With one of the most storied pasts in American culture, these are the revolvers on every enthusiasts list of 'must haves.'

  • Best - Smith & Wesson 500

    Starting out with bang, the S&W 500 is currently the most powerful handgun produced in the world.

    To put it bluntly, it's just the greatest feeling in the world to squeeze the trigger on this hog.

    Looking at the picture below can be deceiving... Because everything about this revolver is scaled up to accommodate the 500 cartridge, it's hard to see it's actually almost a full foot long with it's short 4 inch barrel.

    Like every Smith & Wesson firearm, it's available in an almost endless variety of barrel lengths and finishes. Most people reach for the full 10.5 inch barrel model (because it's the cheapest) but this is the closest you can get to a snub-nose 500... Believe me, I've asked the custom shop to build one smaller.

    Unlike most firearms, you're going to pay close to suggested retail for this scarce little piece of awesomeness.

    Smith & Wesson 4" 500 Magnum - MSRP $1369

    Click Here For Details

    FYI - They have a smooth cylinder, matte finish model too. It's ridiculously good looking.

    Smith-Wesson.com
    Smith-Wesson.com
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  • Best Value - Smith & Wesson 686

    Even though S&W makes a hundred equally awesome revolvers, there's nothing quite like the balanced perfection of the original Model 686 in .357 Magnum.

    It's usually a 'stepping stone' caliber for those looking to upgrade from an auto to revolvers, without hopping head first into the punishing .44 Mag.

    It's a snappy cartridge that's fun to shoot, but also practical in both a defensive scenario, as well as a great hunting round.

    It's available in a a few different barrel lengths too, but most people prefer it in a 4 inch, or 6 inch configuration. The four inch being the better balanced, while the six inch gives you the best hunting characteristics.

    As with any Smith, it's absolutely gorgeous, and affordable to anyone.

    Smith & Wesson 686 4" - MSRP $829 (but you can find them at reputable stores for around $600)

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    Smith-Wesson.com
    Smith-Wesson.com
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  • Best Alternative - Heritage SRR22

    While we covered the biggest and best, this little dude has to be one of the funnest revolvers to shoot.

    Chambered in .22lr, ammo is (normally) cheap and plentiful. They're extremely accurate, and the trigger pull is nothing to complain about. Plus, they're super affordable!

    This particular model from Heritage is actually two guns in one. There are two cylinders included in your purchase. One chambered for .22lr, the other for .22 Magnum, which is perfect if you want squirrel for dinner.

    Modeled after the worlds most famous revolver, the Colt Single Action Army, it's the best revolver money can buy for under $300.

    While revolvers are considered very safe, Heritage took this to heart and actually manufactured this revolver with a manual switch safety. A move that caught them a lot of flack, ruining such historic design lines and such... but it doesn't impede your shooting or grip, so it's really no big deal.

    While I can't find a suggested retail price for these, I know it's cheap. I think I paid $225 with tax for my dual cylinder 22. However, you can order one of these online, and have it shipped to your local licensed dealer with prices starting at $136... Nobody can pass up a smoking deal like that!

    Click Here For Details

    heritagemfg.com
    heritagemfg.com
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