How makers fit more rounds
A cylinder must leave enough steel between chambers and around the outside to contain pressure. To add chambers, a maker can use a larger cylinder, which means a bigger frame, or carefully engineer thinner walls and offset the cylinder bolt notches so they do not sit over the thinnest steel. Most seven- and eight-shot revolvers do both: a slightly larger cylinder in a frame that was already strong.
Ruger Redhawk 8-shot
Ruger's Redhawk is a large-frame double-action revolver built for strength. The 8-shot version puts eight chambers in that big cylinder. The catalog listing describes it as .38 Special; Ruger's 8-shot Redhawk is typically chambered in .357 Magnum, which also fires .38 Special, so confirm on the listing. Eight-shot Redhawks usually require moon clips; check before buying.
Ruger Redhawk 8-shot
8-shot · confirm chambering and clips
Taurus Raging Hunter 7-shot
Taurus lists a seven-shot Raging Hunter in .38 Special. The Raging Hunter line uses a ported barrel with an integral rail and is known as a value-priced range and hunting revolver. Confirm the chambering and barrel length on the listing.
Taurus Raging Hunter 7-shot
.38 Special · 7-shot listing
S&W 686 Plus
The 686 Plus is Smith & Wesson's seven-shot L-frame .357 Magnum, and one of the most popular seven-shot revolvers. We reviewed it in our 686 Plus review and covered the Mountain Gun in our Mountain Gun article. HKS makes the 587-A speedloader for seven-shot 686 cylinders.
HKS 587-A speedloader
7-shot S&W 686 and compatible
Is more capacity worth it?
| Advantage | Trade-off |
|---|---|
| More rounds before reloading | Larger, heavier gun |
| Useful for competition and field use | Moon clips often required on eight-shots |
| Same caliber you already shoot | Fewer holster and speedloader options |
For carry, a lighter five- or six-shot revolver is usually more practical. For the range, competition and the field, extra rounds are welcome. Competitive shooters often favor eight-shot revolvers with moon clips; see our competition revolver guide.
Reloading
Seven- and eight-shot cylinders need their own speedloaders or moon clips. Buy several and practice. Our speedloader guide covers the options.
Where extra capacity helps most
Seven- and eight-shot revolvers shine in three places. In competition, especially revolver divisions that reward fewer reloads, eight rounds in a moon clip is a real advantage. In the field, a hunter or hiker carrying a .357 for small game and protection appreciates a couple of extra rounds without extra weight in the pocket. At the range, more rounds per cylinder simply means more shooting between reloads. For concealed carry, the larger frames involved usually outweigh the benefit, which is why most carry revolvers stay at five or six rounds.
A note on older designs
High-capacity revolvers are not new. Some historic designs, and many modern rimfire revolvers, carry eight or more rounds, because small cartridges leave plenty of steel between chambers. What changed recently is how common seven- and eight-shot centerfire .357 revolvers have become from mainstream makers.
Bottom line
If you want the most rounds in a tough revolver, the Redhawk 8-shot is the pick. The 686 Plus is the classic seven-shot, and the Raging Hunter is the value choice. Confirm chambering and clip requirements before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Which revolver holds the most rounds?
Some rimfire revolvers hold eight or more rounds. Among centerfire .357/.38 revolvers, eight-shot models such as Ruger's Redhawk 8-shot hold the most.
Do eight-shot revolvers need moon clips?
Many do. Check the listing and manufacturer's guidance for your model.
Is a seven-shot revolver weaker than a six-shot?
Makers engineer seven- and eight-shot cylinders to handle their rated loads, often with larger cylinders and offset bolt notches.
What speedloader fits a seven-shot 686?
HKS makes the 587-A for seven-shot S&W 686 and compatible cylinders.
WheelGuns earns a commission on some purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing change often — always confirm on the retailer's page. Firearms ship only to a licensed dealer (FFL); you are responsible for complying with all federal, state and local laws. Nothing here is legal advice. Get professional training and store firearms securely.