SA for CCW?

[Carl]

Anyone do that? I know it might be pretty impractical considering all the semi-auto and DA revolvers out there, but I'm sure the CAS out there wouldn't feel under gunned with an SA on them. I'm not considering carrying a Ruger Vaquero for CCW (although that'd be pretty cool) but if I did I'd probably take a lot of time learning how to effectively use it: follow up shots, accuracy, etc... and basically get into CAS since I'm an old fashion guy and can't really see myself carrying around a little plastic 9mm pistol

I'm sure most people who practice a lot with their SA can be just as effective and probably more than a regular untrained person with their semi-auto. Afterall, it's not about the tool that's being used, it's about the shooter's skill.

 

[hso]

Carl,

Are you in CAS?

 

[mcdonl]

Carl, when I took the class for Maine, the NRA class... the instructors would not let me use my DA revolver.

Leroy

 

[Carl]

Well I'm not saying I'm going to carry SA for SD although I'm very interested in CAS. I just think that it wouldn't be completely insane if the shooter knows his way around a SA. Plus, how many times are the weapons used and if even then, had to be fired more than once or twice? Most stories on the boards seem to say that most scenarios were diffused when the weapon was drawn. I'm just seeing what you guys think.

 

[Carl]

I for one am more interested in a Ruger GP-100 or a 1911 design, like a Kimber.

 

[SsevenN]

No offense.

But a SD handgun should be as effective as possible. I see nothing logical about handicapping your self because you don't like the looks of newer designs.

If you can't stand autoloaders at all then go with a modern DA revolver.

But functionality remains the first priority.

 

[SaxonPig]

#30

SAA as a viable SD gun.

30. Regardless of how much you love your SAA (or Ruger Blackhawk) the SA revolver is not a good choice for concealed carry. It is slower for follow up shots and agonizingly slow to reload. Carry one if it makes you happy, but don’t try to argue that it’s a good choice. It is not.

 

[Carl]

I would think the weapon should be what you're most comfortable and confident with. For instance, a man that trained only with a SA weapon for 40 years probably would feel more comfortable with a SA revolver than a semi-auto. It wouldn't be the best choice for most of us, but for him probably.

 

[grimjaw]

For instance, a man that trained only with a SA weapon for 40 years probably would feel more comfortable with a SA revolver than a semi-auto.

He might feel that way emotionally, but in general and the majority of the time he's not going to be as fast at 55 years old (assuming he started practicing at age 15) as he was at 20, or even 30. For most of us, getting older means just that, as well as slower, etc.

DA revolver? Sure. SAO, I'll stick with my Glock.

jm

 

[average_shooter]

I've been thinking about this a bit myself recently. And I can't seem to make sense out of some of the comments against carrying a SA for self defense.

Many say an SA revolver is a horrible idea for self defense against people. Yet many hunters go into the woods using SA revolvers as back-up or "bear defense" guns.

So, if I understand this correctly, SA revolvers are a poor choice against a human attacker who is likely to back down at the mere sight of an armed victim, but they're just the ticket against a bear intent on having you for lunch?

While not my first choice for a SD weapon I don't see how it could be such a horrible choice as some make it out to be. I wouldn't feel too behind the curve, considering most people in the general population aren't armed at all with anything.

 

[qwert65]

They are not my first choice bc of weight, concealability, and slow to reload.
I open carry my BH and never feel undergunned, I can empty my SA as quick as my security six snubbie and more accuratley in that time. In addition I have decent speed with it(draw and fire one round hitting a target at 7yd in less then a sec)
Also they hold as much or one more rd then the common pocket guns( I am not sure here but I think the keltec/lcp holds 6?)
To me the single action drawback is reloading that takes forever esp if you have to do so under fire. (note I have never had to reload underfire but cant imagine it being easy)

So IMO I don't think they are a bad choice for ccw, if thats what you like. Though when i get my permit i plan on using my 1911 and keeping the BH for open carry

 

[kanook]

Just trying to figure out why the follow up shot is slower with the SA vs a different firearm. The other side of the coin is you know that you are limited to your shots before reloading, wouldn't you make sure that every shot counts because we all know that spray and pray is very effective

 

[catspa]

Kanook:Just trying to figure out why the follow up shot is slower with the SA vs a different firearm.

Because you have to cock the hammer again, and re-establish your firing grip before you can fire. Or "fan" with the off hand, kinda complicated to do quickly and accurately.

I like SA revolvers, and I carry one often in the woods, but DA for carry in town.

AverageShooter, animals are much less likely to attack you suddenly than humans are. But if they do, they're stronger and harder to kill.

Parker

 

[BigBlock]

I feel just as safe with my Blackhawk as I do my GP-100. I can fire all six rounds just as fast SA as DA. And I rarely practice. Follow up shots especially with the SBH hammer are easy because the muzzle rise puts the hammer right back under your thumb. Six shots are more than enough, I'm not going to worry about reloading...

 

[Carl]

Sorry mods, I figured the Revolver forum should have been the best place, either that or the S&T. Here's an old thread about the subject I found.

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-222070.html

 

[CSA 357]

What about two saa? the only draw back i see are slow realoads, i can shoot a sa as fast as a da, but thats not the point! hits are what matters in the real world, my first handgun was a single action. i got to where i was a good shot with it, carryed it daily, killed a lot of game with it, then i went to double action smiths, i cant say i shot them any better, whats that saying about a man with only one gun? what do i cary now? colt 1911, k and n frame smiths, but i would not be scared to put on my 45 saa or my ruger sa, if i was realy looking to run into trouble i would have my ar or my mod 12! csa

 

[rcmodel]

I can think of a lot of guns I would rather not have in a gun fight then a 4 3/4" Colt SAA full of 250 grain Keith SWC..

I might not win, but the other guy won't either I betcha!

rc

 

[Carl]

To bump this topic, how about the holster? What could you use to hold a SA revolver concealed?

 

[flat top]

Back in "the day", SA's were used for concealed carry. 2" barrels...ejector rod, spring, and housing removed, modifications to make the grips smaller (the Birds Head grip is a good example), and an extra loaded cylinder carried for reload....kinda like a speed loader! I am sure that in a Ruger Blackhawk sized frame, that something like that may be an alternative...but, with so many other choices, it would be for someone who is skilled in the art of the SA. I have seen some mighty "accurate", fast and fancy shooting done with an SA! The whole idea is interesting to say the least. Maybe something like that could be my next project gun...it would be fun to play with...but I dont know if I would have the heart to modify a perfectly good SA just to find out!!!.................an afterthought. The little Ruger 32 Magnum with the Birds Head Grip would be a good place to start.

 

[Kleanbore]

Consider this:

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/daovdasa.htm

... there are almost no situations in which single action fire is appropriate in self defense. Most self defense situations unfold rapidly. There isn't time to thumb cock a revolver and take careful aim in the way one would do while target shooting. A cocked revolver is dangerous in the adrenaline dump of a lethal force encounter. The trigger is just too light. Its too easy to fire when you don't mean to. There was a well-publicized case in Miami several years back in which a police officer accidentally shot a suspect he was holding at gunpoint with a cocked revolver. The suspect was killed and the officer faced a lengthy court process which ultimately destroyed his career.

In a nervous situation, a cocked revolver is dangerous. When you're really nervous or scared, the heavy double action trigger pull is an asset rather than a liability. I can hear you say, Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire, and that's true, but we also know that people don't always do what they're supposed to do in the stress of a deadly encounter. The police officer in Miami is a good example. I'm sure he had heard the rules. A firm double action trigger can be a welcome piece of insurance against an accidental discharge.

 

[qwert65]

kleanbore, when you pull the gun the descion is eithier made to shoot, or your finger is off the trigger with the hammer cocked ie you cock on the draw, not "target style" also SA usually have a bigger hammer so easier/quicker to cock. it's no different then removing a saftey and in some cases quicker

 

[rcmodel]

Consider this:
There isn't time to thumb cock a revolver and take careful aim

O.K., consider this.

A SA is the fastest gun ever made for the first shot out of a holster.

And as already been pointed out, you don't cock a SA before the decision has already been made to shoot it.

Once that decision has be made, it is just as fast, or faster then a DA revolver for that all important first shot.

rc

 

[David E]

I can fire all six rounds just as fast SA as DA. And I rarely practice.

THAT'S because you DON'T PRACTICE !!!

Those of us that have practiced even a little bit can fire a DA revolver faster with one hand than a Single Action with one hand.

Follow up shots especially with the SBH hammer are easy because the muzzle rise puts the hammer right back under your thumb.

This is true......for slowfire. If hunting, it's perfectly adequate, but for defense, it's a slow way to go about it.

.

 

[ArmedBear]

Those of us that have practiced even a little bit can fire a DA revolver faster with one hand than a Single Action with one hand.

And those who have practiced more can shoot a single action faster than most people can imagine.

However, doing that is a learned skill, and DA does make a superior defensive gun either way. If I have to hold someone at gunpoint, I would much rather do it with a DA than a cocked SA -- especially if I end up in defending myself in civil court for having to pull the trigger.

 

[thunder173]

I am 58,..but I remember my dad using nothing but an SAA in .45LC,..the only handgun he owned for most of his years. He carried it often,..often concealed,..and he was VERY good with it in both speed,..and in accuracy. I'd never want to try to stand him down if that's all he had. Are there better. yes. Are some faster? Yes....to shoot,..and to reload. But if a man chooses to carry an SA hogleg,...who's to say he's wrong in doing so. If he's THAT good with it,...I for one am not going to argue the point.

First rule of a gunfight,.....bring a gun.

Often overlooked Second rule of a gunfight,....use whatcha brung, ....and be able to use it well.

I carry a variety of handguns,...but the ones I carry MOST are SA Ruger's,..albeit usually in the woods. If it's what I have on me,..it's what I'll use,...be it two legged,..or four legged, and I wouldn't feel outgunned with it.