Too often we are caught up in the latest high-capacity firearm that is chock-full of the newest gizmos and widgets. We get so excited by the hype and forget that what women really need are reliable guns that shoot when women are in trouble. A wheelgun fits this requirement perfectly. While revolvers may not be the fanciest firearms in your display case, for many women they are the best choice for a self-defense handgun.

Today's high-tech materials and design innovations have spiced up the humble wheelgun a bit. But where revolvers really shine is in their ease of use and simple maintenance requirements, which make them ideal for women to carry in their purses or on their bodies. Here is a look at a selection of revolvers that many women would gladly carry as their personal defense guns.

Taurus' titanium revolvers are two-thirds the weight of equivalent steel revolvers, and are actually lighter than same-size aluminum-frame and steel cylinder/barrel revolvers. They are virtually impervious to all types of corrosion, making them ideal for on-the-body carry since they aren't damaged by sweat. Taurus' Total Titanium revolvers features all-titanium major components, including a drop-forged titanium frame; sideplate, yoke and barrel; a CNC-machined extruded titanium cylinder; and CNC-machined titanium internal studs.

The revolvers come in four different finishes: shadow gray, bright or matte spectrum blue, and stealth gay. They also feature an extended ejector rod for positive extraction of fired cases, and an integral yoke latch for increased lockup strength.

Taurus revolvers have ported barrels for magnum power and +P recoil control, and pliable shock-absorbing Ribber control, and pliable shock-absorbing Ribber Grips that make shooting much more comfortable. This is great idea, and should make them very attractive to women who are worried about the painful recoil produced by light firearms.

The Taurus Total Titanium revolvers are currently available chambered in .38 Special (M85), .357 Magnum (M617), .41 Magnum (M415), .45 Long Colt (M450), .44 Special (M445) and the Multi Alloy .38 Special Titanium UltraLite (M85).

Taurus' seven-shot .357 Magnum Model 617 comes in eight variations and features ported barrels, concealed hammers, and stainless or blued finishes. The 2-inch snubby features soft-rubber grips, serrated ramp front sights, fixed rear sights, a transfer bar safety, and the option of a concealed hammer. The seven-shot weights 28.3 ounces and has an overall length of 6 5/9 inches. The Total Titanium Model 617 weights 19.9 ounces.

Taurus' new 650 CIA (Carry It Anywhere) and 850 CIA are great carry choices. Sporting 2-inch barrels, these snubbies feature soft rubber grips, fixed front sights, notched rear sights, a transfer bar safety and a concealed hammer. The five-shots weigh 24 ounces and are chambered in .357 (650) and .38 Special + P (850).

Since the revolvers feature Taurus' integral locking system, they will be especially attractive to women who have children, or who regularly have kids visiting their homes.

Reliable Ruger

Another wheelgun you should consider offering your female customers is the Ruger SP-101. This perennial favorite isn't specifically designed for women, but it is a natural for the women who is serious about self-defense. The double-action revolver comes chambered in a variety of calibers, including .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum. Its five-shot capacity, 25-ounce weight and stainless steel finish make it ideal for concealed carry.

The Ruger SP 101 is ideal for self-defense.

Right-Price Rossi

The very affordable Rossi wheelguns are excellent carry-gun choices for women on a budget. The .38 Special wheel gun holds five rounds and weights 22 ounces. With a blued or stainless steel finish and 2-inch barrel, it works well in a purse or holster. The .357 Magnum Rossi holds six rounds and weights 26 ounces. Distributed exclusively by BrazTech, both revolvers feature the integrated Taurus Security System.