Before we begin with the best 8 shot revolvers, let’s see what are 8 shot revolvers good for and why you should buy these revolvers.
| Revolvers | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Ruger – SP101 22LR | Most Recommended Option 1. Good firing power |
10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 |
Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 | 1. Durable 2. Good accuracy 3. Multipurpose 4. Good trigger pulls and sight |
9.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
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Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum | 1. Good grip and durable 2. Low recoil 3. Good safety and accuracy |
8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 |
Smith and Wesson Model 63 | 1. Light in weight 2. Comfortable grip and durable 3. Good accuracy 4. Low chance of snagging |
8/10 | Currently unavailable |
The Reasons to Own An 8 Shot Revolver
There are many revolvers in the current market, for instance, the 9mm and .45 ACP. So, why buy an 8 shot revolver? Here are the reasons why you should have an 8 shot revolver.
- An 8 shot revolver can be a good revolver to be used in target shooting. It is one of the most famous applications, regardless of whether you do it casually or for competition purposes, eight shots are the ideal amount to hit the bullseye a few times in succession.
- The reason why people carry a revolver is for every day carry purposes. Some of the 8 shot revolvers are good concealed carries and is ideal for carrying it around on a daily basis. You may not be in a life and death situation every day but it is reassuring to know that you have a revolver to count on when the situation does come.
- Not all 8 shot revolvers are small in size and can be used as a concealed carry, some are bigger which are great for home defense. 8 shots would be an ideal amount to take down the target during a home defense situation.
Pros
- High capacity
- Good firing power
- Decent choices of calibers
Cons
- Some may be very pricey
- Limited calibers
Top 4 Best 8 Shot Revolvers – Rated and Reviewed
Knowing what are 8 shot revolvers good for and have good reasons to buy them, now let’s move on to the best 8 shots revolver in the market.
1. Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627
Performance Center firearms are the top-performing firearms of Smith and Wesson. It is a representation of a hybrid of old-world craftsmanship and the essence of modern technologies. The Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 is a product of precision gunsmithing by the Smith and Wesson Performance Center.
The Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 is built with a Chrome Flashed Teardrop Hammer and a Chrome Trigger and Trigger Stop. This 8 shot revolver can be shot in single/double action and it is a Performance Center tuned action. It also has a Gold Bead front sight and an adjustable rear sight. The grip is made of wood and synthetic material.
Specifications
- Caliber: 357 Magnum, 38 S&W SPECIAL +P
- Capacity: 8
- Barrel Length: 5″ / 12.7 cm
- Overall Length: 9.5″
- Weight: 43.2 oz / 1,224.7g
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Frame Finish: Matte Silver
Performance
The Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 has good accuracy when hitting targets that are within 20 to 30 yards. If you are an above-average shooter, it will still be accurate for you to shoot up to 40 yards when firing in single action.
The beauty of the Performance Center tuned action can be felt from the trigger pull. Whether it’s in single action or double action, the trigger pull is remarkably good. Single action trigger pull is light and crisp while the double action trigger pull may be a little heavy but consistency is maintained and feels smooth.
Pros
- Durable – Constructed with mainly stainless steel which can last for a very long time.
- Good accuracy – Good accuracy even for a range up to 40 yards.
- Multipurpose – Can be used for many occasions. Casual target shooting and even home defense.
- Good trigger pulls – Performance Center tuned action allows a good and consistent trigger pull whether its in single/double action.
- Good sight – Gold Bead front sight is generally good for revolvers.
Cons
- Not good for concealed carry – Weighing at 43.2 oz, it makes it a heavy revolver to be used as a concealed carry.
- Poor grip – The wooden and synthetic grip do not feel as comfortable as a rubber grip. However, aftermarket grips are available.
Who will use this?
If you are looking for an 8 shot revolver to use as target practice, the Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 will be a suitable revolver for you. It offers 8 accurate shots which are good enough for target practices.
The Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 is also good for home defenses. It gives a few more rounds compared to a typical 5 or 6 shot home defense revolver which can be helpful in those situations.
2. Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum
The Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum is a remarkable revolver that chambers up to 8 rounds of 357 Magnum or 38 Special +P ammo. It was a revolver made in response to a Smith and Wesson 7 rounds revolver. This 8 shot revolver is designed for smoother trigger action and delivering good power.
The Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum is made with a factory-tuned porting and gas expansion chamber. It is hammer forged for tough performance and good accuracy. Adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight. Built with a transfer bar for safety and a rubber grip for comfort. The revolver is secured with a key using the Taurus Security System.
Specifications
- Caliber/Gauge: 357 Magnum/38 Special +P
- Capacity: 8
- Barrel Length: 6.5″ / 16.5 cm
- Overall Length: 11.67″
- Weight: 51 oz / 1,445.8 g
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Frame Finish: Matte Stainless Steel
Performance
Accuracy of the Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum is good for up to 50 yards. This 8 shot revolver has a factory-tuned porting and gas expansion chamber which helps to reduce the kick usually delivered by a magnum. As a result, it helps to reduce recoil, making the revolver easier to control and maintain its accuracy throughout every shot.
Pros
- Good grip – The rubber grip provides a more comfortable grip and suitable for any weather conditions
- Durable – Constructed with mainly stainless steel which can last for a very long time.
- Low recoil – Factory-tuned porting and gas expansion chamber helps to reduce the recoil of the revolver.
- Good safety – Patented Taurus Security System. Revolver can only be unlocked and used with a key.
- Good accuracy – Can hit larger targets at a distance up to 50 yards.
Cons
- Not a concealed carry – This 8 shot revolver is too big and heavy to be used as an everyday carry or a concealed carry.
- Poor trigger pull – Not a smooth trigger pull which may take some time to get used to.
Who will use this?
The Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum is a great revolver for home defense. It delivers the power that you need to stop an intruder and allows you to fire up to 8 shots at a low recoil. This 8 shot revolver also has a good and comfortable grip which can be helpful when using it in a stressful situation.
The 8 shot revolver can also hit targets at a reasonably far distance which makes it suitable for shooters that are looking for a revolver in target shooting. Low recoil allows you to fire 8 shots with consistent accuracy.
3. Ruger – SP101 22LR
The Ruger – SP101 22LR is an 8 shot revolver made for shooters that has a good amount of experience in shooting. It is not a revolver that is beginner-friendly. This 8 shot revolver is chambered for one of the smallest calibers in the market, 22LR.
This 8 shot revolver is built with a cushioned grip with no exposed metal and a grip frame that allows a variety of custom grips. A fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight. The Ruger – SP101 22LR also has a transfer bar for safety purposes.
Specifications
- Caliber: 22 LR
- Capacity: 8
- Barrel Length: 4.20″ / 2.54 cm
- Overall Length: 9.12″
- Weight: 30 oz / 850.5 g
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Satin stainless
Performance
With the fiber optic front sight, the Ruger – SP101 22LR can accurately hit targets between 20 to 40 yards. Even though this 8 shot revolver fires one of the smallest caliber, it still packs a decent stopping power along with good reliability when used for target shooting or home defense.
The trigger pull of this revolver is very heavy, which is why it is not recommended for beginners to be picking up this revolver. The double action trigger pull is so heavy that it exceeded the maximum eight pound range of a trigger pull scale. It will be necessary to swap out the spring for a more comfortable trigger pull.
Pros
- Good firing power – Even though it’s chambered for a 22LR, it still delivers a decent firing power
- Can be a great everyday carry – Small cylinder makes the revolver a less bulky compared to other caliber revolvers.
- Comfortable grip – Grip is cushioned rubber with no exposed metal making it comfortable to hold.
- Good safety – Transfer bar to ensure safety.
- Customizable grip – Grip frame built in a way that accommodates different grips.
Cons
- Uncomfortable trigger pull – Heavy single action trigger pull and “off the charts” heavy double action trigger pull.
- Not beginner-friendly – The heavy trigger pull makes it hard for a beginner to use and practice with.
Who will use this?
If you have a fair amount of experience in shooting, the Ruger – SP101 22LR is a great revolver for you. It ensures reliability and accuracy when used for target shooting and can be used as a practice to get used to firearms with heavy trigger pulls.
The Ruger – SP101 22LR can also be a good 8 shot revolver to be used for home defense. It may have a heavy trigger pull but the firing power is enough for you to take down targets in critical situations.
4. Smith and Wesson Model 63
The Smith and Wesson Model 63 is a small revolver built on a stainless steel J-frame. It is designed to be simple and easy to handle and to deliver powerful rounds. This 8 shot revolver is also known as a kit gun as it is small enough to be carried around in a hunter or fisherman’s kit bag.
Besides a stainless steel frame, it also has a stainless steel barrel and cylinder. The front sight of this 8 shot revolver uses a HI-VIZ® Fiber Optic Red front sight and an adjustable rear sight. The grip is a grooved rubber grip.
Specifications
- Caliber: 22 LR
- Capacity: 8
- Barrel Length: 3″ / 7.6 cm
- Overall Length: 7.3″
- Weight: 24.8 oz / 703.1g
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Frame Finish: Satin Stainless
Performance
The Smith and Wesson Model 63 maintains a good accuracy up to 25 yards. HI-VIZ® Fiber Optic Red front sight helps to let you hit your target accurately. It has an ejector long enough to completely empty the cases in the cylinder which can be very helpful when reloading.
The trigger pull of this 8 shot revolver is very manageable compared to many other 22LR revolvers. The Smith and Wesson Model 63 has a good balance in terms of its weight where it is not too heavy or too light to handle the trigger pull.
Pros
- Lightweight – Weighed at only 24.8 oz. Ideal for using a concealed carry for a backup firearm or self defense.
- Comfortable grip – Grooved rubber grip to give a good and comfortable grip for the shooter.
- Durable – Constructed with stainless steel, a material that can last for a very long time.
- Good accuracy – With a barrel length of 3” only, the accuracy of the revolver is still fairly maintained.
- Low chance of snagging – A short barrel can be helpful in a defensive situation where the revolver will not be snagged to the holster.
Cons
- May have problems ejecting empty cases – In rare cases, the casing in the cylinder will not eject smoothly.
- Not meant for people with bigger hands – The Smith and Wesson Model 63 is a relatively small gun. Shooters with big hands might find it uncomfortable when holding the revolver.
Who will use this?
The Smith and Wesson Model 63 is a great 8 shot revolver for a concealed carry. Anyone looking for a revolver to carry around on a daily basis, the Smith and Wesson Model 63 can be a great choice. It is also a good revolver to be used for hunting and can be carried around easily in a kit.
Besides using it as a concealed carry, Smith and Wesson Model 63 can also be used for casual target shooting or be kept as a home defense weapon.
Final Verdict
Before deciding which 8 shot revolver is best for you, you should first understand why you are buying an 8 shot revolver. Are you buying it for casual target shooting? Competition? Or for self-defense.
After identifying your reasons for buying an 8 shot revolver, now let’s look at the recommendation for each of the purposes.
If you are looking for an 8 shot revolver that has a good overall performance, the Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 and the Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum are great choices for you. Both of these 8 shot revolvers are accurate revolvers to be shot during target shooting and a weapon worth having for home defense.
Ruger – SP101 22LR is the 8 shot revolver for an experienced shooter due to its heavy trigger pull, so, if you are new to shooting, this revolver will not be recommended. However, if you are looking to practice firing a heavy trigger pull revolver, the Ruger – SP101 22LR can be a great choice as it is fairly accurate and has a comfortable grip.
The Smith and Wesson Model 63 is the perfect 8 shot revolver if you are looking for a concealed carry. It is small and light which is convenient to be carried around and very practical in a self-defense situation. Also, if you have a smaller hand and find it uncomfortable holding bigger revolvers, the Smith and Wesson Model 63 is also a good choice for you.
For shooters that enjoy firing 357 Magnum rounds, the Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 627 and the Taurus 608 6.5″ 257 Magnum are the revolvers to pick up. For those who enjoy firing 22LRs, the Ruger – SP101 22LR and Smith and Wesson Model 63 are the revolvers to have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why revolvers are better for self defense?
Yes. An advantage that a revolver has in home defense is that a revolver is easier to operate and learn to shoot. It’s just simply open the cylinder, load the bullets, close the cylinder and pull the trigger.
Can a revolver fire if dropped?
Yes. Modern revolvers have something called the “transfer bar”. It is used to act as a safety feature to block the firing pin and prevent it from firing when dropped. However, older revolvers that do not have a transfer bar fires if dropped.
Do revolvers last longer?
Yes. No handguns can last forever without having its parts replaced. However, it takes longer for revolvers to degrade.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.