Twelve inches of barrel on a single-action revolver is unusual, and it changes how the gun behaves. The Chiappa 1873-22 is chambered in .22 WMR, the magnum rimfire, and the long barrel squeezes more velocity from each round than a short one does. It holds six rounds and has a blued finish.

Long-barrel revolvers carry a lot of sight radius, which helps your accuracy on small targets. A steady two-hand hold and a rest turn this into a real small-game and varmint handgun. The magnum rimfire has plenty of authority on rabbits and ground squirrels, with little recoil.

It will not tuck inside a waistband. It belongs on a pack, in a saddle scabbard or in a case for the range. Cowboy fans like it because it looks like the old Peacemaker stretched out. Kids who shoot with you will want a turn at the paper targets.

Rimfire magnum ammunition costs more than .22 LR, so shoot the cheap stuff for practice and save the magnums for the field. It ships to your FFL dealer, where the background check is done before you pick it up.