Does the single action revolver have a place in it? I'm talking about practical applications, beyond shooting for fun. All other considerations being equal, would you choose one over anything else in a modern and, for lack of a less maligned term, tactical situation? Given that a double action revolver can essentially function (as I understand it; I have never used any revolver, admittedly) as a single action revolver would, is there any reason to carry one at all beyond anachronistic preference?
The single action revolver in the modern world
- Thread starter Arethusa
- Start date
- Status
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Hunting and large powerful calibers
Nightcrawler
Member
Primarily hunting. "Tactical situations"? Probably not, but it'll do in a pinch if you know what you're doing.
Every so often someone comes along asking why anyone would carry a weapon so anachronistic as a revolver. Even double action revolvers have been painted with this broad brush. After all, why should anyone only want six shots and slower reloads when there are Glocks out there? (At least, that's what was said to me the first time I asked about getting a revolver. Hee hee. Truth be told I've had some guys actually get mad at me because they were unable to persuade me to renounce revolvers and start shooting a high capacity autoloader. LOL)
Of course, the same question could be asked of that "other" anachronistic weapon, the 1911 family. Why settle for a heavy steel gun and 8+1 when a Springfield XD-45 is only a little thicker, is much lighter, and carries 13+1 rounds?
In reality, revolvers, like the 1911, work just as well now as they ever did. All because new things come along doesn't mean the old things stop working. When the average street thug becomes impervious to .357 Magnum, then I'll consider the revolver obsolete. (Much as how the P-51 Mustang would be hard pressed to down a MiG-29.) Until then, I love 'em, carry 'em, and shoot 'em. The fact that they're "anachronistic" is half the fun, actually.
But, to reiterate, single actions are primarily carried for hunting. While they do have double action revolvers in powerful cartridges, single actions have a mystique all their own. Plus, they tend to be lighter for a given size. Secondly, the inherent mechanical simplicity of the single action revolver makes them extremely reliable in the face of abuse and neglect. Especially modern designs like Rugers and Freedom Arms.
For the first shot, and in the hands of a competent user, a single action revolver is as fast as anything else out there. It can be faster than some autoloaders with awkward two-stage safety/decocking levers, like the Beretta 92. (If you can reach that safetly lever easily, you've got longer thumbs than I.) With that in mind, the double action revolver doesn't really offer any advantage for hunting. For self defense against dangerous game, a double action may be preferred as rapid successive shots might be required. Though, I'd like to meet the man that can rapid fire a 4" S&W 500 and actually hit a target with all of the shots.
Every so often someone comes along asking why anyone would carry a weapon so anachronistic as a revolver. Even double action revolvers have been painted with this broad brush. After all, why should anyone only want six shots and slower reloads when there are Glocks out there? (At least, that's what was said to me the first time I asked about getting a revolver. Hee hee. Truth be told I've had some guys actually get mad at me because they were unable to persuade me to renounce revolvers and start shooting a high capacity autoloader. LOL)
Of course, the same question could be asked of that "other" anachronistic weapon, the 1911 family. Why settle for a heavy steel gun and 8+1 when a Springfield XD-45 is only a little thicker, is much lighter, and carries 13+1 rounds?
In reality, revolvers, like the 1911, work just as well now as they ever did. All because new things come along doesn't mean the old things stop working. When the average street thug becomes impervious to .357 Magnum, then I'll consider the revolver obsolete. (Much as how the P-51 Mustang would be hard pressed to down a MiG-29.) Until then, I love 'em, carry 'em, and shoot 'em. The fact that they're "anachronistic" is half the fun, actually.
But, to reiterate, single actions are primarily carried for hunting. While they do have double action revolvers in powerful cartridges, single actions have a mystique all their own. Plus, they tend to be lighter for a given size. Secondly, the inherent mechanical simplicity of the single action revolver makes them extremely reliable in the face of abuse and neglect. Especially modern designs like Rugers and Freedom Arms.
For the first shot, and in the hands of a competent user, a single action revolver is as fast as anything else out there. It can be faster than some autoloaders with awkward two-stage safety/decocking levers, like the Beretta 92. (If you can reach that safetly lever easily, you've got longer thumbs than I.) With that in mind, the double action revolver doesn't really offer any advantage for hunting. For self defense against dangerous game, a double action may be preferred as rapid successive shots might be required. Though, I'd like to meet the man that can rapid fire a 4" S&W 500 and actually hit a target with all of the shots.
Go to a local SASS match and see how fast and accurate a single action can be in trained and practiced hands. Would I want to be armed with one as a duty weapon for law enforcement or security work, No but I feel pretty confident in my safety in the woods while carrying one. Plenty of room in modern circles for the single action.
Perhaps it's time. If the revolver with it's low capcity and, I'm guessing it's non-automatic functioning is another aspect you're referring to, is antiquated, I'm hoping you're carrying around a MP5K. After all it certainly makes all semi-auto handguns a lesser chocie. It has after all faster firing rate and a higher capacity.
No, I feel adequately armed with my revolvers. Carry them more so than any of my autos. 5 shots too. Goor lord, I better move up to a super high cap auto.
MCgunner
Member
There is no better choice for carry in the outdoors than the SA revolver. They're chambered in powerful calibers, light to carry compared to DA stuff, are accurate and strong. There is no other design quite so strong for its size. My .45 Colt Blackhawk is no heavier than a S&W mountain gun, yet can handle much hotter bear medicine. There is no need for DA in the outdoors and in fact it is not desirable. A well placed SA shot is what it takes at 50 or 75 yards. You can carry a semi auto outdoors, but the rounds are pathetically puny, even the 10mm, compared to a .44 magnum or hot .45 colt or a Freedom Arms in .454 Casull. You might as well be carrying a .45-70 carbine as a desert eagle in a caliber worthy of outdoor use.
My own favorite outdoor calibers for single actions are .41 magnum, .44 magnum, and .45 Colt. The .357 is a good cartridge, but lacks the power on bigger stuff. A nice, lightweight blackhawk (40 ounces about in a 4 5/8" gun) in any of these calibers is a welcome companion in the wild. DAs are generally heavier. I know the new Alaskan and such pushes this argument, but hey, I don't need no big snubbie when I'm trying to make a 50 yard heart hit. I don't have to have a 2" barrel in a single action to have an easy carrying gun.
The DAs I can immediately think of that would be excellent in this application is a titanium tracker in .41 mag. But, I still like the Blackhawks and other strong SAs. The outdoors is what SAs are about.
My own favorite outdoor calibers for single actions are .41 magnum, .44 magnum, and .45 Colt. The .357 is a good cartridge, but lacks the power on bigger stuff. A nice, lightweight blackhawk (40 ounces about in a 4 5/8" gun) in any of these calibers is a welcome companion in the wild. DAs are generally heavier. I know the new Alaskan and such pushes this argument, but hey, I don't need no big snubbie when I'm trying to make a 50 yard heart hit. I don't have to have a 2" barrel in a single action to have an easy carrying gun.
The DAs I can immediately think of that would be excellent in this application is a titanium tracker in .41 mag. But, I still like the Blackhawks and other strong SAs. The outdoors is what SAs are about.
Cosmoline
Member
Single actions have risen from the grave multiple times over the past 100 years. If you told gun writers in 1906 that we'd still be buying and using single action revolvers in 2006 they'd laugh at you.
The bottom line is, they're extremely handy and as was pointed out light for their power. Esp. in the case of modern SA's with coil mainsprings they're very tough and low-maintenance. Their inner workings tend to be quite simple and easy to repair or customize. They tend to be resistant to jaming from dirt. They're also easier on the wrist when firing high-powered cartridges than double actions. They can also be used as CCW firearms, though the single action trigger must be employed with care.
The bottom line is, they're extremely handy and as was pointed out light for their power. Esp. in the case of modern SA's with coil mainsprings they're very tough and low-maintenance. Their inner workings tend to be quite simple and easy to repair or customize. They tend to be resistant to jaming from dirt. They're also easier on the wrist when firing high-powered cartridges than double actions. They can also be used as CCW firearms, though the single action trigger must be employed with care.
I've practiced Mozambique drills with a .357 SAA clone, 4 5/8" barrel, on silhouette targets at defensive ranges. It's no problem. I am confident that I can put three rounds in someone in my home with intent to hurt me or my family, before he knows what hit him, with the old cowboy sidearm. And that was before I changed out some springs. Did I mention that I also practice one-handed? The thing shoots really well that way.
I'm a hankerin' to do SASS shooting, but I'm short a few guns and the cash to buy them.
The only real advantage I can see to a DA is if I am pointing it at someone, say a burglar, as a threat, but I have not yet decided that I need to fire the gun. With a DA revolver, I could point the gun with confidence that I could fire it if he attacked me, but also with confidence that I wouldn't shoot him accidentally if he hit the floor with his hands over his head.
But once I know I am firing the gun (as in a wild predator situation), a SA revolver works fine, just as it did 150 years ago. I shoot the leverloaders, too, BTW. They also function quite well, though they're not fun to clean.
I'm a hankerin' to do SASS shooting, but I'm short a few guns and the cash to buy them.
The only real advantage I can see to a DA is if I am pointing it at someone, say a burglar, as a threat, but I have not yet decided that I need to fire the gun. With a DA revolver, I could point the gun with confidence that I could fire it if he attacked me, but also with confidence that I wouldn't shoot him accidentally if he hit the floor with his hands over his head.
But once I know I am firing the gun (as in a wild predator situation), a SA revolver works fine, just as it did 150 years ago. I shoot the leverloaders, too, BTW.
They also function quite well, though they're not fun to clean.lawson
Member
i know cowboys who can shoot a single action as fast as most can shoot an autoloader, and twice as accurately. many of the older gentlemen i know carry them for personal defense. they know that their six shots will be right on target. accuracy, reliability, durability, low weight, and style
and they go real well with motorcycles.
and they go real well with motorcycles.
fastbolt
Member
I grew up learning to shoot SA revolvers before I ever learned to shoot a DA revolver ...
A Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel still sits and balances in my hand better than any other handgun, although the 6 1/2" models come very close.
My 4 5/8" 3-screw Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum/9mm convertible is still a favorite, although my 4 5/8" New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP convertible is pretty handy, too. I used to take a different 4 5/8" .45 Blackhawk to the qualification range before our policies were changed to essentially prohibit SA revolvers from being authorized as off-duty weapons, and it startled a few folks how I handled and accurately fired it, both 1 & 2-handed, faster than most of them could fire their semiauto pistols. Old, ingrained lessons and SA-revolver handling skills ...
Bit slow when it comes to reloading, though.
Of course, I may be a bit biased in this matter, since one of the handguns my father used to have listed on his CA CCW licenses was also a 4 5/8" Blackhawk .45, except it was one of the 3-screw models. Wish he'd kept it ...
The increasing number of SA revolver-related threads I've been seeing in these types of forums has got me to thinking that I need to pick up another couple of SA revolvers before I retire.
My first choice for a backwoods handgun ...
A Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel still sits and balances in my hand better than any other handgun, although the 6 1/2" models come very close.
My 4 5/8" 3-screw Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum/9mm convertible is still a favorite, although my 4 5/8" New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP convertible is pretty handy, too. I used to take a different 4 5/8" .45 Blackhawk to the qualification range before our policies were changed to essentially prohibit SA revolvers from being authorized as off-duty weapons, and it startled a few folks how I handled and accurately fired it, both 1 & 2-handed, faster than most of them could fire their semiauto pistols. Old, ingrained lessons and SA-revolver handling skills ...
Bit slow when it comes to reloading, though.
Of course, I may be a bit biased in this matter, since one of the handguns my father used to have listed on his CA CCW licenses was also a 4 5/8" Blackhawk .45, except it was one of the 3-screw models. Wish he'd kept it ...
The increasing number of SA revolver-related threads I've been seeing in these types of forums has got me to thinking that I need to pick up another couple of SA revolvers before I retire.
My first choice for a backwoods handgun ...
I did forget to specify (though some people mentioned it anyway) that I am talking about the overall design, so assume modern manufacturing methods and standards.
I'm certainly not debating that. To clarify, I suppose I am mainly wondering if they are still relevant, as there is little doubt that they are still lethal— in the same sense that I could, say, carry a rapier or a katana around and it would still function just as well, but it wouldn't really be a good or practical idea.Nightcrawler said:
I'm not wondering about modern users, though. I've seen some videos of absolutely incredible shooting with both single and double action revolvers, but, then again, I've seen a video of some damn good shooting with a P14-45, too. I'm trying to limit this question: specifically to the choice of weapon with all other factors being equal, are there any practical (and I should specify, lethal) situations in which a single action revolver would be preferable to something else?461 said:
Heh. Maybe this wouldn't be the best time to point out that I have never actually touched a gun?BlkHawk73 said:
I would have assumed the opposite; why are they more comfortable to shoot? Wouldn't the lighter weight result in less managable recoil?Cosmoline said:
Warren
Member
My one time shoting a SA was horrible. Could not hit a damn thing with it. And there were a LOT of things down range. Missed 'em all.
I love the looks of them though and would buy one but I'm thinking I would not get all I could out of it if I did.
And just how do you fire them faster than a semi-auto? Doesn't having to thumb the hamer back every shot slow you down?
I love the looks of them though and would buy one but I'm thinking I would not get all I could out of it if I did.
And just how do you fire them faster than a semi-auto? Doesn't having to thumb the hamer back every shot slow you down?
Cosmoline
Member
The shape places the axis of the revolver well above the wrist, which means the recoil takes the revolver up and back. With most DA revolvers, the wrist is closer to the axis and the recoil tends to come straight back.
Jim March
Member
If the gun fits your hand and you know how to shoot it, you can handle more recoil with a single action revolver than a double assuming guns of the same weight.
Ruger sells factory 44Mag SA revolvers down around 39oz. Their lightest DA is at least 10oz more.
Granted, other companies have built lighter 44Mag guns, but I personally don't think that's a good idea. The barrel failures with the early S&W Scandium 44Mag and the reported recoil problems back that up.
There is also a potential accuracy increase with guns based more or less on the Colt SAA. Because the cylinder doesn't swing in and out, there's no fresh alignment of the barrel/cylinder on each cylinder closure. The most accurate revolvers in the world are SAs, either Freedom Arms or customized Rugers tweaked with a line-boring process on a custom cylinder.
The SA can get it's first shot off faster than any other system, revolver or auto. If a bear jumps you at close range, the guy that's spent the time to master a potent-caliber SA is in the best shape.
Finally, the Colt SAA pattern and various near-clones (Ruger, etc.) are one of the toughest gun types ever made. They can be maintained with minimal tools and knowledge and are otherwise a great choice for deep-woods carry.
The SA ain't dead.
Ruger sells factory 44Mag SA revolvers down around 39oz. Their lightest DA is at least 10oz more.
Granted, other companies have built lighter 44Mag guns, but I personally don't think that's a good idea. The barrel failures with the early S&W Scandium 44Mag and the reported recoil problems back that up.
There is also a potential accuracy increase with guns based more or less on the Colt SAA. Because the cylinder doesn't swing in and out, there's no fresh alignment of the barrel/cylinder on each cylinder closure. The most accurate revolvers in the world are SAs, either Freedom Arms or customized Rugers tweaked with a line-boring process on a custom cylinder.
The SA can get it's first shot off faster than any other system, revolver or auto. If a bear jumps you at close range, the guy that's spent the time to master a potent-caliber SA is in the best shape.
Finally, the Colt SAA pattern and various near-clones (Ruger, etc.) are one of the toughest gun types ever made. They can be maintained with minimal tools and knowledge and are otherwise a great choice for deep-woods carry.
The SA ain't dead.
Nightcrawler
Member
Relevance?
For how many years have we had perfectly adequate automatic transmissions now? Yet how many people out there swear by their stick shifts? Me, I never learned to drive a stick. No one I knew had one. Even military trucks and humvees are all automatic now. The only manual transmission vehicle I ever spent any real time in was a Vietnam-vintage M113A2 APC.
Yet many insist that the stick gives you more control, or they just like it better. Technically, there's no reason any conventional automobile should be a manual transmission. (Personally, on a cross country drive, I like having that cruise control.) Yet people still buy the things, so companies still make them.
What it really boils down to is yes, newer, more efficient designs for combat have come along, but not everything is combat.
That's just the way technology is. The new stuff doesn't supercede the old stuff, it's just added into the mix. What it really boils down to is that firearms technology has kind of hit a plateau. Even the most modern military assault rifle only has marginal advantages over, say, a World War II M1. Higher capacity, lighter weight, and better aiming devices, but nothing fundamental. Not in the same vein as, say, repeaters vs. percussion rifles during the Civil War.
Given that, the older designs hang on because the new stuff isn't really all that different. A .357 Magnum Blackhawk and the latest 5.7mm pistol from FN still use smokeless powder to launch a projectile down a rifled barrel, and they both use brass-cased metallic cartridges.
Other than that? Preferance, really. Just like the guy that drives a stick and has a Zippo lighter, there will be those guys that just love their revolvers.
For how many years have we had perfectly adequate automatic transmissions now? Yet how many people out there swear by their stick shifts? Me, I never learned to drive a stick. No one I knew had one. Even military trucks and humvees are all automatic now. The only manual transmission vehicle I ever spent any real time in was a Vietnam-vintage M113A2 APC.
Yet many insist that the stick gives you more control, or they just like it better. Technically, there's no reason any conventional automobile should be a manual transmission. (Personally, on a cross country drive, I like having that cruise control.) Yet people still buy the things, so companies still make them.
What it really boils down to is yes, newer, more efficient designs for combat have come along, but not everything is combat.
That's just the way technology is. The new stuff doesn't supercede the old stuff, it's just added into the mix. What it really boils down to is that firearms technology has kind of hit a plateau. Even the most modern military assault rifle only has marginal advantages over, say, a World War II M1. Higher capacity, lighter weight, and better aiming devices, but nothing fundamental. Not in the same vein as, say, repeaters vs. percussion rifles during the Civil War.
Given that, the older designs hang on because the new stuff isn't really all that different. A .357 Magnum Blackhawk and the latest 5.7mm pistol from FN still use smokeless powder to launch a projectile down a rifled barrel, and they both use brass-cased metallic cartridges.
Other than that? Preferance, really. Just like the guy that drives a stick and has a Zippo lighter, there will be those guys that just love their revolvers.
I like SA revolvers and I think they still are very practical in today's modern world. SA revolvers are rugged, potent and reliable so they make good hiking/woods guns. And as others pointed out, SA revolvers can pack a big punch in a pretty weight efficient package so they're great for hunting. Also, I think SA revolvers are still pretty good self-defense type of guns, even though you only have limited capcity with this type of gun.
I have a stainless steel Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44mag and it's actually fairly comfortable shooting .44 mag loads in the gun. I was originally a little intimitated by the thought of shooting a .44 mag load in my revolver. However, after I shot some .44 mag loads with my gun, I was surprised at how manageable the experience was. The SA revolver rolls in your hand (albeit rather violently) and the felt recoil isn't that bad. The recoil from my little titanium J frame with certain .38 special loads is a lot worse than the recoil from my short barrel .44 mag single action revolver. I know a fellow who has a DA .44 mag revolver. He finds that shooting .44 mag loads is uncomfortable with his revolver and I think that it's due to the shape of the DA grip, which does not roll in the hand like the older "plow handle" style grip.
Plus, SA revolvers look really cool!
I have a stainless steel Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44mag and it's actually fairly comfortable shooting .44 mag loads in the gun. I was originally a little intimitated by the thought of shooting a .44 mag load in my revolver. However, after I shot some .44 mag loads with my gun, I was surprised at how manageable the experience was. The SA revolver rolls in your hand (albeit rather violently) and the felt recoil isn't that bad. The recoil from my little titanium J frame with certain .38 special loads is a lot worse than the recoil from my short barrel .44 mag single action revolver. I know a fellow who has a DA .44 mag revolver. He finds that shooting .44 mag loads is uncomfortable with his revolver and I think that it's due to the shape of the DA grip, which does not roll in the hand like the older "plow handle" style grip.
Plus, SA revolvers look really cool!
Arethusa- I think it's high time you went out and shot each type of firearm so that you'll have a basic knowledge to build on. The single action revolver, double action revolver, single action semi auto, double action semiato, double action only semi auto, safe action semiato, light double action semi auto and anything else that snuck past me are all things that must be experienced before you csn really understand the good or bad of any one type. You can read books and watch movies and whatever, but until you actually have experience there's no point in even asking the questions as you'll never truly understand the answers.
Danus ex
Member
Nightcrawler hit it on the head. And yes, I'm one of those guys who goes way out of his way to get a car that has a manual transmission!
MCgunner
Member
Does my heart good to hear the ol' thumb buster praised.
Yep, deal is, the gun rolls up in the hand and absorbs the recoil. I'll never forget the first time I fired a .44 magnum. I'd seen the release of "Dirty Harry" some months before. I was at our range and a guy was there with a super blackhawk and a TC Contender both in .44 mag and I fired both. The TC HURT! The SB just rolled up in the hand. I could have fired that thing all day. At the time, all I'd ever fired in a handgun was .22 caliber and a .44 cal '51 Navy cap and ball I had at the time. I started out with a Hawes single action, imported .22 dual cylinder with a mag cylinder. I was favorably impressed by that super blackhawk.
And, on the rapid fire thing, it's very easy to reach over with the supporting hand's thumb and slap that hammer back after it rolls back on firing as you lower the gun back down to fire again. It is a natural movement. Watch some of the well practiced SASS guys sometime at the cowboy shoots. Some of the better ones would give any normal person armed with a semi auto a run. All it takes is practice and familiarization. I can shoot a single action as good or better than any of my other guns and, fact is, my single actions are all superbly accurate. They all have loads that can put five rounds under an inch at 25 yards from a ransom rest. Most of the autos I've fired, 2-2 1/2" is considered good enough for competition. If you have one that can shoot an inch and a half to two inches, you're good to go for IDPA or any of the action stuff. Some of the bullseye autos I've fired are ultra accurate, but they won't take the dirt and abuse for field use. A 1911 that's built tight enough for bullseye is not much for carry. It has to be kept clean and lubed.
Yep, deal is, the gun rolls up in the hand and absorbs the recoil. I'll never forget the first time I fired a .44 magnum. I'd seen the release of "Dirty Harry" some months before. I was at our range and a guy was there with a super blackhawk and a TC Contender both in .44 mag and I fired both. The TC HURT! The SB just rolled up in the hand. I could have fired that thing all day.
At the time, all I'd ever fired in a handgun was .22 caliber and a .44 cal '51 Navy cap and ball I had at the time. I started out with a Hawes single action, imported .22 dual cylinder with a mag cylinder. I was favorably impressed by that super blackhawk.And, on the rapid fire thing, it's very easy to reach over with the supporting hand's thumb and slap that hammer back after it rolls back on firing as you lower the gun back down to fire again. It is a natural movement. Watch some of the well practiced SASS guys sometime at the cowboy shoots. Some of the better ones would give any normal person armed with a semi auto a run. All it takes is practice and familiarization. I can shoot a single action as good or better than any of my other guns and, fact is, my single actions are all superbly accurate. They all have loads that can put five rounds under an inch at 25 yards from a ransom rest. Most of the autos I've fired, 2-2 1/2" is considered good enough for competition. If you have one that can shoot an inch and a half to two inches, you're good to go for IDPA or any of the action stuff. Some of the bullseye autos I've fired are ultra accurate, but they won't take the dirt and abuse for field use. A 1911 that's built tight enough for bullseye is not much for carry. It has to be kept clean and lubed.
adobewalls
Member
I have to agree with this statement. The ergonomics of the SA's high handle (easy to grab), long hammer spur (easy to cock) and balance (pointability) combined with usually a lighter weight than a double action or semi help the gun clear out of the holster quicker than I think anything else out there.
fastbolt
Member
Yep, modern manufacturing, design and metallurgy improvements can help keep a 'dated' design alive and useful ...
Nostalgia plays a role, too ... no doubt. There's just something about the SAA design revolver, regardless of who produces it, which can evoke pride of ownership ...
A modern quality example of the design, within the intended limits of its structural strength regarding the intended cartridge, can be a rather robust and durable handgun. Simplicity of design can be an advantage.
Briskly thumb-cocking the SA revolver's hammer can lend a bit of momentum to the cylinder that trigger cocking might not always duplicate, and can help make for very positive cylinder rotation.
The plow-share handle of the standard SAA design, as well as the Bisley target grip profile, permits a potentially less punishing type of felt recoil for many users/owners. The rotation of the grip within the shooter's grasp may be helpful not only in helping mitigate the perceived effects of recoil, but also with repeated thumb-cocking for follow-up shots, especially when using a 2-handed technique.
Different SA hammer & trigger configurations may be prefered by different owners for different reasons. Taller/lower hammers, for instance.
As far as shooting SA revolvers 'faster' than a semiauto pistol, I wasn't as clear as I might've been ...
What I meant to say was that my aging SA revolver skills, and the excellent (for me) balance and handling characteristics of the short-barreled SA revolver, still permitted me to engage and accurately hit targets faster than many of our 'average' pistol users were able to do with their issued 9mm pistols. From my perspective, that leads me to suspect that the many variations of an old saying may still have some relevence ... namely, that the skill of the user is sometimes of potentially greater importance than the exact tool itself, presuming at least an acceptable tool, when it comes to successfully completing a task.
Naturally, I can accurately shoot any of my semiauto pistols faster than I can shoot my SA revolvers ... and reload them faster, as well.
It's just that as long as I can thumb-cock a SA revolver, I feel comfortable relying on one for most outdoors protection and defensive situations I anticipate encountering. Also, the many years of practice I gained when it comes to 1-handed, hip/point shooting with my SA revolvers still apparently permits me to maintain a fist-sized group at 1-3 yards, shooting my SA as fast as I can bring the gun back down onto target, while thumb-cocking it and depressing the trigger.
SA revolvers can be an enjoyable handgun shooting experience, but they aren't for everybody ...
The trigger cocking & firing capabilities and advantages of a DA/DAO revolver aren't to be casually dismissed, though, and may well be a more viable option for most folks desiring to acquire the basic revolver skills used with the modern DA revolver design. I think that SA revolvers, as well as SA pistols (cocked & locked, ala 1911 & 1935 models), are best left to those folks who have the necessary skills to properly and safely utilize them, especially under potentially stressful conditions.
Lots of folks have unintentionally shot themselves while trying to perform 'fast draw' ...
Nostalgia plays a role, too ... no doubt. There's just something about the SAA design revolver, regardless of who produces it, which can evoke pride of ownership ...
A modern quality example of the design, within the intended limits of its structural strength regarding the intended cartridge, can be a rather robust and durable handgun. Simplicity of design can be an advantage.
Briskly thumb-cocking the SA revolver's hammer can lend a bit of momentum to the cylinder that trigger cocking might not always duplicate, and can help make for very positive cylinder rotation.
The plow-share handle of the standard SAA design, as well as the Bisley target grip profile, permits a potentially less punishing type of felt recoil for many users/owners. The rotation of the grip within the shooter's grasp may be helpful not only in helping mitigate the perceived effects of recoil, but also with repeated thumb-cocking for follow-up shots, especially when using a 2-handed technique.
Different SA hammer & trigger configurations may be prefered by different owners for different reasons. Taller/lower hammers, for instance.
As far as shooting SA revolvers 'faster' than a semiauto pistol, I wasn't as clear as I might've been ...
What I meant to say was that my aging SA revolver skills, and the excellent (for me) balance and handling characteristics of the short-barreled SA revolver, still permitted me to engage and accurately hit targets faster than many of our 'average' pistol users were able to do with their issued 9mm pistols. From my perspective, that leads me to suspect that the many variations of an old saying may still have some relevence ... namely, that the skill of the user is sometimes of potentially greater importance than the exact tool itself, presuming at least an acceptable tool, when it comes to successfully completing a task.
Naturally, I can accurately shoot any of my semiauto pistols faster than I can shoot my SA revolvers ... and reload them faster, as well.
It's just that as long as I can thumb-cock a SA revolver, I feel comfortable relying on one for most outdoors protection and defensive situations I anticipate encountering. Also, the many years of practice I gained when it comes to 1-handed, hip/point shooting with my SA revolvers still apparently permits me to maintain a fist-sized group at 1-3 yards, shooting my SA as fast as I can bring the gun back down onto target, while thumb-cocking it and depressing the trigger.
SA revolvers can be an enjoyable handgun shooting experience, but they aren't for everybody ...
The trigger cocking & firing capabilities and advantages of a DA/DAO revolver aren't to be casually dismissed, though, and may well be a more viable option for most folks desiring to acquire the basic revolver skills used with the modern DA revolver design. I think that SA revolvers, as well as SA pistols (cocked & locked, ala 1911 & 1935 models), are best left to those folks who have the necessary skills to properly and safely utilize them, especially under potentially stressful conditions.
Lots of folks have unintentionally shot themselves while trying to perform 'fast draw' ...
IrvJr pretty well summed it up for me with this:
In 69 I saw my first .44 mag. fired. It was a Ruger Single Action Super Blackhawk. The fellow was two heads taller than me and stout as and Ox. He used a two hand hold and braced himself, never having shot a .44 mag. before. The recoil was like a canon going off! His arms flew up and back hitting him right between the eyes breaking his shooting glasses in two. The force knocked him back across the walkway and sat him on a bench with a little trickle of blood running down his nose...
(he never was the same, but that's another story) He was totally unprepared to handle the recoil and did so by trying to out muscle it. I know that now!
It took me years to get over that initial introduction to the awesome power of the .44 magnum. I started with .22 SA's, worked up to the .357 magnum, until finally the Mother and Father of all handguns... The .44 Magnum!
Now, after many years, one handed shots are common place. I am no longer intimidated with the .44 Mag. Once a person understands the recoil as IrvJr described it,
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it!
In 69 I saw my first .44 mag. fired. It was a Ruger Single Action Super Blackhawk. The fellow was two heads taller than me and stout as and Ox. He used a two hand hold and braced himself, never having shot a .44 mag. before. The recoil was like a canon going off! His arms flew up and back hitting him right between the eyes breaking his shooting glasses in two. The force knocked him back across the walkway and sat him on a bench with a little trickle of blood running down his nose...
(he never was the same, but that's another story) He was totally unprepared to handle the recoil and did so by trying to out muscle it. I know that now!It took me years to get over that initial introduction to the awesome power of the .44 magnum. I started with .22 SA's, worked up to the .357 magnum, until finally the Mother and Father of all handguns... The .44 Magnum!
Now, after many years, one handed shots are common place. I am no longer intimidated with the .44 Mag. Once a person understands the recoil as IrvJr described it,
,and to "go with the flow" you quickly appreciate the beauty in the design of the SA revolver...
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it!
Warren
Member
Why not make DA revolvers with plowhandles?
Nightcrawler
Member
Good question. I always thought that double actions with plow-handle, Bisley, or even Colt Lightning style gripframes might be cool.
- Status
Similar threads
