Last updated October 30th 2026 by Nick Hall, a .38 Special revolver shooter who has carried Airweights, K-frames and Rugers across daily rotations. For carry loads, see our best .38 Special ammo for self-defense roundup.
Affiliate disclaimer: We earn a small part of the sale price when you buy through our links. You won’t pay anything extra and your purchase helps support the site.
- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Quick Answer: The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is the best .38 Special revolver you can buy in 2026, an aluminum-frame J-frame snubbie with an internal hammer that has been the gold standard for pocket carry for over 30 years.
Best premium snubbie: the Colt Cobra in stainless, with a smoother trigger and superior sights. Best lightweight: the Charter Arms Undercover Lite at about 12 ounces. Best trigger: the Ruger LCR, which Ruger stopped making in October 2026, so buy from remaining stock. Best full-size .38: the Ruger GP100, also stopped, for new shooters who want the cartridge in a soft-recoiling 4-inch package, or the S&W Model 10 if you want a true .38 still in production. One thing the listings will show you: the GP100 you buy is chambered in .357 Magnum, and that is exactly why it belongs on a .38 Special list. A .357 chamber takes .38 Special all day, and the extra steel and weight soak up recoil that a featherweight snub cannot. It is one of the softest-shooting ways to own a .38.
The biggest mistake new revolver buyers make is buying a snubbie and then practicing only with wadcutters. Snubbies recoil hard with +P defensive loads, the Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P being the gold standard, and the trigger pull is heavy. Plan on at least 200 rounds of dedicated practice with your carry load. The nine .38s in our test table each went through at least 400 rounds before ranking.
Looking for a .38 Special pistol? Nearly every .38 Special handgun you can buy new is a revolver, which is why this list is all revolvers. If you want a semi-auto of the same size, a 9mm micro pistol is the modern answer.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
Winners at a Glance
The Smith & Wesson 642 is the best 38 Special revolver for concealed carry.
| Revolver | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. S&W 642 | Best Overall | See live prices |
| 2. Colt Cobra | Best Six-Shot Carry | See live prices |
| 3. Charter Undercover Lite | Best Lightweight | See live prices |
| 4. Ruger LCR | Best Trigger | See live prices |
| 5. S&W M&P Bodyguard | Best With a Laser | See live prices |
| 6. Ruger GP100 | Best for Range Practice | See live prices |
| 7. Rock Island M206 | Cheapest That Works | See live prices |
| 8. Taurus 856 Ultra Lite | Best Budget Carry | See live prices |
| 9. S&W Model 10 | Best Classic | See live prices |
| 10. Kimber K6xs | Best Premium Lightweight | See live prices |
| 11. Taurus Defender 856 | Best 3-Inch | See live prices |
Last updated October 30th 2026 by Nick Hall, a .38 Special revolver shooter who has carried Airweights, K-frames and Rugers across daily rotations. For carry loads, see our best .38 Special ammo for self-defense roundup.
Affiliate disclaimer: We earn a small part of the sale price when you buy through our links. You won’t pay anything extra and your purchase helps support the site.
Quick Answer: The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is the best .38 Special revolver you can buy in 2026, an aluminum-frame J-frame snubbie with an internal hammer that has been the gold standard for pocket carry for over 30 years.
Best premium snubbie: the Colt Cobra in stainless, with a smoother trigger and superior sights. Best lightweight: the Charter Arms Undercover Lite at about 12 ounces. Best trigger: the Ruger LCR, which Ruger stopped making in October 2026, so buy from remaining stock. Best full-size .38: the Ruger GP100, also stopped, for new shooters who want the cartridge in a soft-recoiling 4-inch package, or the S&W Model 10 if you want a true .38 still in production. One thing the listings will show you: the GP100 you buy is chambered in .357 Magnum, and that is exactly why it belongs on a .38 Special list. A .357 chamber takes .38 Special all day, and the extra steel and weight soak up recoil that a featherweight snub cannot. It is one of the softest-shooting ways to own a .38.
The biggest mistake new revolver buyers make is buying a snubbie and then practicing only with wadcutters. Snubbies recoil hard with +P defensive loads, the Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P being the gold standard, and the trigger pull is heavy. Plan on at least 200 rounds of dedicated practice with your carry load. The nine .38s in our test table each went through at least 400 rounds before ranking.
Looking for a .38 Special pistol? Nearly every .38 Special handgun you can buy new is a revolver, which is why this list is all revolvers. If you want a semi-auto of the same size, a 9mm micro pistol is the modern answer.
Winners at a Glance
The Smith & Wesson 642 is the best 38 Special revolver for concealed carry.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Smith & Wesson Model 642 |
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See Live Prices |
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Colt Cobra |
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See Live Prices |
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Ruger LCR |
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See Live Prices |
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S&W M&P Bodyguard |
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See Live Prices |
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Rock Island Armory M206 |
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See Live Prices |
Why the Best .38 Special Revolvers Still Make Sense
The 38 Special revolver is still a mainstay of the personal defense world and there’s a lot to be said for simple, straightforward 38 Revolvers.
They’re compact and relatively foolproof, and the heavier ones are low recoil. So these are great self defense guns for new shooters who just aren’t ready for 9mm semi-autos, as long as they start on a heavier gun.
Also they are great pocket guns, back up guns and secret last line of defense for many of you.
So what are the best .38 Special revolvers for sale in 2026?
Here are our picks.
Table of Contents
1. Smith & Wesson 642: Best Overall
- Barrel Length: 1.875 inch
- Overall Length: 6.31 inch
- Weight Empty: 0.94lb
- Capacity: 5
- Street Price: from $470.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- 15 ounces with nothing to snag
- Internal hammer draws clean from pockets
- Parts and holsters everywhere
Cons
- Stout recoil with +P loads
- Heavy double-action-only trigger
- Only five rounds
The S&W 642 38 Special revolver is one of the best-selling double-action revolvers of all time for a reason.
It is perfect for CCW because the internal hammer can’t get snagged on clothing.
After all this time it is still an excellent option for personal defense and a fair choice for a new shooter who will practice. Simple, basic and very reliable, the snubnose S&W 5 shot capacity 38 Special revolver is about as accessible as guns get.
The Model 642 38 Special Revolver is an Airweight, a group of lightweight J-frame revolvers. At under 1 lb, this is a light carry gun, although you might want to check out the Model 442 38 Special revolvers too.
It is incredibly easy to carry, and this compact revolver will slip into some IWB concealed carry holsters.
Recoil is a thing with these lightweight revolvers, but then this isn’t a 357 Magnum revolver.
The 642 is double-action only, so there’s no hammer to cock. If you want the option of a single-action shot, look at the S&W Model 638, which has a shrouded hammer you can still reach.
2. Colt Cobra: Best Six-Shot Carry
- Barrel: 2 inch
- Overall Length: 7.25 inch
- Weight: 25 oz
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from $695.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 2/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Six rounds, one more than J-frames
- Stainless frame soaks up recoil
- Fiber-optic front sight
Cons
- About $696 is a lot
- Exposed hammer can snag
- 25 ounces is heavy for pockets
The Colt features an all stainless steel frame with rubber grips. It has a two-inch barrel and an exposed hammer. Both of these are conscious choices that give you options, but also come at a cost in concealability.
The external hammer allows for a short trigger squeeze in single-action, or a long trigger pull in double-action mode for safe carrying. Because of its added size and weight, the recoil felt is mild for a carry gun, and that is its best argument.
The Colt Cobra is one of the most shootable carry revolvers on the market for personal defense. It is large enough to hold comfortably, yet small enough to conceal easily.
The Cobra also holds six rounds, while the 642, LCR and Bodyguard only hold five. One round might not sound like a lot, but when it really matters then, well, it’s a lot.
If you want a full size handgun for both 38 Special and 357 Magnum, have a look at the Colt Python.
For more great pistols, revolvers, 1911s and well everything, check this post of the best Colt handguns for sale. There’s the Colt Python, and some great Colt semi auto pistols.
3. Charter Arms Undercover Lite: Best Lightweight
- Caliber: 38 Special Ammo
- Barrel: 2 inch
- Total Length: 6.75 inch
- Weight: 0.75lb
- Capacity: 5
- Street Price: from $319.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- About 12 ounces for under $350
- Two-inch barrel
- Lifetime Charter warranty
Cons
- Finish less refined than S&W
- Heavier trigger than the LCR
- Limited grip options
Charter Arms made its name known in the firearm industry for producing a popular backup gun for police officers. That same gun lives on today, a .38 revolver with a 2-inch barrel that weighs 17 ounces in steel, or about 12 ounces as the aluminum-framed Undercover Lite.
This matte stainless Charter Arms Undercover Lite 38 Special revolver is a great combination of size, weight, and stopping power. Of course the Undercover Lite is also one of the least expensive guns on the list, coming in at under $400.
Check here for the full line of Charter Arms revolvers, too, many of them matte steel and looking good. Others are pink and lavender, and, well, you decide…
4. Ruger LCR: Best Trigger
- Caliber: 38 Special Ammo
- Barrel: 1.87 inch
- Total: 6.5 inch
- Weight: 0.84lb
- Capacity: 5
- Street Price: about $420
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- Best trigger among lightweight snubs
- 13.5 ounces with polymer housing
- Hammerless, so nothing snags
Cons
- Polymer feels less premium
- Sharp recoil with +P
- Stopped, so stock is thin
Ruger stopped making the LCR in October 2026, so what you can buy is remaining new stock. The Ruger LCR has a true internal hammer and therefore is a double-action revolver only. Because the hammer is internal, the LCR Ruger makes an excellent concealed carry revolver and it almost redefines the term small frame revolver.
At just 13.5 oz, the LCR Ruger also comes in as one of the lightest revolvers here. The stainless steel cylinder and polymer fire-control housing keep the final weight almost implausibly low.
You can opt for the Ruger LCRx with the exposed hammer, too, with two options for the trigger pull. The Ruger LCRx is cool, but this is easier to conceal.
Both offer a red ramp front sight, for rapid target acquisition.
The internal hammer Ruger LCR is a good choice for new CCW license holders, women and anybody that likes pure simplicity.
5. S&W M&P Bodyguard: Best With a Laser
- Caliber: 38 Special
- Barrel: 1.875 inch
- Total Length: 6.6 inch
- Weight: 0.89lb
- Capacity: 5
- Street Price: from $429.99, about $450 with laser
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Pros
- Laser version available
- About 14 ounces
- Cheaper without the laser
Cons
- Trigger trails the LCR
- Battery to maintain on laser model
- Bulkier than the 642
The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard comes two ways: without a laser for about $430 at Palmetto State Armory, or with a Crimson Trace laser from about $450. Pay attention to which one you’re clicking on.
The laser makes this aluminum alloy frame carry gun great for new shooters, or anyone who wants to feel a little better about their aim.
At just 6.6 inches with a barrel under 2 inches, the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard is easy to conceal.
The laser on this version gives you an aiming point without having to master the frame-cut rear sight and fixed front sight. S&W also sells a newer Bodyguard 38 2.0 without the laser, so check which one you are buying.
For some, that’s a major selling point with the S&W M&P Bodyguard.
The company makes great firearms/handguns/revolvers, and these 38 Special revolvers still find a place in gun safes around the land.
6. Ruger GP100: Best for Range Practice
- Caliber: .357 Magnum, fires .38 Special
- Action: Single/double
- Barrel: 4-6 inch
- Total Length: 9.5 inch with the 4.2-inch barrel
- Weight: 2.5lb
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from $898.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 1/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Pros
- Six rounds and very soft recoil
- Takes .38 Special and .357 Magnum
- Built for heavy round counts
Cons
- Too big for concealed carry
- Costs about $900
- Over 2 pounds unloaded
Ruger stopped making the GP100 in October 2026, so what you can buy is remaining new stock. The 38 Special Only Ruger GP100 was a thing for a while, but most people now like the dual caliber 357 Magnum revolver option that also shoots the lighter ammo and gives you a guaranteed 38 Special +P Revolver too.
It is a stainless, heavy-framed revolver that suits range work and competition in the right hands.
This could also be a great general purpose handgun with a stainless steel frame for range plinking and home defense. Now it is a high price, high spec handgun. But it’s also very, very good.
The fiber optic front sight with adjustable rear sights is an obvious nod to competition, but you can use it too and night sights on 38 revolvers are definitely good when things go bump in the night. Of course you can fit red dot sights and go hunting small game with 38 or hunting deer with the 357.
The Ruger SP101, also stopped in October 2026, is another option if you’re looking for a small frame revolver. You can get a Ruger SP101 DAO trigger action with an enclosed hammer or a SA/DA trigger action with an external hammer. It’s chambered in 357 Magnum, or .38 Special, and is also a good home defense and general purpose handgun.
So the similarities with the GP100 are more pronounced than the differences. For home defense we’d take the longer barrel versions.
7. Rock Island Armory M206: Cheapest That Works
- Caliber: 38 Special
- Action: Single/Double
- Barrel: 2 inch
- Total Length: 6.75 inch
- Weight: 1.5lb
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from $249.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Pros
- Cheapest pick here at about $250
- Six rounds in a snub frame
- Parkerized steel takes abuse
Cons
- Rough trigger and finish
- Heavy at 25 ounces
- Exposed hammer on the standard model
RIA has a reputation for solid and affordable firearms, especially its semi autos that include double stack 9mm 1911s now.
Essentially the matte black Parkerized M206 is a tribute to the classic police revolver, the S&W Military & Police.
There’s nothing particularly innovative with these Rock Island Armory revolvers, apart from the fin that offers a type of smooth channel frame cut sight. And it is a durable little gun that is easy to conceal and meant for daily carry.
The company can sell you the Rock Island Armory M200 revolvers for concealed carry with a 4 inch barrel, too, or a spurless double-action-only M206. Many of the lowest rows on the card are the spurless version, so check the listing if you want the spur hammer shown here.
Rock Island Armory can sell you a 357 revolver, too, the Rock Island Armory AL3.0, with a 2″ snub nose barrel. But the felt recoil is intense, and a .38 is probably better for personal defense in most instances.
8. Taurus 856 Ultra Lite: Best Budget Carry
- Caliber: 38 Special +P Revolver
- Barrel: 2 inch
- Total Length: 6.5 inch
- Weight: 1lb
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from $319.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 4/5 | 2.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 2.5/5 |
Pros
- Six rounds for about $320
- 16 ounces with aluminum frame
- Good rubber grips
Cons
- QC trails Smith and Ruger
- Stout recoil with +P
- Heavier trigger than the LCR
The snub nose Taurus 856 38 Special revolvers are probably the best-selling revolvers not made by S&W. Their most recent offering, the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite, comes in at 16 oz, making it a great gun to concealed carry every day. We especially like the non slip rubber grips.
At about $320 the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite isn’t the cheapest here, since the Rock Island M206 is about $70 less, but it’s the cheapest six-shot that’s light enough to carry all day.
Consider the Taurus Defender 856 at pick 11, a 3-inch DA/SA version with a night sight, or the 856CH, a concealed-hammer version with a DAO trigger pull.
You can buy a stainless steel cylinder version of the Taurus 856 38 Special, of course, with the same cushioned rubber grips .
This six-round frame is about the size of a five-shot J-frame, and that is the reason to buy it.
9. Smith & Wesson Model 10: Best Classic
- Barrel: 4 inch
- Total: 8.9 inch
- Weight: 2.15lb
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from $817.99
| Price | Accuracy | Capacity | Weight | Prestige |
| 1/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 1/5 | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- Classic K-frame, shoots beautifully
- Six rounds and light recoil
- Superb trigger once broken in
Cons
- Way too big for carry
- Over 2 pounds unloaded
- Pricey for a plain revolver
The Smith and Wesson 10 is the original Military & Police revolver.
It is also the most popular handgun of the 20th century, by the numbers, with more than 6 million produced over the course of 100 years.
So if you’re looking for a piece of history, then this is really the one you want. It is the archetype, the definition of the 38 genre, if you want to get all high-brow about this…
Before semi-automatic pistols became popular in the 1990s, nearly every law enforcement officer in the United States carried a Model 10 on their hip. It has the classic styling with a blued steel finish and wooden grips. It’s also on our list of classic revolvers.
With a 4″ barrel and 34.4 oz, this is not the best concealed carry gun. If you’re interested in law enforcement history, however, this item is a collector’s piece.
You can also get a stainless version or an engraved special edition.
10. Kimber K6xs: Best Premium Lightweight
- Caliber: 38 Special +P
- Barrel: 2 inch
- Weight: 15.9 oz
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from about $600
Pros
- Six rounds at 15.9 ounces
- Enclosed hammer for pockets
- Orange-dot front sight
Cons
- Costs about $600
- Double-action only
- Thin stock at our retailers
The Kimber K6xs is the premium answer to the 642: six rounds of .38 Special +P at 15.9 ounces, against five rounds at about 15 ounces for the Smith. It has an alloy frame, a stainless cylinder and barrel, Hogue rubber grips and an orange-dot front sight. The Gun Zone ranks it first, so it belongs here.
This pick and the Defender below were added after our test table was built, so we have no logged rounds through them for this page. Treat these two as specification and price notes.
11. Taurus Defender 856: Best 3-Inch
- Caliber: 38 Special +P
- Action: Single/Double
- Barrel: 3 inch
- Weight: 24 oz
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Street Price: from about $349
Pros
- Three-inch barrel, easier to shoot
- Six rounds
- Night sight up front
Cons
- 24 ounces is heavy for pockets
- Exposed hammer can snag
- QC trails Smith and Ruger
The Defender 856 fills the gap between our 2-inch snubs and the 4-inch guns. Taurus lists the stainless version with a 3-inch barrel at 24 ounces, and that extra barrel and weight make it a better home-defense and range gun than a snub. Six rival guides name it.
Revolver Holsters
Best-scored accessories across 200+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours
Like the K6xs, this one has no logged rounds in our test table, so treat it as specification and price.
What Is .38 Special?
.38 Special is a revolver cartridge Smith & Wesson introduced in 1898, and it’s still everywhere because it does its job with manageable recoil. Despite the name, the bullet is about .357 inches across. That’s why a .357 Magnum revolver safely fires .38 Special, but never the other way around. Our .357 Magnum vs .38 Special guide covers the differences.
+P is a hotter loading of the same round. Most revolvers here are rated for it, but Rock Island marks the M206 plain .38 Spl, so check with the maker before you run +P in it. Expect sharp recoil from the lightweight snubs. Our best .38 Special ammo guide covers what to carry, and best .38 Special revolvers for women looks at grip size and trigger reach.
Is There a .38 Special Pistol? What You Can Buy Today
People search for a “.38 special pistol” all the time, and they mostly mean a small revolver. A few semi-autos have been built for it, such as S&W’s old Model 52 target gun, but that’s a collector’s item now. If you’re buying new for carry or home defense, you’re buying a revolver. For the same job in a semi-auto, our .38 Special vs 9mm page will help you decide.
| Budget | .38 Special handguns you can buy new | From |
|---|---|---|
| Under $300 | Rock Island M206 | $250 |
| $300 to $500 | Charter Undercover Lite, Taurus 856 Ultra Lite, Taurus Defender 856, S&W Bodyguard, S&W 642 | $320 |
| $500 to $800 | Kimber K6xs, Colt Cobra | $600 |
| Over $800 | S&W Model 10, Ruger GP100 (.357) | $818 |
Those are revolvers because that is what a new .38 Special handgun is. If you truly want a semi-auto, buy a 9mm micro pistol.
Enclosed, Shrouded or Exposed Hammer?
A J-frame comes three ways, and it decides how the gun carries. The 642 has an enclosed hammer, so nothing snags and it is double-action only. The 638 has a shrouded hammer you can still reach for a single-action shot. The 637 has an exposed hammer, which shoots best and snags most.
| Model | Hammer | Single action? | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&W 642 | Enclosed | No | $471 |
| S&W 638 | Shrouded | Yes | $470 |
| S&W 637 | Exposed | Yes | $426 |
Best .38 Special Revolvers by Brand
If you already trust a maker, here’s what I’d buy from each one.
| Brand | Buy this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson | Model 642 Airweight | The default carry snub. Also see the 442 and Model 10. |
| Ruger | LCR | Best trigger of the lightweights. GP100 for the range. Ruger stopped both in October 2026. |
| Colt | Cobra | Six rounds and a stainless frame, at a premium price. |
| Taurus | 856 Ultra Lite | Six rounds at 16 ounces for about $320. |
| Charter Arms | Undercover Lite | Simple, American-made and about $320. |
| Rock Island Armory | M206 | The cheapest way to own a new .38. |
What a .38 Special Costs in 2026
Here’s the lowest new price on each pick at the retailers we trust, next to the weight. Weight is the number to watch, because a light snub costs you in recoil every time you practice.
| Revolver | Weight | Rounds | Lowest new price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Island M206 | 25 oz | 6 | about $250 |
| Taurus 856 Ultra Lite | 16 oz | 6 | $319.99 |
| Charter Undercover Lite | 12 oz | 5 | $319.99 |
| Ruger LCR | 13.5 oz | 5 | about $420 |
| S&W Bodyguard 38 | 14 oz | 5 | $429.99 |
| S&W 642 Airweight | 15 oz | 5 | $470.99 |
| Taurus Defender 856 | 24 oz | 6 | about $349 |
| Kimber K6xs | 15.9 oz | 6 | about $600 |
| Colt Cobra | 25 oz | 6 | $695.99 |
| S&W Model 10 Classic | 34.4 oz | 6 | $817.99 |
| Ruger GP100 | 40 oz | 6 | $898.99 |
Then there’s ammo. Today the cheapest brass .38 Special at those retailers runs about 40 cents a round, against about 26 cents for 9mm and 54 cents for .357 Magnum. A 200-round practice session costs about $80 in .38, $52 in 9mm. A revolver is cheap to buy but not cheap to practice with, so budget for it.
Also Worth a Look
Smith & Wesson 442. It’s the 642 in a black finish, and it’s often cheaper. At about $446 at Battlehawk Armory, that’s $25 under the 642. If you don’t care about stainless, buy this one.
Heritage Roscoe. A newer, inexpensive five-shot with a retro look. It’s from about $316 with a 3-inch barrel, and its longer sight radius makes it easier to shoot well than most budget snubs.
Ruger SP101. Steel, tough and heavier than a snub needs to be for carry, which makes it far nicer to shoot. Ruger stopped it in October 2026. It runs from about $561, with the double-action-only version at $752.99, and most are chambered in .357 Magnum, so they’ll also shoot .38 Special.
You’ll also see the Charter Arms Boxer, a six-shot from about $338, and the Taurus Model 85, which our trusted retailers don’t have new today, so I can’t give you a fair price on it.
How We Tested These Revolvers
The nine revolvers in this table were shot with both range wadcutters and +P defensive loads, including Speer Gold Dot 135-grain. We shot five-shot groups from a standing two-hand hold, because that’s how you’d use one, and we logged every failure to fire. 7,400 rounds in total.
| Revolver | Rounds | Stoppages | Best 5-shot group |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&W 642 | 1,200 | 0 | 2.2″ at 7 yds |
| Colt Cobra | 800 | 0 | 1.8″ at 7 yds |
| Charter Undercover Lite | 400 | 1 (light strike) | 3.1″ at 7 yds |
| Ruger LCR | 900 | 0 | 2.0″ at 7 yds |
| S&W Bodyguard 38 | 500 | 0 | 2.6″ at 7 yds |
| Ruger GP100 | 1,500 | 0 | 1.5″ at 10 yds |
| Rock Island M206 | 500 | 1 (light strike) | 3.4″ at 7 yds |
| Taurus 856 Ultra Lite | 600 | 0 | 2.9″ at 7 yds |
| S&W Model 10 | 1,000 | 0 | 1.6″ at 10 yds |
More .38 Special Buying Notes
Where to Buy 38 Ammunition
If you want 38 ammo, Special +P ammo, ammo for your rifle, shotgun ammo, rimfire ammo, just about anything else really, then we can help you out there. Palmetto State Armory has turned into a great source of ammunition. You can also find budget guns on the Palmetto State Armory website.
Check these suppliers for the best deals and gun parts too.
- Sportsman’s Guide for Charter Arms revolvers, worth a look alongside the ammo above
- Palmetto State Armory, which is where budget revolvers like the Charter Arms Undercover Lite turn up
On-sale 38 special from 200+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours
Consider a 22 Long Rifle Pistol
If you’re already looking at 38 revolvers, rather than the vast numbers of the best 9mm microcompact pistols out there, then you have specific reasons like hand strength issues. So maybe a 22 revolver isn’t such a crazy idea after all.
There are some intriguing 22LR revolver options, too, including the Ruger Wrangler and the Heritage Rough Rider. The Ruger Wrangler is a modern day cowboy six shooter with almost no felt recoil.
The Heritage Rough Rider has evolved into a model line in its own right, from the tiny boot gun, the Barkeep, through the 16″ barrel length.
Read our full guide to the best .22 revolvers, with live prices on every pick.
What Else To Buy Online?
What are the options if you’re looking for a smaller caliber handgun? You could always sort the price low to high on Guns.com with 38 revolvers and try and spot a bargain. Or you can go on user ratings.
The Taurus Judge and Smith & Wesson Governor are both viable and popular, though we’re not massive fans.
There are plenty of semi-automatic pistols too. 9mm is the obvious choice, with the likes of the Sig Sauer P365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat leading the charge and occupying ever smaller carry holsters.
A 380 Auto could also be an option for women and those without the hand strength to rack or fire the 9mm handguns.
Micro Compact 9mms Are Seriously Good
Those Micro Compact 9mm semi auto pistols have seriously impinged on the 380 ACP Auto class, as well as these revolvers. But that’s simply progress, when you think about it.
If you’re weighing a micro 9mm against a snub, our .38 Special vs 9mm comparison breaks down capacity, recoil and ammo cost.
The Original Military & Police Revolver
You can get an original S&W Model 10 if you’re into the history. And also a large number of tribute acts that have sprung up over the years.
Check out the used S&W for sale options on Guns.com here.
The double action revolver was designed around the new .38 Special cartridge with a medium K-frame. It was always known as the Model 10, which evolved from the snappily titled S&W Model 1899 Hand Ejector revolver.
In 1902 the Hand Ejector changed its name to the much better .38 Military & Police Model. It was issued in large numbers during World War I, and the Victory Model was a standard-issue sidearm for US Navy and Marine Corps aircrews in World War II.
In the late 1950s the Military & Police was renamed the Model 10.
It’s the best-selling gun of the last century, with more than 6 million units produced from 1900-2000 and a world of available gun parts and upgrades. This is an all-time Hall of Fame entry. So get yours, and a small piece of history.
Browse used Smith & Wesson .38 Specials in our live used-handgun inventory.
Where to Buy a Colt Detective Special
The Detective Special was introduced in 1927 and is officially the first snub nosed revolver. John Henry Fitzgerald took the Colt Police Positive Special and reduced the barrel to 2 inches and removed the front half of the trigger guard. So gun safety was a question mark…
This Fitz Special was the precursor to the first production snub nosed revolver, and the cut trigger guard didn’t make it to the final version.
Designed for plain clothes detectives as a conceal carry, it went on to become a best seller. Colt dropped it in 1986, brought it back in 1992 and ended it for good in 1996. You can still find them on the used market here, but they do command a high price.
For the .410 and .45 Colt snake gun, see our Taurus Judge review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best .38 Special revolver?
The Smith & Wesson 642 is the best overall .38 Special revolver. It is a lightweight (15 oz), hammerless J-frame that disappears in a pocket holster. The internal hammer means nothing to snag on clothing during draw. It has been the default backup gun for law enforcement for decades and is the most popular CCW revolver in America.
Is .38 Special still good for self-defense?
Yes, with quality ammunition. Modern .38 Special +P hollow points (Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Defense) expand reliably and penetrate 12-14 inches in gel. The .38 Special is less powerful than 9mm but has less recoil and is available in smaller, lighter revolvers. For recoil-sensitive shooters or pocket carry, .38 Special remains a solid choice.
What is the lightest .38 Special revolver?
The S&W 342 PD (titanium/scandium) weighs just 10.8 ounces, making it the lightest .38 Special revolver. The Charter Undercover Lite at about 12 ounces, the Ruger LCR at 13.5 ounces and the S&W 642 at 15 ounces are more practical options that balance light weight with shootability. Extremely light revolvers amplify .38 Special recoil significantly.
Should I shoot +P in a .38 Special revolver?
Most modern .38 Special revolvers are rated for +P ammunition. Check your manual to confirm. For defensive carry, +P is recommended as it provides the velocity needed for reliable hollow point expansion from short barrels. For practice, standard-pressure .38 Special is fine and much cheaper. Extended +P use accelerates wear on lightweight revolvers.
.38 Special vs 9mm: which is better for CCW?
9mm is objectively better in most measurable categories: higher capacity (10-15+ rounds vs 5-6), flatter trajectory, cheaper ammo, and more gun options. The .38 Special revolver wins on simplicity (no magazine, no slide to rack, no failure to feed), pocket carry ability, and the fact that a dud round needs only another trigger pull.
What is the cheapest good .38 Special revolver?
The Rock Island M206 is the cheapest at about $250, with six rounds and a rougher finish. The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite at about $320 is the best value, with six rounds at 16 ounces. The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is about $320. Step up to the S&W 642 at about $471 if you can.
Is a .38 Special revolver enough for self-defense?
Yes, with the right load. The .38 Special is a proven defensive cartridge, and a +P hollow point like the Speer Gold Dot 135gr gives a snub-nose revolver real stopping power. The tradeoff is capacity, since most carry revolvers hold only five rounds, so practice your reloads and make every shot count.
Why choose a revolver over a semi-auto for concealed carry?
Revolvers win on simplicity and reliability. There is no slide to rack, no magazine to seat, and they fire reliably from inside a pocket where a semi-auto might fail to cycle. They give up capacity and reload speed, but for a backup gun or a new shooter who wants something foolproof, a .38 snub is hard to beat.
Is there a .38 Special pistol?
Not one you can realistically buy new. Almost every .38 Special handgun is a revolver, and that's what most people mean when they search for a .38 Special pistol. If you want a semi-auto that size, a 9mm micro pistol is the modern option.
Can a .38 Special revolver shoot .357 Magnum?
No, never. A .357 Magnum revolver can fire .38 Special, but a .38 Special revolver can't safely fire .357 Magnum. The longer case is there to stop it from chambering.
How much does a .38 Special revolver cost?
New, from about $250 for a Rock Island M206 to about $471 for an S&W 642, with premium carry guns like the Colt Cobra at about $696. Full-size revolvers run about $818 for the S&W Model 10 and about $900 for the Ruger GP100, which Ruger stopped making in October 2026.
What is the best .38 Special revolver for home defense?
A longer barrel and more weight make it easier to shoot well, so look at the 3-inch Taurus Defender 856 at about $349 or the 4-inch S&W Model 10 at about $818. Our best home defense revolver guide covers more.
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I know this article is about .38’s but, I still think the .327 Federal Magnum is a much better self defense round. Pair the cartridge with a Ruger LCR/LCRx or an SP101 and it’s the real deal. Plus, they’re 6 shooters instead of 5. Otherwise, very good article. I have a couple of your subject revolvers (in addition to the Rugers mentioned above).
Interesting points. If you’re interested enough to write about yoiur experiences and why it’s better than the 38, you can do that here and I’ll make it in to a separate post!
Don’t get me wrong, the .38 Spl is a good round and I still occasionally carry one. Indeed, when tromping around in grassy areas or near water I’ll usually carry my Model 10 or RIA Model 200, 4 in. bbls, with snake shot in some of the chambers. But, I’m enamored with the .327 Fed Mag for several reasons. One is the aforementioned 6 shot capability, another is the impressive ballistics of the round which approach the lower end loads of .357 Mag without the stiff recoil and massive muzzle blast (though some muzzle blast is there), a third is the sheer versatility of the round. The versatility is in regards the the different rounds that can be utilized, I.e. in addition to the .327 Fed Mag the .32 H&R Mag, which approaches .38 Spl ballistics, can be used. Also, if desired, ,32 S&W Long, .32 S&W, and even .32 ACP will function. This versatility could be crucial during ammo shortages and ammo is needed for self defense reasons. Again, nothing against the .38 Spl, I just think the .327 Fed Mag is better in the self defense role for these reasons. YMMV. I’ve even got a Henry Big Boy in ,327 Fed Mag and it will take whitetail deer with a 100 gr SJHP. I don’t think I’d shoot a deer with a .38 Spl. Thanks for responding.