Few topics generate more debate among gun owners than identifying the best gun for self-defense. That’s because defensive situations vary widely, and what works well for one person may not be ideal for another. For the purposes of this article, I’m focusing on the most common scenario responsibly armed citizens are likely to face: one or two agitated attackers at close range — inside a home or similar confined space — where a deadly force decision must be made quickly.

It’s important to establish some parameters as there too many handguns that could qualify as best defensive handgun. Rather than trying to cover them all, I’ll share what I believe are the best overall compact defensive handguns for me, based on decades of law enforcement experience and daily carry.

This isn’t meant to be the final word. In future articles, I may explore variations such as the best compact pistol with a manual safety, without a manual safety or broken down by caliber. For now, my goal is simple: Explain why this particular type of handgun has proven itself to me over a long career. And of course, you need not agree.

My Choice for Best Overall Compact Defensive Handgun

I didn’t make this choice lightly. Since entering law enforcement in 1980, I’ve carried some variation of this handgun platform or something very similar to it. I’ll outline all of the reasons this firearm was my choice for best self-defense gun and point out some drawbacks. What’s right for me, may not be right for you.

My choice for the best compact defensive handgun is a specific group of Smith & Wesson J-Frame double-action revolvers with concealed hammers. These revolvers have a record of reliability, concealability and practicality for everyday carry.

Smith & Wesson’s blued-steel Model 36 was the first J-frame revolver when S&W started using its Model number system. Often called the “Chief’s Special” due to being widely carried by police chiefs, detectives, administrators, and off-duty officers, the five-shot revolver is the smallest frame size S&W offers. Originally produced in blued-steel, it was later available in stainless steel or nickel finishes.

The original Model 36 weighed about 19 ounces and had an exposed hammer spur for single-action fire. Of S&W’s current 52 J-frame models, only 10 are offered with an exposed hammer.

What to Look for in a Defensive Handgun: Caliber & Construction

Finding a good compact defensive handgun starts with weight. Lightweight frames made of aluminum, or the more expensive titanium or scandium, make everyday carry practical. The best compact defensive handgun should weigh around 14 ounces. A light enough self-defense gun will prevent you from making excuses to leave it at home.

I prefer concealed-hammer revolvers for defensive guns, which can be broken down further into two main subtypes. The first is what S&W originally called the “Centennial” series. These J-frame revolvers feature a totally concealed internal hammer, meaning they are double-action only. Thought the Centennial name isn’t used anymore, it remains a simple way to identify this style of revolver.

The two Centennial-style revolvers I favor are the Model 432 in .32 H&R Magnum, which holds six rounds, and the five-round Model 442 in .38 Special. In my experience, .38 Special and .32 Magnum are the only calibers worth considering for defensive gun use. Centennial-style snub-nosed revolvers are also available in .357 Magnum, but these are heavier and more expensive. The recoil of the full-power loads outweighs the benefits for most.

The .38 Special defensive ammunition available today is more powerful than what was available when these guns debuted in the 1950s. S&W also offers Centennial models in .22LR (eight-round capacity) and .22 Magnum (seven-round capacity), but these require more care to avoid bending, breaking or being dropped. That’s difficult when adrenaline is pumping.

For the average shooter, I recommend the .32 Magnum over the .38 Special. Kinetic energy output is essentially the same, but the .32 produces less recoil and gives you a sixth round. The .32 H&R Magnum revolver can also fire the older .32 S&W Long, which is widely available and softer shooting.

However, if you’re already comfortable with the .38 Special and have a good supply of ammo, there’s nothing wrong with sticking with it. The .38 Special rounds are generally more readily available and cheaper as well.

Bodyguard Style Concealed Hammer Handguns

The Smith & Wesson Model 638 is another J-frame concealed-hammer revolver that deserves consideration. Originally produced as the “Bodyguard,” S&W only now offers this .38 Special snub as the Airweight aluminum-framed model with a stainless-steel barrel and cylinder.

The current S&W revolver sold under the “Bodyguard” is a double-action-only .38 Special with a cylinder latch release at the rear where a hammer spur would normally be. It is not the same revolver as the Model 638.

Introduced in 1955, the original Bodyguard .38 Special was a snubnose revolver built on the Chief Special frame. It was likely designed with law enforcement in mind, as it allowed shooters to more easily get shots on target out to 50 yards. Its shrouded hammer also prevents snagging on clothing.

The key difference between Centennial-style and Bodyguard-style revolvers is the hammer design. The Centennial has a fully enclosed hammer and sleek “ski-jump” appearance at the rear of the gun. The Bodyguard, by contrast, has a distinctive hump, described as looking like a “camel back” with a slot in the frame allowing limited access to the hammer spur.

On the current Model 638, the hammer spur appears to be much smaller. Though I never had trouble with the older steel- or aluminum-frame Bodyguards, I had a harder time getting the proper leverage on this variation. This may have more to do with my age than a design flaw. I don’t use the hammer spur anyway, though, and simply focus on maintaining a smooth, consistent trigger pull

My 638 is outfitted with a set of Hogue laser grips as my primary sighting tool. The factory front sight is a serrated ramp treated with Birchwood Casey green sight paint, and the rear is the traditional top-strap trough. This setup works well for me, and at around 16 ounces fully loaded, I can carry it all day without discomfort. Carrying it with two five-shot Safariland speedloaders gives me a basic load of 15 rounds.

Pros: Advantages of Centennial and Bodyguard Snubnose Revolvers

  • Lightweight: Weighing between 14 and 16 ounces depending on caliber, these revolvers are the best defensive gun to carry all day, even over rough terrain or extended time on foot like while hiking.
  • Proven designs: With more than 70 years in service, the Centennial- and Bodyguard-style revolvers have a long record of law enforcement and civilian use.
  • Enclosed hammer systems: The concealed or shrouded hammer simplify maintenance by keeping dirt and debris out of the operating systems.
  • Aftermarket options: A wide variety of aftermarket grips are available for both handguns. From lasergrips to exotic woods, the grip frame shape has remained the same, allowing for new and older grips to fit.
  • Compact: Even with standard-size grips, the revolvers’ small size enable pocket carry, provided your clothing allows it, and many pocket holsters are available.
  • Improved sights: Current S&W front and rear sights are much improved over my 638 and are separate components rather than integral to the frame or barrel. The XS sights on the .32 Magnum I tested are especially impressive.
  • Effective at close range: Like most revolvers, these guns function reliably for near-contact shots and could be fired through a coat pocket, if necessary, without jamming.
  • Versatile carry options: Plenty of holsters are available for snub-nosed revolvers, including ankle, belly band, shoulder, belt, small-of-the-back, waist packs, and bags. The shape of these defensive guns makes secure holster design straightforward.
  • Simple operation: A double-action revolver is the easiest gun to verify for loaded/unloaded status.
  • Ideal for dry-fire practice: Double-action revolvers are well suited to frequent dry-fire training.

Cons: Limitations of Five- to Six-Shot Revolvers

Limited capacity places greater responsibility on the shooter.

  • Reloading: Practicing this skill is essential. Users should learn to reload efficiently with a quality speedloader to offset the lower round count.
  • Accuracy matters more: With only five or six rounds available, every shot counts. Regular practice at realistic defensive distances (21 feet and beyond) is critical.
  • Dry-fire practice: Mastering the double-action trigger required frequent dry-fire training to build confidence.

The 2-Inch Snub Is the Best Compact Defensive Handgun

There is no compact defensive firearm as versatile as a 2-inch snub. The small size, light weight and mechanical simplicity of these revolvers make them easy to carry all day and therefore more likely to be on your person when you need it. A defensive handgun left at home offers no protection at all.

Centennial and Bodyguard-style snub revolvers have proven themselves for decades because they work in real-world conditions. In my experience, the best defensive handgun isn’t the most powerful or the most modern. It’s the one you will consistently carry, can control under stress and trust to function when everything else goes wrong.

Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com
XS Sights: XSSights.com