Weird CCW: short barreled single action.

You're not going to find many people recommending single action revolvers for CCW or self defense.

That said, Uberti makes a birds head grip with short (3.5"??) barrel.

Antihero said:

You aren't wrong. I already have a few CCW options do this is more for fun that anything

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And to be clear, I have CCW'd a 5.5" SAA before (it's on my permit). It's doable, but not overly comfortable LOL

Take a look at the Vaquero Sheriff models produced awhile back- sometimes they are on GunBroker. I have one in .44 Special and it it could be a very nice carry gun for those folks who aren't in the 9mm mandatory high-capacity polystriker club.

Part of what makes a single action revolver so comfortable to carry, on a belt, relative to a DA revolver of similar overall weight, is that the SA’s barrel and ejector rod assembly act as a stabilizing weight, to counter the mass of the relatively small grip frame. Removing too much barrel, or deleting the ejector rod assembly, changes this equation, and the weapon becomes less comfortable to carry, as it can “want” to tip over, or act as a vertical seesaw, as one actively moves.

This is my opinion, based upon trying several configurations of SA revolvers, on the belt. I have never, however, owned as SA revolver shorter than 4-3/4” that had an ejector rod assembly, so cannot comment on the several Italian sixguns that have 3.5” or 4” barrels, with ejector rod assemblies.

I am not saying that the short-barreled SA sixguns are not fun to own, shoot, and even carry, but they are not the best belt guns. IMHO, of course.

I too liked the idea of the carryhawk, but in reality it’s just wrong for me. The entire gun needs to shrink. Drop it to bearcat frame and 38+p and I think it’s a better setup. Still it’s a push to go single action over double action but if I were going that route I would still want a concealable gun. The carryhawk is big enough that it’s not easy to conceal but also access.

It can be done with the right combination of features.

Here is my mid frame Blackhawk with a 4" barrel and rounded grip frame.



And a belt holster that carries very well under a jacket or other covering garment.



Would it be my first choice in a dark alley in the 'hood? No.

Does it serve a purpose when I am out running errands in small town USA? Yes.

If you can't find one---make one. Take a single action ( ? caliber) and whack off the barrel to whatever length you want. Silver solder a sight on. Leave the ejector
rod off (probably too short anyway) since it is to be used for fun. What length barrel did you have in mind?

.455_Hunter said:

Take a look at the Vaquero Sheriff models produced awhile back- sometimes they are on GunBroker. I have one in .44 Special and it it could be a very nice carry gun for those folks who aren't in the 9mm mandatory high-capacity polystriker club.

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*Me*

Antihero said:

Cimmaron makes the Thunderer in 3.5 I see too, anyone else ? I'm really leaning towards 45acp/45 Colt here.

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You mean you want one of these:



Great little belly gun. I'm not so sure about CCW, but it doesn't matter to me since here in San Francisco, getting a CCW license is nearly impossible

I have been carrying a Single Action Ruger Blackhawk for just over ten years now. My pick has been the .45 Colt Blackhawk 4 5/8" barrel. At first I carried a .44 Special (medium frame) in a Mernickle PS-6SA pancake type holster. As time went on I found I needed to carry the gun slightly lower and have gone to belt loop type holsters. With a short jacket or vest the tip of the holster does show at times, but it is of little notice and poses no problem.

RKRCPA, how do you get that thong off in a hurry? Looks dangerous to me. Ever thought it just might flip back in time to catch the front sight?

Bob Wright

I have a 44 mag Ruger NM Blackhawk with a 3.75" barrel. Pretty cool gun, but the last thing Id carry for anything serious. If it had to be something like that, Id go with my 4" 629.



Guns like either of those get carried in holsters like this.....



I might be wearing that, but Id also still carry that high cap 9mm.

Deep woods belly gun for peaceful bears

Vaquero 44 Mag and Azula holster

Ruger New Model Vaquero in .45 Colt (also available in 45 ACP). Shown next to a Single Seven for scale. In cross section the Vaquero is noticeably larger. My personal opinion is the key to using a single action as a CCW is the Mondato hammer. Has an easier reach over the top spur and wider double action feel when cocking than a standard single action hammer.



Carried high on the hip in a Galco holster. Rides close to the body and has been pressed into CCW during colder months primarily because surprisingly, it conceals rather easily in this particular holster and I shoot the gun really well.

I guess my name is nobody because I often carry a single action concealed. The 4 5/8 barrel works well in the OWB cross draws I prefer.


Reloads are a bit slow, but I recently saw a conversion where the cylinder pin is spring loaded and if you push the release it pops forward allowing the cylinder to come right out. Another cylinder was slid in and the pin pushed home. Sadly I didn't get to examine the handgun up close.

And if all else fails.

jeepnik said:

I guess my name is nobody because I often carry a single action concealed. The 4 5/8 barrel works well in the OWB cross draws I prefer.
View attachment 952261

Reloads are a bit slow, but I recently saw a conversion where the cylinder pin is spring loaded and if you push the release it pops forward allowing the cylinder to come right out. Another cylinder was slid in and the pin pushed home. Sadly I didn't get to examine the handgun up close.

And if all else fails.
View attachment 952263

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Your response reminded me of this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9C-fRdCmzDk

One of my favorite gunfight scenes... an all time classic!

Stay safe.

Riomouse911 said:

Your response reminded me of this:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9C-fRdCmzDk


One of my favorite gunfight scenes... an all time classic!

Stay safe.

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That's AWESOME. I forgot all about that scene. I haven't seen that one in ages. Thanks!

Wow, everyone's showing their leather. I guess I have no choice but t respond in kind.

I've carried this on several different occasions. 3 1/2" Round Butt Freedom Amrs M97 .45 colt. IWB, Shoulder Holster, and Simply Rugged pancake.



Isn't my first choice, but I wouldn't feel particularly handicapped. I'm mostly woods bumming and not in our small town much.

Paul

I like the CarryHawk but don't think it fills a hole in my life. As others have said, I think I would prefer it in a lighter platform myself. I think .327 or .357, which ever got it lighter if it was meant for a lot of carrying and not much shooting.