What's the general consensus on the viability of a single-action revolver for a big-bore camping/woods gun? I've owned my share of revolvers, but never SA, and I'm looking for something (1) to take into the woods (Rockies) and (2) to shoot big fat fast bullets when I feel like it. While it's not for self-defense (my CCW is a semi-auto), perhaps a charging cougar constitutes a self-defense scenario.
SA revolver for camping/woods gun?
- Thread starter Shmackey
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Single action revos tend to be simpler mechanisms and tend to be somewhat more rugged than most double action revos. My opinion only, your mileage may vary. What isn't arguable is they require more mechanical dexterity to use effectively. One way to help develop that dexterity is through cowboy shooting. Practice helps a lot. If you aren’t able to apply some work to get good with it, it might be better to consider a double action revo. Both the double action and single action are available in the same calibers. .41 mag, .45 Colt, .454 and larger will all get the job done.
bergmen
Member.
In .45 Colt and capable of being loaded with some real flamethrowers. This is my favorite big-bore handgun (until my FA Model 83 arrives).
Dan
Double actions can function as single actions.
If you're being attacked by an animal (or a human), you may want to be able to fire one-handed just as you're drawing from the holster. That's why I chose my 44SS4.
I'm not saying that's the right one for you, but I do enjoy mine.
Good luck in your choice, and happy camping.
If you're being attacked by an animal (or a human), you may want to be able to fire one-handed just as you're drawing from the holster. That's why I chose my 44SS4.
I'm not saying that's the right one for you, but I do enjoy mine.
Good luck in your choice, and happy camping.
pikid89
Member
hard to beat a ruger blackhawk in 357 magnum/45 colt...especially if you can find the convertible kit to let you shoot 9mm/45acp respectivley
Great choice.
MCgunner
Member
Nothing wrong with my Blackhawks for camping OR hiking. I've used 'em for that, very accurate, very accurate at long range. I don't need firepower, personally, and prefer revolvers for outdoor use and single actions are strong guns for rugged use.
BTW, who can't fire a single action one handed on the draw? I've done it for years, quite natural for me. Half the time, when I draw a DA quick, I instinctively cock the hammer on the draw one handed. Force of habit.
BTW, who can't fire a single action one handed on the draw? I've done it for years, quite natural for me. Half the time, when I draw a DA quick, I instinctively cock the hammer on the draw one handed. Force of habit.
Jenrick
Member
1858 Navy, if nothing else you can club whatever it is into submission.
-Jenrick
-Jenrick
MCgunner
Member
Ruger Old Army is not only more accurate, but heavier and makes a better club, plus it's more powerful.
But, I admit, my '51 Navy Colt is lighter and more compact on the hip, especially with the 5.5 inch barrel installed. Normally, I'll just take my .45 Colt 4 5/8" stainless Blackhawk, though.
But, I admit, my '51 Navy Colt is lighter and more compact on the hip, especially with the 5.5 inch barrel installed. Normally, I'll just take my .45 Colt 4 5/8" stainless Blackhawk, though.
LordDunsany
Member
I have a trio of New Vaqueros (.357 and .45) plus a .45 Blackhawk. For woods running I prefer them to anything else, especially where the threats may be non-human. Unless I am actually doing handgun hunting my first preference is the New Vaquero. For hogs and deer I use my Blackhawk with handloads. Note that the 45 Colt is ample for defense against most anything smaller than brown bear with the basic factory loading.
I find that they are just as accurate, if not more, than my other large caliber double-action revolvers.
For your first one I suggest the Blackhawk .357/9mm combo in the 4 5/8" barrel!
Ron in Texas
I find that they are just as accurate, if not more, than my other large caliber double-action revolvers.
For your first one I suggest the Blackhawk .357/9mm combo in the 4 5/8" barrel!
Ron in Texas
bergmen
Member.
This is my middle son, Steven, with his .45 Colt Blackhawk that I gave to him for his 21st birthday (turn your speakers on):
http://good-times.webshots.com/video/3085708210053667879ASvDnu
I love the sound of the echo rolling up through the canyon after every shot (23 grains of W296 under a 250 grain Hornady XTP).
Me, my 22 year old son Thomas and Steven all have .45 Colt Blackhawks and it is a great family activity to study loads, put up some flamethrowers and go out and kick up a ruckus.
Dan
http://good-times.webshots.com/video/3085708210053667879ASvDnu
I love the sound of the echo rolling up through the canyon after every shot (23 grains of W296 under a 250 grain Hornady XTP).
Me, my 22 year old son Thomas and Steven all have .45 Colt Blackhawks and it is a great family activity to study loads, put up some flamethrowers and go out and kick up a ruckus.
Dan
22-rimfire
Member
If you want a single action for this purpose, I would suggest a Blackhawk in 41 or 44 magnum if you really want the stopping power without needed power at the highest handgun power levels. The 357 mag makes a good all around woods caliber for most things.
I prefer double action revolvers. My choice would be a 4" Model 57 Smith.
I prefer double action revolvers. My choice would be a 4" Model 57 Smith.
Hmm that convertible Blackhawk that can shoot .45ACP is interesting. I assume it can handle hot .45 Colt loads even though it's not a "Super" Blackhawk. Do you need moon clips with the ACP cylinder?
Hard to choose between a .44 Mag/.44 Special and this one.
Hard to choose between a .44 Mag/.44 Special and this one.
No moon clips are necessary with .45 ACP in a single action revolver. The cartridges headspace on the case mouth and extract/eject with the manual ejector. No problems.
If you like to use .45 AR in a S&W 25-2 or 625 you can have the .45 ACP cylinder of a Ruger NMBH trimmed to allow the use of .45 AR in addition to .45 ACP.
If you like to use .45 AR in a S&W 25-2 or 625 you can have the .45 ACP cylinder of a Ruger NMBH trimmed to allow the use of .45 AR in addition to .45 ACP.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Some of us use single action revolvers for most any purpose one would need a handgun for.
MCgunner
Member
Meh, I figure handloading is MY answer to ammo cost. I don't need no stinkin' 9x19 cylinder for my .357 or .45ACP for .45 Colt. Not worth the extra cost to ME. I cast and handload and a box of .45 Colt is less than 3 bucks sans brass.
Hastings
Member
SA revolvers make great woods guns. I often carry a 45colt Vaquero with 4-5/8" barrel, or a 5-1/2" version if the mood strikes. In my opinion, SA revolvers are the most natural-pointing handguns, and this often makes for very fast first shots. With a little practice it's easy to bounce cans around at 15-20 yards shooting one-handed from the hip. I've taken rabbits in this fashion, and I'm sure I couldn't have done it faster with a DA revolver.
Another factor in favor of the SA revolver for woods carry is the lower price a typical large-bore SA revolver carries versus a similarly chambered DA. The bumps and dings a woods gun pick up are easier to stomach if the gun cost you under $475. Not a huge factor, but it's there.
I don't think either action type is superior to the other, but each has their high points. Bottom line for me is, if you are going to carry a gun (CCW, camping, or hiking) you should be well practiced with the piece, and familiar with both the gun and the ammo you carry. This goes for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. There may be circumstances where you might need to use an untried, or unfamiliar gun, but this should be extremely rare. I also think you should practice with the ammo you carry. Try practicing with 38special rounds in a 357 revolver, and then touch off a 110gr full-blown 357mag round and you may be slightly disconcerted. Well-placed, manageable bullets are better than nuclear loads that you seldom practice with due to the abuse they give the shooter and the gun.
Another factor in favor of the SA revolver for woods carry is the lower price a typical large-bore SA revolver carries versus a similarly chambered DA. The bumps and dings a woods gun pick up are easier to stomach if the gun cost you under $475. Not a huge factor, but it's there.
I don't think either action type is superior to the other, but each has their high points. Bottom line for me is, if you are going to carry a gun (CCW, camping, or hiking) you should be well practiced with the piece, and familiar with both the gun and the ammo you carry. This goes for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. There may be circumstances where you might need to use an untried, or unfamiliar gun, but this should be extremely rare. I also think you should practice with the ammo you carry. Try practicing with 38special rounds in a 357 revolver, and then touch off a 110gr full-blown 357mag round and you may be slightly disconcerted. Well-placed, manageable bullets are better than nuclear loads that you seldom practice with due to the abuse they give the shooter and the gun.
Vern Humphrey
Member
A Ruger Blackhawk is pretty hard to beat as a woods and camping big bore gun -- mine is in .45 Colt. I also often carry a Colt New Service in .45 Colt.
But for serious work, it's usually my Colt Woodsman.
But for serious work, it's usually my Colt Woodsman.
sixgunner455
Member
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Vern, it sounds like those squirrels and rabbits better be taking things seriously when you step out the door!
Arkansas Paul
Member
Can't go wrong with a Blackhawk.
You can't go wrong with any of the calibers listed either. Whichever you prefer. Mine is in .45 Colt, but I would only go with that caliber if you handload. If you don't, the .357, .41, or .44 would be better IMO.
You can't go wrong with any of the calibers listed either. Whichever you prefer. Mine is in .45 Colt, but I would only go with that caliber if you handload. If you don't, the .357, .41, or .44 would be better IMO.
ray55classic
Member
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Vern Humphrey
Member
I've killed a boxcar load of squirrels with my Woodsman.
Went out this morning for a two hour ride through the woods, and saw 5 white tails, a small flock of turkeys, and lots of bear scat. Nothing but small game in season right now, though.
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