What Are Your Thoughts on SA Revolvers?

I carry a NAA Black Widow every day and usually something else. Often that something is a Ruger Blackhawk. I like revolvers and during deer season the Blackhawk is very effective. I sometimes carry a Charter Arms Bulldog when I do not want the weight of the Ruger. When shooting big bore revolvers a SA really does not slow down a follow up shot if you practice.

I think I need more single action revolvers.
I have a bunch but more would be quite welcome.

The Heritage was my first one. They seem to vary in quality, but I got a darn good one. I find it hard to put down once it's in hand. It's the "regular" 4.75-inch barreled one, with both cylinders. I don't shoot the Magnum one; only did a couple of dozen times when I first got it in 2012.

Later, I got a used Ruger "New Model" (the one with the transfer-bar mechanism) Single Six. It feels more robust and sturdy but, admittedly, I've never shot it. I keep forgetting I have it, but it's in my range bag now, so it will go the next time I do.

I got two more SA revolvers after those, both also in .22 caliber. One is the NAA in .22LR, with the "standard" 1.125-inch barrel. It's a neat little piece of jewelry and sometimes does pocket-BUG duty, but I' never recommend it as a gun to "try a SA revolver" with. It's just too small and has such a learning curve necessary to shoot it. The other is another Heritage Rough Rider, a "birdshead" model with the shorter 3.5-inch barrel. It also came with both cylinders. I've shot it, but not enough to loosen it up any. It seems a little "grittier" than the first. It came to me as part of a "Taurus Blem" sale, but I had to look very hard to find the "blem." By the way, Heritage is owned by Taurus now.

I've got my eyes on a centerfire one now, preferably in .38/.357 caliber. Perhaps a Cimarron or Traditions... maybe even a Vaquero, but, man, they're pricey, especially for the stainless I'd want..

Rocketmedic said:

So I'm thinking of scratching an itch with a SA revolver. I am considering a Heritage Rough Rider for plinking or an NAA minimag as a carry piece if I feel frisky. What are your thoughts?

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One's low end and one, while quality, is too tiny for my mits. I love a nice SA revolver, but the ones you listed are ones I'd personally pass on.

Rocketmedic

Me, if I were "scratching an itch" for a single action, would probably be looking at something from Uberti or else a Ruger Vaquero or Blackhawk. Lots of different models to choose from as well as calibers. My favorites are those chambered for .45 Colt (and one particular lovely in .44 Special).

I like SA revolvers for plinking and target shooting and they are essential for cowboy action shooting. However, due to the slow speed of reloading a SA revolver, I could envision several circumstances where they would be detrimental in a self defense role.

My thoughts on single action revolvers?

I have a few.

Second Generation Colts, 45 Colt






First Generation Bisley Colt 38-40






First Generation Bisley Colt refinished and rebarrelled and rechambered for 44 Special.






New Model Rugers, Blackhawk and Vaqueros. 45 Colt and 357 Mag.






Three Screw Rugers, 44 Mag, 357 Mag and Single Six 22s.





S&W Second Model Russian, 44 Russian cartridge.






S&W First Model Schofield, 45 Schofield cartridge.






S&W New Model Number Threes, 44 Russian cartridge.






Merwin Hulbert Pocket Army 44-40 cartridge.






Personally I would not be interested in the Rough Rider, the Ruger Single Six is a much better gun.

If you could only own ONE handgun, I think a .45 Colt Ruger single action, like a stainless 5 1/2" barrel Blackhawk or Bisley, would be a great choice.

If someone thinks a old single action isn't useful for self defense, then they haven't been to a SASS or CAS match. Them pards can shoot there singles damn near fast as any average man with a Glock, and reload so fast you'd think they'd drawn another piece.

Truth is, by a man that KNOWS HOW TO USE ONE, a good single gives absolutely nothing to any modern handgun. They are an experts gun, a shootist's gun. Those that balk at them are simply incompetent in there use.

Many high profile members here, such as Bob Wright, carry singles. I dare any of you to question him. These folks know how to run a single. A more reliable or accurate pistol is hard to come by. They are stone age simple, and oft come chamber in such manstoppers as the .357 Smith's & Wesson's Magnum and Colt's 45 Long.

I think I need to get a Blackhawk one of these days. I really wish Ruger would do a flattop Bisley in .357 Magnum.

Rocketmedic

This would be a plinker. 22 is cheap and fun, so it'll probably be a 22.

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Then I would recommend a Ruger Single Six or Bearcat as a fun .22 single action plinker.

I had and carried a NAA mini revolver for a couple of years. The holstergrip actually made it pretty easy to shoot.

I started getting light hammer strikes, so I sent it back for repair (which they gladly did).
Then I quickly drew the gun to take a potshots at a coyote and broke an internal part. I sent it back for repairs then traded it off. It was a well-made gun, just too tiny.
Ymmv.

This is why I shouldn't visit these boards

I had just talked myself out of a reasonably priced Uberti Cattleman at the local gun shop. Plain Jane, nothin' fancy, 4 7/8" .45 colt with a flat finish. A working gun.

She sure seems eager to come home with me. Promising miles on my hip walking in the woods. I protest that I don't need to get into another caliber. I don't reload. However I just keep looking at those deep cavernous chambers and the big ol' brass casings hugging those old school fat lead boolits.

In a world of fast and loud and high capacity, there is something about the sensual lines of the 1873 that tosses softball 200+ grainers that appeals to me. This would be a "fun" gun, but .45 colt even at Cowboy Loads has turned many a head into a pumpkin canoe when the need arises.

Might need to go pick her up today.

Fiv3r said:

This is why I shouldn't visit these boards

I had just talked myself out of a reasonably priced Uberti Cattleman at the local gun shop. Plain Jane, nothin' fancy, 4 7/8" .45 colt with a flat finish. A working gun.

She sure seems eager to come home with me. Promising miles on my hip walking in the woods. I protest that I don't need to get into another caliber. I don't reload. However I just keep looking at those deep cavernous chambers and the big ol' brass casings hugging those old school fat lead boolits.

In a world of fast and loud and high capacity, there is something about the sensual lines of the 1873 that tosses softball 200+ grainers that appeals to me. This would be a "fun" gun, but .45 colt even at Cowboy Loads has turned many a head into a pumpkin canoe when the need arises.

Might need to go pick her up today.

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The .45colt is probably the easiest caliber to learn to reload. It is my favorite to reload for.

Single actions? My favorite big-game hunting tools!

Cooldill said:

Truth is, by a man that KNOWS HOW TO USE ONE, a good single gives absolutely nothing to any modern handgun.

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That's obviously an absurd statement.

A good SA can be a fun and effective firearm to own. I plan to buy one or more some day.

My thoughts though are look at Rugers to start right. Then maybe graduate to some higher end guns if you decide the itch hasn't been adequately scratched.

Rough Riders? Well, I'll just say I think Rough is in the name for a reason. I looked at one a few years ago and decided I didn't want to spend money on it. I know there's good ones out there, but I'd look elsewhere. NAA minis? Mini means mini when it comes to those guns. Unless you have freakishly small hands, I wouldn't recommend them to too many folks. I think they do serve a purpose as a last ditch backup gun though.

I love single action revolvers.
I only have 2, both NM Blackhawks. One in .45 Colt and one in .357 mag, but I would like to add a few more.

I don't know that I would want an NAA mini mag as my primary carry gun, but its better than nothing, and would certainly slip into a pocket in situations where carrying a larger firearm isn't feasible.
I have very limited experience with a Heritage Rough Rider. IIRC it was pot metal and felt pretty cheap, but it functioned fine and accuracy was acceptable. If it will be an occasional shooter it will be fine. If you're going to put a couple hundred rounds through it every weekend, I wouldn't go with the Heritage.

Ah, y'all have broached a subject dear to my heart! And those photos have set my heart a-tingling! There are few things (inanimate things) that feel so Wright in the hand and pleasing to the eye!

Just press one into the hollow of the hand and note how smoothly the fingers naturally wrap around the grips and the thumb just comes to rest on the hammer spur. While holding a Single Action, let your eyelids sort of droop shut and you begin to smell the fresh smell of cows and mesquite smoke mingled with the aroma of coffee brewing in the pot. Or maybe the dew-damp aroma of the pines in the early morning stillness as you sit and lean against a tree trunk. The woods are quiet as dawn breaks and one by one birds begin to awaken and start their chatter for the day. Place your Single Action across your lap as you await the approach of a young buck, and study the smooth svelte lines, the deep rich blue and the fiery colors of the case colors. It's then that you thank God you're alive, you're in the woods, and have this steel companion in your possession. And, dang-nab it, you just let a fine six pointer walk by! And, of all things, you don't care!

Bob Wright

In context, this is not absurd at all. Home defense, and the average encounter that uses 2.4 shots. Also, sighting takes time, a reasonably trained SA shooter can get 6 well aimed shots off without losing speed to a semi or DA if accuracy is an issue. If your in a big shootout with lots of shooting, your point is well taken. Conceal carry can also be an issue with a SA

ATLDave said:

That's obviously an absurd statement.

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Cooldill said:

If someone thinks a old single action isn't useful for self defense, then they haven't been to a SASS or CAS match. Them pards can shoot there singles damn near fast as any average man with a Glock, and reload so fast you'd think they'd drawn another piece.

Truth is, by a man that KNOWS HOW TO USE ONE, a good single gives absolutely nothing to any modern handgun. They are an experts gun, a shootist's gun. Those that balk at them are simply incompetent in there use.

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Some pretty tall statements there. For the record, I have been shooting CAS for close to 20 years now. Shooting rapid fire with a single action revolver with light loads at steel targets that don't shoot back would be very different than defending oneself against a hostile threat. Reload quickly? Are you kidding? With most single action revolvers, other than a Top Break, you have to reload one chamber at a time.

I am very good with a single action revolver, but I would not dream of carrying one for self defense. I would much prefer carrying a S&W double action 357 Magnum rather than one of my Colts.

Cooldill said:

If someone thinks a old single action isn't useful for self defense, then they haven't been to a SASS or CAS match. Them pards can shoot there singles damn near fast as any average man with a Glock, and reload so fast you'd think they'd drawn another piece.

Truth is, by a man that KNOWS HOW TO USE ONE, a good single gives absolutely nothing to any modern handgun. They are an experts gun, a shootist's gun. Those that balk at them are simply incompetent in there use.

Many high profile members here, such as Bob Wright, carry singles. I dare any of you to question him. These folks know how to run a single. A more reliable or accurate pistol is hard to come by. They are stone age simple, and oft come chamber in such manstoppers as the .357 Smith's & Wesson's Magnum and Colt's 45 Long.

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The fact that competitors can shoot a SA quickly is irrelevant. Give Joe Average a SA and a semi-auto, I think you'll find the results are not even remotely close. Most shooters are not competitors or experts with any gun. A DA revolver or pistol in their hands will always be a significantly better self defense choice.

The Single Six is a much better revolver than the Rough Rider, but the Rough Rider is a sufficient firearm. It ain't pretty, ain't refined, but it's going to go bang, and it's affordable. You won't feel bad sticking it in your glove box or tackle box, but it'll still deliver bullets on target, and it'll still deliver a hell of a lot of fun. If the Ruger were the same price, the Rough Rider wouldn't be on the market - but in their price point, they'll do what they're supposed to do well enough, and they're a good enough product to deserve their place in the market.