[nachosgrande]

Just wondering how much time everyone out there with a DA/SA revolver spends on single action practice vs double action practice.

[feudalson]

both if you plan on carring should be practiced extensively... but i think da would more likely be used in the hd/attack sititution

[10-Ring]

I'll put at least a couple boxes of the bulk pack 22lrs through my mod 17 every month -- cheap fun & great practice

[warnerwh]

I suggest you shoot both until you are skilled. Practice both of them. You don't say what your firearm use is but either way know your gun well. This takes many hours of practice. Just like golf, bowling, billiards or anything else it's a skill. People that are very good shooters practiced for many hours. Fortunately practice is fun.

[SouthShoreTJ]

I do more DA practice than SA because I'm more accurate with my GP-100's SA pull and I figure I'm more likely to shoot DA in a defensive situation. I do practice both though.

[pps]

Double action only. Who's going to take the time to shoot SA in self defense?

[GRIZ22]

DA for up close (25 yds or less) and SA for greater accuracy (over 25 yds).

I think it's important to practice those longer range shots. They may have little practical application unless you hunt but they are very good confidence builders. Just knowing you could take a 50 yd or greater shot if you had to is reassuring.

[sidheshooter]

All my SD revolvers are DAO.

Aside from a flatgate single six, flattop blackhawk .357, and a super blackhawk .44, I haven't shot SA in almost 2 decades.

[Brian Dale]

All of my revolver practice is DA, except for occasional shooting with a .22 cowboy pistol.

[hoptob]

I practice DA only.

[RON in PA]

DA only.

[johnnylaw53]

Depend on which weapon 642 da can't see the hammer, NAA 22lr sa only since it is only SA.

be safe

[halfded]

Mostly DA. Shoot some SA every time I go out though.

[MrBorland]

Until recently, it was DA only. I've always included some "target" 20-25 yard DA work, but have recently started doing some of this target work in SA, but, in this case, I shoot 1-handed, bullseye style. My shooting (and dry fire) is still mostly DA, though.

[adweisbe]

DA only.

[MCgunner]

I shoot both. I ain't learning, been shooting revolvers a long time. I have SA guns and DA guns and I hunt with handguns. Field use is SA only. Hard to shoot a Contender or Blackhawk DA. You'll turn blue squeezing that trigger. :D Have DA field carries, but never shoot DA at a rabbit or squirrel or other small game. I shoot DA with my carries, but also pop some off SA if they have the capability. I like to hone that minute of rabbit head accuracy at 25 yards. I carry DA and DAO guns for defense, auto or revolver.

[Old Fuff]

Both, but I would point out that the larger problem with double action shooting is controling the revolver whild pulling the trigger through a long and usually heavy stroke. This can be practiced by dry-firing. It costs nothing, helps smooth the internal parts, and builds up hand, finger and wrist strength.

[MCgunner]

We have sometimes done stuff (friends and I) like shooting 100 yard gong targets (12" diameter) with our snubby carries. You don't do that DA, either. :D No, there's no practical use in that skill with a snubby. It's fun, so get over it. I started shooting at age 6 because it was fun, well, and grandpa bought me a daisy red rider.. That part hasn't changed. And, no, I didn't shoot my eye out.

[twoclones]

DA 99.9% of the time.

[Sam1911]

I'll go one better! DA 99.99% of the time! If you can shoot DA accurately and fast, everything else is cake. It's important to have familiarity with how the break feels in SA, but seeing as it's about 99% harder to shoot DA accurately, it makes sense to practice it 99% more.

I average about 100 - 150 rds. of .44 Spc. a week in practice. I can't remember the last SA shot I took.

-Sam

[woad_yurt]

Almost exclusively DA. I want to be skilled in DA mode because that's the mode I'd use if in trouble.

[nachosgrande]

Thanks for all the replies. Had no idea people aren't shooting that much SA at all anymore. With my GP100 I'm spending about 75% of the time in SA and 25% of the time DA. Does that mean I'm practicing wrong?

[MrBorland]

Had no idea people aren't shooting that much SA at all anymore.

Well, this is group represents just one slice of those shooting wheelguns. Use the range or YouTube as a barometer, and you may find most shoot SA. Go to the Revolver subforum at brianenos.com, where competitive wheelgunners hang out, and they'll kick sand in your face for even having a hammer on your revolver.

With my GP100 I'm spending about 75% of the time in SA and 25% of the time DA. Does that mean I'm practicing wrong?

For what purpose do you own and/or shoot your GP100? For target practice? Hunting? I say shoot the way you shoot best, then. For defense? Combat action? IMO, it'd be best to become proficient shooting DA.

[General Geoff]

I do probably 95% double action, 5% single action.

[jaydubya]

DA only.
+1 My handguns are strictly for SD/HD now, so all my practice is within ten yards and double action.

Cordially, Jack

[wanderinwalker]

I'd guess 60/40 SA/DA. 75/25 sounds too tilted toward SA, and it's not purely 50/50. And my DA wheelguns are all 80's vintage S&Ws.

BUT, the majority of revolver shooters I see at the range shoot SA. And I'd wager the majority of the people who say "I shoot a (DA) revolver better than a (Glock/XD etc.)" are comparing a thumb-cocked revolver to a trigger cocked semi.

[Japle]

My GP100 is DAO and I installed a trigger stop on my M29 making it DAO, also.

[420Stainless]

Snubs - which I might carry but seldom do, 50% ea. Longer barrels, which I only shoot for fun, 90% SA (except for the Vaquero :D). I've grown to love revolvers, but almost all my carry is still semiauto.

[S&Wfan]

Thanks for all the replies. Had no idea people aren't shooting that much SA at all anymore. With my GP100 I'm spending about 75% of the time in SA and 25% of the time DA. Does that mean I'm practicing wrong?

Yes . . . and No!

No, you CAN'T go wrong practicing, as long as your technique is good.

That being said, it is always interesting to see shooters sign up for their first "Pin Match." Bowling Pin matches are shot at a distance of 10 yards (a good self defense distance) at good ol' heaving wooden bowling pins that are sitting about low-chest high on a heavy table. The object is to clear the table as fast as possible, for that's how ya win.

New shooters start trying to shoot single action and quickly realize other folks are clearing a five or six pin table in mere seconds shooting double action.

Next match, if they come back, they are starting to shoot double action. Yes, they are still as slow as molasses, and they are missing a lot because their double action technique hasn't been perfected where the trigger pull doesn't pull the sights off target, etc. . . . BUT, like I said, you can't go wrong practicing!

In time I've seen some fine, accurate single action plinkers, who would almost surely die quickly in a gun fight . . . turn into some pretty darn decent handgunners too!

As someone said, in an emergency you'll be shooting fast double action only anyway, just trying to keep the other guy ducking and running . . . so you need to learn to precisely hit what you need to hit every time . . . shooting fast and double action.

SUGGESTIONS . . .

Go to some handgun matches where revolvers are shot. You may just be comfortable hanging around and getting to know folks at first, and that's fine. You'll find, virtually without exception that the nicest and most helpful folks in the world are handgun competitors!!!

Soon you discover they are pulling for you in matches, no matter how you do, and encouraging you in every way . . . and you become a master with your firearms. You'll also learn to shoot more EFFICIENTLY and correctly watching what the best shooters do!

It is a lot of fun too!

[jad0110]

Quote:
Had no idea people aren't shooting that much SA at all anymore.

Well, this is group represents just one slice of those shooting wheelguns. Use the range or YouTube as a barometer, and you may find most shoot SA. Go to the Revolver subforum at brianenos.com, where competitive wheelgunners hang out, and they'll kick sand in your face for even having a hammer on your revolver.

Mr. Borland is right. The vast majority of revolver shooters I see at the range shoot their DA wheelguns SA.

And I'd wager the majority of the people who say "I shoot a (DA) revolver better than a (Glock/XD etc.)" are comparing a thumb-cocked revolver to a trigger cocked semi.

You may be right in some cases, but I really do shoot a DA revolver in DA better than a Glock or XD. And that is with a 642. Now, I usually shoot my 1911 better still than the 642, but revolvers like my Models 14, 15 and 686 top the 1911. In my hands anyway.

Actually, I shoot better DA than SA. Something about that long, heavy pull that makes a good counter balance for me, allowing for greater precision. YMMV.

Oh yeah, perhaps 1 / 400 or so shots in done in SA, the rest are DA.

[MCgunner]

At 7 yards I can shoot DA good enough. Even my auto has a long DA trigger and I've done okay with it in IDPA. It's a Kel Tec P11.

I can clear 6 pins with my DA .357, from low hold, not from leather, in around 6 seconds. That's from the buzzer to when the last pin hits the ground. No, that won't scare Jerry Miculek or any other master class shooter, but it's about as good as I can do it with a 1911. I'm in the sub six seconds with a 1911, but barely. The secret to speed is to start the trigger before you're on the target. It does take practice, but practice is still fun after all these years. If I could practice more, I'd get faster.

[Oro]

Double action only. Who's going to take the time to shoot SA in self defense?

Exactly. I don't shoot long range silhouette or anything else that would necessitate SA - everything I shoot is DA, so that's the way I practice.

[MCgunner]

Oro, you need to try some long range shooting. It's fun and practical. Of course, I like to kill things with handguns, so there's a need for it with me. I don't take 100 yard shots on deer DA. I shoot single action guns, anyway, in the field. But, life would be boring if all I cared about was DAO snubbies. But, I guess if you don't like killin' supper and sneer at Contenders, well, no need for SA.

[Brian Dale]

I've never met anybody who sneered at Contenders. :)

Actually, I shoot better DA than SA. Something about that long, heavy pull that makes a good counter balance for me, allowing for greater precision. YMMV.

Good point. The long trigger stroke apparently helps me to stay focused on the front sight.

[S&Wfan]

The smooth, long pull of the S&W revolvers is why they are so easy and accurate to shoot double action.

Once one masters the pull/grip/etc., many can shoot them with better success in matches as they can their 1911s.

Shooting double action revolvers one thing won't plague you . . . it will end your "milking" of the gun like so many folks do with single action automatics in a match.

You can't win when you milk the gun and the bullet hits 3' under the target at ten yards.

[Oro]

But, life would be boring if all I cared about was DAO snubbies. But, I guess if you don't like killin' supper and sneer at Contenders, well, no need for SA.

Well, MCgunner, since you insulted me personally, I'll respond. I like long range shooting. And do it with my revolvers. And I don't care exclusively about DA snubbies (I own no DAO guns, but the way). But no, I don't need to fudge my personal satisfaction with my revolvers by shooting SA at long range at game. I bought a new rifle yesterday just for this point. If I want to kill supper, as my family has done for many, many generations, I use a long gun and do it cleanly and as humanely as possible. I don't do it in SA with modern handguns because it suits my personal whims - I do it because it's efficient and humane and do it with an appropriate rifle and cartridge.

If I have time to line up and single-stroke my S&W 357 revolver to take down a deer or anything, I also have time to pull up my Win 94 out of the scabbard or an even better center-fire rifle and drop them more quickly and more accurately, with less suffering and pain.

Your post is particularly offensive as it implies you go take the game at over 100 yards with handguns because you can take the shot, not because it's humane or sensible. I like to think we as gun enthusiasts use them responsibly and to minimize harm and suffering, and not just shoot stuff "because we can."

I like to kill things with handguns, so there's a need for it with me.

I think this says it all. I don't enjoy "killing" anything, with handguns, rifles, or even mousetraps. But for hygene or for dinner, I do it. But I don't make my humor or amusement the main point of it as it appears you do. The thoughtlessness of advocating shooting game at long distance in SA with a revolver "because you can" disgusts me more than anything I've seen on this or any gun forum.

[Stainz]

I have divested myself of everything but S&W revolvers now. Fewer in number, but what I want - and designed for DA use, like the previous poster stated. My shooting - mainly plinking, some SPC competition - is 99+% DA. For my CC practice, it's all DA. Of course, my CCWs are a 642 and it's bigger sibling, a 296... both have enclosed hammers, making SA-shooting impossible. As successful defensive shooting is time-dependent, DA is required anyway.

Stainz

[StrawHat]

My primary carry gun is a 45 ACP S&W revovler. I practice it DA whenever I practice. I learned accurate DA shooting by competing in PPC matches. Once you learn how to shoot DA it is the easiest thing in the world.

PPC shooters routinely turn in 50 yard groups that are amazing. Often we would practice at double distances, and still turn in respectable scores.

Not all of us used tricked out PPC guns either, 4" S&Ws were common on the line and in the winners circle.

[wnycollector]

90% DA and 10% SA

[logical]

All the revolvers that I use for SD are DAO....so that's an easy one. The cannon-variety ones are mostly DA but I tend to shoot them SA more often than not, just like I would if hunting. The inbetween stuff, mostly 4" .357's are range guns so it's whatever I feel like doing that day...SA if I am trying to see just what the gun is capable of, DA if I just want to shoot it to shoot it.

[pmeisel]

90% sa -- 10% da.

[Sam1911]

Careful Oro, I understand why you might have taken umbrage, and see the point you're making, but let's not swing too far and escalate the argument.

If I want to kill supper, as my family has done for many, many generations, I use a long gun and do it cleanly and as humanely as possible. I don't do it in SA with modern handguns because it suits my personal whims - I do it because it's efficient and humane and do it with an appropriate rifle and cartridge.

If I have time to line up and single-stroke my S&W 357 revolver to take down a deer or anything, I also have time to pull up my Win 94 out of the scabbard or an even better center-fire rifle and drop them more quickly and more accurately, with less suffering and pain.

That's a false argument. If the energy transferred is sufficient, and the shot placement is proper, there is no more suffering and pain from a bullet fired from a revolver than there is from a long-gun.

Your post is particularly offensive as it implies you go take the game at over 100 yards with handguns because you can take the shot, not because it's humane or sensible. I like to think we as gun enthusiasts use them responsibly and to minimize harm and suffering, and not just shoot stuff "because we can."

Many of the revolver cartridges available these days are MORE powerful (sometimes FAR more) than your .30-30. Shall we turn the argument on its head and tell YOU that YOU'RE the unethical one? You'd have trouble arguing out from under that charge if his revolver can deliver twice the energy that your rifle will (and probably equal accuracy) ... :rolleyes:

I think this says it all. I don't enjoy "killing" anything, with handguns, rifles, or even mousetraps. But for hygene or for dinner, I do it. But I don't make my humor or amusement the main point of it as it appears you do. The thoughtlessness of advocating shooting game at long distance in SA with a revolver "because you can" disgusts me more than anything I've seen on this or any gun forum.

If this was truly the case, we'd raise all animals in pens and kill them in abattoirs. It is not fair or accurate to denigrate anyone's love of hunting or the means by which they do it. A good, accurately placed shot with a sufficiently powerful cartridge is just as legitimate if it comes out of a rifle, handgun, shotgun, bow, slingshot, catapult, trebuchet, etc. We all take pleasure in the skill required to humanely make the kill in the way we choose.

Don't read into his post some nefarious sentiment that isn't there, just because you were offended by his previous post.

-Sam

[Kleanbore]

If you are practicing for personal defense as a civilian, DA.

If you are practicing for hunting, SA.

[jfh]

Although I currently current a j-frame with a hammer (360), my typical carry gun is a DAO M&P340.

I've fired one cylinderfull of single-action shots--to "see what it was like." All my practice was and has been DAO.

Jim H.

[savit260]

98-99% double action with my Colt's and Smiths. Rarely will I take a SA shot at the local indoor range. Almost never.

Occationaly, I'll take some 50 yard SA shots at ammo boxes or soda cans at the outdoor range, against the berm, but that would be a bit of a rarity as well. Just once in a great while to make sure I can still do it.

Of course, all shots with the Colt Frontier Scout are SA, but that's a fun gun, not a SD/HD gun. :)

[jad0110]

Don't read into his post some nefarious sentiment that isn't there, just because you were offended by his previous post.

Agreed. Although I don't know MC personally, I've read enough of his posts to know that he is one of the finer gents on THR.

Good point. The long trigger stroke apparently helps me to stay focused on the front sight.

Yep. There is something about the rythm/cadence of a DA revolver that just suits my shooting style better than anything else. I can draw on a target and while pulling the trigger, make fine adjustments to the sight picture. I don't stage or anything, I just squeeze the trigger with steadily increasing force until the shot breaks.

Shooting a DA revolver in SA throws off my natural timining, so it actually feels awkward to me. I don't seem to have this problem with 1911s, though they still don't feel quite as natural to shoot as a good DA revolver. For this reason, the gun I carry most frequently may soon become my 2" Model 15, instead of my 1911.

Now, I don't claim to be a great shot. I do okay, but I could certainly do better. I just do my personal best when shooting a DA revolver in DA.

[22-rimfire]

I shoot about 75% single action with all of my DA revolvers. I shoot DA for fun mostly; not accuracy.

I shoot my Smith 442 double action only. I wonder why? But it and my 3" GP100 are the only two revolvers I own that I shoot and practice DA shooting due to self defense issues. For me shooting the larger calibers, namely 41 mag, most 357 mag, and 480 Ruger is a single action exercise and I just waste a lot of ammo in double action. I am a bit frugal when it comes to ammunition. When I took my CCW class, I shot my 3" GP100 exclusively in double action for the shooting portion and that was a bit of an education.

[Vern Humphrey]

What is your goal?

If your revolver is for Self-Defense use only, then use single action to gain basic skills, then switch to double-action and stick with it. Back when police departments used revolvers, many departments shot double-action, only.

If your goal is hunting, general woods carry, and so on, the single-action and precision is what you want.

If you do all of the above, then you need to mix your practice strategies. Generally, people who carry revolvers for SD carry snubbies, so shoot your snubby DA only, and shoot enough to maintain proficiency. For your other revolvers, shoot SA.

[ir3e971]

About 50 / 50.

I don't see all range time as "practicing". (even though it could be argued that it is)

I shoot a 642 frequently. That is obviously DAO, and intended for SD purposes. It is fun to shoot, and difficult to master.

However, when I take out a full size revolver, it is more for personal enjoyment. Then I shoot both DA and SA. A big old Smith 629 with a super trigger is a joy to shoot. Because it is is not a primary defense firearm, I enjoy the pistol and its craftsmanship in DA and SA.

[texas bulldog]

my revolvers are all for self-defense. thus, i practice only in DA.

now my wife will practice in SA, despite my repeated attempts to wean her off that habit. maybe i can convince her to get a DAO gun so that she won't be tempted to thumb the hammer.

[Clarence]

DA about 99% of the time.

[danefraz]

I shoot both DA and SA with as many wheelies as I can carry to the range...

However, I suggest that you practice both until you become 'proficient' enough to focus on one or the other. I suggest starting 'up close' until you figure out tigger control, in either SA or DA.

If you can hit your marks up close, move back. But only do so when you're guaranteed that you know that 'the broadside of the barn' is within your reach.

Most folks at our range (and in our club) will be more than happy to answer questions, show what works for them, and even let you handle their 'pieces' to put some lead down range. Our group might be different from others, but I hope not as we're all enthusiasts in this together...

Personally, I'm not a crack shot and more of a crack pot, but I shoot 'ok'. I like to help folks (kids, gents, ladies) when they ask. I also like to ask others about what they do... it might just be idle conversation, but it certainly is good to talk to others that enjoy the same stuff...

I like my smiths, in 14, 17, 586, 1917, 29(s), and 629. Each has something unique about it. The more I add I'm sure will just increase the warm fuzzies I get from the whole lot of 'em.

I won't discount my 'old model' SA Ruger Super Blackhawk. She's ugly, not as fine as she must have been new out of the box, a bit pitted and crusty, but she's sweet on the trigger.

I had a Colt and a Dan Wesson, but sold them off - not because they were offensive, but because I longed for a Smith... (Ford vs. Chevy here?)

Don't get me wrong, I grew up shooting SA for accuracy (tin cans, game, etc.).

I really like my recently found 'bulls-eye target shooting league' because you need both with wheelies... (wish I knew about this growing up).

We used to play 'move it out' when I was younger... start the target close, shoot it, then 'move it out' farther... shoot it some more, (lather, rinse, repeat until out of ammo). At some point it would become 'shoot at it' rather than 'shoot it'.

Now, don't get me wrong. I like my bottom feeders too (Glock, Colt, S&W, Browning, others if the price is right...). Each has it's advantage, it's feel and each likes to be stroked in a different way. A couple have their distinct purpose outlined on a card in my pocket.

I also see here the combination of CCW vs plinking vs target thoughts. There certainly isn't anything wrong with shooting both.

I'm also a proponent for shooting 'non-dominate'... Righties shoot lefty (switch sides, including the eye you 'squint').

If you 'cheat' and use a scope, or if your aged eyes require a scope, try shooting with both eyes open and see how you do...

Just a 'thot' or two to let tumble around...

I put a few picts here for reference...

The S&W 17 is mine, all double action...
The Beretta and Mosquito are a friends, and are bottom feeders...

DA:
http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/bang/2009_03_10_SW_17_Targ_01_f_s.jpg

Semi-Auto Beretta 92 9mm:
http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/bang/2009_03_10_Beretta_92_Targ_01_f_s.jpg

Semi-Auto Sig Mosquito 22 (with Red Dot):

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/bang/2009_03_10_SIG_Mosquito_Targ_01_f_s.jpg

[MCgunner]

I think this says it all. I don't enjoy "killing" anything, with handguns, rifles, or even mousetraps.

Ya know, if I didn't enjoy hunting, I wouldn't do it. Sorta reminds me of Ron White's story of his brother-in-law talkin' about his big kill. :D I quite enjoy all aspects of providing my own meat. I'd rather do it than have some yahoo at the slaughter house do it for me, frankly.

[Mat, not doormat]

I reckon I'm in the minority, here. I probably shoot a thousand rounds SA for every one I do DA. But then, I'm a cowboy shooter.

~~~Mat

[chriske]

I shoot my DA revolvers DA (and my SA revolvers SA).

I must confess I shoot my DA/SA semiautos SA.

[BlindJustice]

Although today I prefer my 1911 and a CZ 75B, I started out with a S&W
Model 18 4" Bbl. Combat Masterpiece in the mid-60s. I carried the Mod. 18 on the farm in my teens. I recall a lot of SA shots at
cottontails and DA proficiency came along slowly. A few times I would
stop the tractor after scaring up a horned toad. THey stop after scampering - I'd stop the tractor and do a slow DA trigger pull to pick them
off, smooth, keeping the sights aligned is the trick.

These days on range trips, I'll take my MOdel 617 10 shot cyl. 6" Bbl
along with my 625 5" Bbl. .45 ACP/.45 AR. They both weigh 45 oz. and
the sight radius is almost the same with the med. K-frame being
shorter in length it's only approx. .5 difference in length, although the
617 has a little differenct balance. I start the revolver practice with
the 617, a cylinder full in SA, only - with my vision I'm limited to 7-10
yards. 2nd Cyl. SA first shot, followed by a slow DA shot, concentrating
on a smooth pull. 3rd cylinders will be 10 DA shots, and then
worrk in 4th-nth, with 5x Double Taps. And just for "fun" I'll DA a full cylilnder as fast as i can empty it. No rule against it at my
range, first time I did it after coming out off the firing line back
in the lobby, Bill was behind the counter. He said he was watching
on the remote monitor. Not a lot of young guys with Double
Action shooting it seems, these days they like their Tupperware.
I guess 2/3rds to 75% DA vs SA

I then switch to the 625, about the same routine, but practice
smooth reloads with either full moon clips prepared at home, or with
HKS speedloaders with the .45 AR. I don't do the empty the cyl. as
fast as possible with it though. It's had the Master Revolver Action
Job at S&W - although my 617 is very smooth for an out of the box
action and has less reciprocating mass/parts the smoothness of the
worked over 625 is noticeable switching over.

If my vision allowed shooting out to 25-50 yards I'd
probably shoot mostly SA - FWIW.

Randall

[Daizee]

convince her to get a DAO gun so that she won't be tempted to thumb the hammer.

I think that's a very good idea. I shot my DA target revolver 90% SA, and then went to a speed match (steel plate) and had my clock cleaned. In fact, I almost *couldn't* shoot DA because I instinctively reached for the hammer every time. For most people, it's very true that you will fight like you train, unless you're a professional fighter and master at all techniques.

I decided to split up my DA vs. SA guns - the 6" target revolver stays as-is and becomes a range-only gun (bullseye, pins etc.). For the house/IDPA revolver (replacing the 6" in that role), I got a used 4" and bobbed the hammer. The DA practice will eventually carry over to the 6" gun (both K-frames) in case I bring it to another speed match.

One day I'll have a 3" SP101, and it will get a DAO hammer for the same reason.

The 4" .22LR revolver will stay as-is. It won't get pulled for a home invasion or whatever.

For SA love, the Blackhawk will do just fine without any compromises. :-)

I'm an incorrigible optimizer, and would LOVE to have one gun (ok, maybe two) for all situations - it would just set my mind at ease. (Un)fortunately many shooty goals are mutually exclusive. Instead I end up optimizing by having a separate gun for each function - and running out of space.

-Daizee

[Sam1911]

A few times I would stop the tractor after scaring up a horned toad. THey stop after scampering - I'd stop the tractor and do a slow DA trigger pull to pick them off, smooth, keeping the sights aligned is the trick.


Hmmm... are they not a protected species in WA?

As a bit of a lizard nut I hate to hear of them being used for target practice -- especially as the species has had such a hard time keeping off the endangered list.

-Sam

[Marvin KNox]

IMO - a DA/SA revolver that is carried for self defense should be shot far in excess of 90% in the DA mode.

Some say that you should remove the hammer on a revolver to alleviate the temptation to revert to SA in a self defense situation. I agree that high stress and SA may not fit together well for self defense. Buy I think if a guy stayed way above 90% DA in his practice shooting he would get good enough not to need to revert to SA just for a little accuracy.

Pure target shooting is always fun in SA - stance, breathing, sight picture and all that - you know? When I hunt spotted owls on Weyerhauser land just outside of Seattle I alway use the SA mode to be assured of a good clean head shot.

[Lovesbeer99]

30% SA for accuracy at distances up to 25 yards.
5% SA weak hand alternating with strong hand at distances up to 15 yards
30% DA slow for accuracy up to 25 yards
35% DA for speed with combat accuracy (maybe more like competition accuracy) up to distances of 25 yards.

I plan to spend more time with strong hand/week hand in DA.

These are rough estimates of course.

[Hostile Amish]

I normally shoot DAO for defensive practice, but shoot single-action for target shooting.

[weisse52]

DAO, If I want to shoot SA I will buy a SA.

But then if was into handgun hunting I would do a lot more SA.