Single-Action REVOLVER Defense?

[JayFramer]

Note: This thread is NOT concerning 1911s or ANY single-action semi-automatic handguns, just single-action REVOLVERS!!!

Anyone carry or use single-action REVOLVERS for defensive carry or home defense?

Seems to me that statistically, 5 or 6 rounds has proven to be more than enough in the vast majority of civilian self defense situation. A single-action REVOLVER (not talking about 1911s), especially a modernized one such as the Ruger lineup, has got to be about the most reliable handgun available and they're chambered in such big and potent rounds such as the .45 Colt and .357 Magnum, with plenty of high-performance modern defense loads available. I've found personally the single-action REVOLVER can be thumbed and fired with great speed and accuracy, the trigger pull affords really nice potential.

So what do you all think about it? Seems men such as Elmer Keith was recommending single action REVOLVERS for defense up into modern times. I think with practice they can be effective.

Discuss!

 

[jag312]

Sometimes I carry my USFA Single Action in .45 Colt. Before I retired, I carried a S&W 696 in .44 Special. The cylinder held 5 rounds. My USFA is loaded with 5 rounds. The only difference is that it takes longer to reload the USFA. If I need more than 5 rounds, maybe I should have brought a rifle with a large capacity magazine.

 

[shawn mccarver]

The only single action I use for defense is the 1911 - yes the one manufactured in Hartford (or West Hartford), Connecticut. It is usually in .45 ACP, but occasionally in 38 Super. It is always in Condition One (and only) when carried. And, it is fed most often from Chip McCormick Power Mags or the Wilson variety. It always has sights you can see and a manageable (5 lb.) trigger.

 

[JayFramer]

Guys let's keep this on single-action revolvers, don't care if you carry a 1911 or a Hi-Power just whatever, great good for you, you're not adding anything meaningful to this discussion.

 

[StrawHat]

While EK stated if he were restricted to one revolver and factory loads that revolver would be a 45 long Colt SAA with Remington blackpowder loads, he mostly carried a 4" S&W either 44 Special or Magnum.

Kevin

 

[CajunBass]

Beats crying and begging "Please don't hurt me," all to heck.

I've never carried a S/A but then I'm not a S/A guy. If it was what I had, it would do.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Useing proper technique a person can effectively defend himself with a single action revolver .Most gunfighters I knew in the past who favored the single action revolver were old when I was a kid .My grandad carried one and could use it .He when practicing would generally fire two shots then eject and load never running his gun dry.Of course old colts and clones were set up to do this where the more modern Ruger set up is different with the loading gate safety .Some old timers would take the loading gate completely off a revolver to aid in ejecting /loading speed.Thing is they in general weren't looking at the situation we have today .The criminal back in the 40s 50s overall weren't armed with HC semiauto firearms .To day with a single action revolver facing even one or two adversaries armed with semiauto HC you would be at a definite disadvantage even if behind cover as they could pin you with fire and basically walk up on you .Dont get me wrong I'm not saying you couldn't if you put in the practice to get to be an expert say for instance like many cowboy action shooters but that takes a lot of time and work .In a rural setting I carry a SA revolver quite a bit but I wouldn't get into a gunfight if I could possibly help it as in I would either retreat or use my long gun to keep the bad guys at distance or put them down. Most old timers I knew carried a long gun especialy if they were going in harms way like raiding a still for instance and they in general took help.Interesting thinking though .A Winchester 94 in 30/30 for instance is set up to use the fire/load technique never running the gun dry also.

 

[bigggbbruce]

NAA Sidewinder 22Mag under my left hand, and a 1911 Commander 45 under my right.
The interesting part is that I'm left handed and very good with the Sidewinder, also always shot right handed and it's my strong hand.

 

[BB57]

When I lived in the Black Hills, they'd have fast draw competitions every now and then.

Some of those guys were really impressive in terms how fast they could fire 5 rounds with a slicked up SA revolver using the thumb and fingers of the weak hand to fan the hammer with the trigger held back.

But..they were also shoot wax bullets at mouse fart velocities, not an actual self defense load. Consider for a minute that the current .40 S&W lead bullet load with a 200 gr bullet at 1050 fps is essentially identical in terminal ballistics to both the 200 gr .44-40 and .38-40 black powder cartridges in a revolver.

----

I have carried a Ruger Blackhawk with .45 Colt loaded to 32,000 psi for self defense, but more for 4 legged critters than 2 legged, and it's still at a disadvantage compared to a DA revolver in .44 Magnum.

 

[Highhawk1948]

I'm very comfortable carrying my New. Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt. Have been shooting them a long time.

 

[Bakebfr480]

I often carry a 4 5/8 Ruger SBH in 44 magnum!

 

[Smoke]

I think it's one of the worst ideas I've ever heard in my life

 

[jim lock]

IMO its one of those questions that can be answered only by you. If you like it, feel comfortable and are proficient with it for self defense---Then carry it.
Jim

 

[cadmike]

To my thinking; there are many folks who use a pump shotgun for home defense. Well, working the action on a ruger Blackhawk is no slower than pumping a shotgun. So why not?

Granted it's not the best choice for all situations, but that's why so many of us have different firearms for different purposes. I would not feel outgunned, necessarily, carrying a modern large bore single action.

 

[Pisgah]

Unless you are one of the countless people on this and other forums who apparently are attacked by hoards of drug-crazed thugs on a regular basis, there's not a reason in the world you can't defend yourself perfectly well with a single-action revolver.

Just stay out of those neighborhoods, which must be extremely small because forums are the only places I hear about them.

 

[lrrifleman]

I don't own a single action revolver, but you did get me thinking. I do have a K38 and I do have a blister pack single action kit for a K frame.

Would I carry a converted K38 for self defense? Maybe, but highly doubtful. It would allow me a faster reload, but I don't think I would want the wider hammer and trigger on a combat revolver. While I tend to be more proficient for target shooting in single action, I don't think I would be comfortable in a combat scenario unless it was the only handgun I owned.

Unless I am shooting a PPC or other combat style course, that is the only time I shoot a revolver DA.

 

[Sixgun100]

On rare occasions, I will carry this rig. Don't feel unarmed. Not my first choice, but I do like it!

Ruger Vaquero Montado

 

[hardluk1]

I carry a single action for defense but mines a lite weight commander 45acp

 

[max503]

You would make noise cocking it. A big reason I like a humpback snubbie in a pocket is it can be in-hand and ready without anyone knowing. You would loose that tactical advantage, which I think is huge.

 

[Rpg]

While a single action revolver can be used for self defense, they aren't a good first choice for most folks.

Long ago, I was enamored of the things.

Of course, in those days I watched a lot of Gunsmoke and Have Gun Will Travel!