Single action revolver for self defense.

imjin138 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

mg357 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

Maximumbob54 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

TACC1 · Sep 6, 2011

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

A10 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

thndrchiken · Sep 6, 2011

It certainly wouldn't be my first choice but if it's what you got it's better than nothing.

hatt · Sep 6, 2011

I've thought about a Single Six convertible in survival type situations where space, weight, and versatility are at a premium.

feralmerril · Sep 6, 2011

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.

feralmerril · Sep 6, 2011

Just for fun, here are my other single actions.

bnkrtstk · Sep 6, 2011

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.

OKFC05 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

old curmudgeon · Sep 6, 2011

bnkrtstk said:
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...

feralmerril · Sep 6, 2011

OKFC05, I can respect that view overall. It is a very good point.

old curmudgeon · Sep 6, 2011

feralmerril said:
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.

michael thornton · Sep 6, 2011

i dont feel the least bit unarmed with my 45 blackhawk, but would like a pair of them

Will Carry · Sep 6, 2011

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.

therevjay · Sep 6, 2011

A SA wouldn't be my first choice for a CCW. But hey, it worked for Wyatt Earp.

Frizzman · Sep 6, 2011

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...

imjin138 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

ASA335 · Sep 6, 2011

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.

Single action revolver for self defense.

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