DAO snubbies?

L

LH2

New member
When I'm firing a full size revolver at the range I tend to cock the hammer and fire SA. I also prefer the look of exposed hammer snubs like a S&W M37 or Ruger SP101.

But the real purpose of a snubnose is defense, so shouldn't you probably practice in DA? Or will it even matter when the moment comes?

I guess I'm wondering if a DAO snub actually is the best way to go for CCW, even though it's easier to do well on paper targets with SA.
 
I think for a "belly gun" the single action is something that can just get in the way at the most inopportune time. Stick with DAO or just DA for close self defense would be my .02.
 
I like having the hammer spur

It allows me to manipulate the cylinder and my wife finds it easier to use, so I like the option. I only practice DA. If you're in a scuffle, and you have to reach back and pull it out to use, it should be second nature. I think if I buy another snub, it will have a bobbed hammer.
 
the real purpose of a snubnose is defense, so shouldn't you probably practice in DA?
Click to expand...

Yes, Yes, Yes. If you spend your time practicing in SA, you won't know what you can and can't do in DA, which is how you would much more likely shoot a snub in a real defense situation. DA shooting is hard; it demands practice if you're going to be any good at it. SA shooting is easy; if you practice DA, SA is going to be a breeze should you ever need it.
 
Consider that the J frame holds 5 rounds, others 6. You have to make every shot count. You cannot afford to put rounds into the ground, let alone innocent people.

In a self defense situation it would be best to fire DA simply from a safety standpoint. Therefore, being able to control your shots in DA is essential. I carry a J frame of the Bodyguard configuration, but that is because it carries in a pocket well, not because I can SA shoot it. I never SA shoot it. I very seldom SA shoot my K frames, except to confirm accuracy of the gun and eliminate myself as much as possible from the equation. I can say that with adequate practice and a smooth manageable trigger, a man can shoot as well DA as SA. The key is trigger control above all else.

So, to answer your question, yes, IMHO with a defensive revolver, you should be practicing DA shooting exclusively.
 
I started thinking along those lines after I got my 2" model 60 so I followed it up with a SP101 DAO. I love the gun but may get the trigger worked on which I'm sure will it improve it. I think it's important to train for a real situation in which cocking the gun just won't be an option. I'm considering getting a used 640 next but if you want the DAO without giving up the single action choice, pick up the 649.
 
I'll second that, Point shooting ,without using the sights, is a very realistic skill that should be practiced. Especially with your primary carry weapon.
 
Yes, I prefer the look of a traditional, hammer model revolver, be that a snubby or any other revolver.

But you really do have to weigh that against the intended mission of a CCW snubby: Close in defense. Looks aside, that CCW close in defense mission is better served by a "hammerless" (or shrouded hammer) model, shooting DA. The external hammer serves as something to hang up on your clothing, you are better off without it.
 
I painted the back of my front site with a red sharpie. I just keep both eyes open and put that red mark on whatever it is I want to hit. It usually goes there. ;)
 
LH2,

A thought or two from someone who has enjoyed revolvers over the last 30 years.

First, like others who have commented in this thread, I shoot revolvers in single-action mode on only limited occasions: checking inherent accuracy of the firearm; midrange or long range target shooting; midrange or long-range hunting. Beyond those circumstances, my revolvers are all fired double action. That is the single/primary quality of our modern weapons that set them apart from the old self-defense single action weapons of 100 years ago.

Particularly for defensive uses and training, double action is the only way to go. If your adversary is close, any shooting is likely to be very, very quick and furious (something difficult or impossible in single action mode); if your adversary is distant, justifying the use of single action mode, you probably ought not be shooting anyway. You ought to be "fleeing" to safety. And since we do as we practice, virtually all practice ought to be conducted in double action mode. That way, when it hits the fan, you will shoot as you train.

Believe it or not, I even practice double action shooting with my hunting revolvers, for much of my hunting is of wild boar... close range, fast shooting, at moving targets.

So I strongly encourage frequent practice in double action mode if your weapon of choice is a revolver.

Consistent with that recommendation, I suggest you consider purchasing your snubby defense revolvers with either concealed hammers or hammers lacking a spur (I remove the spur from those that do not come that way from the factory). Smith and Taurus have a good selection. In fact, purchasing them DAO is probably the best as it eliminates any temptation to use them other than as they were intended. The hammer spur is a liability to drawing the weapon from concealed carry (snags on everything) and therefore is something to be avoided, in my judgment.

Those are my thoughts. Make any sense?

Boarhunter
 
Let me just add that there's nothing wrong with shooting single action or buying a gun with a hammer. Whatever you're most comfortable shooting with and shoot best should be your carry choice. For me, I just think having shot for a while and knowing more about guns now, I'm moving towards hammerless for carry but it's not for everyone. A 649 will give you the best of both worlds so go with what you prefer and practice.
 
Personally, I prefer to have the oprion of single action if I wish. I shoot almost exclusively double action, but on occasion, the lighter oull is useful. I carry a 431PD in .32 H&R Mag, and I have often popped critters at the house at 25+ yards, and single action is very handy.

A j-frame will do amazing things at longer yards. I have shot my 431PD at 50 yds many times, and can put all six shots in the scoring ring of a standard CLEET silhouette using single action fire. Is it likely Ill need such skills? No. Possible? Definitely.
 
I had a S&W 637 and traded it in for a 640. I traded because I wanted a heavier stainless gun and I wanted to go to an internal hammer. While I do like the stainless better than the aluminum, I must admit that the trigger felt much better with the external hammer, even in DA. Hope this is helpful.
 
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