Snub Nose Revolvers Overview: A Great Choice for Defense

Snub nose revolvers have been a popular choice for concealed carry and personal defense for many years. These compact firearms are known for their reliability, simplicity, and ease of use. In this blog, we will provide an overview of snub nosed revolvers, including the history and purpose of the design, and take a look at some of our top picks. Whether you are a seasoned gun owner or a newcomer to the world of firearms, this blog will provide valuable insights into this classic type of revolver. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of snub nose revolvers!

History of the Snub Nose Revolvers

Snub nose revolvers date back to the mid-19th century when firearms manufacturers began producing smaller, more compact versions of traditional revolvers. The first commercial snub-nosed revolver was the “Sheriff model” of the Colt Army revolver, which featured a sub 4” barrel and no ejector rod. Additional revolvers were later created by other firearms manufacturers like Philip Webley & Son, Smith & Wesson, and more. 

Modernizing the snub-nosed revolver further, Smith & Wesson introduced the Safety Hammerless model, which was produced from 1887 to World War II and was designed for fast reloading and concealed carry. Later, the Colt Detective Special was introduced in 1927. This is significant because it was the first snub-nosed revolver produced with a modern swing-out frame. These gradual changes throughout history have come together to form the snub-nose revolvers we’re familiar with today. 

Designed for easy concealment and personal defense, they’ve been widely used by law enforcement officers, civilians, and outlaws alike throughout history. Generally speaking, a snub nose revolver is any revolver with a barrel length of 3 inches or less, giving it the “snub nose” look that many are familiar with. As previously mentioned, this shorter barrel decreases the overall length and makes it easier to conceal and carry one for self-defense.

Our Snub Nose Revolver Picks

As with many popular types of firearms, there are lots of snub-nosed revolvers out there to choose from, making it a little overwhelming to shop for one. To make it easier for you, we’ve decided to highlight some of our most popular snub nose revolvers to help you find the one that’s right for you!

The Ruger LCR .22LR 

One of the most compact models on this list is the Ruger LCR, which is available in a few different calibers.  , The LCR revolver featured here is chambered in .22LR with a small build that makes it easy to conceal. Whether you want to put it in a small holster, a pocket, or a purse, the LCR will fit with ease and deliver Ruger-quality performance you can depend on. The LCR features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a steel cylinder to provide great durability. It has a 1.87” barrel, weighs only 14.9 oz, and has a Hogue Tamer Monogrip for easy concealment and handling. The Ruger LCR 22 makes a great pocket gun or a backup to your EDC.

Ruger LCR .22 Specs

Caliber: .22 LR	Barrel Length: 1.87”	Capacity: 8
Frame Material: Aluminum	Cylinder Material: Steel	OAL: 6.50”
Sights: Ramp Front, U-Notch Rear	Grips: Synthetic Hogue Tamer Monogrip	Weight: 14.90 oz

The Ruger LCR .357 Mag 

Identical to the Ruger LCR 22 in size, this Ruger LCR 357 Mag revolver is also extremely easy to conceal and carry. The difference is that it packs much more of a punch, with the steel cylinder holding 5 rounds of .357 magnum ammo. Because of this more powerful round, this version of the Ruger LCR can easily be your EDC or serve as a backup option when needed. It delivers the same great durability as the previous LCR, featuring an aerospace-grade aluminum and steel build that will take whatever you throw at it. It’s a great choice for a concealed-carry revolver.

Ruger LCR 357 Mag Specs

Caliber: .357 Mag	Barrel Length: 1.87”	Capacity: 5
Frame Material: Aluminum	Cylinder Material: Steel	OAL: 6.50”
Sights: Ramp Front, U-Notch Rear	Grips: Synthetic Hogue Tamer Monogrip	Weight: 17.10 oz

The Kimber K6S 3 Inch .357 Mag

A great choice from a high-end manufacturer of firearms, this Kimber K6S revolver delivers a smooth and classicly-inspired finish that feels as good to shoot as it does to look at. The solid brushed stainless steel frame, barrel, and cylinder deliver a substantial weight and durable build that can take punishment with ease. The walnut grips feature diamond checkering and the Kimber logo, providing you with a firm grip. While this revolver does have an exposed hammer, the edges are rounded, making this Kimber K6S 3 inch revolver easy to conceal and draw when need be.

Kimber K6S 3-inch Specs

Caliber: .357 Mag	Barrel Length: 3”	Capacity: 6
Frame Material: Steel	Cylinder Material: Steel	OAL: 7.62”
Sights: White 3-Dot	Grips: Diamond Checkered Walnut	Weight: 23 oz

North American Arms .22 LR Mini-Revolver

The smallest and most affordable option on our list, the North American Arms 22LR Mini Revolver delivers a size similar to a derringer but with the punch of 5 rounds of .22LR. With a barrel length of 1.125 inches, an overall length of 4 inches, and a weight of 4.6 oz unloaded, this mini revolver is an excellent choice for times when you need an extremely concealable firearm. This quality revolver by North American Arms also has full stainless steel construction and a rosewood birdshead grip, which provides a firearm that looks great, is corrosion resistant, and is made to last for years.

North American Arms .22 LR Mini-Revolver Specs

Caliber: .22 LR	Barrel Length: 1.125”	Capacity: 5
Frame Material: Steel	Cylinder Material: Steel	OAL: 4”
Sights: Half-Moon Front Sight	Grips: Rosewood birdshead	Weight: 4.6 oz

North American Arms .22 WMR Mini-Revolver

In addition to the previous North American Arms 22 mini revolver, we also have the North American Arms .22 Mag mini revolver for those that prefer the more powerful .22 Mag caliber. Because of the difference in caliber, this model is slightly larger and heavier than the .22 LR model, but this beautifully designed North American Arms 22 Mag  is still easy to conceal and carry everyday. 

North American Arms .22 WMR Mini-Revolver Specs

Caliber: .22 WMR	Barrel Length: 1.13”	Capacity: 5
Frame Material: Steel	Cylinder Material: Steel	OAL: 4.63”
Sights: Half-Moon Front Sight	Grips: Rosewood birdshead	Weight: 6.2 oz

Smith and Wesson 642 Performance Center .38 SPL

If you’re looking for a top-performing snub-nosed revolver that delivers excellent accuracy and durability, check out the Smith and Wesson 642 Performance Center revolver. With an aluminum and stainless steel build, it delivers excellent durability, meaning it can stand up to the punishment of daily carry. Chambered in .38 Special with a 5-round cylinder, the S&W 642 delivers a great amount of firepower. This is especially true if it’s being used as your primary or as a backup revolver, which it can easily do with its 1.88” barrel and 14.5 oz weight. It also is cut for moon clips and comes with some. Overall, it’s a great revolver for anyone looking to conceal carry. 

Smith and Wesson 642 Performance Center Specs

Caliber: .38 SPL	Barrel Length: 1.88”	Capacity: 5
Frame Material: Aluminum	Barrel Material: Steel	OAL: 6.31”
Sights: Integral	Grips: Wood and Synthetic	Weight: 14.5 oz

Smith and Wesson 642 Pro Series .38 SPL

Similar to the previous model we featured, Smith and Wesson also offers this 642 Pro Series revolver, which has many of the same features. However, the 642 Smith and Wesson varies with its synthetic rubber grips and lack of a key lock. It’s another great choice for those that want a high-performance revolver.

Smith and Wesson 642 Pro Series Specs

Caliber: .38 SPL	Barrel Length: 1 7/8”	Capacity: 5
Frame Material: Aluminum	Barrel Material: Steel	OAL: 6.31”
Sights: Integral	Grips: Synthetic Rubber	Weight: 15 oz

Colt King Cobra Carry Revolver .357 Mag

Last on our list, we have this Colt King Cobra Carry revolver, which is a great choice for those that prefer a heavier revolver. Made of solid stainless steel with black rubber grips, it provides a durable heavy build that holds up well and helps reduce recoil. Like many of the other revolvers featured, this classic handgun from Colt Firearms has integral sights that provide you with excellent accuracy in a self-defense situation.

Colt King Cobra Carry Specs

Caliber: .357 Magnum	Barrel Length: 2”	Capacity: 6
Frame Material: Steel	Barrel Material: Steel	Hammer: Bobbed
Sights: Integral	Grips: Hogue Overmolded	Weight: 23 oz

Snub Nose Revolvers at GrabAGun

We hope you enjoyed this overview of just a few of the snub nose revolvers available to you! If you’re looking for a revolver like this for your EDC, backup gun, or just to add to your collection, look no further than GrabAGun! We have all the revolvers covered in this blog and many more. Additionally, we have lots of offerings such as rifles, shotguns, and ammo for sale! If you’re thinking about making a firearms purchase, consider making it with us at GrabAGun, the best place to buy guns online! Thanks for reading!

—Matthew Cornell