Single-Action Self-Defense

Guns & Ammo Magazine ^ | Sept. 2006 | Bart Skelton

[samadams2000]

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=SWHC

Things appear to be going well for this company as well.

[230FMJ]

I believe that the first rule of gunfighting is that you must bring a gun. My first choice will probably always be a 1911, but if an SAA is your favorite, and that's what you have with you, the first rule has been met. If you know how and when to use it, it'll work.

[ASOC]

Interesting post. For a long time I carried a Ruger in 44 MAG, single action. Later changed that to a 12ga pump. Yep, for hiking.

Could be a little awkward at parties I suppose.

[kiriath_jearim]

I'm a 1911 fan, too, but I do enjoy shooting a SAA .45 "Long" Colt revolver. The Uberti models in my post above were from the Uberti website.

I also like the Ruger Vaquero revolvers, too.

[elkfersupper]

Looks like our little secret is out.

[230FMJ]

Vaquero is nice, I've shot it in both 44 and 45, but Ruger lost some of the "feel" when they modernized the action and beefed up the frame. There is still nothing quite like the natural feel and pointing qualities of original SAA frame.

[RKV]

Also, never go to a gunfight with a pistol with a caliber that doesn't start with a "4." As noted above, reload time with a single-action wouldn't make the cut with me. But then I am a certified (thankfully NOT certifiable) 1911 shooter. I own three Colt Gold Cups (Series 70 National Match for me only, thank you) so you can tell I have the bug pretty bad. I could be talked into one of the Colt clones, but I do like the real deal. ;>)

[Tijeras_Slim]

Could be a little awkward at parties I suppose.

Find the right kind of parties. :)

[Tijeras_Slim]

The new Vaquero is much more in line with the original SAA. Frame is same size as the old model Blackhawk.

[telebob]

SA might be fine for some but I wouldn't be comfortable with it. I'll take my 1911 or Beretta 92 over a revolver any day.

[Disambiguator]

Single action revolvers are fine for defense against bears and other critters, but I wouldn't choose one for a combat situation.

That being said, I own two Super Blackhawks, and I love them.

[norton]

Recently had an opportunity to exercise my defense weapon(s) policy:
dbl action auto loader for inside if needed,
SA 45 LC for potential outside use,
12 Ga pump when in doubt.

Reason, picked up from someone else but made sense to me;
It takes time to load the Ruger after you've decided there is something out there.
Taking that time allows you NOT to fly off and empty 15 rounds of 9 mm into the neighbors.

Many years ago a guy I shot with regularly pulled out his 1911 and spattered at least 12 rounds into walls, telephone poles, trees and stucco - I don't think he ever saw what or who he was shooting (sort of) at.
That's when the good old .45 ACP with soft lead is a godsend - didn't go through any walls.

[Cold Heart]

If you want to see what single action can do, watch the cowboy mounted shooters. On the run down at full gallop it sounds like some of them have semi autos. I used to do the mounted cowboy shooting until my arthritis kicked in on the second day of competition.

I feel very comfortable with the single action, but as was mentioned, reloading is slow. Of course the old muzzle loaders were slower.

[Concho]

Single Actions used for concealed carry/self defense will not be the 7-1/2" hunting or target models. The SA's used for concealed carry are mostly 4" or shorter barrels. Several models are avaiable with either two or three inch barrels, ejector's removed and the front frame cleaned up. They use rounded sights and all edges are smoothed. Off the shelf .45 Colt ammo is a formidable load in them. They are more common than you think.

[Migraine]

a guy I shot with regularly pulled out his 1911 and spattered at least 12 rounds into walls, telephone poles, trees and stucco

Wow. As much as I love guns and shooting, I just can't figure out why I would ever do THAT.

[Tinian]

He held the Colt in his left hand and fanned with his right.

A high school friend of mine bought a S&W Model 10 as soon as he was legally old enough. On his second or third day of shooting he tried to fan it.

He got a palm full of firing pin--a long, deep, bloody, painfull, slow healing gash.

My Dad's advice to not fan his Model 19 suddenly made a lot of sense.

[Concho]

1911 standard magazine holds 7 rounds......so, he must have reloaded?

[addicted_to_coffee]

I have a five shot 45/70 Govt single action revolver and a 12ga mag pump action shotgun.

I guess that should do it.

[rockrr]

Out of the chute every kid wants to emulate the stuff he's seen on TV. And every dad worth his salt has to slap him down.

On one early outing my dad (Marine DI) yelled at me, "That ain't no toy, BOY!" "Treat it with respect or the pieces it takes outta ya will be nothing compared to the pieces I take outta you!"