
When hunting, the variety of firearms is hard to keep track of. Many hunters feel uncertain and don’t find their way around the firearms market easily. Often, you can see hunters carrying a handgun alongside their rifle, which is used for a finishing shot. Whether you choose a pistol or a revolver is primarily a matter of taste. This article focuses on revolvers and aims to help you make the right choice when buying one.
A revolver is a handgun that is very popular among hunters and sport shooters worldwide. The main feature of a revolver is the rotating cylinder, which combines the function of the magazine and the cartridge chamber. Pulling the trigger or cocking the hammer rotates the cylinder and brings it into firing position. Cylinder capacity depends on the model but usually ranges between five and seven rounds, which is generally less than the magazine capacity of a pistol. Revolvers can fire more powerful calibers, which is an advantage for finishing shots on large game. Two very popular revolver calibers for finishing shots are .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum.
These offer good reserves and show strong effects even on larger game. The downside of a revolver compared to a pistol is, on one hand, the lower rate of fire, and on the other, often the higher weight caused by the materials used. Regarding revolver safety, it should also be noted that it is highly unlikely for an accidental discharge to occur. This is especially true for models with a single-action trigger.
Decisive criteria such as quality, safety, and many more naturally vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Companies like Smith & Wesson, Taurus, or Weihrauch are experts in producing high-quality and powerful revolvers. Decades of experience and preserving traditions have perfected their manufacturing and still impress today.
Also in terms of price, buying a revolver as an entry-level handgun is especially interesting for young hunters. While you can spend nearly €2000 on a premium-class revolver like the Smith & Wesson 629 Classic, many solid revolvers from other manufacturers are already available at an MSRP between €300 - €800.
The online market for used revolvers often offers good deals. On popular platforms, hunting-suitable revolvers are regularly offered online for under €400. Also regarding caliber, the used handgun and revolver market offers a wide selection. Thanks to smart filters and great offers, you can quickly find the right revolver for hunting on Gunfinder.de.
When purchasing a (used) handgun—whether pistol or revolver—you should be aware of the special legal regulations. To acquire a revolver or pistol, a prior entry in the firearms ownership card regarding the chosen caliber is required. This means: before you are allowed to buy ammunition for the handgun, revolver, or pistol, you must have the corresponding authorization confirmed by the authorities in the form of the prior entry. Currently, hunters in Germany are allowed to acquire and own up to two handguns without special need. More information can also be found in the article Handguns for Hunters.