Iconic & Reliable

While revolving barrel matchlock pistols first appeared in Europe in the 16th century, the Colt Paterson revolver has the distinction of being the first practical, mass-produced revolving cylinder handgun. Patented in 1836, it was an innovative leap forward in firearm design.

Nearly two centuries later, the principles of the wheelgun remain largely unchanged. Even in the era of polymer-framed semi-autos, the iconic revolver retains a place in the gun cabinet, in the everyday carry holster and, notably, at the range.

The State Of Sales

The wheelgun is simple yet not simplistic, and forever timeless in its design. This is why it continues to have its supporters, even if demand wasn’t nearly as strong in 2024 as it was for semi-autos. However, multiple shops across the country reported there remains a faithful clientele.

“Revolvers do have their calling here, for sure,” said Joshua D’Agnese, owner of the Village Gun Store in Whitefield, N.H., one of the oldest New England firearms shops still in business.

“We do sell more of the semi-auto handguns, of course, but we stock and sell a decent amount of revolvers,” D’Agnese shared. “Snub-nose revolvers seem to be the most popular for everyday carry and some for home defense. We have a decent number of women who prefer them, usually middle-aged or older, just because of their simplicity. Some who have arthritic issues in their hands do seem to prefer revolvers. They don’t have to worry about racking the slide or dealing with any issues and disassembly the autos can face.”

Among the top sellers at the Village Gun Shop are the Ruger LCR/LCRx, Charter Arms Mag Pug and Undercover, Smith & Wesson 642, Taurus 856 and the Kimber K6 line.

Over in Amsterdam, N.Y., at Frank’s Gun & Tackle Shop, Owner John Havlick said S&W, Colt and Ruger have remained the top sellers — and mostly for self-defense and daily carry. And for the same reasons as already stated.

“The majority of our customers like wheelguns for self-defense more than target shooting or hunting,” Havlick explained. “They’re a popular option for older shooters who may have arthritis. The shooter knows there is no jamming, and it makes it more reliable.”

Sales Slower In The Midwest

For Daryl Upole, owner of Ohio Guns, wheelguns aren’t in strong demand, he told Shooting Industry.

“In prior years, the Ruger LCR was good until the price increases,” noted Upole. “The lightweight Taurus revolvers did well primarily due to the price.”

The audience is a bit different in the Buckeye State, where it is mostly range shooters and collectors.

“Most self-defense buyers have moved to pistols primarily, in my opinion, due to cost and weight,” Upole added. “Those who want a wheelgun for self-defense are concerned with costs. The least expensive are too heavy and bulky for the most part.”

The price tag was cited as the biggest detriment, suggested Upole, who said a “good” wheelgun for carry is likely two times the cost of a “good” pistol.

“The market for reasonably priced wheelguns is good but the high cost of quality new revolvers significantly limits the interest,” he continued.

Popular For Plinking

Prices for ordnance of all levels have “stabilized” since the great ammunition shortage that followed the global pandemic. Yet, given the high prices at the grocery store and for other goods, ammunition can still be a luxury for many individuals. Those who wanted to do some shooting at the range or out in the field without breaking the bank saw .22 LR remained the best bet — and there are plenty of wheelgun options in the popular plinking caliber.

“We also sell a decent amount of .22-caliber revolvers for plinking, pest control and also for trappers who need to dispatch a critter that may still be alive in a trap on their trap line. .22 revolvers like the Heritage Rough Riders and the Ruger Wrangler do also make a great gift and we do have a decent amount of customers who purchase them as such, especially around Christmas,” noted D’Agnese.

A True “American” Firearm

Wheelguns are also arguably as American as apple pie and fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s why many old-timers stand by them — perhaps not trusting the European brands with their polymer frames.

“We still do have customers who just prefer the classic look, feel and performance of a revolver,” D’Agnese continued. “Some turn their nose up at the semis and will stand at the counter and talk revolvers all day. We don’t persuade any of our customers away from what they truly want. We do suggest better alternatives for protection when we encounter the ‘I just need a .22 revolver to shoot into the ground to protect myself against a bear.’”

With former suburbanites moving to the country, D’Agnese said it happens “quite a lot.”

Thank You, Pop Culture

Popular culture has put a new spotlight on the revolvers once again. Just as “Dirty Harry” put the Smith & Wesson Model 29 in the spotlight in 1971, TV shows, video games and movies continue to serve as free advertising for wheelguns to the under-30 market.

“We’ve seen a few younger buyers express interest in the Colt Python and .357 Magnum revolvers thanks to ‘The Walking Dead,’” Havlick told Shooting Industry.

For many customers of wheelguns, it isn’t about shooting “walkers” (zombies), but rather the equally dangerous wildlife of New England.

“We’re in the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire and we have some big critters,” D’Agnese acknowledged, which is why he does offer advice based on personal experience. “So for those who hike, camp, hunt, fish, etc., most like to have something that’s substantially able to take down a large animal if need be. When my wife and I are in the woods, we both carry S&W 686 .357 Magnums with 180-grain hard cast rounds. Those with 4–6″ barrels are all popular with our customers.”

D’Agnese told Shooting Industry the most popular medium-to-large-frame revolvers last year included the Rossi RP63, Taurus 66, Taurus 44, S&W 686, S&W 500, Ruger GP100, Ruger Blackhawk and Ruger Redhawk.

A “Classic, Trustworthy” Reputation

Many of the sentiments shared by the firearm retailers are the same as those from the manufacturers. 

Rachel Stilwell, marketing manager for North American Arms, told Shooting Industry wheelguns retain a place in 2025 and beyond thanks to their simplicity and reliability.

“Wheelguns are point-and-shoot. There’s no slide to rack, no external safeties to disengage — just a straightforward pull of the trigger,” she explained. “Unlike semi-automatics, revolvers don’t jam or misfeed, even when exposed to dirt, lint or pocket debris. This makes them dependable in high-pressure situations. A revolver will still fire every time.”

North American Arms is just one of several makers that offer ultra-compact wheelguns. These include the Pug and Black Widow, which are small enough for pocket carry, ankle holsters or even belt-buckle holsters.

“While mini revolvers do require a small amount of maintenance, there isn’t as much need for detailed cleaning like a semi-automatic,” added Stilwell. “Wheelguns can be stored for extended periods and remain ready to fire when needed.”

There are other selling points, notably fewer legal hassles and no capacity limits.

“Revolvers are naturally compliant with laws limiting magazine capacity, giving them a unique edge in states with stricter gun laws in places like California,” she asserted. “Revolvers have a ‘classic’ and ‘trustworthy’ reputation, often seen as less intimidating to new users compared to tactical semi-autos. Though some might underestimate the power of smaller calibers, multiple accurate shots from a reliable revolver are more than capable of neutralizing a threat.”

It is those reasons why D’Agnese said his shop will continue to cater to the market.

“I don’t see revolvers going anywhere anytime soon and we will always carry and happily sell them,” he concluded. “Everything has its place for sure. And hey, revolvers do have a certain ‘sexiness’ to them.”

Read More of Shooting Industry’s March 2025 Issue Now