6 Best Revolvers For Concealed Carry

Here are five of the best revolvers for concealed carry that fit the most common criteria. All of these revolvers are double action, most double-action-only (DAO) and small enough to easily conceal in a holster, pocket, or bag.

Ruger LCR

Perhaps the most prolific modern concealed carry revolver, the Ruger LCR comes in a variety of calibers beyond the standard .38 and .357 Magnum typically associated with snub-nosers. The 400-series can be had in a stainless steel frame in the powerful .357 Magnum, 9 mm Luger, and .327 Federal Magnum, while the aerospace-aluminum-frame 7000-series is offered in .22 LR, .22 Magnum and .38 Special.

Depending on the caliber, it comes in five-, six-, or eight-shot capacity with a covered hammer for all models. The standard Hogue Tamer Monogrip makes this revolver easy to shoot while reducing felt recoil. MSRP starts at $295 and goes up from there, depending on caliber.

Smith & Wesson Model 642

Considered by many to be the classic concealed carry revolver profile, the classic J-frame has been a staple in the Smith & Wesson lineup for decades because of its classic style and reliability. Available in .38 Special +P, the five-Shot Model 642 easily conceals thanks for a slim profile and snag-free, enclosed DAO hammer. The lightweight alloy frame makes carry easy while the stainless-steel barrel and matte finish cylinder offer toughness to handle the overpressure of the +P rounds, all with an MSRP starting at $309.

Taurus 380 Ultra Lite

The Taurus 380 Ultra Lite is one of the models in a growing field of traditional-looking revolvers that throws tradition out the window by firing a round typically reserved for the semi-auto world: .380 ACP. On top of that, it breaks more tradition by adding an adjustable rear sight. Yes, on a concealable revolver! At just 16 ounces, the Ultra Lite lives up to its name. But like the bull it's named after, it’s plenty tough, with a 1.57-inch steel barrel. For easy shooting, Taurus added one of their signature knobby soft rubber grips, all at an MSRP of $359.

Charter Arms Mag Pug

If nothing else, this one wins the prize for "Best Name." But it’s a lot more than clever labeling that makes the Charter Arms Mag Pug a great choice for personal protection. This .357 features a 5-shot stainless cylinder and frame coupled to a 2.2-inch barrel, flat hammer, and full-size grips to manage the recoil of the powerful round. MSRP comes in at $410.

Kimber K6s

Touted as the world’s lightest six-shot .357 Magnum concealable revolver, the all-stainless-steel Kimber K6s weighs in at just 23 ounces (empty). The finish is brushed for a non-glare look. Sites are a non-adjustable three-dot system similar to sites typically found on semi-autos. Sure handling comes from a serrated backstrap coupled with anatomic, slip-resistant black rubber grips that help reduce felt recoil from the 2-inch stainless barrel. Retail price $899.

Colt King Cobra Carry

It’s impossible to do a revolver roundup without featuring at least one gun from Colt, a name synonymous with wheel guns. A fan favorite, the King Cobra left the Colt lineup for many years before coming back with new bite in 2019 in several iterations, from the classic full-sized frame to the concealed version featured here. Chambered in .357 Magnum, the carry version is built on a stainless-steel frame with a six-shot cylinder and 2-inch barrel, powered by a spurless hammer, and wrapped by Hogue Overmolded grips, all with an MSRP of $899.