The revolver, a handgun with a rotating cylinder, was first patented by Samuel Colt of Hartford, Connecticut, nearly 200 years ago. Upon their introduction, revolvers represented a technological leap in the world of firearms, allowing users to fire multiple rounds before reloading. As a result, revolvers were widely used by law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points:

• Notable for their simplicity and reliability, revolvers are a popular firearm among handgun owners.
• While there are many revolver calibers and configurations available on the market, Americans have some clear preferences for certain makes and models.
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In recent decades, however, revolvers have largely been phased out of use in professional circles, and supplanted by more modern semi-automatic pistols — which generally offer greater magazine capacity, faster reload times, slimmer designs, and reduced recoil. But while revolvers may no longer represent state-of-the-art technology, they remain popular with a large subset of American gun owners.

Market demand for revolvers is driven by several factors. Owing to their relative mechanical simplicity, revolvers are widely seen as rugged, reliable, and low-maintenance handguns. Whether for hunting, personal protection, or collecting, Americans have some clear preferences for certain revolver makes and models.

Using a report from Gun Genius, which analyzed sales data from the online firearm marketplace GunBroker.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 10 best-selling revolvers in the United States. Revolver models are ranked on sales volume in the 2024 calendar year, though exact sales figures were not provided. Supplemental data on the approximate base price for each make and model are from online retailers, including GunBroker.

These 10 revolvers are manufactured by five brands, including Colt and Taurus, companies that each have three models on this list. Approximate base prices for these models range from only a few hundred dollars to over a thousand — though variations in each of these models can come with far higher prices.

These firearms are available in a number of calibers, ranging from .22 LR to .44 magnum and larger. These rounds are well suited to a number of purposes, including target shooting, home defense, and hunting. (Here is a look at the most versatile hunting cartridges.)

It is important to note that this list was compiled using online gun sales only. Unlike most items purchased online, firearms are generally not shipped directly to your door. Typically, the process requires buyers to have their gun shipped to a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer — usually a local gun store — which will run a background check before transferring the gun to the customer.

These are the best-selling revolvers in the United States.

Why It Matters

While revolvers are generally no longer used by military or law enforcement, they remain in high demand among hunters, plinkers, collectors and recreational target shooters. While those in the market for a revolver have a range of brands, configurations, and calibers to choose from, certain models have emerged as clear favorites among American gun owners.

10. Taurus Model 856 series revolvers

• Approx. base price: $280
• Available caliber(s) include: .38 Special
• Manufacturer: Taurus
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Bainbridge, Georgia
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Taurus Armas, S.A.

9. Ruger Blackhawk

• Approx. base price: $620
• Available caliber(s) include: .357 Mag., .45 Colt, .44 Special, 10mm, .41 Rem. Mag., .22 LR
• Manufacturer: Ruger
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
• Manufacturer’s parent company: None

8. North American Arms (NAA) Mini-Revolver

• Approx. base price: $250
• Available caliber(s) include: .22 LR
• Manufacturer: North American Arms (NAA)
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Provo, Utah
• Manufacturer’s parent company: None

7. Taurus Raging Hunter

• Approx. base price: $730
• Available caliber(s) include: 500 S&W Mag., 460 S&W Mag., 454 Casull, .357 Mag., .44 Mag.
• Manufacturer: Taurus
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Bainbridge, Georgia
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Taurus Armas, S.A.

6. Ruger Vaquero

• Approx. base price: $820
• Available caliber(s) include: .45 Colt, .357 Mag., .44 Mag., .44 Special, .45 ACP
• Manufacturer: Ruger
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
• Manufacturer’s parent company: None

5. Colt Single Action Army

• Approx. base price: $1,800
• Available caliber(s) include: .45 Colt
• Manufacturer: Colt
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: West Hartford, Connecticut
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group

4. Colt King Cobra

• Approx. base price: $770
• Available caliber(s) include: .357 Mag.
• Manufacturer: Colt
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: West Hartford, Connecticut
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group

3. Taurus Judge

• Approx. base price: $340
• Available caliber(s) include: .45 Colt and .410 gauge
• Manufacturer: Taurus
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Bainbridge, Georgia
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Taurus Armas, S.A.

2. Heritage Rough Rider

• Approx. base price: $120
• Available caliber(s) include: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .32 H&R Mag, .357 Mag., .45 Colt
• Manufacturer: Heritage
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Bainbridge, Georgia
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Taurus Armas, S.A.

1. Colt Python

• Approx. base price: $1,300
• Available caliber(s) include: .357 Mag.
• Manufacturer: Colt
• Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: West Hartford, Connecticut
• Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group

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