Which can take more abuse....

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easyg

easyg

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Which revolver is more rugged and can take more abuse, a double-action revolver or a single-action only revolver?

Or is there no difference?
 
Unlike the cylinder on a DA revolver, the back and front of a SA's cylinder is bound to the frame via a pin. There are also fewer moving parts in a SA revolver. Assuming modern metallurgy, then, my money's on the SA.
 
I have heard that the crane on a DA revolver is the weak point. I chose a SA as the only pistol that I would have for now, due to its versatility and reliable nature. From what I hea, fanning any revolver straight from the factory is abusive. What do you mean by abuse when you're comparing SA's and DA's?
 
Some say the Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley is stronger, some say the Redhawk is stronger.

I wouldn't load either (speaking of "Ruger/TC Only data" for .45 colt) with anything more than published loads from the powder/bullet companies, and don't have much interest in going that far. And I have a SRH in .454 Casull so it's not a temptation.
 
By "abuse" I am not referring to over-powered handloads....proper ammo loads will be shot in either one.

I'm referring to rough handling, bangs, drops, knocks, and such.
 
I'm referring to rough handling, bangs, drops, knocks, and such.
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I would think that a polymer semi-auto would be the best choice for such applications, but if you must have a revolver, a ruger DA will probably be the hardiest.
 
I'd say it depends on the exact make and model of the gun in question, as to which is the tougher/more durable.

For instance, some of the small parts in an original pattern Colt SA or clone can be pretty fragile, and subject to breakage. On the other hand, I'd hate to see the kind of abuse it would take to tear up a Ruger GP-100 or SP-101...

But then you can turn it around and compare a a S&W K frame to a Blackhawk or a Freedom Arms SA and get the opposite results.

Either way, with either type of well-made revolver, I would think both types are apt to out-live the user, if they never get anything past normal wear and tear.



J.C.
 
Given that I've heard of bent cranes in some revolvers I'd say that a DA would be more fragile to dropping or being mechanically abused. Even then it would only be a big issue when it's open and falls onto a hard surface I would think.

General bumps and bruises while holstered would not bother it at all unless the blow is enough to leave SERIOUS body bruises to the wearer to the point of almost breaking bones.
 
Easyg, can you give us an idea of what guns you're considering? After all, there's no point in any of us arguing the merits or weaknesses of a particular revolver if it's not one that you're apt to buy.

When it comes down to it, it's the little things that can make the difference; flat springs vs. coil, frame-mounted firing pins vs. hammer-mounted. These things can vary within type, from manufacturer to manufacturer, and make a big difference in durability.


J.C.
 
SA

There are only just enough parts in one to make it operate, and a lot of them aren't absolutely necessary.

You can take all the parts out except the cylinder and hammer and still make it fire if you index the cylinder by hand, and hit the hammer with a stick of stovewood.

rc
 
You can take all the parts out except the cylinder and hammer and still make it fire if you index the cylinder by hand, and hit the hammer with a stick of stovewood.
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Unless it has a transfer bar safety like the newer Rugers. Or am I wrong about that?
 
A little wisdom from Tamara via the sister forum:

A sharp enough blow to the cylinder of any swing-out cylinder revolver could spring the crane enough to trash the gun. The brand doesn't matter; RG to Korth, it's the nature of the beast.

I thought everyone knew this. Sorry!
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The context:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313389

Since you specifically mentioned being dropped, I'd guess SA is your answer.
 
A sharp enough blow to the cylinder of any swing-out cylinder revolver could spring the crane enough to trash the gun.
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Sort of - if the blow came from the right. If it comes from the left it will have to be hard enough to distort the frame. Possible, but not likely.
 
What about Ruger's ( or anyone else's gun that uses that system ) cylinders, that lock into both the front and rear of the frame?

I would think you'd have to either hit the cylinder hard enough to tear through the front lock or the frame, in order to bend the crane.

If the cylinder is open though, all bets are off, since it comes down to the strength of the crane alone then.


J.C.
 
Who's beating on their revolvers that hard anyway?

I've managed to make it over 50 years without bending a revolver so far.

rc
 
Easyg, can you give us an idea of what guns you're considering? After all, there's no point in any of us arguing the merits or weaknesses of a particular revolver if it's not one that you're apt to buy.
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Who's beating on their revolvers that hard anyway?

I've managed to make it over 50 years without bending a revolver so far.
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Well that's the problem with camp guns. Everyone wants to drive in the tent pegs with 'em....
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This is just hypothetical gun talk among those who like guns, nothing more.
 
I think you would be hard pressed to break any good all steel revolver IMO. My SP 101 just looks indestructable. I guess I could break it if I really tried. But the thing is just a little tank without tracks!
 
For my money, a single action will likely be stronger by design, since the cylinder is "fixed" as opposed to a DA with the swing-out option. Also, historically the coil spring guns (Ruger SA's) were likely stronger in the springs than a gun with flat springs, etc.

On the other hand, a DA is much quicker to load/reload with the swing-out function. As has been said already, don't follow the movie example of "flipping" the cylinder open/closed, etc. In short, don't abuse the gun.

I think it comes down to personal preference. just my .02
 
Ric said, "Most of the big handguns I've seen as in 475 Lin, 50WE and the freedom arms guns are single action."

I think that is probably due to the fact that small companies can make the simpler SA with less tooling and investment than they could make the more complex DA.

Jim
 
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