Double action revolvers...is there a problem with them?

[WonderNine]

What I'm saying is...they give you a choice...not that I'd want to restrict that choice to anyone else, but.....when you're in a semi-close self defense situation, does that extra thought about, should I unload everything at once or take a little more time (but probably achieve more accuracy) by firing single action occupy anyone else's mind?

Yes, I'm overly philosophical

 

[Jim March]

No, it's nowhere NEAR the problem presented by DA/SA autos!

With the DA wheelgun, what's supposed to happen is that you practice enough to master the continuous DA string of shots. That takes a bit - absolute minimum of 400ish rounds plus at minimum monthly practice in the 50rd range.

These are in my opinion ROCK BOTTOM minimums for those carrying such a piece.

If you're doing that or better, then when the excrement hits the rotary air movement device, you're going to "grab and go" straight for DA. Cocking it would take more time, and time is the ONE thing you'll generally not have a whole lot of.

The SA trigger option, in combat, will be reserved for those incredibly rare situations where the fight is at some range, both parties are behind cover or extreme distance adding up to the equivelent, and you're basically trying to do "sniper/counter sniper" work.

Your odds of getting into a mess quite like that are seriously remote. I've read about a Border Patrol fight that went that way, with some poor dude with a K-Frame 357 hiding behind a rock and plinking 20+ rounds SA at a drunk rifleman across a gully .

The only other example I can think of is the almost-as-rare "gotta stop a crazy public shooter" situation...some nut is just randomly opening up, you're 50 yards out with a dang 686 or something, so you go prone, cock it and do your best. It's not like things can get worse.

But outside of weird stuff, fights are close and fast, and as long as you're actually comfortable with DA, you're fine.

With the DA/SA auto, it's a whole different problem. The damn gun switches operating modes on you between the first and subsequent shots. THAT in my opinion is potentially disasterous and nothing I'd ever get involved in, unless it's a gun that can be cocked'n'locked for all-SA operation (CZ75/Witness operating drill).

 

[Tamara]

You can fire a DA revolver single-action?


Seriously, I'd work on your DA accuracy and let this become a moot point. There shouldn't be any reason that you're "giving up" accuracy by using the DA trigger. I can't remember the last time that I thumb-cocked a DA wheelgun.

 

[braindead0]

Many 'pundits', including Massad Ayoob strongly suggest removing the SA ability on your revolver. The theory is, if you have to shoot somebody...there would be no question that you meant to. As opposed to cocking the gun and confronting a burgler in your house, if you get startled it would be easy to accidentally shoot... Or at least easier than DA..

That's the theory at least, probably like the "don't use your reloads for SD"... controversial...

 

[MK11]

While I think the problems with transitioning between DA/SA pulls on an auto are often overstated, I agree that shooting a revolver double action is easier. In fact, I shoot a revolver better DA than SA cause I focus on aligning the sights and pressing the trigger through. With an SA revolver pull, I sometimes "stab" the gun at the target for some reason. Not good.

 

[braindead0]

"stab" the gun at the target for some reason.

That makes the bullets go faster, doncha know

 

[RON in PA]

Unless you're shooting bullseye ther is no reason to shoot SA in a defense situation. I don't think that police or DAs would consider you to be in imminent danger from somebody at more than arm's length. As far as the sniper scenerio, that's a whole different situation and I would suggest cover and concealment and a rifle.

Modern revolvers (esp. Smiths) have great DA trigger pulls. Now get out there and practice.

 

[trapshooter]

I tend to agree that DA is a much better use of a DA/SA revolver in a close fight/SD situation. It is not uncommon for SA pull weights lower than 2.5 lbs on factory S&W triggers, for instance. That's pretty light when you are excited. AD's in that situation are easy. If you stick to DA in that situation, you become much more deliberate, which is a good thing.

Smooth, easy, DA pulls are not hard to come by, and shouldn't detract from required marksmanship in a SD situation. If they do, then more DA practice was in order, or the range was excessive, (beyond 50 yards? Unless you are LE, maybe shooting was a bad idea?). Every situation is different, and calls for it's own unique solution, of course. But if I was so uncomfortable with my DA skill that I wanted to shoot single action at close range, I'd practice DA more. Unless all I had was a single action revolver, of course.

 

[dfariswheel]

Another thing to consider:
In stressful situations, (somebody trying to KILL you), you get just plain clumsy.

There are numerous cases of people dropping their gun or ammo, and inadvertently firing shots. Single action is even worse, since you partially relax your grip on the gun to cock the hammer. This leads to fumbling and you can either fail to cock the hammer, or fire the gun before you're ready.

You fight like you train. Train for DA fire. No you won't hit the gnat in the right eye, but you can hit the attacker in the chest, which is all that counts.

In a real-life confrontation you won't have time, dexterity, or need for anything except DA. DA is simpler, and simple is better.

That's why the old Colt single action revolver isn't really a viable defense gun anymore.

 

[Jim March]

Quoting:

"That's why the old Colt single action revolver isn't really a viable defense gun anymore."

Eh, unless you make the effort to really master the type (which actually takes LONGER than with DA to do it right).

Get it down cold, and there's some interesting advantages to the "old thumbcockers", like first-shot speed from hell and the ability to deal with really major recoil levels...

 

[braindead0]

Yeah, I've watched the CAS folks do the quickdraw and fire thing, or fanning..yikes!!!!

 

[P95Carry]

''Up close and personal'' ... D/A always ........ and with a well formed two hand grip .... and smooth pull .... very effective. It is tho VERY well worth, IMO, adding single handed D/A to the practice schedule .. strong hand AND weak hand .....

My only S/A is Super Blackhawk ... and that's a huntin gun, not combat!!

 

[Albert Shear]

Thats the way my 66 3" is setup. Bobbed hammer and rendered DAO. Been using it for 15 years.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the only time i've even considered a SA shot with my DA wheelgun in a SD situation was when it was out beyond 50YDS

it was across 2 yards and a wide 2 lane road, into a house...and the only thing i was doing was hoping he wouldn't come out till the guy with the rifle got there.

i wouldn't even consider it out of a LE context...tough (not impossible)to claim immediate danger at 50 yards

 

[billcameron]

I think DA is the way to go. However, if you are going to fire SA try this. Obtain a two handed grip and use the thumb of the WEAK hand to cock the revolver. With weak hand thumb you can pull straight back and maintain strong hand grip.