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Old 09-06-2011, 02:15 PM
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Question Single action revolver for self defense.

One of the other forums I belong to had a post about using a single action revolver for CCW/self defense. such as a Blackhawk, or SAA copy. I shoot this type as often as any other type and am fairly good with it. does anyone else have an opinion on carrying a single action revolver for CCW/Self defense.
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Old 09-06-2011, 02:19 PM
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i read an article in guns magazine about this specific subject. Check there website and see if you can find the article it was written by Clint Smith.
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Old 09-06-2011, 02:34 PM
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I would think you would have to be pretty darn good with it before you would even think of using a SA as a CCW. You give up the use of speed loaders and fast reloading period. I would also submit in a fight or flight or injured hand the use of a DA revolver would be easier to use. I'm sure with no end of training you could maybe make it work but I don't think there is a winning argument that a SA would ever make a "better" CCW than a DA.
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Old 09-06-2011, 02:50 PM
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Seems like you'd have to be extremely alert to all situations
to make it work. 'Course, if that's what you've got, it beats the
daylights out of the sharp stick. TACC1
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Old 09-06-2011, 03:15 PM
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Carry what you like and are comfortable shooting. I carry either a double action revolver or both the double action and a single action semiauto. Both are quick into action and quick to reload. Your choice, though.

Last edited by A10; 09-06-2011 at 03:16 PM. Reason: clarity
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Old 09-06-2011, 03:44 PM
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It certainly wouldn't be my first choice but if it's what you got it's better than nothing.
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Old 09-06-2011, 04:11 PM
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I've thought about a Single Six convertible in survival type situations where space, weight, and versatility are at a premium.
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Old 09-06-2011, 06:39 PM
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For a person that knows how to use one, the only real disavantage is reloading situations. My first good revover years ago was a ruger single six. I got to where I could throw a bottle or can, draw and hit it still in the air often enough to show it wasnt luck.
I have a dozzen good single actions and although I am not too active with them anymore, with a little practice to bring me back to speed, I belive I could be comfortable carrying one again if thats all I had. This short barreled cimmeron could be a good choice. I have dual clyinders in .45 acp and 45 colt.

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Old 09-06-2011, 06:48 PM
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Just for fun, here are my other single actions.











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Old 09-06-2011, 06:57 PM
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The father of friend of mine used to carry a stainless Vacquero in .44mag as his CCW. He carried spare loaded cylinders in his briefcase.
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Old 09-06-2011, 07:07 PM
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I don't let single-action revolvers into my NRA personal defense classes, and I don't let the double action revolver shooters cock the hammer, because:

1. If you are that proficient in controlling a cocked revolver in a stress situation, you don't need my class.
2. If you aren't, I don't want you cocking a revolver in my class and trying to let the hammer down on a live round for a "no-shoot" situation. It's not the same as using a 1911 with a safety where you don't have to de-cock to holster.
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Old 09-06-2011, 07:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bnkrtstk View Post
The father of friend of mine used to carry a stainless Vacquero in .44mag as his CCW. He carried spare loaded cylinders in his briefcase.
I can load mine one at a time quicker than I can get a cylinder out and another one in.

And there is the small matter of ammo falling out of the cylinder unless you keep it pointed down ALL the time.

There is one advantage to the Blackhawk....it points much better.

In a real case of self defense, it is going to be at very close quarters. At those distances, the guy who is going to go for two handed stance and using is sights will be shot before he even gets started.

In addition, most encounters will be in bad light where sights are worthless.

If we are most likely to need our weapon at night in our own home, imagine waking up a 3:00 AM to the sound of glass breaking. Your glasses are on the night stand. Your vision is blurred from sleep. There are no lights other than a night light in the hall.

Are you going to take the time to put your glasses on? It takes two hands, you know.

So you grab your gun, no glasses, vision blurred, sights worthless...I hope that gun points good and that you have practiced that very thing.

All guns have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage to the Blackhawk is that you can learn to be deadly under those conditions.

Of course some of the Smiths are really nice to shoot but for me none that I have shot are as instinctive to point as the Blackhawk.

And you can get a Blackhawk that is a cannon on legs...
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Old 09-06-2011, 07:26 PM
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OKFC05, I can respect that view overall. It is a very good point.
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Old 09-06-2011, 07:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by feralmerril View Post
For a person that knows how to use one, the only real disavantage is reloading situations. My first good revover years ago was a ruger single six. I got to where I could throw a bottle or can, draw and hit it still in the air often enough to show it wasnt luck.
I have a dozzen good single actions and although I am not too active with them anymore, with a little practice to bring me back to speed, I belive I could be comfortable carrying one again if thats all I had. This short barreled cimmeron could be a good choice. I have dual clyinders in .45 acp and 45 colt.

That is some collection.

It makes me drool.

I am not an envious person. I have always been around people that had a bigger house, a bigger airplane, a better horse, made more money, etc., None of that ever made me envious.

But you are pushing me to the edge.

Really nice.

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Old 09-06-2011, 07:32 PM
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i dont feel the least bit unarmed with my 45 blackhawk, but would like a pair of them
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Old 09-06-2011, 07:35 PM
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Use whatever handgun you want for concealed carry. My Bisley Vaquero is the most accurate handgun I own. I know people who carry North American Arms single action mini-revolvers. A REAL single action revolver would be much better.
As far as reloading goes, carry a back up gun (New York reload). I almost never carry extra magazines but I always carry a BUG.
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Old 09-06-2011, 08:04 PM
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A SA wouldn't be my first choice for a CCW. But hey, it worked for Wyatt Earp.
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Old 09-06-2011, 08:13 PM
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Thumbs down SA for SD

I would never carry a SA revolver as a primary self-defence firearm if I had a choice and I have always had a choice. There are many good reasons why law enforcement and military/government agancies don't use SA revolvers for serious work. The weaknesses of the SA for defensive use have been pointed out already. I have several SA's and enjoy shooting and playing with them in activities ranging from plinking to cowboy shooting. But, that is play. If I am using the firearm to defend myself and my loved ones in a deadly force situation, there is no room for playing around with an obsolete design. I want every advantage I can get. I want good sights...Keep your glasses and light with your gun...as well as the ability to rapidly reload if needed. I'll take body armor and a long gun if its available. It is dangerous to engage in fantasy about such situations. I guarantee that if you ever face a deadly force situation, whatever you are armed with will seem little enough...
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Old 09-06-2011, 08:38 PM
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I wasn't engaging in fantasy, just asking a question, I have been in situations that have been dangerous and potentially deadly and because I work inside a prison we have no firearms.
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Old 09-06-2011, 08:42 PM
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Default My thoughts

Although I mostly carry a DA revolver or a semi-auto pistol, every now and then, and I don't really need nor have a good reason, I just feel like strapping one of my .44 or .45 caliber single actions on while I go about my business - they shoot well, sling a big ol' slug and "point" well. Are they the "best choice"? It would be hard for me argue that they are, but they don't make me feel any less comforted in likely SD situations.

OKFCO5:

I understand what you're saying - it's your class so you run it as you see fit; and you’re dealing with folks with little if any self defense firearms training, so the range rules likely need to be a bit tighter. I'm not arguing with ya here; but,

The way I see it for myself though, with single action revolvers, is I don't plan on thumbing the hammer unless I'm planning on pulling the trigger. In other words, unless I've made a reasoned decision to shoot I don't cock the hammer.

As a general rule, I think even pointing a gun directly at a person’s CoM is ill advised unless the decision has been made that a shot is justified. Either you have an imminent deadly threat or you don’t. If the “alarms” are going off in your head, but you cannot immediately see an “imminent deadly threat” justification, then a “low ready” presentation may be justified, but your finger should off the trigger, the safety still engaged or the hammer still at rest. Once the “imminent deadly threat” decision/justification has been made then by all means get that gun pointed on target and whatever else you need to do to get that shot off – just not before justified.
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Old 09-06-2011, 09:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frizzman View Post
I would never carry a SA revolver as a primary self-defence firearm if I had a choice and I have always had a choice.


It is dangerous to engage in fantasy about such situations. I guarantee that if you ever face a deadly force situation, whatever you are armed with will seem little enough...
I also have the choice, and sometimes, not often but sometimes, I choose to carry a single-action Ruger Vaquero in .45 colt. Several times recently, I have stuck a 4 5/8" Vaq or a 3.5" Vaq in my waistband when running to the convenience store for gas or a coke late at night. I have fired thousands of rounds through these over the last ten years or so, and I am very comfortable with them. Many times I leave the house in my pickup with nothing but a single-shot 12 gauge and a single-action .45 for protection.

I don't believe a person who is familiar with and comfortable with a good single action is engaging in any more fantasies than one who carries a double-stack, de-cocking, supertactical, whacked-out-belch-fire fawty glop special with a spare mag pouch and tactical underdrawers.

Really, if I can't end a fight with six rounds of 255/900fps .45s, I'm probably dead anyhow.

(OKFC05, I don't blame you for your rules in your class. I think a single action revolver in the hands of a novice shooter would be almost as dangerous as a glop)
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Old 09-06-2011, 09:30 PM
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It's generally been my opinion that each person has to figure out what works best for them when it comes to self-defense tools. I would say that as long as you are very proficient not only in shooting performance but also in safe handling, while under stress, then a SA revolver may be a viable choice. I don't know if he still offers it but I remember Clint Smith offering a SA revolver self-defense course at Thunder Ranch. Confidence in your gun, and particularly your skill with that gun, counts for a lot.

It would not be my choice for a self-defense gun, unless it was the only thing at hand when needed. I'm not comfortable with light trigger pulls, especially on a defensive gun. I had a trigger job done on a 1911 several years ago and I specified a weight of 4.5-5lbs. That was as light as I felt comfortable with. When I had a Glock 23 I used the NY-1 and "-" connector which produced a slightly heavier-than-stock pull with resistance from beginning to end. It's one of the reasons all of my revolvers are DAO with full-power factory springs.

I don't think speed reloading is as big a concern as many people think. I practice it with my guns, but it's not a skill that I think will be needed as much as drawing quickly and getting good accurate hits. However, I can see the speed reloading of a SA revolver being more fumble prone than other designs. If you have the skills to use it under stress, it may not be an issue for you.

I also want to be able to get quick, accurate hits with one hand as well as from awkward positions. I don't think I could do that under stress with a SA revolver. Again, if you can, more power to you.

I'm not an expert on SA revolvers, by far, but I have read that some designs are not capable of handling heavy use. That would be a concern for me, but if I were selecting a SA revolver with self-defense in mind I would make sure to pick a robust design that could withstand a lot of realistic practice, such as something suitable for CAS competition.

Then again, I've always wanted to get a SA revolver, but for me it would be a fun gun rather than a self-defense tool.
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Old 09-06-2011, 09:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frizzman View Post
I would never carry a SA revolver as a primary self-defence firearm if I had a choice and I have always had a choice. There are many good reasons why law enforcement and military/government agancies don't use SA revolvers for serious work. The weaknesses of the SA for defensive use have been pointed out already. I have several SA's and enjoy shooting and playing with them in activities ranging from plinking to cowboy shooting. But, that is play. If I am using the firearm to defend myself and my loved ones in a deadly force situation, there is no room for playing around with an obsolete design. I want every advantage I can get. I want good sights...Keep your glasses and light with your gun...as well as the ability to rapidly reload if needed. I'll take body armor and a long gun if its available. It is dangerous to engage in fantasy about such situations. I guarantee that if you ever face a deadly force situation, whatever you are armed with will seem little enough...
I am not arguing the point one way or another, but I would like to point out that the LEO would by reason of experience have a different view than an ordinary citizen.

First, although 99% or higher of an LEO's daily contacts are ordinary people who have something like a heavy foot, a headlight out or whatever, a certain percentage of a LEO's contacts or encounters are with people who hate cops. Some have a hate that is an obsession. So obviously any LEO that is not armed to the teeth, body armor and all is taking a chance.

The citizen who is attacked in a shopping center parking lot is not attacked by someone with a crazed hatred of the victim, excluding domestic and similar disputes, but rather by a lowly motivated lazy criminal looking for an easy mark.

It does not take an Uzi to end his interest in that mark.

I repeat that I am not arguing the merits of one weapon over another; I am simply making the point that comparing the weapon required by an LEO to that required by a citizen is worse than apples and oranges.

More like comparing the weapons requirements of infantryman in Afghanistan to the plain clothes detective.
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Old 09-06-2011, 09:50 PM
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Thanks old curmudgeon. Truth is theresa and I live in a little old two bed room house, smallest in our neighborhood. My driver is a 2,000 GMC sierra pickup. I accumulated all those guns mostly in my single working days 30-40 years ago. Been refuseing to sell any as the money would be gone in a week and I couldnt tell you where the money went!
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Old 09-06-2011, 09:51 PM
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Hmmm....this thread is a lot like "this caliber is better than this caliber"....round ball and muzzle loading firearms killed men the world over for hundreds of years....but then again so did sticks and stones, for a heck of a lot longer...just me but more depends on the person holding the weapon than the weapon itself....be safe
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Old 09-06-2011, 10:06 PM
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Quote:
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Thanks old curmudgeon. Truth is theresa and I live in a little old two bed room house, smallest in our neighborhood. My driver is a 2,000 GMC sierra pickup. I accumulated all those guns mostly in my single working days 30-40 years ago. Been refuseing to sell any as the money would be gone in a week and I couldnt tell you where the money went!

There is another reason to keep them.

If things keep going downhill at the present rate, they may be more valuable for sale, trade or barter than gold coins.

Sooner or later all of the funny money being printed by the federal reserve is going to hit the street and those guns will be more valuable than the printed money.
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Old 09-06-2011, 10:40 PM
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It sounds as if the OP is proficient with SA revolvers that is the most important factor for a self defense weapon. My only concern with that style of revolver is finding a model that you can readily conceal.
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Old 09-07-2011, 12:27 AM
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I would venture to bet that those so openly condemn a person for choosing to carry a SA are probably those whose ability to shoot is in deep doubt... I think the term is overcompensating... A tricked out glock or 1911 doesn't make you any better in a gunfight...

And for what it's worth if cops still carried and had to really qualify with revolvers I have a sneaking suspicion more bad guys would be dead... And more cops would be polite. Instead of walking around like robocop...
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Old 09-07-2011, 12:45 PM
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You asked about "carrying for self defense" and I have been carrying this 44 Special around the farm for the last 6 months or so, and I like it a lot. I used to carry a Model 60 but decided it was a bit underpowered for the kind of animals that have been showing up around here. I could carry my 629 Classic and maybe be a bit better off, but this Special (240 grain bullet @ 1060 fps) is good enough for me. I can shoot it both accurately and quickly. It's generally concealed under a coat -- but it doesn't need to be and isn't in hot weather.

At this stage of my life I'm no longer tormented by fretting over what's "best" but instead realize that most problems have multiple answers. In this case it's what works for me.

PS: On camping trips or road trips I carry my H&K USP in .40 S&W, if there aren't Bears in the area. For the majority of self-defense needs away from the farm, my Model 38 Airweight in my pocket is right for me.


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Old 09-07-2011, 01:44 PM
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Larry, I just bought this .44 a couple months ago. I still have to wring it out a little more to see what it likes. It will be my new quad rideing gun, I think.

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Old 09-07-2011, 01:55 PM
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Old Crumudgen, you carry that big bore single action wheel gun if you want. I don't think a mugger will make a stand facing off a 44. Maybe it's just me, but big revolvers scare the hell out of me.
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Old 09-07-2011, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by OKFC05 View Post
I don't let single-action revolvers into my NRA personal defense classes, and I don't let the double action revolver shooters cock the hammer, because:

1. If you are that proficient in controlling a cocked revolver in a stress situation, you don't need my class.
2. If you aren't, I don't want you cocking a revolver in my class and trying to let the hammer down on a live round for a "no-shoot" situation. It's not the same as using a 1911 with a safety where you don't have to de-cock to holster.
It is your class and you can run it like you want but I don't want to be around anybody that can't safely let the hammer down. Larry
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Old 09-07-2011, 03:37 PM
Larry from Bend Larry from Bend is offline
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Originally Posted by feralmerril View Post
Larry, I just bought this .44 a couple months ago. I still have to wring it out a little more to see what it likes. It will be my new quad rideing gun, I think.

That's a nice Ruger and I'm sure you'll enjoy dialing it in. Everyone I talk to is impressed with their accuracy. Mine isn't fussy about bullets or powder. I use Power Pistol with 200 and 240 grain bullets and H2400 (old stock) with 255 grain HardCasts. You'll most likely find that you need to bottom out the rear sight to get POA and POI to coincide. I did try a taller front sight which was waaaay too tall and filed on it some to regulate it. Here's the front sight height target.


I ended up with the "stock" front sight which shoots 240/255 grain bullets about 2" high @ 25 yards with my loads and a dead-on hold. 200 grainers shoot exactly on @ 25 yards.

Your holster is beautiful. Mine is an old Buchheimer that was for a Ruger 357 that I bought back in '68. I put that leather flap on it as I found that the rear sight on this FlatTop could open up my forearm if it wasn't covered.





My .44 is also my 4-Wheeler companion and rides with me on tractors and horses.
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  #34  
Old 09-07-2011, 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by OKFC05 View Post
You obviously aren't an instructor for beginning students.
Some of them are holding a gun for the first time in their lives, and you have to assume zero skill.

For CHL classes, we do the whole course of fire, dry fire, before anybody loads a gun, and there is always somebody who can't get through the dry fire without assistance.

The range test to be allowed to take the first NRA defense course is he/she has to load the gun and fire at a stationary target without sweeping anybody.

For even more excitement try doing shotgun live fire with 12-year-olds in hunter safety class.

And yes, there are some students I would rather not try to teach.
However, if trained instructors can't bring new people into the shooting sports, then who?
I'm fairly in the corner of I'd rather give them a single action... Your argument really doesn't hold much water it's just personal preference. It's your class like he said but you're also just simply making a decision. And not one based on anything other than opinion.
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Old 09-07-2011, 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by celticfisherman View Post
I'm fairly in the corner of I'd rather give them a single action... Your argument really doesn't hold much water it's just personal preference. It's your class like he said but you're also just simply making a decision. And not one based on anything other than opinion.
Agreed.

You fire one shot from a single action and have to take a specific definite action before you can fire the second.

Now tell me what is more dangerous than a Glock or similar weapon that has just been fired once and in the hands of a truly green student?

How many have fired such a weapon the second time by accident?How many have forgot to engage the safety immediately after firing the first shot?

Or to ask the question another way, how many Glock owners have shot themselves in the leg holstering or unholstering?

How many single action shooters have you heard of shooting themselves in the leg? Excluding cowboy action fast draw shooters.
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Old 09-07-2011, 11:42 PM
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I started out as a city cop in the 1970's and was issued a M10HB and carried that revolver for about 5 years until it was replaced with a M64HB. So, before you assume I'm some kid with a love of plastic wondernines think again. I spent most of my LE days with a 5 or six shot .38. I still carry those types much of the time. When I had the opportunity to carry what I wished when working plain clothes I carried my old Colt Combat Commander .45acp and my Charter Undercover .38 in a Bianchi ankle holster. Hicap 9mm's were not a consideration in those days in my part of the LE world.

I am quite aware that the needs of a LEO MAY be different from a typical citizen. But, I also know that if you assume that an agressive criminal will shrink at the sight of your pistol and run away, that is a risky assumption. It seems that there are those who count on that happening. There are many thugs around who are well armed and spend time at the range and are more than willing to use it on you...Particularly if you are a clear threat.

So far as hatred being more of a factor for cops...perhaps. My experience both as a LEO on the street and working as a psychiatric clinician in corrections is that there are plenty of very hostile individuals who hate everybody equally and will attack anyone they dislike or feel to be a threat. Some of these folks will hurt you because they enjoy it. Some will hate you because of the way you look or look at them.

I would rather end up with ammo I don't need than wind up needing what I don't have. If I was willing to go by the statistical risk and not worry about being in an unusual and dangerous situation that I can't forsee then I wouldn't bother going to the trouble of carrying at all. The fact is that you may well face more than one attacker. Circumstances may make taking a single, precise shot very difficult and your big bore SA may need more than one shot to end the attack. I don't go by the philosophy that if my 6 or 6 shots don't end the situation that I might as well be resigned to being executed. Police officers may quickly have backup...not so for most civilians.

I would suggest that anyone who wants to get some idea of what they can do in anything like a real defense situation with their SA should try some IDPA competition with it. Use of cover and the ability to reload efficiently are vital skills. The ability to shoot weak and strong hand is important. Things rarely go as you anticipate. I have learned that well over my good many years of life.

By "fantasies" I mean the scenario you may carry in your mind of how such a confrontation will go. My experience has been that it rarely happens when and how you expect. The behavior of others is unpredictable. My preference is to have as much as I can going in my favor within reason. In my book, that means carrying at the least a good double action revolver or two, loaded with the best ammo I can get with the ability to reload under pressure if needed. I may also chose a 1911 or DAO auto. I have those available.

If others wish to carry a SA or cap and ball revolver or an arquebus for their defense, that's fine with me. If you can save your bacon and not have to rely on mercy from those who have none...Then so be it. I don't make judgements about others' choices of weapons for serious purposes. Speaking for ME...I will leave my SA's to hunting and recreational use.

I believe I have spoken my piece on this topic...Good Luck to All
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Old 09-08-2011, 12:02 AM
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That is a well reasoned response Frizzman.
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Old 09-08-2011, 12:13 AM
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Definitely not my preference, but better than nothing.

The Rugers are safe to carry with a full cylinder. Authentic SAA replicas are not.

Obviously, reloading is a BIG stumbling block.

I recall an incident a few years ago where a guy went after some holdup men in a store with, I believe, a Remington single-action clone. If I remember correctly, his gun failed during the gunfight, leaving him to actually use the gun like a slip hammer fast draw gun. He prevailed, but it wasn't exactly a confidence inspiring performance by the gun.

A vintage M&P, Official Police, M1917 or New Service? Absolutely. A real or repro single-action? No thanks.
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Old 09-08-2011, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by cmort666 View Post
Definitely not my preference, but better than nothing.

The Rugers are safe to carry with a full cylinder. Authentic SAA replicas are not.

Obviously, reloading is a BIG stumbling block.

I recall an incident a few years ago where a guy went after some holdup men in a store with, I believe, a Remington single-action clone. If I remember correctly, his gun failed during the gunfight, leaving him to actually use the gun like a slip hammer fast draw gun. He prevailed, but it wasn't exactly a confidence inspiring performance by the gun.

A vintage M&P, Official Police, M1917 or New Service? Absolutely. A real or repro single-action? No thanks.
As I recall that story, in some manner the trigger guard broke or became bent in such a manner that the trigger was locked in its rearward position. So he thumbed the hammer.

If he had been carrying a Glock, a 1911 or any similar pistol, he would have been shot dead rather than ending up the hero.

So actually a single action saved his life.
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  #40  
Old 09-08-2011, 08:04 AM
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When I lived in KFalls Or. I had a CCW permit, I started out carrying a series 70 1911, I was told by many people carrying that coked and locked was way to danerous. Then I had a Det. Spc. was told not the right caliber to small not enough bullets.

Then I switched to a 1917 modified to a 3 inch barrell and that was OK. I have shot CAS, IPSC and bullseye. I go tot he range once a week or so. Do I carry a Single action Ruger now, no but i would feel ok with one. Normally my taste runs to K frame S&Ws or Ruger meduim frame guns.

If I know a fight is coming which has nnever really happened to me in civilian life I think I would grab my Mossberg 590 or M-1 carbine. I posted this because I thought it might be thought provoking.

When I did go looking for trouble like that it was in the military and I carried an M60 and a .45 and yes then I felt well armed.
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Old 09-08-2011, 03:20 PM
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No army in the world has ever used a handgun as a primary weapon. Our law enforcement officials, however, must use a handgun as a primary weapon. Nobody knows handguns like cops. When they say don't use a revolver in single action or don't use single action revolvers for self defense, who can argue?
That being said, if you want to do it anyway that's OK with me.
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Old 09-08-2011, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by OKFC05 View Post
I don't let single-action revolvers into my NRA personal defense classes
So this isn't your rule, but is an NRA rule? Very interesting.
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Old 09-08-2011, 03:49 PM
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I'm always amazed by the 'tactikool' types who think every self defense encounter will mean going up against a team of 7-9 highly trained and well armed Ninjas or SEALs at 25-50yds , and they need a 17 shot auto with 6 extra mags.

And though I have quite a few modern hi-capacity , combat worthy wonder-pistols (CZ-75,Sig P226, Star 30M) , I would not feel the least bit vunerable if carrying my Wolff-springed Cimarron/Uberti SAA .45 Colt or Ruger Blackhawk .41 Mag in a bad part of town. Most anti-social encounters are 1 or 2 punks fairly close , usually only 1 with a cheap *** pistol.
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Old 09-08-2011, 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Will Carry View Post
No army in the world has ever used a handgun as a primary weapon. Our law enforcement officials, however, must use a handgun as a primary weapon. Nobody knows handguns like cops. When they say don't use a revolver in single action or don't use single action revolvers for self defense, who can argue?
That being said, if you want to do it anyway that's OK with me.
I guess you missed the couple of cops posting here that they would feel just fine carrying their single action.

And several who said they would not.

So what does that prove? That cops are like the rest of us in that they do not all feel the same about the subject.

Again I say that much of their feeling on the subject comes from years of not knowing whether they would be called to stop something like the recent mass shootings, Columbine, or one guy sticking up a convenience store.

We do not have that duty to respond to a suicide mission.
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Old 09-08-2011, 06:01 PM
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The first handgun I ever owned was a OM Ruger Blackhawk .357 and I never felt undergunned when I carried it. If you can shoot it, well then you should be able to carry it. I can tell you when I have been out with a couple of folks from work they look at one of my DA revolvers like my Model 27 or when I carried my 624 and asked when I was going to get into the 21st Century. The SA revolver has its drawbacks sure, but how many rounds do you really think you are going to need in a gunfight? Most are only a couple, sure there are exceptions, but some that think you are going to be blazing away with a full high cap mag and then opting for a reload, well, never say never, but cmon. I have carried and still carry on occasion a SA revolver. Think about it, in .45 Colt the power is there (same as in .357, .38-40 or .44-40) and if you practice why shouldn't it work? It worked well for General Patton during the Punitive Expedition when he hunted down Pancho Villa's aide de camp. Lawmen used them well into the 20th Century, including Texas Ranger Frank Hamer. Like any other gun, practice with it and you'll be fine.
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  #46  
Old 09-08-2011, 06:24 PM
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I would feel comfortable CCW a SA. After the first six rounds if the BG was still standing, I would slap him silly with my pink purse.

Last edited by jimmyj; 09-08-2011 at 06:27 PM.
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