Sgt. Gunner
From beginners to aficionados, there’s a huge debate constantly going on about what the best gun for protection is. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and how much power they can handle.
Now, we aren’t saying that a .38 Special is the best gun, but if you like .38 Specials, then you’ll love our list. Below are the Top 9 Best .38 Special revolvers that we could find.
#1 Smith & Wesson Model 10
Smith and Wesson is one of the largest and well-known gun makers with a fanbase that’s second-to-none. So obviously, this gun is going to make our list.
Starting out, the S&W Model 10 has been in production since the late 1800s. And any brand/gun that can last over 100 years and still be in production is a top pick for us.
Next, this is a preferred weapon by some top military and police forces throughout the world. It is compact, reliable, sturdy, packs plenty of punch, and fairly accurate at distance. This is a great gun for any situation from personal protection to target plinking. If you are looking for a safe pick, the S&W Model 10 is perfect.
#2 Ruger SP101
For those who like a little heft, this is the perfect gun. This revolver has plenty of weight and plenty of power. The stainless steel Ruger SP can carry five rounds in the cylinder at one time while providing a compact platform to work with. Even so, it’ll easily leave a mark wherever it is pointed
Of course, this Ruger is on top of our list due to its easy maintenance and fast reassembly times. Whether you need a self-defense weapon, a plinker, or a small game gun, this is a great option with a little more weight to work with.
#3 Kimber K6
Next up is a revolver from a company known for their high-quality, high-standard guns. The Kimber K6 is built to perform. With years of design, building, and research, the K6 is a vastly improved .38 Special snubnose. It comes with plenty of upgrades and modifications that easily make it the perfect fit for you.
This 6-round, 23-ounce, superbly-crafted revolver does what is needed and provides exactly what a concealed carrier wants today. This gun is easy to use, has almost no recoil, looks sleek while being tough and durable, and gives you all you can handle in a 2-inch barrel. This is a great personal protection weapon that you’ll love to show to your friends at the range.
#4 Taurus 85
The next gun is a quality clone of the S&W J-Frame. The Taurus 85 is built to perform in tough situations day-in and day-out. It has a great grip and extremely compact, making it perfect for a concealed carry revolver or while hunting small game.
You can find the Taurus 85 in most stores and you’ll find that it lasts a long time - just ask some of the other owners (you probably know a few). And the price is extremely affordable making this the perfect concealed carry if you want reliability without a huge price tag.
#5 Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard Revolver
Who doesn’t want their own personal bodyguard? We’ll wait...
The M&P Bodyguard Special is a fan favorite for many reasons. One, it actually has the laser adjacent to the barrel, making it extremely accurate. Plus, it is light, small, and features a ton of innovation from S&W.
The M&P Bodyguard Special is perfect for protection for new gun owners or long-time gun owners. When you want more than a gun, you pick a bodyguard. Now you can carry your own personal bodyguard with you wherever you go.
#6 Ruger LCR
The LCR Ruger .38 Special is on our list because it is super-simple and extremely durable. It has an amazing grip with a light alloy material that makes it easy to carry it with you anywhere, in any situation.
#7 Colt Cobra
Just the name alone strikes fear into some. The Colt Cobra was dormant for many years, finally reemerging after several years with a vengeance! This gun is absolutely one of the best snubnose .38s on our list.
This 6-cylinder revolver has a classy feel to it while still being massively overpowered. While it is still not the popular choice, they are doing what they can to change the perception of the past. Over time, this will easily creep back into the top three options for a .38 Special revolver.
#8 Charter Arms Bulldog
Is it as wild as it sounds? Indeed it is…
The Charter Arms Bulldog indeed has plenty of bite to it, creating a safe environment for the carrier every single time.
The double-action, five-round revolver is easy to carry and handle with its minimized recoil. The grip is perfect for small to medium-size hands and helps those with smaller hands feel safer. For those on the other end of this Bulldog, we wish them well…
#9 Chiappa Rhino
Here’s another gun with a tough-sounding name. The Rhino is designed to plow anyone in its way.
With an interesting barrel that stays at the bottom as opposed to the top, you will experience a lot less recoil while using this handgun. Its sleek design will draw some interest, but once you actually fire it you can really feel the uniqueness behind it.
The Chiappa Rhino is fairly small, well-built, strong, power-packed, and extremely accurate - of course, it will cost you.
