Single Action for Defense?
- Thread starter Pecos21
- Start date
I'm no expert,
but I can't see why anyone would want to use a single action for self defense. don't get me wrong, I love SA revolvers. Many argue that the are the best HGs for hunting. I'm not going to argue.
but, self defense is an entirely different situation. Things happen fast and therefore you want your gun to be as "point and shoot" as possible. I don't even like guns with external safties for SD. I saw a feature on a Miami jewelry store owner who actually got the drop on a criminal who drew on him but lost the fight because he forgot to disengage the safety!
In fact, after hitting the store owner in the chest several times, the robber put the gun to the owner's head and puller the trigger. The owner only lived because the robber was out of ammo.
Anyway, I'm sure people can get really fast with SAs; probably faster than the average shooter with a DA. But, IMHO, manually cocking the hammer is just one more thing to mess with or forget under the stress of a life-threatening attack. For me, it's a DA revolver or a semi-auto with no external safety (e.g. Glock, Sig etc.).
With better technology out there, why trust your life to a SA? Now, if that's all you have, then so be it. Practice so much that cocking the hammer is second nature. But choosing a SA over something else is beyond me. My two cents.
but I can't see why anyone would want to use a single action for self defense. don't get me wrong, I love SA revolvers. Many argue that the are the best HGs for hunting. I'm not going to argue.
but, self defense is an entirely different situation. Things happen fast and therefore you want your gun to be as "point and shoot" as possible. I don't even like guns with external safties for SD. I saw a feature on a Miami jewelry store owner who actually got the drop on a criminal who drew on him but lost the fight because he forgot to disengage the safety!
In fact, after hitting the store owner in the chest several times, the robber put the gun to the owner's head and puller the trigger. The owner only lived because the robber was out of ammo.Anyway, I'm sure people can get really fast with SAs; probably faster than the average shooter with a DA. But, IMHO, manually cocking the hammer is just one more thing to mess with or forget under the stress of a life-threatening attack. For me, it's a DA revolver or a semi-auto with no external safety (e.g. Glock, Sig etc.).
With better technology out there, why trust your life to a SA? Now, if that's all you have, then so be it. Practice so much that cocking the hammer is second nature. But choosing a SA over something else is beyond me. My two cents.
Old west corpses
There were alot of corpses in the old west to attest to the fact that a SA gun was good enough for defense, in many cases. You can surely get a fast hit on target with practice, but double taps would be problematic! Reliability and ammo capability not a problem at all. That .45 Colt, 44, or .357 mag can get the job done in one round in many cases. Assuming a good hit. I would prefer a DA revolver at least, but you sure would not be helpless before your enemy with a Blackhawk and good ammo! If the old guy feels better with it, can shoot it well, he will probably be OK with about anything he would encounter with a common prowler or a low class burglar. Note I said one, not a couple or three!
There were alot of corpses in the old west to attest to the fact that a SA gun was good enough for defense, in many cases. You can surely get a fast hit on target with practice, but double taps would be problematic! Reliability and ammo capability not a problem at all. That .45 Colt, 44, or .357 mag can get the job done in one round in many cases. Assuming a good hit. I would prefer a DA revolver at least, but you sure would not be helpless before your enemy with a Blackhawk and good ammo! If the old guy feels better with it, can shoot it well, he will probably be OK with about anything he would encounter with a common prowler or a low class burglar. Note I said one, not a couple or three!
I would'nt carry a single action revolver either. I thought about trying to convince him that he might be better off with a double action or an automatic, but then I thought; this guy has been trusting a single action since before I was born. It is incredible to watch him draw and shoot that thing. There is a lot of nostalgia in it for him and whatever I say will go in one ear and out the other.
It seems like in the time that it takes to pull that hammer back he has additional time to focus on his target and then his sights. It might be an advantage in a threatening situation, especially if your targets are not clear.
It seems like in the time that it takes to pull that hammer back he has additional time to focus on his target and then his sights. It might be an advantage in a threatening situation, especially if your targets are not clear.
I wouldn't normally use a SA for self defense, but it is worth noting that they often "point" better than double actions. In many cases the probability of a first hit with a SA may be better IMHO. I think I recall reading that Paco Kelly busted up a bank robbery with a single action .45 and put several criminals out of commission in the gunfight.
Sir William
New member
I used to see oldtimers grandfathered in with Colt 45 SAAs in Lawrence duty rigs. I really learned from those oldtimers. They hit what they aimed at. Confidence in the weapon is a large part of success.
The question with defense and single action handguns is not how well you shoot them, it is how well you don't shoot them. The main concern is accidental discharges.
Many states require a qualification course for the sidearm that you carry, and a single action should be no exception. If you can pass that, than you should be fine.
I would, however, keep a good lawyer on retainer.
Many states require a qualification course for the sidearm that you carry, and a single action should be no exception. If you can pass that, than you should be fine.
I would, however, keep a good lawyer on retainer.
Dusty Miller
New member
If I were a burgler I'd try to avoid breaking into houses occupied by old farts who were excellent shots with ANY kind of firearm!
No!
Don't let the fact that someone is very good with a particular weapon convince you that it's a good choice for you.
It may be a good choice for HIM simply because he's practiced with it for years and is too used to it to make a change.
There are better choices available for you.
Don't let the fact that someone is very good with a particular weapon convince you that it's a good choice for you.
It may be a good choice for HIM simply because he's practiced with it for years and is too used to it to make a change.
There are better choices available for you.
Watch someone like Rob Leatham shoot with a 1911. Watch someone like Jerry Miculek shoot a double-action revolver. Then watch someone like Bob Munden shooting a single-action revolver. Then tell me which one is potentially "more effective".
Mastering handguns to such a level requires much dedication and practice, but proportional lower levels are posible with any of the three. It is all down to the individual.
Mastering handguns to such a level requires much dedication and practice, but proportional lower levels are posible with any of the three. It is all down to the individual.
If he's good with it, there's no reason for him to not carry it.
Or anyone else that's willing to put in the time to get good with it.
The disadvantage of the SA revolver isn't the speed at which it can be fired, as they can be fired just as fast (and usually more accurately) than a DA revolver. The disadvantage is the time it takes to reload. Statistically, you won't have to reload in a typical gunfight. If you do, it's best to have another gun.
Or anyone else that's willing to put in the time to get good with it.
The disadvantage of the SA revolver isn't the speed at which it can be fired, as they can be fired just as fast (and usually more accurately) than a DA revolver. The disadvantage is the time it takes to reload. Statistically, you won't have to reload in a typical gunfight. If you do, it's best to have another gun.
Desert Dog
New member
I would not feel disadvantaged with my Blackhawk in hand, but with that being said, I would much prefer having my P90 stuffed full of JHP's anyday over the SA Ruger....
Mannlicher
New member
I often carry a Ruger Bisley Vaquero, 4 5/8 barrel, chambered in .45 Colt. I use Bob Mernickle's exellent PS6SA holster, on a heavy belt. This holster rides high, and has a cut out on the front to faclitate your draw.
The load I have been using is a 250 grain LSWC over Unique powder. Recently, I have been trying the Hornady 230 grain HP/STX with Blue Dot. This load is very accurate, clocks right at 1200 fps, and in the heavy Ruger, is easy to control. It is not difficult to clear the holster, and hit a 10 yard target, twice, in less than three seconds. (and still have 4 rounds if needed)
Most of the time, I carry a Custom Colt Commander, or a S&W Model 65, but I have no problem at all, with relying on my Single Action Bisley.
Hey, its always been about your ability to shoot, and yes, your willingness to actually pull the trigger on someone. Mind set is more important that what you carry.
The load I have been using is a 250 grain LSWC over Unique powder. Recently, I have been trying the Hornady 230 grain HP/STX with Blue Dot. This load is very accurate, clocks right at 1200 fps, and in the heavy Ruger, is easy to control. It is not difficult to clear the holster, and hit a 10 yard target, twice, in less than three seconds. (and still have 4 rounds if needed)
Most of the time, I carry a Custom Colt Commander, or a S&W Model 65, but I have no problem at all, with relying on my Single Action Bisley.
Hey, its always been about your ability to shoot, and yes, your willingness to actually pull the trigger on someone. Mind set is more important that what you carry.
One should use a handgun they're good with, whether it is a SA, DA, or an auto.I am most comfortable with a SA, so that is what I usually grab to go investigate noises out by the barn. My money would definitely be on the guy who is good with a SA over some punk with a semi auto. Just my $.02.