Rossi's RP63 packs a steel frame and a .357 Magnum chamber into a revolver with a short 3-inch barrel. It fires double action or single action, so you can pull straight through for speed or cock the hammer for a careful shot, and the rubber grip helps with recoil.

A three-inch barrel is an easy size to carry. It sits under a coat or on the belt without poking out, and it still offers the punch of the .357 when you need it. For practice, load .38 Specials and enjoy a gentler shooting session. Magnum rounds are loud and lively out of a short barrel, so wear good hearing protection.

This is a solid revolver for a truck, a tackle box, or a homestead drawer. Its simple mechanism is easy to check, and six rounds in the cylinder show clearly at a glance. The blued finish is traditional and wipes clean.

Check your local carry laws before packing it in the field. It ships to your FFL dealer, and the background check takes place there when you pick it up.