Barry the Bear
Member
Do any of you use single action revolvers for self defense? I love a 255 gr .44 spl at 900 fps headed down wind. Anyone else?
Single Action Defense
- Thread starter Barry the Bear
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Yes, quite often, especially in cooler months. I don't consider it a handicap when 95% of my handgun shooting is with single action revolvers.
jimbo555
Member
I carry my cimmaron frontier 45 around the property for fun. Going to town I take the glock 45.
Dnaltrop
Member
Absolutely. I'm wearing a .45 Colt Blackhawk in a shoulder rig right now as my primary. Options are always good, and I try to tailor my choice of firearms for my activities of the day.
Although I don't see the platform itself as a hindrance, I also put in the work to have the skills and muscle memory to make the platform work.
I am also a strong believer in the New York Reload, and until I have an appropriate second Blackhawk and a double shoulder rig, I carry an M&P .40 in an IWB as well. Even I have no illusions as to the speed of a Blackhawk reload under stress, no matter how much I practice.
I spend too much time in more rural areas, and while a nice DA isn't unwelcome ( and can typically vary between a Model 10, or a Chief's special for me) I feel very comfortable with 6 hard-cast 250 grain in a moderate +p hand-load.
We've had Cougars in the city here, and most notably in the parking lot of Oregon Health Sciences University ( http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/05/ohsu_staff_on_the_lookout_for.html) and I also live less than a mile from the largest city park in the nation (Forest Park, search the St. John's Bridge if you want to see the lay of my neighborhood)
While the Willamette river provides a natural barrier to the big cats and Roosevelt Elk, a mile in the other direction is a massive wetland and our system of Sloughs. Thankfully my worst visitors have been some very angry raccoons (they ran me into the house like a scalded bunny) and a family of skunks.
I carry for multiple purposes, because I don't know what life will bring, and we'd all rather "Have, and not need" anyhow... Ya?
Although I don't see the platform itself as a hindrance, I also put in the work to have the skills and muscle memory to make the platform work.
I am also a strong believer in the New York Reload, and until I have an appropriate second Blackhawk and a double shoulder rig, I carry an M&P .40 in an IWB as well. Even I have no illusions as to the speed of a Blackhawk reload under stress, no matter how much I practice.
I spend too much time in more rural areas, and while a nice DA isn't unwelcome ( and can typically vary between a Model 10, or a Chief's special for me) I feel very comfortable with 6 hard-cast 250 grain in a moderate +p hand-load.
We've had Cougars in the city here, and most notably in the parking lot of Oregon Health Sciences University ( http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/05/ohsu_staff_on_the_lookout_for.html) and I also live less than a mile from the largest city park in the nation (Forest Park, search the St. John's Bridge if you want to see the lay of my neighborhood)
While the Willamette river provides a natural barrier to the big cats and Roosevelt Elk, a mile in the other direction is a massive wetland and our system of Sloughs. Thankfully my worst visitors have been some very angry raccoons (they ran me into the house like a scalded bunny) and a family of skunks.
I carry for multiple purposes, because I don't know what life will bring, and we'd all rather "Have, and not need" anyhow... Ya?
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David E
Member
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"Self defense" against what?
McCloud made it work, but for routine carry in the city, it's a poor choice.
For general purpose in the woods, including human defense, it can certainly work....if one puts in the time.
Before someone cites how fast some cowboy action shooters can fire, keep in mind they're firing extremely light loads, unsuitable for defense.
McCloud made it work, but for routine carry in the city, it's a poor choice.
For general purpose in the woods, including human defense, it can certainly work....if one puts in the time.
Before someone cites how fast some cowboy action shooters can fire, keep in mind they're firing extremely light loads, unsuitable for defense.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
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pbearperry
Member
Nothing wrong with a single action for self defense up until you need a quick reload.
tubeshooter
Contributing Member
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Not for self defense in the city...
...but as a woods gun I feel it is perfectly viable for me.
I am relatively new to the world of single action revolvers and don't have nearly enough muscle memory yet to consider my Blackhawk for SD.
...but as a woods gun I feel it is perfectly viable for me.
I am relatively new to the world of single action revolvers and don't have nearly enough muscle memory yet to consider my Blackhawk for SD.
OP
OP
Barry the Bear
Member
I have put quite a bit of time into my single actions and I feel totally at ease whether Im in the field or the hustle and bustle of the city.
pbearperry
Member
if I knew for sure I would only be confronted by a single threat,my favorite single action would work just fine.
OP
OP
Barry the Bear
Member
Paul7, The reason the police and military dont use them is becausetechnology advances and they wanted the latest and greatest. That doesnt take away from a Single actions' ability to fight.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
That's a simplistic view and irrelevant point. I don't make personal choices based on what the government does. Unless it's to do the opposite.
What if the BG adversary has also taken advantage of the latest and greatest technology advances? He will reload a 15 round magazine a lot faster than you will reload a SA with 6 rounds (especially the cap and ball revolver shown in post #16). Not to mention he'll be pulling the trigger much faster. That is fact, not 'simplistic'.
I've got one SA .45, and while it is an interesting historical piece, I'll probably be selling it. I want my guns to be useful in a SHTF situation.
wheelyfun66
Member
I keep all my handguns loaded, regardless of the caliber, action, or intended purpose.
So, if a single action revolver is at hand when I need defending.....
I'm using it for self defense!
(This thread needs some pics!)
So, if a single action revolver is at hand when I need defending.....
I'm using it for self defense!
(This thread needs some pics!)
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The "fact" is that the outcome of the gunfight will be FAR more dependent on YOU than the type of weapon on your hip. That thing between your ears is much more important than whatever you're carrying on your belt. Personally, I will take the weapon I'm most proficient with 99.99% of the time. Proficiency trumps equipment.
Perhaps you should spend more time with it before passing judgement on those of us who have lived and breathed with them for 30yrs.
I have an 1 1/8" .22 Magnum NAA Mini-Revolver that I occasionally pocket carry and also carry in an arm-band rig when I run. For running, I have long held off on carrying at all- primarily due to comfort and other concerns- but recently decided that it would be a better idea to carry than to not. The NAA is comfortable enough and is significantly easier to carry (concealed, accessibly, and comfortably) in that situation than anything else that I own.
For two people of equal gunfighting ability, my money will be on the one with the higher capacity, easier to reload weapon.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
My money will be on the one that makes his first shot count.
Yep! Where folks with hardly an interest in something are fully free to express an opinion. I've been obsessed with single actions for most of my life and have a scant three dozen. I'd love to know what somebody who doesn't handload and has one single action (back in December???) they're going to sell is going to tell you or me about them. Let alone what a skilled shooter is capable of with them.
ivankerley
Member
this ^^, and probably my favorite comment ive read on here
ive always thought that you should train and get proficient with whatever youve got/or like. In any situation thats about all you can do as you dont know what a BG is bringing to the situation. Im not saying people have to use a SAA for defense anymore than im saying they need a Glock, being proficient hopefully gives you an advantage. just my opinion
and if the capacity worries a person, have 2 SAA or maybe a shotgun, levergun etc ;-)
Regards
Gene
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