I've been training with SD semi-autos for a while now, and just bought my first revolver -- a 351PD -- as my new EDC weapon. Had my first range session with it today, and am pleased with how it functions and what it offers in concealability, ease of operation, and accuracy.

Here's my question, revolver guys: How do you train for self-defense with yours? Do you go with DA pulls exclusively? First pull DA and then cock and shoot SA the rest of the time? All SA?

I ask because I was surprised how easy it was to draw, cock the hammer, shoot, cock, shoot, cock, etc. until the cylinder was empty. It's easier to pull the trigger too, of course, in SA and more accurate for me even when dumping a cylinder full into center of mass at short range.

Just wondering what the experienced hands here do. Thanks.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

With a revolver - always DA

With my 1911's always SA

Good luck in your pursuits.

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On the Oak Savannah

I cannot fathom that someone would consider SA for anything other than familiarization for a NEW shooter. Or perhaps long range target shooting...certainly not self defense.

For a fact, the origin ( as I understand it) of 'NY-1' revolvers was to render all revolvers carried by New York Police Department personnel DA, only. The rationale was there were far too many negligent discharges by personnel first cocking their revolver.

I carry a Model 60, NY-1 much of the time. That gun is your standard M60 with a factory bobbed hammer. It cannot be fired SA.

I don't mean to be mean, but what makes you think SA is useful? Or safer, faster, or in any way useful for self defense?

Be safe.

When I was on the job the department issue was a S & W Model 10. I carried a Model 60 snubby stainless off duty. Trained with both DA. I couldn't see myself running, ducking to take cover, in any kind of self defense situation with my revolver cocked. Way to easy for an accidental discharge. I just replaced my 642 with a 640 Pro so DA is the only way I can shoot now. But even if I had another type of revolver DA is how I would train.

I practice shooting DAO mostly because I can fire faster in DA than SA. (plus the 642 I carry is DAO. )

Another thing is that some SD experts talk about instances where a person cocked the revolver and did not realize it (because under stress they went back to their training and they mostly shot SA when on the range.) and accidentally shot someone.

BTW: congrats on the 351PD it's a neat little 7 shooter!

I like to practice both. SA reminds me how feather light my Governor and 686 are, so I would probably never have a need to use it...too easy to accidentally fire.

I've only used single action for 25 yard bullseye shooting or further.

The single action pulls on my revolvers will likely never improve. ..as I rarely use them that way.

It annoys me to no end that apparently nobody aside from competition shooters shoot DA in youtube vids.

Just to follow up: is "always DA" for revolvers because it's faster in an SD situation, or for safety reasons in always training the same way so it's "automatic" if the real thing happens, or for better placement, or what exactly? Thanks!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Revolvers can be fired sa much more rapidly than most shooters imagine.

That said, sa requires more training, practice and technique than learning to shoot da well.

Although 25 + yard shooting is sa territory, those longer ranges are far outside sd range in the vast majority of instances.

Learn da shooting if you intend to use a revolver for sd.

If you're going hunting with your revolver, sa comes into its own.

No meanness taken, Big D.

For me, a new shooter, today at the range, it was surprisingly easy to cock and shoot in rapid succession, compared to doing the DA pull each time over the seven rounds.

(I would never cock before needing to shoot, by the way -- but the point is well taken that in a stressful situation, a cocked pistol might get fired prematurely. I would certainly never carry cocked! )

The double-action on my pistol will, I'm sure smooth out some with more usage and familiarity. Knowing how the pros train gives me the guidance to know how I should too.

I appreciate the feedback, and please, keep it coming.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Since your 351PD is rimfire I don't think Apex makes a trigger kit for it, but they might.
I have not used it, but others seem to really like it.

And we don't mind photos either.

You ONLY fire your DA revolver in SA mode at the range for deliberate accuracy practice, to see where it hits with precision. Or in a contest, I guess.

You practice for self defense in DOUBLE ACTION ONLY. The guys above got it right - it's WAY too easy to have an AD with a cocked hammer on your revolver, especially when the adrenaline is pumping. If there is evil in front of you do NOT cock that hammer.

Feel free to look up the story of the Miami riots of a generation or two ago caused by an LEO cocking his hammer and accidentally killing a perp that was already under control. Not that you're fixing to cause a riot - but you ARE fixing to cause yourself trouble.

***GRJ***

For SD, it's going to be DA, you won't have time to muck around with SA, if you do, the distance would likely be too far to claim SD.

Thanks, Senior Chief. And, all who have posted here. Good solid information, shared with friendly concern and guidance, just like this Forum is famous for. I really like it here, guys!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

I have taken note, while researching revolvers in general, that smoothing up and lightening the factory double-action on a revolver should be undertaken with extreme care. That heavy trigger-pull is there for a reason, as I understand and appreciate it, and I guess for an SD weapon, anything in the way of a customizing of the trigger might be an area of legal concern if it ever came to that. I'll just work on getting my trigger finger a little stronger and more accustomed to my new EDC weapon, and try to err on the side of "less is more". Thanks for the tip, though!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Double action for self defense only.

I view self defense deadly force as someone trying to kill or cuase serious bodily harm to my person. I don't want to be in the open cocking a revolver and taking a lot of time aiming for a perfect shot while someone is trying to kill me. I want to put enough rounds into the subject as fast as possible to stop their threatening actions. Reload and check for more threats.
No more threats, call 911 and treat any wounded.

With this;

About that far away;

Into this;

Works for me.

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Keep on Chooglin'

With my revolvers, SD practice is only DA.

The only time I practice SA for self defense, is when I practice with my Model 39, and then it's DA on the first shot, SA on the second. That took me a few times to get used to, and I like to stay on top of it.

I shoot my revolvers DA only. I shoot revolvers for fun and it is more fun (and challenging) to shoot DA.

Send me a regimen of chooglin' exercises for my trigger finger, snubby; seems to be working for you! Nice DA shooting there pard!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Lotsa dry fire practice.

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Keep on Chooglin'

I completely agree now, Maze. I didn't ever contemplate SA as a "target shooting" type option in an SD situation. At 3 yards or less, I'm dumping a cylinderful of stop-right-now as fast as I can. All I was saying earlier was that I was surprised how fast I could do that in SA, from the draw.

Don't mind saying that the first time I tried a shot from my new revolver, at 3 yards in double action, I missed high on the whole target. The pull was wayyyyy different from what I was accustomed to on my semi-autos in DA.

It got better from there, but I did find that I could in an SD mode aim to center mass, cock the hammer, and fire, and repeat seven times, in what seemed a fast and controlled manner. I see now that I am going to have to learn to do this in DA instead, and that's fine, and a challenge I look forward to!

Here are a couple of pics (not taken by me) of my little spitfire. The CT grips came on it: I'm still deciding whether they will stay.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

My NAA Wasp SA only cuz that's how it works, my S&W 640 38spl DA cuz that's how it works. No confusion. When my 640 Pro Series gets here, DA cuz that's how it works. I like both, always carry the Wasp, almost always carry both.

Stay safe, John

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Luke 23:34

I only practice double action because I doubt a person will have time to
shoot single action if in a shootout. At least my backup S&W 642-1 also has an internal hammer so that's the only choice for it.

Double Action I rarely shoot single action

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Rob

My EDC 642 is DAO, so...

When I carried a revolver capable of SA fire the only time I used that capability at the range was, as others have suggested, to adjust the sights or test the revolver's capabilities at ranges beyond 25yds.

Here are several good reasons for limiting your use of SA to these purposes:


In a high stress situation you will act as you have trained. Train one way, don't switch back and forth or you will dilute the training. (This is not meant to exclude weak hand, unsupported or barricade practice, it is a matter of removing unnecessary variables).

If in a SD situation you have covered someone with your firearm and the conflict ends without you having to fire, you will be in a heightened state of excitement. Adrenalin will be pumping. This is not the time to try to safely lower the hammer on your revolver. Amplify this if you have actually fired one or more rounds and then need to make your revolver safe. Remember, you will act as you have trained.

The potential for a ND created by a light SA trigger as already mentioned.

If you are new to the gun and want to see what it will really do, OK, shoot a box or two slow fire, SA. But once you know that train, train, train DA until you are getting the same results that way.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

If anyone snaps a cap in SA mode the whole can of premeditation worms will be on the table.
As well as any long range SD claims over [my guess] 25 yards.
Most SD shoots are 7 yards or less.

That being said DA only for defensive close in practice.
Most of my J frames are DAO.

Something many could practice is being alert. We all slip too often here also in heeding our senses. After all it is our fist line of defense, if we choose to use it.

Just my two cents worth. I hope my 1st line holds fast since I really don't want to use the second.

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Have a blessed day ,
Bull

Double action only.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

If you carry a revolver for self defense, you MUST be proficient in using DA. There is little justification for SA in close quarter combat - it takes too much time, and leaves in question whether you faced imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. In self defense, the first shot may be the only one you get, so make it count.

It takes a lot of dry fire, conscientious practice, to master DA. The proper grip is usually different than for SA, just to get the leverage you need on the trigger. The hammer must break without disturbing the sight alignment. Practice! Practice! Practice!, and do the same on the range.

Some people stage the trigger, which is fairly easy on a S&W (much harder on a Colt). However, that's probably slower than SA. Learn to pull the trigger in a smooth, continuous motion until you get it right. I do exactly the same thing with a DA/SA pistol, except I alternate DA with SA to overcome the transition. The key is, every other shot is DA.

S&W has changed a lot since the lawyers took over. I just found a 66-1 and 27-3 from a time before semis became popular. The DA is incredibly smooth, and at least 3 pounds lighter than on a new Smith. Life is good.

DA, period, the end.
If you have time for SA you have time to run for it.
And you won't have time.
Also, SA is always a very light trigger pull. Too easy to make a fatal mistake.
After sufficient training and practice I don't even notice.
5 cropped.jpg386NG titanium & Tritium 30.jpg

DA, the way God, Horace Smith, and Daniel Wesson intended them to be fired!

Another vote for DA only. I will use SA when hunting with a revolver.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Great responses, guys. Thanks very much.

I know what I'll be doing at the range for the next several trips!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Strictly DA.

I might sometimes use SA from a bench , or braced position for ammo testing or sight adjusting. Or not some guns I shhot just as well DA , and saves the hassle of shifting your grip each shot. Go back in a time machine to observes some of the old school PPC competetors , and their 50yd groups fired DA.

Meanwhile back at the infamous Miami incident , Ofc Alverez delibertly shot the perp because he needed shooting. The false accusation of an accidental discharge was invented by Janet Reno , then local DA , for her personal political gain. BUT , all the controversy created a wide trend twords DAO service revolvers to prevent the possability of such false accusation. The move to DAO revolvers was expanding right up to the end of the revolver era.

For the aid of the OP :
You primarily learn accurate DA shooting , by practicing DA shooting , both live and dry. To increase muscle tone and endurance , a Gripmaster is superior to all the devices and expercises that use all the whole hand.

I'm sure people have done it , but it is more challenging to initially learn your DA skills on a J Frame. In the day , the typical progression was to initially learn your skills on a full sized revolver , and then transition to the small frame.

I practice with both. The farther the distance/more precise the shot needs to be the quicker I go to single action.

It is not how fast you can shoot, it is how fast you can get HITS, in the right place.

With some serious practice you, should be able to determine when it is time for YOU to do DA shooting or SA shooting.

First, I absolutely agree with the near unanimous opinion expressed above that DA only is the method of fire for a self defense situation.

You said you are new to revolvers. For this reason I give you a pass to shoot SA. Shooting should be fun or you have no reason to go to the range and practice. If you don't have success hitting your target than it won't be fun and you won't practice. My recommendation is as you find success with your SA accuracy, start shooting more DA shots. Say you shoot 50% SA and 50% DA. Over time increase the DA percentage and decrease the SA percentage. As you become more accurate with your DA, you will find that you no longer need or wish to shoot SA.

The other thing worth mentioning is your choice of revolver. I believe it is a 22 magnum. Looks like it would be lots of fun to shoot and probably good for practice but I have to say this is marginal for SD. Look at the many 38 special / 357 magnum revolvers that S&W offers.

Ridgewalker, your advice is well taken, and I appreciate it. Yes, the SA is fun, and I enjoy finding how how accurate my 1 7/8" barrel can be, by competing against myself. That said, I understand the importance of DA in self-defense, and I intend to school myself in using it more and more. Another challenge, and part of the fun of learning how to shoot a revolver for me, heretofore a semi-auto guy exclusively.

As for the 22 magnum, your opinion on it being marginal for SD is shared by many. However, for now, I have decided that based on the ballistics of the specially-designed-for-short-barrels SD ammo by Hornady and Speer, among others, I have a round that will do what I think will need to be done given the parameters of my EDC and lifestyle.

I am not slighting .38 Special or any of the other larger rounds. I am simply of the opinion that if I empty seven rounds of 22 magnum JHP into someone, it's going to stop them and in a hurry. If not, and I die trying, well, the joke will be on me, I guess.

The 351PD is just so easy to drop in my pocket and carry without really knowing it's there. That means a lot to me in EDC, as I have found that being conscious of my pistol on my person, while "comforting but not comfortable," is distracting. I'm opting for the less is more solution, at least for now.

Thanks again.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

For self-defense with a revolver, I prefer double-action.

I used to shoot in our club's double-action revolver league and found that [and dry fire] greatly enhanced my double-action accuracy.

I practice both. I figure if given the chance I'll cock it. Be careful though, I've had two ND's with my Pre-Model 10. I say this in the sense that I fired shortly before I intended to, weapon pointed down range. They weren't a big deal because I was observing all other safety precautions. Cocking the hammer I think now of like putting your finger on the trigger, you should be ready to fire.

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Just the opinion of a kid

DA. Do not unnecessarily complicate the situation.

Hi:
"Old Timer" here.
3, 7, and 15 yards- DA
15 and 25 yards- SA
DA is draw and fire to stop threat
SA is to stop threat with precise bullet placement.
There are situations where precise bullet placement to stop a threat at 15 to 25 yards is needed. (I can think of several).
concentrate on accuracy at 3, 7, and 15 yards DA but also SA at longer ranges.

Double Action....period.

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NULLI SECUNDUS

The only revolvers I own that I train SA with are SA. My Colt SAA 45lc and Ruger Single-Six 22, and I can't imagine EDC'ing either of them. To the question, with any other revolver, DA's the only way to fly.