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SHOP NOWThis video breaks down the top five revolvers of 2023 and explains why they still matter alongside modern semi-autos. It compares classic and contemporary designs, capacities, sights, and shooting characteristics.
The host opens by questioning whether revolvers still have a place in 2023, given the prevalence of high-capacity semi-automatic pistols. He quickly answers that they do, both practically and emotionally. Revolvers remain relevant for their simplicity, reliability, and the way they teach shooting fundamentals. There is also a strong nostalgia factor, as many shooters grew up with classic wheel guns and still enjoy them. The video is framed as a countdown of the top five revolvers of 2023, focusing on models that continue to be produced or remain influential today, rather than only brand-new releases.
Number five is the Colt Single Action Army 1873, a design that is not new but is considered timeless. The host highlights how many manufacturers still produce 1873-style revolvers in multiple calibers and configurations. He shows an old Puma 1873 chambered in .22 LR that he grew up shooting, noting its minimal maintenance and continued reliability despite the dirty nature of .22 ammunition. He recommends the Heritage Rough Rider as a modern .22 single-action option with many variations. The classic 1873 in .45 Long Colt is described as iconic, widely available, and easy to pass down through generations, with a single-action feel that remains satisfying and useful for learning fundamentals.
Number four is the Smith & Wesson Model 686. The host mentions that viewers strongly supported this model in a previous top five revolvers video, prompting a closer look. The 686 is presented as a strong candidate for an everyday carry revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum with a shorter barrel and an available seven-round capacity, which is higher than the typical five or six rounds in many revolvers. He praises the revolver’s aesthetics and especially its trigger, describing the double-action and single-action pulls as very smooth. Although the 686 is somewhat heavy, he still considers it viable for concealed carry for those who prefer revolvers.
Number three is the Ruger GP100, which edges out the 686 mainly due to its factory fiber optic front sight, preferred over the red ramp sight on the Smith & Wesson. The GP100 also offers a seven-round .357 Magnum capacity and weighs about 40 ounces, compared to roughly 35–36 ounces for the 686. The host notes that this weight is similar to a fully loaded Glock 19 equipped with a red dot such as an RMR and a SureFire X300 weapon light, though the semi-auto still offers greater capacity. He acknowledges that some shooters, like Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch, favor revolvers for close-range self-defense because they are not affected by being pushed out of battery. He also mentions the lighter Ruger SP101 as a more carry-friendly option but emphasizes his preference for the GP100’s look, feel, finish, and extra capacity.
Number two is the Colt Python, another classic revolver that has been re-released and remains relevant in 2023. The host praises Colt’s execution on the modern Python and calls it an iconic gun, referencing its association with Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead. He recalls shooting the new Python at SHOT Show and being impressed by the exceptionally smooth double-action and single-action trigger pulls, describing the double-action in particular as very refined and pleasant to shoot. Before moving to number one, he offers honorable mentions: the Smith & Wesson Governor, which can fire .45 Long Colt, .45 ACP with moon clips, and .410 shotgun shells and offers an extra round over the Taurus Judge; and the Henry Big Boy .357 revolver, a new brass-framed .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver with groove sights that visually matches Henry’s brass long guns. He notes that the Henry is fun to shoot but still too new to fully judge its long-term durability.
Number one is the Chiappa Rhino. The host focuses on its unconventional design, where the barrel aligns with the bottom chamber of the cylinder instead of the top. This creates a very low bore axis, positioning the barrel more in line with the shooter’s trigger finger. As a result, recoil from .357 Magnum tends to push straight back into the hand rather than causing significant muzzle flip. He describes the shooting experience as unusual but very pleasant, allowing fast and accurate follow-up shots. The Rhino’s trigger is characterized as short, smooth, and easy to run quickly, though the revolver still has a six-round capacity. Its relatively light weight and distinctive recoil characteristics make it his top choice. He closes by inviting discussion about the list, acknowledging other revolvers like the Manurhin models used by French GIGN that he has not yet had the chance to evaluate.
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