Single Action Carry

[Nushif]

Was reading the latest Handloader today and spotted a nifty little article.

It went on about the merits of carrying a single action large bore revolver, and specifically it said that the crossdraw is arguably the best position for it. Now, my experience with concealing a single action is limited to stuffing a Sheriff style .45 Vaquero in my pocket once and being surprised at it vanishing. But I can see why people would do it.

Does anyone have any experience carrying a single action large bore in a crossdraw holster? What kind of cover garment are we talking here? I know they shoot well and a good shooter is pretty darned lethal with one, but what about the carry mechanics?

 

[Lawdawg45]

I frequently carry my Vaquero Sheriff's model, but I found the cross draw was harder to conceal than the 4 o'clock position. As the picture shows, I use the Don Hume JIT slide or a custom Texas Yaqui.

LD

 

[Nushif]

When you draw, how do you cock the hammer? Same hand as the one on the grip?

 

[sixgunner455]

Yep, same hand thumb. I usually don't shoot them two handed - it's intended to be able to be shot one handed.

 

[Nushif]

Gotta say, I am intrigued.
Reason being, my 3.5 inch 1911 carries six rounds and I am quite comfortable carrying just one extra mag, more for malfunction clearance. Don't feel underarmed at all.

 

[rcmodel]

Over the years, I have tried it a couple of times.

Didn't work near as well for me as a hi-ride open top on the strong side, like a Tom Threepersons.

The only thing I would ever consider using a cross-draw for again is for 7 1/2" barrels, while seated in a truck or car or deer blind.

All the rest of the time, it is very noticeably in the way.

rc

 

[riddleofsteel]

I often carry a 4 5/8" Blackhawk in .45 Colt in a Mernickle belt holster, strong side. The holster has two angles but I generally choose the one that tilts the butt slightly forward. The front of the holster is cut very low so the muzzle clears the holster faster. Practice thumbing the hammer back as bring the pistol up to aim. By the time you level off at the target the hammer should be at full cock. It takes a while to ingrain the action but after a LOT of practice it is difficult for me to aim the pistol without cocking the hammer.

 

[MCgunner]

Only SA revolvers I carry in public are NAA minis. Anything else is way too big for pocket carry.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Concealed crossdraw Worked better for me when I went from the Blackhawk OWB on the left hip(10'o-11'o) to the Shoulder rig, but you need to practice getting your hand in between the straps properly as well.

Either way, the Habitual XXL Hawaiian shirt keeps the gun hidden and curious eyes weeping blood from the violent color scheme.

Prairie twist from the left hand/left side is easy from the belt, but from the shoulder rig it's serious work to get it down smoothly... I sure as heck don't quite have it down.

 

[Old Fuff]

I seldom carry a single action revolver as a defensive weapon anymore, but when I did I discovered that a short-barreled one could be quickly drawn from a cross-draw holster but it was difficult to conceal unless an inside-waistban or low shoulder holster was used. If you "carry high" a strong-side rig is better.

That said, if you are out-and-about and open carrying, a cross-draw setup will put the revolver on your left side while carrying a slung long gun on the right, and they won't get in each other's way.

Do not touch the hammer or trigger until the muzzle is clear and pointed in a safe direction. I will sometimes weak-hand palm the hammer back with my finger off the trigger to cock the revolver before, or as I lift it above waist level. "Sometime" does not mean always. Hardly necessary, but old habits die hard.

 

[mavracer]

I carry SAs sometimes. I use a couple different holsters always strongside OWB with a cover garment. I am adept at using either thumb. Follow up shots are faster using the weak hand thumb.

 

[PabloJ]

Being that in black powder revolver era scores were settled in back alley from behind would put you at grave disadvantage in modern world even in "God's Country" or "Heaven on Earth" where only wealthy European-Americans reside. I advise you to forget about it.

 

[bsms]

Most SA revolvers are a challenge to truly conceal. At least, my Blackhawk is! But they point good, which is a plus. Speed depends...I don't value super speed all that high, since I could plug a bad guy in the heart with a 44 magnum, and he'd still have enough blood left in his head to shoot back for 10 seconds. In very close quarters, the very size of the gun could be a challenge.

 

[Lawdawg45]

When you draw, how do you cock the hammer? Same hand as the one on the grip?

No. For me, when I draw, my finger is on the trigger (A SA is the only one you can safely do this with) and if I need to cock it after I'm on target, my non dominant hand cocks the weapon (as I do with SASS shooting).

LD

 

[PRM]

El Paso Saddlery: Crosshair

I've had good results carrying the El Paso Saddlery Crosshair. It's a high ride holster that keeps the gun out of the way and conceals and carries well.

 

[CraigC]

I prefer the conceal a SA with a Mernickle PS6. It rides high and tight and has no retention strap to get in the way. The hammer starts coming back once the sixgun clears leather and should be fully cocked by the time you reach a 45° angle. If a single action revolver is what you are most comfortable and proficient with, there is no disadvantage.

 

[Pilot]

I carry my USFA SAA in .45 Colt as a woods gun sometimes, and that is the only time I O.C. as I rarely see anyone. I feel well armed with 5 rounds of .45.