Best Single Action Revolver 2023

The question of self-defense is very actual nowadays. Many of us are concerned about safety because the world can be crazy sometimes.

Besides, there are a lot of people who shoot for fun or professionally. Anyway, the choice of the firearm is a rather difficult and interesting process, and it’s essential to find the most suitable weapon for you to ensure the best experience. If you are looking for something powerful but yet compact, we suggest taking a look at single-action revolvers. We are glad to make you familiar with all the necessary aspects and details. The variety of models is huge, so it’s a little complicated to quickly figure out which one suits you better. Each revolver has its own advantages and downsides that make it unique. We have spent a lot of time to distinguish the 11 best models on the market, and we are happy to share them with you. What are they?

TOP-10 Single Action Revolver

Image	Product	Brand
	Heritage Rough Rider Single-Action Revolver	Heritage
	Ruger Single-Six Convertible Single-Action Revolver In Stainless Steel	Ruger
	Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Rimfire Revolver With Black Cerakote Finish	Ruger
	Uberti 1873 Cattleman II Single-Action Revolver	Uberti 1873
	Ruger Vaquero Single-Action Revolver In Stainless Steel	Ruger
	Uberti 1873 Stallion Single-Action Revolver	Uberti 1873
	Uberti 1873 Cattleman II Single-Action Revolver With Brass Grip Frame	Uberti 1873
	Ruger Blackhawk Convertible Single-Action Revolver	Ruger
	Taurus Judge Public Defender Double/Single Action Revolver	Taurus
	Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 Custom Wood Grip Single/Double Action Revolver	Smith & Wesson

#1 Heritage Rough Rider Single-Action Revolver

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

Talking about revolvers, we all imagine cowboys from different Westerns. That’s why it can be important to have an old-fashioned design. This model looks like popular Old West revolvers but offers modern characteristics for a low price. The barrel and cylinder are made of blued carbon steel, meanwhile, the frame is made of aluminum, which means the revolver is durable but lightweight, and it’s also corrosive-proof. The cylinder locks up tightly, and the hammer block is securely mounted. Thanks to the Cocobolo grip, the gun looks great, and it’s easy and comfortable to use it. It’s a great buy for such a price.

#2 Ruger Single-Six Convertible Single-Action Revolver In Stainless Steel

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

The next model is a good choice for both beginners and pros. Thanks to the solid and easy-to-use construction, it’s really simple to shoot with this revolver. The frame, barrel, and cylinder are made of stainless steel, which ensures great durability and a nice look. Two interchangeable cylinders allow you to switch between .22 Long Rifle (Long/Short) and .22 WMR. This makes the revolver rather universal, so you can use it for hunting and protection. Thanks to the Transfer Bar mechanism, the gun will never fire accidentally, even when it falls on the hammer. Plus, the fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight facilitate the use and increase the accuracy.

#3 Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Rimfire Revolver With Black Cerakote Finish

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

Here is another rather cheap gun that can satisfy all your needs with a breeze. It’s comfortable, accurate, and durable. The revolver has a burnt bronze Cerakote finish that protects metal from corrosion and an aluminum alloy frame. It uses affordable .22 LR ammo, which makes it popular among ranch and farm livers who deal with various pests. Thanks to the cold, hammer-forged barrel that has a 1:14 rifling, the accuracy is awesome, and you can aim precisely lining up the blade front and integral notch rear sights, while the synthetic grip ensures the best shooting control. This model is also protected with the transfer bar loading gate interlock to prevent accidents.

#4 Uberti 1873 Cattleman II Single-Action Revolver

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

In the 4th place, there is a beautifully-designed reproduction of old revolvers that were used at the end of the 19th century. It has the same elegant look and great power but better accuracy and safety. Thanks to the retractable firing pin, the gun is totally safe to use. The barrel, cylinder, and housing are made of blued carbon steel, which means you don’t have to worry about the gun’s durability. Plus, it’s super comfortable to hold the revolver, thanks to the brass grip frame with wooden grips. This model is not cheap but it has a lower price, compared to the old .45 Colts. This is a good advantage.

#5 Ruger Vaquero Single-Action Revolver In Stainless Steel

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

If you don’t mind spending a few extra hundreds, you should take a look at this revolver. This model is an extremely durable, accurate, and powerful gun that will make you feel confident in any situation. The gun uses modern magnum cartridges, that’s why its robust frame is made of stainless steel, and it uses coil springs instead of leaf-springs. The fixed notch rear sight and fixed low profile front sight ensure precise aiming, while the all-steel grip provides you with good shooting control and comfortable use. As always, the transfer bar mechanism doesn’t allow the revolver to discharge accidentally, ensuring safety.

#6 Uberti 1873 Stallion Single-Action Revolver

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

Good balance is what many of us want to see when searching for a firearm. This single-action revolver is not just a beautiful thing but also a pretty powerful gun. Thanks to the longer hammer and grip frame, this model is great for target shooters. The blued barrel has a raised blade front sight, which allows you to easily aim under any conditions. The Walnut grip makes the gun comfortable to hold, which provides shooters with the best experience. The revolver looks stunning, and it also works great, so you will be happy with such a purchase.

#7 Uberti 1873 Cattleman II Single-Action Revolver With Brass Grip Frame

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

We have already reviewed a reproduction of .45 Colts designed by this manufacturer, now it’s time for .357 Magnums. It’s ruggedly built, and it uses a retractable firing pin to increase safety that you couldn’t find back in times of the Old West. To make the gun look more like old models, it has a color case-handed cylinder frame and a brass grip frame. The grip is firm, thanks to the wood grips with a smooth finish. The front and rear sights are fixed, which makes them reliable enough. The model suits any purposes.

#8 Ruger Blackhawk Convertible Single-Action Revolver

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

This one is a superb example of single-action revolvers, and you should be concerned about the only thing about it: can you afford to purchase this gun or not? If you have the possibility to buy it, then don’t think for too long. This model has a robust, all-steel frame, and it uses coil springs, which allows it to withstand magnum cartridges. An extremely comfortable grip with an old-fashioned design provides you with comfortable shooting and aiming. With the help of interchangeable cylinders, you can use 3 different ammo types: .357 Magnum, 38 Special, 9 mm Luger. Moreover, the rear sight is windage- and elevation-adjustable to correspond to the ammo type you use. The front sight is a Patridge type. Perhaps, the only disadvantage of this revolver is the price.

#9 Taurus Judge Public Defender Double/Single Action Revolver

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

This revolver differs a bit from the previous models. First of all, it has an absolutely different design. The frame is made of polymers, which doesn’t seem durable enough, but the body is actually made of steel, so you don’t have to worry. The gun is very compact and easy to use. It has a rifled barrel, and it’s chambered for 2-½-inch .410 shells or .45 Colt. The adjustable rear sight and high-visibility front sight ensure simple and accurate aiming. The firearm is also protected by the transfer bar mechanism. However, the most outstanding feature is that this revolver can be used in single- and double-action modes.

#10 Smith & Wesson Model 686 Custom Wood Grip Single/Double Action Revolver

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

And the last gun is the most expensive one but it also the most interesting one. First of all, this revolver features a 7-shot cylinder with a moon clip cylinder cut. Secondary, the revolver also can be used as a single-action and double-action one. Thanks to the adjustable rear sight and red ramp front sight, the aiming is simple. Also, the revolver has a precision-crowned barrel made of stainless steel and a performance center-tuned action. The grip is firm and the use is simple. This model will be a great part of your collection or a confident self-defense measure.

BONUS: Berry’s Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets

View on BassPro View on Cabelas

If you like shooting and you are decided to buy one of these amazing single-action revolvers, you will definitely need ammunition. This copper-jacketed bullets alternative is a great solution for a decent price. These bullets are accurate and they don’t lead up barrels, forcing cones, and feeding ramps.

FAQ

Conclusion

So, are there some absolute winners? We think that we must point out the next models.

The best cheap models:

• №1 Heritage Rough Rider Single-Action Revolver
• №3 Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Rimfire Revolver With Black Cerakote Finish

The best expensive models:

• №8 Ruger Blackhawk Convertible Single-Action Revolver In .357 Magnum/9mm
• №10 Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686 Custom Wood Grip Single/Double Action Revolver

Max Endless

Weapon Expert & School Teacher

Hi, I’m Max. I'm a weapon expert and a teacher of English from Belarus. These two qualities allow me to share my opinions and observations about news from the gun world. I'm really into firearms and different weapons because I was learning about them since my childhood.

My life has taken me through different complications and exciting moments, so what I’ve learned is to always be ready to fight. My father is professional military personnel and he made me familiar with various weapons since my childhood. My first one was a bow, and then I started to have a fancy for this unbelievable world of firearms. My main specialization allows me to share my thoughts about different devices, guns, and gun details with the English-speaking community. In my articles, I talk about pistols, rifles, knives, shotguns, and many other tactical and survival things.

Read more about our team of expert authors.