Ruger Forum

gunjunkie · August 6th, 2012, 07:56 AM

I don't carry my single action because I carry a small semi, but when shooting single action I always use one hand.

terry_p · August 6th, 2012, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwinters

The single action handgun can make a good defensive firearm as long as a reload is not needed. I owned a business for a many years and my only handgun was a 71/2 inch 45 colt blackhawk and yes I carried it concealed cross draw iwb and it was never spotted.

Did you ever have to pull that old hog leg out?

fungun · August 6th, 2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkinlobber

My defensive single action is a 1911.

That was a good one punkin, and I share your preference

Frank V · August 6th, 2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North country gal

I think most of us carry what we have the most confidence in when it comes to self-defense work. For me, that is definitely a 1911, though I do shoot revolvers a lot, too. My question, for those of you who would carry an SA for self-defense work, is how comfortable would you be using an SA in a situation where you only had one hand to shoot? Not being critical, here, just wondering how you would feel. Your thoughts.

I'm going to try to answer this. My ideas & thoughts are from my experience & may not fit others.

When I go shoot for fun it's generally a SA. I grew up shooting a Ruger Single Six starting in 1958. I practiced fast draw & that cost me some parts, but did make me realise for the first shot out of leather, the SA is as fast & as accurate as any.

Now would I be comfortable having to use one hand? The short quick answer is no. The overall answer is probably if the action is fairly close. I practice each time I shoot, shooting part of the time, with one hand at small targets. Targets such as a The brass part of a spent shotgun shell, small rock 1" or so in diameter, bottle caps, the end of a box of empty .22lr shells, & possibly my favorite, Grasshoppers. Grasshoppers move, they don't stay still, it's a lot of fun & a little tricky to hit when they crawl just as you put on the last 1/2lb on your trigger.

I also shoot at paper targets & usually practice at least a few shots one hand draw & fire at 4-7 yards. This can sometimes be eye opening. What we need to remember, is that we can win a confrontation with somewhat less than X ring accuracy. We can shoot effectively with our gun still moving. If you don't grip the SA with a death grip, the recoil will also raise the gun up & into a position that you can wrap your shooting hand thumb around the hammer & recock the gun as you pull it down out of recoil.

I hope I have answered your question at least partly.
SAs are FUN, they are my favorite (not for all circumstances) but still overall, favorite.
Thanks.
Frank

North country gal · August 6th, 2012, 04:28 PM

Thanks, Frank V for your honest and direct answer. Of course, for most of us, we can only speculate as to how we would react in a real self-defense situation and then go from there - prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Just not sure if I could deal with cocking an SA for follow up shots in a pinch. Like to think I could, but the real deal is not the place to learn I can't.

Temmi · August 7th, 2012, 09:46 AM

I agree a SA is a fine weapon... but the reload is gonna be hard.

Even a DA revolver is not a snap.

That is why many will carry 2 DA Revolvers, a Texas Reload

Snake

Ruger4Life · August 7th, 2012, 09:51 AM

Single actions are a great self-defense weapon. It all depends on the proficiency of the user.

chief1 · August 7th, 2012, 10:02 AM

Not too uncomfortable if I had time to cock aim and fire and the crisis allowed. The main reason I prefer DA to SA for protection is that in the crises I have seen (retired cop) some situations do not lend themselves to allowing think, draw, cock, aim, fire. They are more a rapid blend. Most certainly, a well trained shooter can do this stuff instinctively, but the fact is that most cops are not that well trained, so the more time allowed to determine what to shoot and the less that has to be done before pulling the trigger is best.
On the other hand, there is the axiom that the best gun you can have is the one you have when you need it.

Rivers2k · August 7th, 2012, 10:08 AM

SA's are fine guns but would be my first choice for PD or HD.

Practice is good but combat isn't what is shown in the movies. There isn't a whole lot of time for thinking ok what do i do next. There simpler you can make it the better. I go with a DA because it is the simplest to operate while still being safe.

Frank V · August 8th, 2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North country gal

Thanks, Frank V for your honest and direct answer. Of course, for most of us, we can only speculate as to how we would react in a real self-defense situation and then go from there - prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Just not sure if I could deal with cocking an SA for follow up shots in a pinch. Like to think I could, but the real deal is not the place to learn I can't.

You are welcome.
I really do like the SAs, however I am realistic enough to realise there are other guns out there that are easier to reload. I'm not sure how often a reload would be necessary in a civilian defense situation, but I don't want to give away any points if I can help it.

From time to time I've had to stop at a store returning from the hills carrying my favorite SA. I really don't feel unarmed.

Our first response in a defensive situation should be to try to get away if safely possible. If we can avoid a deadly encounter, we've WON big time.
Thanks
Frank

Trad Archer · August 8th, 2012, 02:52 PM

During the cooler months when a guy can wear more clothing, I often carry a 4 3/4" Colt SAA in a Mernickle holster. I grew up shooting Colts and I am very comfortable and accurate shooting these guns one handed, right or left, as well as shooting them with two hands.

If I'm gonna need more than 5 shots, then I guess my time is finally up.

mavracer · August 8th, 2012, 05:25 PM

I've been shootin single actions for 30+ years, they are very natural to me. Slipping the hammer or one handed either hand, it's all within my comfort zone. I'd prolly prefer to, and usually do, carry a more modern design. Of course there's no law in KS against havin a SA on my hip and a DA in my pocket.

Frank V · August 9th, 2012, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavracer

I've been shootin single actions for 30+ years, they are very natural to me. Slipping the hammer or one handed either hand, it's all within my comfort zone. I'd prolly prefer to, and usually do, carry a more modern design. Of course there's no law in KS against havin a SA on my hip and a DA in my pocket.

Two are a good idea! I think it was Clint Smith that said. Two is one, one is none.
Two guns is NEVER a bad idea!
Frank