Single Action Defense

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RugerMarlin,

I grew up shooing DA revolvers so I am used to the longer heavier pull DA pull. When I shoot SA revolvers I tend to pull the trigger too hard causing my shots to go low and left. I can correct the problem if I take my time and concentrate but when I try to fire with any speed then the problem reappears. It is just a training issue.
 
I'm one of the weirdos that carry a SA two shot derringer and feels safe.
I believe single action can be as effective as double action. It's all about training and practice (just like any other aspect of defensive shooting).
 
Pyro said it. I have competed with a single action for over a decade. 'Course, I would have to carry it appedix with a radical barrel forward rake. Ain't nothin' more natural drawin' from that position. Pin the trigger and slip hammer to hell and back.
 
I've carried a single action revolver as a defensive gun. In all my years of living in spite of others, I've never been besat upon by a reinforced battalion of the Red Chinese Army or even a whole chapter of Hell's Angels.

To be honest, I typically carry a double action revolver or a semi-auto with one reload. I'm not adverse to technology, just an old grump.
 
I guess that I should have said this in the OP, but I've been active in SASS and W3G for quite some time, and have actually had more trigger time with a SA than my duty weapons over the years. I also Deer hunt with my Vaquero to complement my Henry rifle. Now, would I recommend a newbie go out and by a SA..........not likely.;)

LD45
 
Only problem for ME carrying a SA concealed, my little Ultralite .38 fits a pocket better than my Blackhawks. CONCEALED is the part on my license that sort of eliminates single actions. But, afield, that part doesn't apply and my first handgun, like many's, was a single action .22 revolver, mine an old Hawes.
 
Does anyone make a fancy little pocket revolver that is SA? That would be pretty interesting to see them design a hammer spur small enough for concealment but the right shape to be fingered in a moments notice.
 
Other than the NAA of course heh. I mean something along the lines of a S&W J frame.
I've seen some "sheriff" versions of SAAs that look quite tiny.
 
It's just another one of those cases of, if it's the gun you have, and you learn to run it, it'll do just fine.

That being said, I don't think I've ever seen, heard, or read anything from any real shooting authority that laid out tips, strategies and tactics specific to using a single action revolver for self defense.

Might have to look into this one.
 
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"CONCEALED is the part on my license that sort of eliminates single actions"

If someone could tell this old Amish man:D how to post a picture, I'll show you some great stock holsters that will work fine!

LD45
 
My old grandpappy was a WW1 vet. He came home and carried a Colt New Frontier .44-40 every day of his life. Around the farm, he carried with an empty chamber. If he went into town..."town" being Harlan Ky...he loaded the sixth chamber and let the hammer nose rest between rims.

I remember somebody mentioning that if he had to use it and ran dry, he'd be outta luck because it was so slow to reload.

His response was classic.

"Sonny, I figger that if I live long enough to run out, I'll have all the time in the world to reload."
 
"Sonny, I figger that if I live long enough to run out, I'll have all the time in the world to reload."
Click to expand...

I like that a lot!

As far as carrying a SA for defensive purposes? I say if your confident in your ability to hit your mark and comfortable carrying it, more power to ya! I tried an Old Model Blackhawk in a Mernickle Extreme High Rise for awhile, but weight and size-wise it was a bit much for everyday carry (for me).

Lately I've been thinking about a smaller framed and shorter barrel length SA in .45 Colt with a birds head grip for EDC. Still thinking about it.
 
Rancher...It sounds like you might be lookin' for a Cimarron Thunderer. Because it's a true clone, you'll probably want to carry it as a 5-shooter...but it's a neat little carry gun. I've got one in .44 Special, and I like it a lot. It tucks into the front of my pants "Mexican" style nicely, and a loose T-shirt covers it well.
 
Single Action revolvers have their pros and cons just like any other handgun. If you have trained and know how to run it well then I see no issue with carrying one.
 
Rancher...It sounds like you might be lookin' for a Cimarron Thunderer. Because it's a true clone, you'll probably want to carry it as a 5-shooter...but it's a neat little carry gun. I've got one in .44 Special, and I like it a lot. It tucks into the front of my pants "Mexican" style nicely, and a loose T-shirt covers it well.
Click to expand...

LOL... I have another tab open looking at just that for the last hour! I've been reading up on both the Thunderer and Beretta Marshal, going over the transfer bar / firing pin, 5 or 6 shot difference. I guess I'll have to handle them both side-by-side to make a decision.
 
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