If the marketing is to be believed, women are only capable of owning and using guns that are pink in color, of small size, or of a caliber with less recoil.
Needless to say, the marketing is wrong. While there is nothing negative about wanting a gun in a “girl” color or of a smaller size or caliber, those guns are certainly not always the best for every woman.
Read on to see some of the best revolvers for women on the market today.
Comparison of the Best Revolvers For Women
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What Women Should Watch For When Buying a Revolver
It can sometimes be a challenge to see past out of touch marketing or pandering gun salespeople. Keep the tips listed below in mind when shopping for a revolver ideal for women and you’ll be equipped to make an excellent choice!
This Section Written By:
Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Action Packed
There are three different types of actions that are available in revolvers. They are Single-Action (SA), Double-Action (DA), and Double-Action Only (DAO). The type you choose will depend on the intended use of the gun. A SA revolver requires the hammer to be manually pulled back in between each shot. A DA revolver’s hammer is cocked automatically during the trigger pull which also results in a shot being fired. DA revolvers can also be shot via single-action.
DAO revolvers are the same as DA revolvers except for one major difference. That is that the hammer on a DAO revolver lacks the latch that locks that hammer back. This means they can only be fired in Double-Action. A DAO revolver tends to have a spurless hammer or even one completely covered by the frame.
Despite a stiffer trigger pull, DA revolvers are the best option for concealed carry purposes. The deliberate trigger pull required to fire one helps to prevent accidental discharges. They are also simpler to use under duress and are capable of firing multiple shots more quickly.
Photo credit: gfycat.com
Weighing the Issue
Even though logic might seem to indicate that a lighter weight revolver is easier to shoot, that is not always true. While lightweight revolvers are the right option for some, it should be remembered that the recoil will be felt more heavily. This could negatively affect both the accuracy and quickness of follow-up shots as well as shooting comfort.
The most important thing is to choose a revolver that is comfortable to grip and shoot. Don’t immediately discount heavier or larger revolvers as viable options. This will also depend on caliber, intended use, hand size, and strength of the shooter.
Keeping it Simple
In the world of handguns, it doesn’t get much simpler than a revolver when it comes to firing. There are no slides to rack (another bonus for those with limited strength), no magazines to load or keep track of, and no risk of jams. It isn’t hard to see why those are good traits to have in a firearm especially when self-defense comes into play. With a revolver, it really does come down to simply pointing and shooting when needed or required.
Review of the Best Revolvers for Women
Below is a list of the six best revolvers that women can use. These are among some of the best revolvers on the market. If you are a woman (or someone in search of a revolver for a woman), you can start here by noting the important features and characteristics. If you see one that stands out as the best, then be sure to give it a closer look before making a final decision.
Now, let’s begin by taking a look at the best overall choice on the list:
Best Overall:
Ruger GP100
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were happy with this revolver. They said it was perfect for not just self-defense, but worked pretty well as a target shooting revolver, too. One user said she tested it out at the range and was pretty confident that she would be able to shoot accurately if and when the situation were to arise.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is at the perfect size for concealed carry. However, it can also be great to keep at home for the purpose of home defense. Either way you use it, it’s a reliable revolver that will prove itself to be an accurate force to be reckoned with every time you use it. If you don’t believe us, test it out for yourself at the range. This revolver is designed to give users a comfortable grip and reliable use each and every time. If you want a revolver that will consistently perform at top-notch quality, this is it.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be the best revolver for the woman who wants to carry a revolver around for EDC purposes. Furthermore, you would be more apt to use it in the event of a home defense situation. If it happens and you're home alone, you’ll be confident in knowing that you have a backup. This revolver has six shots. Any woman can use them to her advantage if she chooses to do so.
Bottom Line
The Ruger GP100 will certainly be the kind of revolver the woman in your life would want if she needs one for home defense or concealed carry. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and can do serious damage to those who dare end up on the wrong end of it. It’s no wonder this revolver is one of the best in the business.
Runner-up:
Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were pretty happy with the overall performance. Most new users hit their targets accurately with smaller targets being hit at 25 yards out. Some were able to go as far as 50 yards out with much bigger targets. One user said he bought this revolver for his wife and felt that he made the right decision for her in terms of finding the right concealed carry weapon.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is small, compact, and will definitely fit in many OWB holsters, so it stands out as a real contender for a great concealed carry pistol for a woman. It’s concealable to a point where it won’t bulge in holsters and therefore compromise itself. So if you want to carry a revolver in a holster or purse, this revolver is the right size. Not to mention, it’s pretty lightweight, so if you store it, either way, you won’t have to deal with any additional weight.
Who Will Use This Most
This pistol was made for the woman who wants to conceal carry a revolver anywhere she goes. It also is easy to use and pretty straightforward when it comes to cycling, with nothing too complicated. Just simple shooting, regardless of the application. Plus, if you want it to be really accurate, this might be a pistol that is worth looking at further.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special will certainly stand out as one of the top concealed carry revolvers for a woman. It’s simple to use and won’t give you any heavy trigger or hammer pulling. Timing is everything when it comes to self-defense. So this is a revolver that will allow for quick shooting if the opportunity presents itself.
Best for the Money:
Ruger LCR
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users were looking for a concealed carry pistol to fit in holsters or purses. They were not disappointed when they found this revolver to be light in weight and super-accurate in almost any application. One user said she was able to hit bullseyes from about 25 to 30 yards out. Furthermore, she added that the rear sight did a pretty good job of providing pinpoint accuracy for each shot.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is chambered to fire 9mm shots. They are quite common for those who use concealed carry pistols. They’re small, they travel fast, and they are ridiculously accurate at various distances. It is for these reasons it deserved a spot on our list. Plus, it’s an excellent caliber for women to start off with if they are new to concealed carry. So if you are in search of a first-time revolver, this could be one to consider.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great newbie-friendly revolver. A 9mm caliber is obviously one of the best-concealed carry calibers. Plus, it won’t be as intimidating as some others, like the .357. But rest assured, it can do some pretty good damage in most applications. So if you have never owned a revolver before, this could be one that will be a great choice for your first time.
Bottom Line
The Ruger LCR 9mm is reliable, perfect for concealed carry, and can be best-used in a life and death situation if anything were to arise. While it might be a great starter revolver for women, it may be hard to separate from after years of service. If dependability and accuracy are your two favorite things in a revolver, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything quite like this anywhere else.
Best Revolver for Women Home Defense:
Smith & Wesson 686
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers were looking for a revolver for the purpose of concealed carry and home defense. They were pretty impressed with this revolver when they came across it. They managed to load as many as seven shots in the cylinder and were able to hit accurate bullseyes from various distances. They were able to shoot tighter groups with small targets situated at 30 yards out, while hitting the bullseye on bigger targets situated from 50 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is made from one of the most reliable brands in the business. Smith & Wesson have been known for manufacturing firearms that are sturdy, durable, and reliable for many years. This revolver proves itself to follow their great track record. It can be accurate and useful when used in a self-defense situation. Even better, it’s at the perfect size for the purpose of concealed carry. If you want a pistol that will be your sidekick whenever you end up in a dangerous situation, this is the one you’ll probably want to have on hand.
Who Will Use This Most
This, without a doubt, will be used mostly for the purpose of concealed carry. You can keep it at home if you so choose. But if EDC carry is a more comfortable option for you, then a revolver like this might be something to invest in. Not only will it be reliable for many years, but it will stay consistently accurate and never lose its ability to do so after long-term use.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson 686 Centerfire is a great home defense revolver that will work to your advantage if and when the situation presents itself. It might be the best possible choice if you need a new revolver for the purpose of self-defense or if you are looking for an upgrade from a previous model.
Best .38 Revolver for Women:
Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were quite happy with the revolver. They were quick to point out that it is really durable and reliable when it comes to shooting it. Most new users were previous concealed carry users who were looking for a decent upgrade. One user said she noticed the revolver being a bit more accurate than the 9mm pistol she owned for a few years. When it came time to look for another handgun to add into her arsenal, she decided to get a revolver and ended up with this. She was not disappointed once she managed to hit accurate shots from about 40 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is chambered in .38 caliber shots. This caliber is perhaps one of the best choices if you are in search of a round that can do some serious damage. In fact, it’s got a bit more “oomph” than a 9mm. And on top of that, it’s got a bit of power. Aside from that, the trigger pull is pretty smooth and won’t cause any issues for the user. So if you want a .38 caliber revolver that will allow for the fastest and most reliable shooting possible, this might be where you end your search.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a superb addition to any woman’s arsenal if she already owns a few guns. This might just be the one revolver you can take with you just in case danger is lurking nearby. While you may not end up in danger, it’s good to be prepared just in case. If you want the perfect EDC revolver at your disposal, this might just be exactly what you’re looking for. And since it’s at the right size, it can fit in holsters or even your purse.
Bottom Line
Once again, Smith & Wesson delivers a revolver that will stand out as reliable and accurate for women shooters. If you want a concealed carry revolver that will be your go-to in a survival situation, the M&P Bodyguard will stand out as the odds-on favorite for women who want something different for their concealed carry arsenal.
Best Pink Revolver for Women:
Charter Arms - Chic Lady Dao 2-in .38 Special Pink 5-Rd
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers were women who loved the pink finish on the revolver. What they also liked was the fact that it was very durable from the inside out. Overall, they said the grip was comfortable and allowed them firm control without the fear of dropping it. The amount of felt recoil and shock were minimal according to these new buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum. Which means that it’s a durable unit that will stand to last you a long time. As long as you take good care of it and clean it on a regular basis, it can last you years or even decades. It’s easy to operate and delivers consistent accurate shooting almost every single time. Not only that, it’s perfect for target shooting and self-defense.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be the perfect revolver for the woman who has concealed carry before and is looking for an upgrade. If you have no idea which caliber is best for you in terms of a step up, you should consider the idea of using a .38 Special caliber. The rounds are nearly identical to those of a 9mm. But it can do quite a bit more damage than a 9mm. If you want something with a little more “oomph”, this is the revolver you might want to consider using.
Bottom Line
The Charter Arms Chic Lady 38 Special may be pink in color, but it can pack a powerful punch like nothing else. If you are looking for a revolver that will be tough all over and deliver reliable shooting when you need it most, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. Who says a woman cannot handle a revolver like this?
Can Every Revolver Be Used For Women's Concealed Carry?
Not every revolver is suitable for use by a woman. One of the major reasons is that the trigger pull may be a little too heavy for a woman to use. Some may even require a lot more pressure than other handgun triggers. But that doesn’t mean you cannot use a revolver at all. It will depend on some factors that will make it a little easier to use.
What Makes These the Best?
These revolvers were not chosen at complete random. They had some characteristics and features that made each stand out to earn a spot on this list. We were very strict with what met our standards and what would disqualify a certain product. Here are some things to look for if you are a woman (or are in search of a revolver for the woman in your life):
Price
It’s easy to find a revolver that is affordable. But don’t mistake that for having the okay to buy the cheapest model you can find. You’ll want to find the best quality and performance you can afford. This way, you can invest in a long-lasting, reliable revolver a woman can use to her advantage. You’ll need something that is sturdy, strong, and perhaps concealable so you can carry it just about anywhere.
Photo credit: youtube.com
Ease of Use
The ease of use is a big one here. More specifically, the revolvers we chose are pretty straightforward and simple to use. This means the hammer cocking will be easy and the trigger pull will be lighter than other revolvers on the market. We were very careful and used our best judgment to find revolvers that fit this criterion. Even the slightest bit of heavy trigger pull was enough to disqualify it from the list.
Reliable in Any Situation
Reliability should always be important. A great revolver is something that will be able to work when it is needed the most. This means no jamming or mechanical failures should ever come into play. The magnums we chose are those that have been proven to stay reliable even through 100 rounds or more.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
If you are a woman in search of a revolver, you may need to know a few things before purchasing one. While it might be a daunting task to purchase a firearm, you’ll have to understand why they are the best options. Here’s what you need to know:
It is Your Right to Exercise Your 2nd Amendment Rights
As an American citizen, you are entitled to the right to defend yourself using a firearm. In fact, there are laws that will allow you to lawfully conceal carry a firearm for self-defense use. You need to be aware of when it might be a good time to use your firearm and when it wouldn't be OK. Women can exercise this right to bear arms and use their revolver as they see fit.
Take Training Courses
If you have never used a revolver before, it is highly recommended that you take gun safety courses. This way, it will give you the knowledge and more know-how on all things concealed carry.
You will learn how to use your revolver if and when danger presents itself. You’ll also learn the dos and don'ts of concealed carry, among other life-saving lessons.
Determine if You Wish to Keep a Revolver at Home or Take With You
The idea of carrying a revolver or any concealed carry pistol is discomforting for most. That is why you should make the determination before purchasing a revolver.
Will it stay at home or will you carry it with you at all times? It all comes down to personal needs and preferences. However, you should research your state laws that pertain to home defense and concealed carry prior to purchasing a revolver.
Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special
Conclusion
If you are a woman, the best revolver for your own personal defense might be within reach for you. Find one that will be reliable, accurate, and easy to use. No woman should ever be left with no option to defend herself if and when danger comes lurking. If you need a revolver to protect yourself, the six above are a good start. Choose one for your own use and you’ll have one you can rely on for the long term.
People Also Ask
These are a few frequently asked questions that pertain to revolvers and women. Use this as a guide to better understand the use of a revolver and how they benefit women. Here are the following questions:
What is a Good Revolver Caliber for a Woman?
The short answer: it depends. If she has never used a revolver at all, chances are she may need to start off with a 9mm or .38 Special (since they are identical in size). They are also excellent for beginner users (both men and women).
Why is it Recommended for Women to Carry a Revolver?
Revolvers are easy to load and are small in size. This makes concealability a convenience for most women since they can carry it in their purses, gloveboxes, or even a holster of their choice. Plus, with six to eight rounds at their disposal, it’s more than enough for any survival situation.
What Revolver Has a Light Trigger Pull for Women?
The Smith & Wesson 686 is a good example of a revolver with the lightest trigger pull. Some may say it is a little too light, but the pull weight is perfect for when you want to quickly get a shot off.
