The Best Revolver in the World [2020 Update]

This expert-level analysis, informed by a firearms instructor's perspective, delves into seven revolvers renowned for their exceptional durability and longevity. It moves beyond simple torture tests to examine design philosophies, material choices, and mechanical engineering that contribute to a firearm's ability to withstand decades of use. The focus is on how these revolvers age gracefully, maintaining performance and reliability over generations, making them truly irreplaceable.

This video details the troubleshooting and repair process for a Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun experiencing double-action misfires. Expert reviewer Hickok45 demonstrates how the firearm was sent to the factory for service, where the forcing cone was cut and the yoke repaired. Post-service testing reveals significant improvement, though sensitivity to certain .22 LR ammunition brands persists, highlighting the importance of both firearm condition and ammo quality for reliable ignition.

This video review highlights seven vintage revolvers that remain highly relevant for self-defense and general use in 2026. The ranking prioritizes dependability, shootability, mechanical simplicity, durability, and modern ownership factors like parts availability and price. The expert assessment emphasizes deep technical knowledge of revolver mechanics and historical context.

This review of the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp highlights its features as a .357 Magnum K-frame revolver from the Performance Center. It details the 2.5-inch barrel with a 'Power Port' compensator, Altamont Rosewood grips, Trijicon tritium front sight, and a moss Cerakote finish. The expert assessment notes its shootability due to all-steel construction and the compensator, despite a heavy double-action pull.

This video demonstrates a ballistic comparison between .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition using an ice test. The host, Mr. Madness, fires both calibers from a Smith & Wesson Model 66 into a frozen surface. The .357 Magnum round clearly created a significantly larger and deeper impact crater than the .38 Special, with the .357 bullet being recovered while the .38 Special was not.

This review of the Smith & Wesson Model 617 Mountain Gun by hickok45 highlights its appeal as a lighter-weight .22 LR revolver with a tapered barrel and desirable features like a brass bead front sight. However, the review also addresses a significant concern: recurring double-action misfires. The speaker details troubleshooting steps, including deep cleaning and ammunition testing, to diagnose the light strike issue. Despite good accuracy in single-action, the double-action reliability remains a point of concern.

Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo explains the 'Cruiser Ready' method for storing a home defense shotgun, balancing safety and accessibility. This technique involves a loaded magazine tube but an empty chamber, with the safety off and action unlocked. This allows for rapid deployment by simply racking the slide. Baker also advises loading the magazine one round shy of capacity to preserve magazine spring longevity and prevent potential failures.

The FBI's brief adoption of the 10mm Auto in 1989, primarily with the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, proved disastrous due to mechanical issues and complexity. This led to the development of the '10mm Lite' and ultimately the .40 S&W cartridge, which was quickly adopted by Glock and dominated law enforcement for decades. The 10mm Auto's potential was recognized, but its practical implementation by the FBI failed.

The Ruger Mini-14 has maintained popularity for nearly 50 years by filling a market gap for an affordable, practical semi-automatic rifle, drawing inspiration from the M14. Despite early accuracy criticisms and political controversies, design updates and competitive pricing have kept it relevant, though the rise of affordable AR-15s presents new challenges.

This review of the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle highlights its unique takedown feature, making it highly packable. Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo details its design evolution, caliber options (.44 Mag, .357 Mag), and compares it to other takedown lever actions. While praising its smooth action and crisp trigger, Baker notes some cosmetic quality control issues and suggests ergonomic modifications for improved handling. The rifle demonstrated 100% reliability over 300 rounds with good accuracy from premium loads.