Single-Action REVOLVER Defense?

[cgt4570]

Having shot several SAS fun matches, I would not feel under-gunned in most situations with a quality SAA. 5 shots well placed will counter almost any threat, man or beast.

 

[Mule Packer]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when talking about how quickly these single-actions revolvers can potentially be fired, I'm assuming it's two-handed?

You assume correctly. Two-handed. But, remember, we aren't talking about which firearm is best, which can be fired better with one hand, or which one is easier to reload, although we have seen many here stating their opinions on those particular issues. While those things are certainly important items to be considered, that's not what the OP asked.

The OP simply asked if anyone carries a single-action revolver for self-defense or for home protection. Period.

If an individual feels comfortable using a single-action revolver as his/her personal choice for home protection, I really don't think it's going to make much difference to an intruder if he gets shot by a person holding his/her revolver with one hand or two hands.

 

[jwk]

Me no, you if that is what you are best with ok. I really don't have a vote.

Statistically most gun fights involving non police personal defense are over in less than 5 rounds but statistically do you really need a gun? I say that because we carry because of what might happen not what the odds of it happening really are. Ask yourself what happens if you're unlucky enough to not only find yourself in a gunfight but also unlucky enough to face something requiring more than 5 rounds to survive?

I think there are better choices for me. I will say though that if I got into a bad situation and didn't have a gun I'd thank the guy who hollered my name and pitched me a Blackhawk to use. I wouldn't bitch bc it wasn't a 1911 or M27.

My advice choose what works for you rather than what suits your ego!

 

[Walkingwolf]

I guess you never been around somebody who cracks one off by "accident". It's kinda scary, and a wee bit annoying as you make sure you don't have any unwanted holes in your body.
What always amused me when I did observe one to occur, it was usually done by someone that considered themselves a "gun guy" or a "good shot". lol

Yea, and most times it is a semi auto...

 

[Walkingwolf]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when talking about how quickly these single-actions revolvers can potentially be fired, I'm assuming it's two-handed?

Unless I'm missing something, they are relatively very slow to fire off multiple rounds with one hand. Prohibitively so in a defensive context based on what I've seen.

Plus there's the issue of having to break your grip to thumb the hammer as well as having a weapon cocked to single action if you want your weapon to be ready to fire as you should in any type of impending conflict.

That would seem to make them a very poor choice for self-defense when one hand is often all you have. And from a threat management perspective, they would appear to be a bad option as well, but like I said, maybe I'm missing something.

Yes you are, freedom, liberty, personal choice.

 

[Mister X]

Cocking a double-action revolver to single-action is generally considered a bad idea in terms of threat management. Is there something about these guns that somehow makes it different?

 

[Mister X]

Yes you are, freedom, liberty, personal choice.

Everybody is free to make pretty much any asinine choice they want, that doesn't mean it's a good one.

 

[Wrangler Rich]

I would not feel under gunned with a Single Action revolver. After all, shot placement is far more important than speed of discharge.....

WR

 

[Walkingwolf]

Everybody is free to make pretty much any asinine choice they want, that doesn't mean it's a good one.

Your opinion, shame it has no value on the choice of others. Gotta be pretty frustrating. As for me, I believe in accepting the legal choices of others, no matter what they are. I stay much more sane that way.

 

[Echo40]

Cocking a double-action revolver to single-action is generally considered a bad idea in terms of threat management. Is there something about these guns that somehow makes it different?

You mean besides the fact that the gun cannot be fired unless the hammer is cocked?

Honestly, between cocking the hammer in anticipation of a threat and leaving the hammer down until the threat has been verified, which would you say is a worse idea?

Besides, let's face it, if you're already holding your firearm and feel that cocking back the hammer might be called for, then that hopefully means that you've sensed something to indicate that someone is either breaking in or otherwise has already broken into your house.
For example, you hear window glass shatter, a ruckus as if your door is being kicked in, or at the very least the sound of someone fiddling with the doorknob as if attempting to pick the lock on one of the entrances into your home. Is that not sufficient cause for concern to warrant the subsequent action of preemptively cocking the hammer on your firearm?

 

[vegasgunhand]

I say carry what makes you comfortable. Now that being said, unless there was no other option, a single action revolver would not be my first choice to defend myself. They are accurate, but truly cumbersome to operate. You literally are changing your grip each time you thumb cock the revolver to fire. Yes, you can "fan" the hammer, but unless you train a LOT with it, your accuracy is going to suffer.

My biggest problem with a single action revolver is they are dangerously slow to reload. Yes, actual gunfights usually are over in a very few rounds. However, the six may not be enough to stop the threat, then you are stuck with an extremely slow reload time. Ask the woman in Georgia how she felt when she had fired her sixth round form her revolver at a home invader, and he was still standing. Luckily for her and her two children, the attacker decided to leave, but he was not incapacitated. She had no way to reload, and using a single action revolver will put you in a very precarious position while you reload at a snails pace.

Us what makes you feel comfortable, but I would use nothing short of a double action revolver to defend my home with.

 

[Drm50]

I think anyone that has shot all their life with handguns and pistols can shoot any type and get the job done at true SD ranges. If you can't hit center of mass at 20-30' with any hand gun you need a riot gun. SD is a reaction to a threat and in most cases is a short fight. Hollywood came up
with the face to face draw. These situations aren't real, bad guy will shoot you in the back if he can. I would be interested to know the rounds fired in
SD shootings.

 

[pawngal]

I have both SA only (Ruger Blackhawks and others) and SA/DA S&W revolvers.
No, I can't shoot the SA only ones one handed, too heavy
But I can sure shoot my short barrel K frames one handed, SA and stay on target, and faster and more accurate than in DA.
Your experience may vary..........

 

[Mister X]

Your opinion, shame it has no value on the choice of others. Gotta be pretty frustrating. As for me, I believe in accepting the legal choices of others, no matter what they are. I stay much more sane that way.

The OP asked for opinions and said discuss and that's what I thought we were doing. No frustration on my part, I was paid to give my opinion for many years. People are free to do what they want no matter how misguided they may be, but an informed decision is always better than an ignorant one and if every choice and opinion is treated as being equally valid, then making informed decisions becomes increasingly difficult for those who don't know any better.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Some of the stupidest and most cocky replies I've had the displeasure of reading on this forum.

Hopefully I can say that without getting an infraction from the mods. I apologize in advance and beg for forgiveness if the above is too brutal a statement to make here.

Yup, it's same characters that make things more difficult as they preach what they think they know. Takes the enjoyment out of it.

 

[JayFramer]

Guys this has been a heated thread to say the least, and we might a lost our cool once or twice, but it's been real good info. So glad we can get on here and discuss these things! Nothing wrong with some spirited debate! Thanks gang, keep 'em coming!!

 

[riverrat38]

Guys this has been a heated thread to say the least, and we might a lost our cool once or twice, but it's been real good info. So glad we can get on here and discuss these things! Nothing wrong with some spirited debate! Thanks gang, keep 'em coming!!

Spirited debate and constructive opinions are good.
Thread bashing, not so much!

Best,
Rick

 

[Walkingwolf]

The OP asked for opinions and said discuss and that's what I thought we were doing. No frustration on my part, I was paid to give my opinion for many years. People are free to do what they want no matter how misguided they may be, but an informed decision is always better than an ignorant one and if every choice and opinion is treated as being equally valid, then making informed decisions becomes increasingly difficult for those who don't know any better.

He asked if others carried single action revolvers, and to discuss carrying them. Calling someones choice "asinine" is the same as a personal insult. Your opinion would have been better if the attitude is left out. The fact is he is going to carry what he wants to carry no matter what your, or my opinion is. He seemed just to be looking for like minded friendly conversation, not bashing.

 

[fatcat3]

When carrying a SA........

If'n I'm expectin' trouble, I carry two of em, plus a rifle.

.

If I'm expectin' trouble then I aint goin'
SA are like mouse guns. If your comfortable with it, have at it, they sure are better than a stern look and harsh voice.

 

[keith44spl]

If I'm expectin' trouble then I aint goin'
SA are like mouse guns. If your comfortable with it, have at it, they sure are better than a stern look and harsh voice.

Why yes, I am comfortable with em.......Have been for over half a century.
I'm also just as comfortable with DA revolvers of the same calibers,
as well as SA or DA semi-automatic pistols.

Oh, I'm also proficient with several variants of machine pistols.


My post (that you quoted) was tongue in cheek, sorry for the confusion.

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