.38 Special Handguns

The COP .357 Derringer is a compact, four‑shot, double‑action pocket pistol designed for concealed‑carry self‑defense. Conceived by the small‑bore firearms firm COP Inc., the weapon emphasizes maximum firepower in a minimal envelope, offering a .357 Magnum cartridge in a pistol barely larger than a traditional two‑shot derringer. Its primary market is civilian self‑defense and law‑enforcement backup, with a niche following among collectors who value its unusual four‑barrel layout. The design’s distinguishing features include a staggered‑column barrel cluster, a single trigger that cocks and releases all four hammers sequentially, and a robust stainless‑steel frame that tolerates the high pressures of .357 Magnum. The derringer’s reputation is mixed: praised for its stopping power and simplicity, but criticized for a heavy trigger pull and limited sighting options. Its unique four‑shot capacity in a pocket‑size package remains unmatched among modern derringers, making it a notable outlier in the compact pistol segment.

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a stainless‑steel, double‑action revolver built on the renowned X‑frame platform. Designed primarily for the civilian market and law‑enforcement use, the 686 combines the durability of the large‑frame design with a smoother, lighter recoil impulse than its predecessor, the Model 29, thanks to its six‑round .357 Magnum chamber and a 4‑inch (or 2.5‑inch) barrel. Key innovations include a fully machined, stainless‑steel cylinder and barrel, a robust internal lockup system, and the use of a transfer bar safety that allows the hammer to rest down on a loaded chamber without risk of accidental discharge. The 686 quickly earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and versatility, becoming a favorite among competitive shooters, hunters, and tactical operators. Its ability to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, coupled with a crisp double‑action trigger and optional adjustable sights, makes it uniquely adaptable for a wide range of applications.

The Gümüşay .357 Magnum is a revolver produced by MKE (Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu), a Turkish state-owned defense and firearms manufacturer. Designed primarily for civilian use, including sport shooting, hunting, and personal defense, this revolver reflects MKE's effort to produce a domestically manufactured, reliable, and affordable large-caliber handgun. The Gümüşay .357 Magnum is a double-action/single-action revolver with a solid frame and a swing-out cylinder, typical of modern revolvers. Its distinguishing features include a robust steel construction, a ventilated rib barrel, and adjustable rear sights, which enhance accuracy. The revolver is known for its durability and straightforward design, making it a practical choice for Turkish civilian shooters and law enforcement. While not as internationally renowned as Smith & Wesson or Ruger revolvers, the Gümüşay .357 Magnum is respected in Turkey for its solid build and reliable performance. It is chambered in .357 Magnum, allowing use of .38 Special ammunition for training or reduced recoil. The revolver's design emphasizes simplicity and ruggedness, with a blued finish and checkered walnut grips, reflecting MKE's focus on functional, no-frills firearms.

The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, is one of the most iconic revolvers of the American Old West.

The Taurus Model 85 is a compact five-shot snub-nose revolver chambered in .38 Special, introduced in 1981 as one of Taurus's most successful handgun designs. It features a steel or lightweight alloy frame, a 51 mm barrel, and a traditional double-action trigger mechanism. The Model 85 is widely used for concealed carry and backup duty due to its small size, reliability, and affordable price. It has been produced in numerous variants including stainless steel, blued, ultralight, and hammerless versions. The Model 85 has become one of the best-selling concealed carry revolvers in the world.

The Dan Wesson 715 is a high-precision revolver known for its interchangeable barrel system and excellent accuracy.

The Chiappa Rhino is a revolutionary revolver with a bottom-cylinder firing design to reduce recoil and muzzle rise.

The Colt Detective Special is a classic snub-nosed revolver designed for concealed carry by law enforcement and civilians.

The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is a stainless steel K-frame .357 Magnum revolver, the stainless version of the Model 19 Combat Magnum. Widely adopted by law enforcement detectives in the 1970s-80s.

The Colt Python is a .357 Magnum caliber revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company. Widely regarded as one of the finest production revolvers ever made, it is known for its exceptional accuracy, smooth trigger, and hand-fitted precision.

Bond Arms manufactures modern derringers with interchangeable barrels and robust stainless steel construction.

The J-Frame series is Smith & Wesson’s line of small-frame revolvers popular for concealed carry and backup duty.

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 is a small J-frame revolver introduced in 1950 as the Chief's Special. It was the first revolver built on Smith & Wessons new J-frame, designed specifically for plainclothes officers and off-duty carry. Chambered in .38 Special with a 5-shot cylinder, it became one of the most popular and long-lived concealed carry revolvers ever produced.

The Smith & Wesson Model 65 is a stainless steel, K-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It was introduced in 1972 as a stainless steel version of the Model 13, which was itself a fixed-sight variant of the Model 19 Combat Magnum. The Model 65 was designed for law enforcement use and featured a heavy barrel and a shrouded ejector rod. The revolver could also fire .38 Special ammunition. The Model 65 was widely adopted by police departments across the United States. Its stainless steel construction made it resistant to corrosion, making it popular for concealed carry and duty use in wet environments.

The Ruger GP100 is a robust, medium-frame double-action revolver known for its durability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance.

The Colt King Cobra is a medium-frame .357 Magnum revolver from Colt. Originally produced 1986-1998 and reintroduced in 2019 with modern manufacturing. Features a vent-ribbed barrel and fully adjustable rear sight.

The Smith & Wesson Model 10, formerly known as the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899 and later the Military & Police, is a classic six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special. It has been in continuous production for over 120 years, making it one of the most successful handguns ever made.

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a stainless steel J-frame revolver introduced in 1965 as the first production stainless steel handgun from a major American manufacturer. It is chambered in .38 Special (originally) and later .357 Magnum, with a 5-round capacity. The Model 60 is a variant of the Chiefs Special line and retains the same compact, five-shot J-frame design ideally suited for concealed carry. It gained an excellent reputation for corrosion resistance, durability, and smooth trigger action. The Model 60 has been produced continuously for over 50 years and remains a favorite among plainclothes officers and civilian carriers.

The Charter Arms Undercover is a small five-shot snubnose revolver designed for concealed carry. It was the first product of Charter Arms Corporation when the company was founded in 1964. The Undercover uses a distinctive bulldog-style frame with a shrouded ejector rod. It was chambered in .38 Special and weighed under 16 ounces for easy carry. The revolver has a simplified hammer block safety and a transfer bar system. It set the standard for lightweight American snubnose revolvers for decades.

The Colt Diamondback is a double-action revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1966 to 1988. It was built on Colt's D-frame, the same frame used for the Detective Special, and was offered in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle. The Diamondback features a heavy barrel with a full-length underlug, ventilated rib, and adjustable rear target sights, giving it a distinctive appearance reminiscent of the Python. Its smooth action and excellent accuracy made it popular as a target and personal defense revolver. It is widely known as the Poor Man's Python due to its similar styling at a lower price point.

The Smith and Wesson Model 64 is the stainless steel version of the classic Model 10 revolver. It was introduced in 1970 as a corrosion-resistant alternative for law enforcement. The Model 64 fires the .38 Special cartridge from a 6-round cylinder and is built on the K-frame. It is available with either a 4-inch or 2-inch barrel. The Model 64 became one of the most widely used police service revolvers in the United States.

The Webley Mk IV is a top-break revolver chambered in .38/200 (a .38 S and W variant). It was developed by Webley and Scott to replace the larger .455 Webley revolvers in British military service. The revolver features an automatic shell ejection system when the barrel is hinged downward. It was adopted by the British Army and Commonwealth forces during World War II. The Mk IV is known for its solid construction and reliable action.

The Smith & Wesson Model 28, known as the Highway Patrolman, is a large N-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum introduced as a lower-cost alternative to the premium Model 27. It featured a simpler satin-blue finish and lacked the checkered top strap of the Model 27, but retained the same strong N-frame and exceptional reliability. The Highway Patrolman became a favorite among law enforcement agencies seeking an affordable yet durable service revolver.

The Colt Agent is a compact snub-nose revolver designed for plainclothes police officers and concealed carry. It is essentially a lightweight version of the Colt Detective Special with an aluminum alloy frame. The Agent fires .38 Special from a 6-round cylinder in a compact package. Its shrouded ejector rod and rounded grip made it easy to draw from a pocket. The Agent was produced by Colt from the 1950s through the 1980s.

The Colt Official Police is a medium-frame double-action revolver manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1927 to 1969. It was the standard police service revolver for countless American law enforcement agencies during the mid-20th century. The Official Police was derived from the earlier Colt Army Special and was chambered in .38 Special, offering a smooth action and reliable service.

The Smith and Wesson Model 13 is a fixed-sight K-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It was introduced in 1974 specifically for the FBI and law enforcement agencies that wanted .357 Magnum power in a compact K-frame. The Model 13 features a heavy barrel and a shrouded ejector rod. It shares the same frame size as the Model 10 but is built to withstand the higher pressure of the .357 Magnum round. The FBI used the Model 13 with a 3-inch barrel as their standard issue sidearm.

The Enfield No. 2 Mk I is a British top-break revolver developed at the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield. It was adopted as the standard British military sidearm alongside the Webley Mk IV. The revolver was chambered in .38 S&W and used a six-shot cylinder with a swing-open action. It featured a simpler double-action-only mechanism in later Mk I variants. The Enfield No. 2 was widely used throughout the British Empire during World War II. It is known for its robust top-break design and reliable service in harsh conditions.

The Manurhin MR 73 is a precision revolver manufactured by Manurhin (Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin) in France. Widely regarded as one of the finest production revolvers ever made, it was designed for elite French police and military units and is built to withstand a lifetime of heavy Magnum use.

The Ruger LCR is a lightweight, polymer-framed revolver with a smooth DAO trigger, ideal for concealed carry.

The Ruger Speed Six is a medium-frame double-action revolver manufactured by Sturm, Ruger and Company. It was part of Ruger's Six series that also included the Police Service Six and Security Six. The Speed Six features a compact rounded butt frame and a shrouded ejector rod for a clean profile. It was designed for concealed carry by plainclothes officers and security personnel. The revolver was chambered in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and 9x19mm Parabellum. It is known for its robust construction and the innovative Ruger coil spring mechanism far more reliable than leaf springs.

The Smith & Wesson Model 27 is a large N-frame revolver that was the first .357 Magnum ever produced. Introduced in 1935 as the Registered Magnum, it set the standard for high-performance revolvers with its exceptional accuracy, smooth action, and premium craftsmanship. The Model 27 was built on the heavy N-frame to handle the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge.

The Smith & Wesson Model 442 is a lightweight double-action only revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson in the United States. It is chambered in .38 Special and built on the small J-frame platform. The Model 442 features an aluminum alloy frame with a matte black finish and a 5-round capacity. Unlike the similar Model 637, the 442 has a concealed hammer that enables snag-free drawing from a pocket or holster. It is one of the most popular concealed carry revolvers in America.

The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is a lightweight J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special. It features an aluminum alloy frame with a stainless steel barrel and cylinder, reducing weight to just 380 grams. The revolver has a shrouded hammer design for snag-free draw from a pocket or holster. It is a five-shot revolver with a 47 mm barrel and fixed sights. The Model 642 is one of the most popular concealed carry revolvers ever produced.

The Colt Magnum Carry is a compact stainless steel revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It was introduced in 1999 as Colt's entry into the concealed carry revolver market. The Magnum Carry combines a small D-frame with the power of the .357 Magnum cartridge. It features a 2-inch barrel with a full-length ejector rod shroud and is built on the Detective Special frame. The Magnum Carry was designed specifically for deep concealment.

The Colt Police Positive is a medium-frame revolver introduced in 1905 for law enforcement use. It features Colt's Positive Lock safety mechanism that prevents the hammer from striking unless the trigger is pulled. The Police Positive was chambered in several calibers including .32 Colt New Police and .38 S&W. It was a popular police service revolver in the United States and Canada for decades. The Police Positive Special version used a slightly longer frame to accommodate the .38 Special cartridge.

The Smith & Wesson Model 19 is a .357 Magnum revolver built on the medium-size K-frame, earning the nickname Combat Magnum for its balanced power and handling. It was the first revolver to offer the .357 Magnum cartridge in a concealable K-frame package. The Model 19 became an instant classic among law enforcement, with a 4-inch barrel being the most iconic configuration.

The Ruger Security Six is a medium-frame double-action revolver manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Company from 1972 to 1988. It was designed as a modern, rugged service revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with a coil spring system and a solid frame with no side plate. The Security Six was Rugers first modern double-action revolver and set new standards for strength and reliability.

The Taurus 856 is a six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special. It features a stainless steel construction with a 2 inch barrel. The 856 is a modern update of the classic Taurus 85 with an additional round capacity. It uses Taurus's Security System internal lock. The revolver is designed for concealed carry and personal defense with a manageable size and weight.

The Taurus Model 608 is a large-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with an eight-round cylinder capacity. It is built on Taurus's heavy-duty frame and features a full underlug barrel. The 608 can also fire .38 Special cartridges. It is available with barrel lengths of 4, 5, and 6.5 inches. The revolver features a ventilated rib and adjustable rear sight. It is designed for hunting, target shooting, and personal defense.

The Ruger Service Six is a medium-frame double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. It was designed as a rugged duty revolver for police use with a simpler, stronger construction than traditional designs. The Service Six features a solid frame with no side plate and an integrated ejector rod shroud. It uses a triple-locking cylinder mechanism for strength and reliability. The Service Six was Ruger's first serious entry into the law enforcement revolver market.

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 is a compact J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special, produced as the Model 38 (steel frame) and Model 49 (alloy frame Airweight). It was introduced in 1955 and features a distinctive shrouded hammer that allows snag-free draw from a pocket while still permitting single-action fire by pinching the hammer spur. The Bodyguard combines the compact size of a snub-nose revolver with the concealed-hammer advantages of a hammerless design. It was designed for plainclothes police officers and civilian concealed carriers. The Bodyguard .38 is one of Smith & Wesson's classic J-frame designs and remained in production for decades.

The Smith & Wesson Model 14, also known as the K-38 Masterpiece, is a target-grade revolver built on Smith & Wesson's K-frame. It was chambered in .38 Special with a 6-round capacity and was produced from 1947 to 1982. The Model 14 featured a heavy 6-inch barrel, a Patridge front sight, and a Micro-click rear sight for precise adjustment. It was designed for bullseye target shooting and was one of the most accurate .38 Special revolvers ever made. The K-38 Masterpiece was the standard competition revolver in the United States for decades.

The Colt Trooper is a medium-frame double-action revolver built on Colt's .357 Magnum frame. It was designed as a law enforcement and service revolver to compete with Smith and Wesson's K-frame offerings. The Trooper went through several iterations including the Mk III, Mk V, and the Trooper Mark III. It features a heavy barrel with a shrouded ejector rod for improved durability. The revolver gained a reputation for accuracy and smooth trigger action. It was offered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special configurations.

The Kimber K6s is a compact, concealable .357 Magnum revolver with a 6-round capacity — the smallest 6-shot .357 Magnum revolver on the market. It features an exceptionally smooth trigger and distinctive design.

The Smith and Wesson Model 15, also known as the Combat Masterpiece, is a K-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special. It features a four-inch heavy barrel and adjustable rear sights designed for law enforcement use. The Model 15 was developed as an improved version of the earlier Model 14 K-38 Target Masterpiece. It was one of the most popular police service revolvers in the United States from the 1950s through the 1980s. The revolver is known for its excellent balance, smooth trigger pull, and combat accuracy. It became a favorite among police marksmanship instructors and competitive shooters.

The Colt Lawman Mk III is a medium-frame revolver manufactured by Colt from 1969 to 1983. It was part of Colt's Mk III series, which included the Trooper Mk III and the Official Police Mk III. The Lawman featured a heavy barrel design and was built on a rugged medium frame capable of handling .357 Magnum pressures. It has a shrouded ejector rod and a vent-rib barrel similar to the Trooper Mk III. The revolver was popular with law enforcement agencies as a duty sidearm.

The Ruger SP101 is a compact, rugged .357 Magnum revolver with a solid steel frame and one-piece barrel shroud design. One of the most popular concealed-carry revolvers, known for handling full-power .357 loads in a compact package.

The Taurus Model 689 is a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, manufactured by Taurus of Brazil. It is built on a medium frame similar in size to the Smith & Wesson K-frame. The Model 689 features a full underlug barrel, a shrouded ejector rod, and adjustable target sights. It was offered with barrel lengths of 4, 6, and 8.375 inches. The revolver uses Taurus's patented Taurus Security System, a key-operated internal lock. The Model 689 was popular with both law enforcement officers and civilian shooters. It is known for its rugged construction and affordable price.

The Ruger LCRx is a hammer-fired version of the popular Ruger LCR revolver. It features an exposed hammer that allows both double-action and single-action operation. The LCRx is chambered in .38 Special and .357 Magnum options. It retains the lightweight polymer frame and trusted internal safety of the standard LCR. The revolver is designed for concealed carry and personal defense.

The Smith & Wesson Model 637 is a lightweight double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It is part of the J-frame series of small-frame revolvers chambered in .38 Special. The Model 637 features an aluminum alloy frame that reduces weight to approximately 454 grams while maintaining a steel cylinder and barrel. It is designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The revolver is available with an exposed hammer for single-action shooting.

The Smith and Wesson Model 12 is an aluminum-alloy frame version of the legendary Model 10 revolver. It was introduced in 1953 as the Airweight Military and Police model. The Model 12 uses an aluminum frame to reduce weight by nearly 40 percent compared to the steel Model 10. It fires the .38 Special cartridge from a 6-round cylinder. The Model 12 was popular with plainclothes officers and as a backup sidearm.

The Taurus Model 817 is a double-action revolver manufactured by Taurus International in Brazil. It is chambered in .38 Special and features a 7-round cylinder capacity, offering one extra round over traditional six-shot revolvers. The Model 817 is built on a medium frame with a stainless steel or blued finish. It has a fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight. The revolver is designed for personal defense and police use.

The Colt Mk III is a series of double-action revolvers introduced by Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1969. The Mk III family included the Trooper Mk III, the Lawman Mk III, and the Police Mk III. These revolvers were chambered in .357 Magnum and featured Colt's new V-spring action, which was stronger and simpler than previous Colt designs. The Mk III revolvers had a heavy barrel profile and a shrouded ejector rod. The Trooper Mk III was aimed at the target and hunting market with adjustable sights, while the Lawman Mk III had fixed sights for police duty use. The Mk III series represented Colt's updated revolver design for the modern era.

The Smith & Wesson Model 67 is a stainless steel K-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special. It is the stainless steel version of the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece and features adjustable target sights. The Model 67 was introduced in 1972 as a corrosion-resistant alternative to the blued Model 15. It was designed primarily for target shooting and police service. The revolver has a 4-inch barrel with a medium-weight contour and a Baughman-style front sight. The Model 67 offers a smooth trigger pull in both single-action and double-action modes. It is widely regarded as one of the finest .38 Special revolvers ever produced.