Single-action revolver for defence?

S

scotjute

New member
If you have/carry a single-action revolver that you use as a defensive weapon, what do you have/carry and why?

Has anyone ever actually used a single-action revolver for defence? If so would you tell us of your experience(s)?

Note : don't want to get into a debate about double-action vs single-action vs semi-auto etc. I know that there will be some people for whatever reason still depend on single-action revolvers for defense (from whatever) and would like to hear from them.
Thanks everyone.
 
YEP, I'VE DONE THIS, PARTICULARLY IN THE WINTERTIME.

Sometimes a Colt 4 3/4", sometimes a Cimarron 4 3/4" 45COLT, but usually a Hartford 4" 45COLT.
Usually in a Chapparel shuck on their 2 1/2" belt. Rides perfectly under a winter coat and is easilly accessable.

They work just fine...
 
Are you talking about concealed carry or just have a single action revolver for home protection or walking in the woods???....I just bought a box of 300 gr personal protection loads from Garrett at 1000 fps......big heavy blunt bullet with a big meplat........to be used for 2 and 4 legged predators........it will definitely do the job..
 
There's nothing wrong with a cowboy gun for defense. Just make sure that you use a load that you can hit with, and one that doesn't recoil so heavily that you can't get off a second shot if needed.

In .44, you might look at the W_W 170 STHP. I understand that it's loaded down to about .44 Spec +P+ levels.

I kept a 4 5/8 inch Ruger .45 Colt on my nightstand for a couple of years, when I didn't have anything else suitable. It was loaded with .45ACP lead 200 GR SWC bullets to about 850 FPS. Maybe not the world's best defense load, but I'm confident that if I had needed it, it would have done the job.

(And this is coming from the world's greatest 9MM semi-auto fan)
 
If it was good enough for John Wayne...

Actually, the rate of fire is a little slower, and reloading is definitely a problem, but if you are comfortable with an SA revolver, why not? In 99.99% of self-defense shootings one fires one or two rounds.

Great intimidation factor when you thumb that hammer back on somebody. Click-click-CLICK. (Sorry, it's gotta be three clicks. Never did cotten to that two click stuff on newer Rugers.)
 
Well, let's see?

In S/A revolver's the two that I would most likely trust to
protect lives and/or property would be two Ruger's:

#1) Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .38Spl./.357 Mag/ with
the extra 9m/m Parabellum cylinder and a 4-5/8" barrel.

#2) Ruger (old model) Super Blackhawk .44 Mag with 7-1/2"
barrel.


Either and/or both of these will serve you well; whether it be
defense from two legged critter's, or the four legged variety.:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Ewok-Guy is right. Having seen some darn good cowboy shooters, I wouldn't sneer at a single-action revolver.

In fact, one of my Mom's clients uses a Single Action Army as a daily CCW piece. She's a regular CAS shooter (the client), so the "practice with what you carry" wisdom applies.
 
Here is a picture of my Ruger Vaquero with a 3.75 inch barrel it carries pretty easy. The holster under it is an IWB that was made for it. Works real nice.
 

Attachments

  • birdshead.jpg
    birdshead.jpg
    78.9 KB · Views: 318
jem375
Was referring to either/or self-protection from critters or bad guys.
Just curious what experiences/choices others have had. Seems like they would still be effective even if not the most up-to-date or even the best choice. Was also curious to see if any CAS folks
actually depended on what they carry. Sounds as if at least some do.
 
One experience

I was open carrying my Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt as I returned from hunting one winter day last year. It was dark when I pulled into my driveway. As I exited my vehicle, a man not known to me pulled into my driveway, headlights on me, and stepped out and boldly began to approach me, jabbering some jive talk. I challenged him regarding his intent , and he stated he needed some money for gas, continuing to approach. Upon seeing the Ruger at my side, he halted and raised his hands, stating he was not armed. I instructed him to leave, and he did. Later learned he was a druggie who tried to intimidate people into giving him money. I was told he most likely just picked me at random, hoping for success. I suspect getting him to leave may have been more difficult without the S/A Ruger. Could have worked as well with a double-action but I was thankful for the big Ruger and the comfort it gave me.
 
...and if he wrestled the SA away from you, he'd be too stupid to cock the hammer, he just pull on the trigger.

Homie don't know no SA :)
 
CLICK, CLICK, CLICK....

Geeez, haven't you guys ever seen a REAL Colt's Single Action??

CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK. Legend says that those four clicks spell... C. O. L. T.

FWIW.

J.B.
 
Without question a single action revolver is at a disadvantage regarding rate of fire and ability to reload quickly. However, having said that I'd rather run up against a 14yo kid and a 9mm TEC-9 than Thell Reed and one of his single actions!

As always, in the end it's the man behind the gun.
 
Moment of confusion provides opportunity

Roger C wrote: "..and if he wrestled the SA away from you, he'd be too
stupid to cock the hammer, he just pull on the trigger.

Homie don't know no SA "

Well, hopefully, in the punk's moment of single-action confusion, I could have drawn the S&W Model 60 .357 I was also carrying (with valid CC permit) in my coat pocket and brought it to bear on the situation. :)
 
Or quickly wrench the gun around and break his finger, and then when he's a yelling for his mama, take it from him and use it.
 
I LEARNED! pistols with a Ruger Single Six convertible in .22/.22Mag.

I can easily empty accurately 6 rounds in 2 seconds in .22 LR, 6 in 6 seconds full power .44 Mags.

My Uncle, who is an old time fast draw artist, can empty a .45 Colt in a fist sized group in 1 1/2 seconds and he is one of the slow ones! ;)

Fear not a Gang Banger in a stand up fight, Fear the old guy with a revolver missing a bit of Blueing! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top