Single Action Revolvers for Self Defense?

[shawn mccarver]

(Or was it Masterson?) I recall that appeared to be a paid endorsement, which might be a consideration.

Time flies when we are having fun, and my memory could be clouded. It might have been Masterson, and it certainly was a paid endorsement.

Good show!

EDIT: It was Masterson. The book, a purported text on gunfighting sponsored by Savage, was called "The Tenderfoot's Turn," and was actually an ad for the pistol disguised as a book on gunfighting. Sound familiar? How many companies put out ads disguised as "gun magazines" for their products at SHOT Show? In the past, it was done by S&W, Colt, Glock, and many others. Glock is the only one that comes to mind that still engages in this method of putting out its annual catalog.

 

[Rastoff]

You Pilgrims forget that the ol' thumb buster won the West. I'd drop this old iron in my chaps any day ... and I'd feel down right cozy!

Yeah, that sounds like a nifty saying, but "The gun that won the West" was the Winchester 1873.

Besides, if a S&W Model 10 or a 1911 or a Glock had been around back then, it would have been those guns that guys preferred rather than the SAA.

...if it's not a viable option why does Gunsite have a course for SA revolvers?

They offer it because they can make money by teaching it and for no other reason. If any defensive gun school thought one gun was better than anther, they would lose no sleep telling you that you're wasting your time. Just look at Yeager or Pinkus.

Sure the SA revolver is viable, but then so is a rock. It's not a question of whether or not it will work, but which will work best. If a person wants to carry a single action revolver, I say go ahead. I just suggest, as I do with any tool, that they practice with it like it will be used for defense.

 

[jack the toad]

Besides, if a S&W Model 10 or a 1911 or a Glock had been around back then, it would have been those guns that guys preferred rather than the SAA.

Sure the SA revolver is viable, but then so is a rock. It's not a question of whether or not it will work, but which will work best. If a person wants to carry a single action revolver, I say go ahead. I just suggest, as I do with any tool, that they practice with it like it will be used for defense.

+1
Sure SAA's will work but there're better tools in the kit.
I've read about the US military's upcoming search for a new handgun but I doubt the SAA will be in the running.

 

[StrawHat]

...but "The gun that won the West" was the Winchester 1873...

Winchester advertising aside, a good case can be made that THE gun that won the west was the Springfield Single Shot Rifle.

Kevin

 

[Lobster Picnic]

At one point my NAA Black Widow was the only carry gun I had. I practiced a lot with it and felt comfortable carrying it. Cocking the hammer soon becomes just a natural part of your draw.

 

[American1776]

I love SA revolvers.
I sometimes carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk with a short barrel.

SA revolvers are heavier and bulkier than other options. They also have a manual of arms that is harder to train for speed. After 6 rounds, forget about a reload under fire / stress.

There was a time when good guys used SA revolvers to put bad guys away, the old six gun did the job well. But we must remember that EVERYONE was so limited with SA revolvers, so it was an even playing field. Today, IF we face an armed threat, the threat will most likely be wielding a high capacity auto-loader, or a long gun. There may well be multiple so-armed threats. Having only a SA revolver puts one at a disadvantage.

There are some auto pistols that are so reliable that I consider them on par with a revolver reliability (my Makarov and HK P7 come to mind). Revolvers and SA revolvers can work, but know the limitations going in.

 

[Lt JL]

It's not out of the question that a SA revolver could be a good self defense gun. But I started with a 6 shot model ten, and then a 5 shot model 36. When I traded that in for a Sig 226, I was mighty happy. Used all three of them in social occasions, and never ran a gun dry, but it was always in the back of my mind that a reload might be necessary. 'til the Sig. Instant peace of mind. I'll reload my Sig over my SAA any time.

 

[Guevera]

"nostalgia will get you killed."

This seems like the essence of this entire discussion. As much as I like SA revolvers (and I have a couple), I need every advantage in a self-defense situation. Looking impressive in a sort of retro/folkloric/historic manner is for another situation, certainly not self-defense.

 

[Mister X]

A poor choice all around for self-defense if we come at it from a realistic perspective. There is simply no logical reason to justify choosing one considering their limitations and the liability.

 

[firebreather]

Everyone gets hung up on capacity and rate of fire. Anybody watched Bob Munden's Fastest Gun Alive video? I don't care WHAT you're carrying if you can shoot like Bob does in that video the other guy will be dead. I also think that high capacity gives people a false sense of security and the urgency of needing to hit the target with first round is diminished.

Bob Munden wore out more single action revolvers practicing that most of us have ever held. Hell, he even re-designed and built stronger parts for Ruger single actions to beef them up because he kept tearing them up. Ruger single actions are built like a tank from the factory. Anyone that practices that much with a particular design of firearm is going to be extremely efficient with it.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Cost is an issue. A decent German or Italian .44 Magnum or .45 Colt SA can be had for around $400. An Italian cap n ball .44 for as little as $200. You can't load the .45s as stoutly as a Ruger, but standard .45 Colt is still a potent round.

I am as likey to confront a bear, wolf, big cat or amorous Sasquatch as I am a hostile human. Like as not the odds are greater of running into a dangerous animal than a human.

I would take a big bore SAA clone over a J frame any day.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Well I did today, but it was for four legged critters. And had a 4516 for the two legged ones.

 

[CTI1USNRET]

Regarding choice of CCW, as long as there's more than one choice, there will be people who say, "Mine's better," no matter how small the difference.

Even worse, there will always be people who say, "Your choice sucks."

 

[DevilDog72]

ya know.... the old west was sure count'n on it.

that said, what is the best gun to have when you need one...... the one you have with you..........

 

[Buford57]

(Or was it Masterson?) I recall that appeared to be a paid endorsement, which might be a consideration.

It was Masterson, in an ad.

FWIW if I carry a SA Ruger .45 or .44 concealed or openly while hunting or hiking I see no need to supplement it with my 642, but for any other carry situation would pick the little .38 first and without hesitation.

 

[italiansport]

I've lived in Arizona for 20 years. It is rare to say the least to see someone packing a SAA unless it's in a parade of exhibition situation.
I have several original Colts and clones which I enjoy shooting but My Kimber is what I'm going to pack as a defensive handgun.
Jim.