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Every year, firearms technology continues progressing and offering ever more efficient concealed carry semi-automatic pistols, offering iterative improvements on concealability, capacity, ergonomics, and compatibility with accessories. Yet, despite these advances, many legally-armed citizens still prefer carrying the humble revolver. 

Here’s why the revolver continues to be a popular alternative to modern semi-autos, the characteristics of good concealed-carry revolvers, and which CCW revolvers sold today are the best in class.

The Taurus Judge is a revolver unlike any other available on the market. Nominally chambered in .45 Colt, the Judge features a massive cylinder capable of accepting .410 shotgun shells.

According to Taurus International, the Judge is one of their most popular and best-selling products. Learn what makes the Taurus Judge unique, why it became so popular, and how best to employ the gun should you choose to carry one.

.22 Magnum handguns use rimfire cartridges and are popular for self-defense, target shooting, hunting, and as kit guns for backpackers.  

In 1959, Winchester introduced the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, also known as the .22 Magnum or .22 Mag. However, it wasn’t until a year later that the round made its debut in the company’s Model 61 pump-action rifle. Since then, several companies have chambered both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols in .22 Magnum for various applications. 

This round is excellent for hunting small game. The .22-caliber lead round-nose or jacketed hollow-point bullet won’t cause excessive tissue damage, preserving more meat for the table.

At typical compact handgun velocities, few .22 Magnum loads expand reliably. However, in a home defense or concealed carry handgun, .22 Magnum may be a good choice for those who are sensitive to recoil and need a lightweight weapon.

Although there are countless handgun models and variants, most of them fall into three types of handguns: Pistols, revolvers, and derringers. Some may use these terms interchangeably, but each handgun type has its own characteristics. 

Understanding the different types of handguns: Revolvers vs. pistols vs. derringers can help you find the best weapon for your needs, whether for concealed carry, self-defense, or competition shooting.

The North American Arms Mini Revolver encompasses a family of ultra-compact revolvers and are among the smallest handguns you can buy today. Although there are virtually no other handguns on the market that are as small and as easy to conceal as the Mini Revolver, you may be wondering whether they are worth it.

Learn about the Mini Revolver’s history, what models and chamberings are available, and what kind of performance you can expect.

Historically, most revolvers used .45, .357, 0r .38 caliber ammunition. The .9mm round gained popularity along with the .9mm automatics in the past 50 years or so. Today, several high-quality revolver options use .9mm ammunition.

Rimmed vs. Rimless Ammunition

Revolvers traditionally fire rimmed cartridges, which headspace on the case rim. Headspace refers to the distance between the breech face and the point in the chamber on which the cartridge case seats, stopping its forward movement. 

The revolver rim also functions as the extractor flange, providing a surface for the extractor star to impinge against for unloading. Rimless pistol cartridges, such as the 9mm Luger, headspace on the case mouth, and the rim is the same diameter as the case body. 

To load and unload rimless ammunition in a revolver cylinder, the use of full- and half-moon clips is generally necessary. Moon clips are ring- or star-like accessories that snap into the extracting grooves of rimless pistol cartridges. Instead of a revolver rim, the weapons use the grooves. 

Revolvers and pistols are among the most popular types of handguns in use today. Both originated in the 19th century — although revolver-type firearms have existed since the 16th century — and have undergone considerable development. Understanding the differences between them can help you determine what type of weapon you need for your purposes.