"Beware of the man who packs a revolver, he probably knows how to use it well!"
The "jam-o-matics" may be more appealing and "sexy" right now, but it is frankly very, very hard indeed to beat the rock-solid dependability of a wheelgun! I'd much rather have "six for sure," than 17 rounds in an auto that's jammed.
For your initial investment dollar, a revolver will give you MORE gun . . . more accuracy, greater power, and . . . most of all . . . virtually 100% reliability!
Additionally, they are safer and don't need a safety. Many a man has lost his life because he forgot to flick off the safety . . . or because the gun jammed.
With a wheelgun, you just "point and click!"
Best ones?
For concealed purposes, the smaller the better . . . but the barrel needs to be about 3" long or shorter.
The aluminum framed revolvers are lighter, and are thus easier to tote, but they kick much harder and don't last as long to steady practice.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE RECOIL . . . you'll only feel it at the range! In a hunting or defensive scenario, one NEVER feels the recoil!
My preferences:
VERY SMALL - S&W "J-frame" models WITHOUT exposed hammers (exposed hammers can snag in clothing), and in 38 spl. Load it with the hot 158gn. LSWC ammo and you'll have a very potent load without having to resort to .357 mag. stuff . . . and the kick won't be bad. "FIVE FOR SURE!"
Also, just slightly bigger are the Colt Agent and Detective Special models. Six rounds. The Agent has an alloy frame to keep down weight. These ARE a little bigger around than the J frames.
A LITTLE BIGGER - S&W "K-frame" .357 (or .38 spl) models with 2 1/2" or 3" barrels. These include the Model 10, Model 13 and 65 (blued and stainless, repectively) and the 19 and 66. There are some other lesser found models, but the 3" barrelled ones can REALLY shoot accurately and you have six rounds.
FOR THOSE COLD NIGHTS - S&W "N-frame" big bore handguns, in calibers like .44 spl., .44 mag., 41 mag., .357 mag., 10mm, .45 Colt and my favorite defensive caliber . . . .45ACP.
These will require a coat to hide 'em but they pack a whallop . . . and also LOOK HUGE to a perp! I carry my chopped frame in .45ACP in a shoulder holster usually. The big bore holes look REeeeeAL impressive and usually cause a predator to back right off!!!
T.