Do Any of You Actually Carry a Single Action for Self Defense

Wyo · Jan 30, 2020

We’ve had a number of threads concerning the viability of single actions for self defense and I don’t really want to get into all that again. What I would like to know, though, is whether any of you actually carry a single action on a regular basis? If you do, how do you carry it and what do you do about carrying a reload?

murphydog · Jan 30, 2020

Before someone here posts a photo of their 1911 or P35, I believe the question has already been asked and answered (edit to add - regarding single action revolvers) “yes, but not regularly” (as I recall).

JayFramer · Jan 30, 2020

I’ve been known to carry a Remington cap and ball at times.

Cal44 · Jan 30, 2020

I open carried a SA 454 Casull one time on a week long backpacking trip in Alaska.

7.5 inch barrel.

Carried it in a OWB holster.

Never saw a bear -- a good thing.

Dieseltech56 · Jan 30, 2020

I almost had the perfect single action woods packing gun but it slipped through my fingers. It was a original vaquero birdshead 3.5 inch 45 colt. I would definitely carry that or something similar

Echo40 · Jan 30, 2020

Currently I don't, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't. In fact, I was actually considering getting a Colt Lightweight Commander 1911 or Kimber Ultra Carry II not too long ago for EDC, and the only reason why I changed my mind was the fact that they were too expensive for me to justify the cost of.

roscoepc · Jan 30, 2020

When I get my CCP later this year I'll be carrying a S&W J-frame "Kit" gun in either .357mag or .22mag. This will be in a holster in my right front pocket.

And as I get the extra money I'd like to also have a NAA Sidewinder in .22mag in a wallet holster in my left pocket..

So I guess I'd be toting both DA and SA!

Just in case.....

dr. mordo · Jan 30, 2020

Ok, I'll be the one to ask - single action, as in Colt Single Action revolver, of single action only, as is 1911 or Hi Power?

fishwishin · Jan 30, 2020

If the question is geared towards SA revolvers for self defense against criminals, then no- I do not. If SA autos are on the table, then yes- I do.

SA revolvers are good (in this day and age) for hunting, status and good ol’ BBQ’s, but there are far better options for saving your life.

JimBianchi · Jan 30, 2020

I usedto carry my Ruger Vaquero in 357 as an OC gun for 2A polical rallys and occationally as a IWB, cross draw.

No more now. Straight semi-auto (Karh CM9)

Wyo · Jan 31, 2020

dr. mordo said:
Ok, I'll be the one to ask - single action, as in Colt Single Action revolver, of single action only, as is 1911 or Hi Power?

You’re right, I wasn’t clear. I actually meant like a Colt single action revolver, but I’d be interested in hearing from those who like the 1911 and BHP as well

max503 · Jan 31, 2020

I carried a Colt Pocketlite 380 in a holster in condition 2 in my right front pocket until I lost faith in the gun and sold it. It would fail to feed the last round on occasion.
Had that gun been reliable I would still be carrying it. 1911's are my favorite handguns but the 45acp is too much for my style.

edit The only thing I don't like about single actions is the "click" noise you must make before the "bang" noise. I could see this being an issue in certain situations.

BAM-BAM · Jan 31, 2020

Moved away from single action carry in the mid-80s...... 1911s and Ruger single actions (.22lr) in Penn's Woods....... to Sig 220 and later 3rd Gen Smiths with K and L frame .357s for the Woods.

Still have two Browning HPs and a CZ 9mm that can be carried cocked and locked and a Sig 1911 C3 .45 ....... no single action revolvers at all!

Old cop · Jan 31, 2020

Before I’d switch to a single action revolver or semi auto I would have to spend a fair amount of range time training w/the new platform.

NYlakesider · Jan 31, 2020

Remember way back Skeeter Skelton was coming back from a hunting trip and he had a Ruger Super blackhawk 44 on his hip.

Ran into a couple cop friends and went with them to affect a arrest. The perp was in the car and armed with a .25 auto. Sket ran over pulled the hogleg and clicked it right in his face. All thoughts of using the .25 vanished when he saw what Skeet had pointed at him

SuperMan · Jan 31, 2020

Daily carry for me since the mid 1970s has been a 1911. Since 1980 I've carried a Colt Commander in .38 Super 99% of the time when off my property.

As to carrying a Single Action revolver for personal protection...only occasionally when woods walking. That one would be a Freedom Arms 97 4.25" round butt in .41 Magnum... If carrying a SA revolver in the woods I would usually be hunting with it.

Bob

Marshal Tom · Jan 31, 2020

I'm with fishwishin. I have never carried a single action revolver for SD. Too many other better options available. I own three at present and love them all but not for SD.

bmcgilvray · Jan 31, 2020

Single-action carry must be a current topic on several firearms forums. Just yesterday I stopped by my wife's office and had her take a photo of me totin' a 4 3/4-inch Colt Single Action Army in .38-40. I'm suggestible and must have been influenced by a thread on the topic of Uberti revolvers. Had to make several stops around town and attend a civic organization's board meeting as well. The Colt rode comfortably in a Brill holster beneath a sport coat and nobody knew.

Realistically it's a bit of a stunt. While I've owned and used the revolver since the early 1980s, I don't frequently shoot it. I'd feel better about carrying a side arm with which I regularly practiced rather than one I only shoot infrequently and carry once in a blue moon.

The lighter hued holster was employed for the day.

The single-action revolver certainly can be pressed into service though and used with good effect.

Echo40 · Jan 31, 2020

I'd also like to add that at one point in time I was considering a Ruger Super Black Hawk in .454 Cassul as a wilderness carry gun.

Ranger514 · Jan 31, 2020

For SAA carry in the woods, I like my 3.75-inch barrel Ruger NV Montado in .357 magnum, loaded with hard cast. I carry it in a custom built pancake style, high ride, open top holster made for me by a good 'ol Alabama boy. I've never worn it for urban concealed carry, but I'm sure it would work well under a jacket.

Do Any of You Actually Carry a Single Action for Self Defense

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