DA OR SINGLE ACTION FOR HUNTING?

[Dino]

At this time I have only shot a DA ruger GP100 357 and would like to up to a 44 mag to get a wee bit more range. Should I buy an another DA or should I get a signal action. Is one more accurate then the other, more kick? any info would help.
Thanks Dino

[SHOOTALL]

I shot SA's for years and they are great guns . But now its a Redhawk or Super Redhawk . Why ? because i can shoot it either DA or SA . I like the way it recoils with relation to a follow up shot. It is also blanced better in my opinion and added weight that dampend recoil. It would not be a streach to point out that history proves the DA is an improvement over the SA in most peoples mind. But in reality both work well in the field as many of the improvements in the DA were geared toward defense with the revolver not hunting.

[painted horse]

If at all possible you should try both types in the caliber of choice. Some prefer the recoil handling characteristics of the DA and some prefer the SA grip better.  I'm in the latter, especially the Bisley grip for higher horsepower rounds. The 44mag is approaching the max recoil comfort zone for most shooters so the grip configuration becomes more important. As far as accuracy, the two best shooting revolvers I've ever owned was a SW 629 44mag w/5in barrel and a Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in 45 colt w/5 1/2in barrel. DA or SA, strictly a matter of choice...

[SHOOTALL]

Painted horse has a good point about trying each if you can.

[teamnelson]

Just to +1 painted horse's suggestion; I was able to do that and found a Bisley (SA) with a 7.5" barrel fits the best for me, recoils the best for me, and gets the most accuracy out of me. The firearms themselves are all better shooters than us; its finding the one that brings the best out of you. I'd suggest 6" or longer barrel for the sight radius and the heft on a bigger bore, whichever action you choose. I've also found the DA option less "useful" in big bores than in smaller bores; you can thumb an SA for a 2nd shot pretty quick - its the 3,4,5&6 shots that are slower. But that's me.

[SHOOTALL]

I find the Redhawk grip to be better for me , it seems to work better in most any field position . And some field positions can be odd. I have never had a problem cocking a DA or SA for that matter .

[Tom W.]

I use the DA for the way it recoils. I had a really nice SBH that I had to sell because the recoil was hurting my elbow, but the SRH doesn't hurt a bit.
I seldom if ever shoot the Super Redhawk in DA mode, I almost always cock it with my thumb like a SA.

[bluecow]

use what ya like the most.  dont forget that ya dont have to shoot each round flat out hole hog for the 44 to be fun.  mild loads are just as effective sometimes.  i like the s/a its what feels good in my hand, i also like the added safety that it wont go off with out cocking the hammer.  when falling off a log ( or anything else just as dumb) your hand will tighten all on its own.  no bang.  i wouldnt  let that stop me from using a d/a if thats what i liked. 

[Dino]

Thanks to all.
Looks like I need to find a place that will let me shot them or i'll have to stick with the SA that I know.

[Old Griz]

I started out hunting with a Colt Grizzly and Anaconda. However, once i discovered the Ruger Bisley there was no turning back. I really love the feel of the SA gun for hunting. Now for self defense and all around do everything gun, it's still DA.

[ratgunner]

I love 'em all. Buy one of each if you can. I do prefer single action for big kickers and  hunting though.

[ss shooter]

I have and use both single and double action Rugers and have both the Bisley grip and and standard grip on the single actions IMO the Bisley handles heavy recoil better than the Super Blackhawk but I also think the Redhawk handles it even better also the Redhawk has a longer cylinder I can shoot a 325 WFN with a .500 nose to crimp grove out of the Redhawk if I need more horse power.

[P.F.]

At this time I have only shot a DA ruger GP100 357 and would like to up to a 44 mag to get a wee bit more range. Should I buy an another DA or should I get a signal action. Is one more accurate then the other, more kick? any info would help.
Thanks Dino

   If youlook at the Ruger SRH it has the same grip as your GP100

[Mohawk]

I think it is user preference. Most handgun hunting is cocking the hammer and touching off the shot. Charged by a hog or a bear maybe a little different. But for deer both are fine in my book.

[Oldshooter]

I seldom if ever shoot the Super Redhawk in DA mode, I almost always cock it with my thumb like a SA.

+1 but I would take it farther and say I never shoot in DA mode.

[cwlongshot]

Working in the firearms industry as long as I have, I have been asked this question many times.

 Just a bit of history first...hunting is generally a rifle game. It has been since rifles were invented. Why? Couple reasons, first and foremost they are/where more accurate than pistols. Secondly, most of in all people can shoot a rifle more accurately than a pistol. Secondly the pistol didn't have the power of a rifle. Why is that? Well a rifle is more stable, because of better support. Power, well case capacity, yada yada, We all know this stuff. This is not Rifle vs Pistol thing. But I needed to set the stage...
How many double action rifles do you know of???     Now knowing a rifle is primarily a hunting firearm, IF DA was better, there would be DA rifles and shotguns, not just handguns.

Strictly from a hunting stand point, the SA is better, because it affords a more accurate shot.

From a defensive standpoint, I can see the argument in favor of the DA.

Again I'm a pistol guy but the pistol doesn't cut the mustard for defensive use when large animals are the issue. Sure I'll still carry one, but if I feel the need for defense from a large toothy critter a 12Ga pump is my companion.

I have three hunting hand guns. Two are SA revolvers the third is a Single Shot (Still a SA ).

JMHO,
 CW

[bilmac]

For me the DA shoots to a different place with every change in the way I support it. Two handed standing offhand shoots in an entirely different place than if I rest my hands on something. Rest on something in a different way and it shoots somewhere else. It takes lots and lots of shooting to find things like this out, always shooting from a bench will never show up this problem.

My SAs are just the opposite, you can hold them any old way and they always shoot where the sights look.

[Redhawk1]

I use several different handguns for hunting, but mostly they are single action. My double actions are a Ruger GP-100 357 Mag, Ruger Redhawk Custom Gary Reeder 410 GNR, and a S&W 500 Mag. My single actions are Ruger Blackhawk 357 Mag,  Ruger Super Blackhawk Custom Gary Reeder 45 Colt, Ruger Super Blackhawk Custom Gary Reeder 475 Linebaugh and a Ruger Blackhawk Custom Gary Reeder 510 GNR.  I prefer the single actions, due to the lighter trigger pulls, and the fit in my hand.

But the best thing as others have said it to try them both, and get what you like the best.

[Mohawk]

I like the balance of the single action frame BUT I am much more familiar with the double action. For hunting, as most have said, use what you are comfortable with.

[countryrebel]

SRH for me, handles recoil very well and is accurate. I always shoot in SA mode for hunting but I like DA revolvers for the faster loading.

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I prefer SA for hunting.  My recommendation would be a Super Blackhawk Hunter with a 2 or 4 or 2-6 power scope.

[Dino]

After much looking I ordered the SBH Bisley Hunter. I hope it works out as well as the gp100 did for me.
It might be a bit befor I get it out; sounds like up to 16" of snow tonight.
thanks for all the input it help out.

Dino

[spinafish]

Dino, I think you will be well pleased with the Bisley Hunter...I love that Bisley grip.  Keep us posted.

[mjbskwim]

Double action 44mag shooting isn't really very effective.You will have better luck shooting single action anyway.
Heck the trigger pull is way better,and unless you are shooting a pack of something pretty close,good luck with the follow up shots shooting double action.

Your results may vary.Oh I have had both,and like my super blackhawk

[eye shot]

First shot SA second shot DA if needed quick.

[Sverre A.]

For me - it doesn`t matter.

Before I shoot no. 2 - I want to have the animal in the sights - and I don`t get "that sight" quicker with a DA vs. SA.

But!!!!

I like the recoil from a DA much better.

But!!!!!!

Do I spend a second of that thought?

No.

I change between DA and SA - and have no trouble at all.

Accuracy is not better with either of them.

If you like the recoil straight towards you - instead of the "so-called" rolling with a SA - buy a DA.

When I shoot a SA - I hold it very hard - and I get the recoil as a DA.

You have to try both !

[ole 5 hole group]

When I shoot a SA - I hold it very hard - and I get the recoil as a DA.

With the heavy calibers and full-on loads the SA seems to "massage" the wrist a little more than the DA.  Even a 5-shot SA 45Colt can be loaded to the point where your wrist starts talking back to you, whereas the Redhawk is a tad more "comforting".     

[SHOOTALL]

When I shoot a SA - I hold it very hard - and I get the recoil as a DA.

With the heavy calibers and full-on loads the SA seems to "massage" the wrist a little more than the DA.  Even a 5-shot SA 45Colt can be loaded to the point where your wrist starts talking back to you, whereas the Redhawk is a tad more "comforting".     

I agree and this is why I switched to a Redhawk. When shooting IMHSA I shot a Ruger Super Blackhawk a great gun . It was loaded to max. most of the time and a bit over in winter as rams were hard to KO when frozen to the stand. After years of matches often 3 a week I got to know that revolver well. I didn't want to hunt wit it as the trigger was to light IMHO so I got another one and used it for hunting. For some reason I tried a Redhawk in 45 Colt next and loaded it to max also. it was alot more comfortable to shoot and second shots were faster as the gun did not rotate in the hand and have to be regriped . I like both type guns and believe many just shoot what they think looks good ( in most cases its why we buy the gun we do) which is nothing wrong with doing. I don't think one type action is more accurate but any one gun can be more so than others. If weight is a concer the SA would win in most cases but only by a couple ozs. If I were to start shooting matches again I would try the Redhawk first . But that old 10.5 bbl Blackhawk in blue with some nice grips really did look good on the line. Which brings up something else I noticed Blue Rugers have shot better for me in either Redhawk or Blackhawk. I know it makes no sense .

[mjbskwim]

Working in the firearms industry as long as I have, I have been asked this question many times.

 Just a bit of history first...hunting is generally a rifle game. It has been since rifles were invented. Why? Couple reasons, first and foremost they are/where more accurate than pistols. Secondly, most of in all people can shoot a rifle more accurately than a pistol. Secondly the pistol didn't have the power of a rifle. Why is that? Well a rifle is more stable, because of better support. Power, well case capacity, yada yada, We all know this stuff. This is not Rifle vs Pistol thing. But I needed to set the stage...
How many double action rifles do you know of???     Now knowing a rifle is primarily a hunting firearm, IF DA was better, there would be DA rifles and shotguns, not just handguns.

Strictly from a hunting stand point, the SA is better, because it affords a more accurate shot.

From a defensive standpoint, I can see the argument in favor of the DA.

Again I'm a pistol guy but the pistol doesn't cut the mustard for defensive use when large animals are the issue. Sure I'll still carry one, but if I feel the need for defense from a large toothy critter a 12Ga pump is my companion.

I have three hunting hand guns. Two are SA revolvers the third is a Single Shot (Still a SA ).

JMHO,
 CW

Well first the rifle was the choice for hunting because most everyone had a rifle,not many really saw the need for a pistol.Some soldiers yes,but the average guy,not so much
Now the accuracy difference was mostly at longer ranges,but still was determine on the shooter.The rifle gave the powder longer to burn and push the bullet faster,hence more accuracy at longer ranges.
And people could shoot them more accurate because they had more access to them and shot them more.Plus they are easier to "stabilize" to acquire your target.

Stability had nothing to do with power.The barrel length did.They had slow burning powders and needed the longer barrels to get all the power they could out of the load.
Stability had much to do with accuracy though.
And then as they got to cartridge type rifles,then the case size came into play.And more rifling in the barrels tended to keep the bullets true.

I can agree with the rest I guess.

[bilmac]

The guys that think you need a DA for follow up shots ought to go to a cowboy action match. Those guys can make their SAs go full auto.