can be had with a 4.75- or 5.5-inch barrel with rugged fixed sights. Likewise, the wheelgun features alloy steel construction, plus a deep satin black finish, and black checkered two-piece grips. It’s a single action, but its transfer-bar mechanism allows the user to carry all six chambers loaded safely.
MSRP: $606.99.
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
17. Taylor’s & Co. 1875 Outlaw
Okay, so there’s nothing new about an 1875 Remington sixgun replica. Well, hold on, this one is chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge. If you want a wheel gun like Jesse James carried but one you can actually afford to shoot, here you are. This SA revolver has an all-steel construction with a blued finish and a 5.5-inch barrel. It also features a distinctive webbed ejector rod tube and two-piece walnut grips. In addition, Taylor Tuning is available to really dial in the performance.
MSRP: $697.68.
For more information, please visit TaylorsFirearms.com.
18. Taylor’s & Co. Cerakote 1873
So you want a traditional SA sixgun, but one with a modern finish that will withstand tough outdoor weather conditions and rough handling? Check out this Single Action Army replica. It has a FDE Cerakote finish on the barrel and frame, a blue cylinder, hammer, trigger, screws, and black-stained Army wood grips. It comes in .357 Magnum, has a 5.5-inch barrel, and rugged fixed sights. Taylor Tuning is also available on this model.
MSRP: $823.00.
For more information, please visit TaylorsFirearms.com.
19. Uberti USA 1873 Hunter
You’re a handgun hunter, but you want a SA shootin’ iron with an Old West style—Uberti is here to help. The company’s new Hunter comes with a Picatinny rail mounted to the top-strap of the frame. As a result, this allows the attachment of a scope or other optics. It comes in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt and has a 7.5-inch octagon barrel. Likewise, it sports a fluteless cylinder, blue finish, and the longer 1860 Army grip-frame fitted with elegant checkered walnut grips.
MSRP: $799.00.
For more information, please visit Uberti-USA.com.
20. Wild West Guns Custom Wolverine
I don’t live in bear country, but if I did, I’d carry a Wolverine. Based on the Ruger Super Redhawk, it’s chambered for the powerful .454 Casull. Your Wolverine can also be modified to take moon clips that allow it to fire .45 ACP, .45 Win. Mag, .460 Rowland, etc. Likewise, the barrel is ported and can be whatever length you’d like; extra weight is machined off and re-contoured. Finally, it has a bead-blasted finish and Hogue grips.
MSRP: $2,800.00 (base).
For more information, please visit WildWestGuns.com.
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