Why hasn't a manufacturer combined the best of SA and DA revolvers?

[TargetTerror]

One thing I've never understood is why there is no overlap between DA and SA revolver. SA revolvers are always loaded via a loading get, SA (obviously), and have the traditional gunfighter grip. DA revolvers have a swing out cylinder, DA trigger (obviously) and a much modern grip with a recoil shelf.

Both systems have advantages, but I can't understand why you can't combine them and get the best of both systems. For instance, SA actions are strong, since there is no crane to swing and work loose, or cause play. Why not have a SA style frame, with a DA trigger, and a DA style grip (and no, Bisley style is close, but not the same as a DA style grip)? I don't see why, other than for the sake of tradition, these 2 platforms have not been crossbred.

 

[jcord]

The have. I had a H&R 22lr that held 9 shots. It looked like any other SA cowboy gun. It was double action.

Most single action guns are in powerful cartridges ie.. 45 colt, 44-40, 44 mag.

The rounded grip deperses the recoil energy by allowing the gun to rock up in your hand. You then cock the hammer as you lower it back on target and you're ready for the next shot. If you were to shoot a modern double action 44 mag of the same weight beside a single action, you would notice that the single action is more comfortable to shoot. YMMV.

 

[woad_yurt]

AN H&R 949 is a SA/DA revolver with a loading gate (no swing out cylinder.) Seems like it's kinda like what you described.

 

[zinj]

The Russian Nagant revolver is a double action that uses a loading gate.

 

[Timthinker]

In 1877, Colt produced the double-action Lightning revolver which meets much of the criteria you suggested. In addition, High Standard produced a double-action .22 caliber revolver years ago that combined aspects of both double and single-action revolvers. At the present time, there does not seem to be a great demand for such a hybrid design. Here is something else to lament: the top-break revolver is almost extinct except for repos of the 1875 Smith & Wesson Schofield.


Timthinker

 

[Rexster]

Another transitional revolver would be the Colt 1878. There were many other such transitional revolvers made in Europe; DA with loading gates, and other types. At least on a custom basis, there have been SA sixguns with swing-out cylinders.

 

[ArmedBear]

I have an H&R .22LR/.22WMR "cowboy" looking revolver that's a DA with a solid frame, also.

You can buy a similar one (.22LR only, from what I can tell) right here: http://www.turners.com/shop/gundetail.php?id=2805

The top-break is a problematic design, especially with smokeless powder. Its weakest point is near where the most stress occurs when it's fired. Neat design, though.

 

[Cosmoline]

a much modern grip with a recoil shelf.

The single action grip design is shaped to allow the thumb to catch the hammer spur on recoil. If you put a barrier there to keep the thumb down out of the way, it will slow down the single action operation.

However, the Colt SAA style loading gate *is* a pretty clunky way to reload and I'm sure it would be possible to make the cylinder swing out. But if you're going to do that you might as well just get a more modern DA revolver.

 

[AR-Trvlr]

Or, take the ruger redhawk / super redhawk. More than enough strength for just about anything.

 

[WildeKurt]

I like the idea of a SA style grip with a swing out cylinder in a DA revolver. I think most DA revolvers are ugly compared to their SA cousins, but the loading gate is a slow way to reload. Love to see this type of gun in 357 mag or 44 mag.