Handguns

A double-action revolver is the perfect handgun for a beginner yet delivers potent firepower in the hands of a pro. With the proper load from a wide variety of chamberings available, you can defend the home, pot a squirrel, stop a grizzly or just have fun tearing the X-ring out of a paper target.

About the only handgun endeavor I can think of for which you cannot use a DA revolver is sanctioned Cowboy Action matches (it's not called the Single Action Shooting Society for nothing). Real cowboys had DA revolvers, though. The Colt Lightning was introduced in 1877 and the Smith & Wesson First Model in 1881. The DA revolver has come a long way since then, and today's models offer more features and chamberings than ever.

There are not as many companies making DA revolvers as in years past. It seems most young handgunners coming up are infatuated with the autoloader. Perhaps it's true Youth is wasted on the young. It is ironic that the handgun design best suited for beginners is most often only appreciated by seasoned shooters. Regardless, there are still plenty of DA revolvers to choose from.

I've tried to pick a useful cross-section of DA revolvers with an eye toward highlighting the many chores for which they are suited. Keep in mind that suggested retail prices are higher than what you should expect to actually pay in most cases and are only offered as a general guide.

COLT
Colt has cut back considerably on its DA-revolver line, but two models are still available the Python Elite .357 Magnum and the Anaconda .44 Magnum. Quality is excellent, but variations are limited.

The Python Elite can be had with either a 4- or 6-inch barrel in either blue or stainless while the stainless-only Anaconda is available in 4-, 6- or 8-inch trim.