Reloading a Single Action Revolver (Your thoughts)

[Fiv3r]

Being a southpaw does make loading the SA a bit quicker. I generally shoot left handed, but I am right handed in most other cases (writing, throwing, etc). So reloading a SA is pretty easy for me. Already have the gun in my shooting hand, the hand loading the rounds doesnt have stupid fingers.

Still, it's a pretty slow process compared to dropping a mag and slamming a new one home.

Then again, carrying a wheel gun, especially a single action, is a personal choice with known drawbacks and advantages. I rather prefer it over most any other firearm.

 

[Charlie98]

The fastest for me:
Gun in left palm
Roll cylinder with left thumb
Barrel up
Run ejector rod with right index
Empty them all
Barrel down
Still rolling the cylinder with left thumb
Load all 6

That's basically the way I do it. I can punch out 6 empties in about 10 seconds, the reload a bit longer.

I'm missing half of my left thumb, so that necessitates I load with my right hand... or the reload would take a bit longer, mostly from the time spend picking cartridges I drop off the ground.

 

[MaxP]

I'm a bit confused. My carry in the field is typically leaning towards animal protection (obviously one can run into bad actors of the two legged variety as well), but don't see where the fast reload comes into play. If you need to defend yourself from an animal attack, you likely aren't going to get a lot of shots off. It's not a firefight. Or am I missing something here?

Most of my single-actions have free-wheeling pawls and are a snap to top off.

 

[CraigC]

I transition to my left hand to empty and run the ejector with the right thumb:



For loading, I transition back to the right hand and load with the left. If all the stars align, I can fire five, reload and fire five more in 15secs.

 

[MrBorland]

Or am I missing something here?

Yes. The thread's simply about methods to reload your SA. Doesn't matter why you'd need to or if there are better options than a SA. It's simply about the mechanics of the SA reload.

 

[thomas15]

For some reason this thread makes me want to run out to the general store and purchase my first pair of suspenders.

I just have to devise a way to quickly get past the spirited game of checkers on the front porch.

 

[MaxP]

Yes. The thread's simply about methods to reload your SA. Doesn't matter why you'd need to or if there are better options than a SA. It's simply about the mechanics of the SA reload.

Well thank you for the clarification.

The free-wheeling pawl is your friend. So easy to get to the spent case and refresh the hole.

 

[WrongHanded]

I'm a bit confused. My carry in the field is typically leaning towards animal protection (obviously one can run into bad actors of the two legged variety as well), but don't see where the fast reload comes into play. If you need to defend yourself from an animal attack, you likely aren't going to get a lot of shots off. It's not a firefight. Or am I missing something here?

Most of my single-actions have free-wheeling pawls and are a snap to top off.

Max, I don't disagree with your assessment. I suppose I could throw out some wild and unlikely scenarios, but they'd just be wild and unlikely. I've never had to use a gun to defend myself (and only once ever felt like I might imminently need to), so the chances of also needing a reload seem quite remote.

But you never know. And I'd rather ingrain a fast reload into my muscle memory, than a slow, ho-hum range-practice fumble. Which is up until now pretty much what I'd been doing. I might never be fast, but there's definitely room for improvement.

 

[MaxP]

Max, I don't disagree with your assessment. I suppose I could throw out some wild and unlikely scenarios, but they'd just be wild and unlikely. I've never had to use a gun to defend myself (and only once ever felt like I might imminently need to), so the chances of also needing a reload seem quite remote.

But you never know. And I'd rather ingrain a fast reload into my muscle memory, than a slow, ho-hum range-practice fumble. Which is up until now pretty much what I'd been doing. I might never be fast, but there's definitely room for improvement.

It never hurts to be prepared for the worst case scenario. I will reiterate that the free-wheeling pawl is a real asset to speeding up the process of the reload.

What do you have for single-actions?

 

[cheygriz]

I must be missimg something.

It seems like having a discussion of cutting down reloading time on a SA is like a discussion of how to cut the 0-60 time in your dually pickup.

 

[MaxP]

I must be missimg something.

It seems like having a discussion of cutting down reloading time on a SA is like a discussion of how to cut the 0-60 time in your dually pickup.

How so? Many folks think SAs are old designs that are outmoded. For certain applications I find them superior to other platform types.

Now wouldn’t that depend on what dually you have and how it’s outfitted? LOL

 

[cheygriz]

How so? Many folks think SAs are old designs that are outmoded. For certain applications I find them superior to other platform types.

Now wouldn’t that depend on what dually you have and how it’s outfitted? LOL

A dually pickup is a fantastic tool for certain jobs. But it's not a Lamborghini.

SA revolvers are fun, and very practical for hunting, CAS etc.
But for activities that require a rapid reload, such as serious social shooting, well....... not so much.

 

[MrBorland]

It seems like having a discussion of cutting down reloading time on a SA is like a discussion of how to cut the 0-60 time in your dually pickup.

I disagree. Reloading your weapon efficiently is a general skill, regardless the platform. The better analogy is asking how to better navigate parking lots with "your dually pickup".

SA revolvers are fun, and very practical for hunting, CAS etc.
But for activities that require a rapid reload, such as serious social shooting, well....... not so much.

Once again, let's stick to the OP's actual inquiry. - the mechanics of the SA reload. I'm gonna start deleting off-topic replies.

 

[WrongHanded]

What do you have for single-actions?

A stainless Ruger SBH 4-5/8" .44 Mag with a Bisley conversion and free spin pawl. And the just purchase blued BH 4-5/8" .41 Mag, which has the SBH's grip frame and hammer installed, and also a free spin pawl. There's a thread about the second one, but I think you've seen it.

Next will be a BFR in .454 Cas, but not for a while.

 

[thomas15]

Many folks think SAs are old designs that are outmoded. For certain applications I find them superior to other platform types.

Single shot bolt action pistol or cap and ball BP?

 

[LRDGCO]

Single action + Speed Loader. My solution

.

 

[MaxP]

Single shot bolt action pistol or cap and ball BP?

I don’t follow. Please explain.

 

[CraigC]

Single action + Speed Loader. My solution

.View attachment 812596 View attachment 812597

Cheating is always allowed!

 

[thomas15]

I don’t follow. Please explain.

OK, you said:

Many folks think SAs are old designs that are outmoded. For certain applications I find them superior to other platform types.

Then I asked:

Single shot bolt action pistol or cap and ball BP?

I'm open minded and far from being an expert but would like to know which applications SAs are superior to other platforms.

 

[MrBorland]

I'm open minded and far from being an expert but would like to know which applications SAs are superior to other platforms.

If the reply pertains to reloading a SA revolver, great. Otherwise, let’s stay on topic.

I realize I’m keeping a short leash on this thread, but the topic is one that often leads to unnecessary and unhelpful digressions, while the original question gets short changed.

 

[Armored farmer]

Ahhhhhhhh nevermind.

 

[MaxP]

If the reply pertains to reloading a SA revolver, great. Otherwise, let’s stay on topic.

I realize I’m keeping a short leash on this thread, but the topic is one that often leads to unnecessary and unhelpful digressions, while the original question gets short changed.

If it’s not getting contentious what’s the issue? Threads wander and as long as folks remain civil...the trick is keeping it civil.

 

[MaxP]

OK, you said:



Then I asked:



I'm open minded and far from being an expert but would like to know which applications SAs are superior to other platforms.

Not to further deviate from the original topic, but for hunting at handgun distances (especially large game), I find them superior. The SA design lends itself to putting up with the battering powerful cartridges tend to mete out typically better than DAs because of the swing out cylinder, crane, etc. as far as specialty type single shots are concerned, I will never go into a dangerous game situation with a single shot of any kind - for self preservation purposes. Quick rundown...

Sorry for the thread hijacking.

 

[BobWright]

I transition to my left hand to empty and run the ejector with the right thumb:

View attachment 812572

For loading, I transition back to the right hand and load with the left. If all the stars align, I can fire five, reload and fire five more in 15secs.

Craig;

You never miss a chance to show off your grips, do you?

Bob Wright

 

[MaxP]

I have tried the reloads a few different ways.

I think that if you are carrying a SAA you have to know that you are looking at a 15-20 second reload (if you fire all shots).

Speed loader tubes:


Free hand from a vest pocket:

Excellent demonstrations!