revolver

This SHOT Show 2019, Colt showcased their latest and greatest revolver for everyday-carry, the new King Cobra chambered for .357 Magnum.

Thirty or so years ago, the revolver was the predominant self-defense handgun. Though many still carry a revolver today, competency in the manipulation of wheel guns for self-defense is, if not a lost art, a skill that most revolver carriers lack. And not knowing how to run a revolver can get you or a loved one killed or injured.

The Off Duty is a classic snub-nosed revolver. It does very well as a primary concealed carry gun for anyone wishing to carry something small, lightweight, reliable and effective.

Kimber America, however, seems like the most unlikely company to be in the revolver market. Yes, the same Kimber famous for their 1911s.

I will admit my biases up-front. I love these guns and always have. I think I always will. Depending on the day, I choose a J-frame over a slim nine, over a Glock 19 and over lots of other guns. I don’t always, but most of the time I do.

The standard Kimber K6s Revolver is already a classy carry piece. Kimber is kicking it up a notch, though, announcing recently a laser-engraved model that is certainly going to turn some heads.

Smith & Wesson’s iconic Model 19 is back, and it looks like it could be better than ever. It’s been nearly two decades since the company stopped producing the 357 Magnum revolver, but they’ve responded to customer demand and made some improvements on the old design.

What’s not to love? A tried and true platform now chambered in big-boy 10mm. For less than $1,000, the GP 100 Ruger Match Champion is definitely something to check out.

Even in an age of very reliable and well-sized auto-loading pistols, I am still a big fan of carrying a snub-nosed revolver. I am drawn to their simplicity and reliability — two key attributes of a self-defense tool.