Author Topic: SA for defense/protection/trips,etc.... (Read 3015 times)

bigbore442001 · « **on:** April 09, 2004, 09:29:00 AM »

I am sure that this topic has been done before in some way, shape or form. But I would like to querry the collective wisdom of this board on this issue.

If you were planning a camping/road trip across this great nation of ours, would you feel comfortable with a single action as your sole/primary handgun? This would include the duty of protection from fuzzy things with teeth in the woods to those not so fuzzy with two feet.

Anyone care to comment?

Gunruner · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2004, 10:02:48 AM »

I was once only able to own one centerfire handgun. That gun was a Ruger .41 Magnum with 4 5/8" barrel. I used it for self protection from 4 legged and 2 legged animals over 12 years. I never felt undergunned with that single action but when camping in the Snowy range in Wyoming my .308 rifle was primary (big bears). For the 2 legged skunks any single action centerfire from the .38 spl up is big medicine. If again I was forced to own only one handgun, it would be a big bore single action and most likely a Ruger. Mine never failed me.........................Mike

TScottO · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2004, 10:17:15 AM »

For anything other than concealed carry I prefer a quality SA in 44 cal or bigger. From time to time I use a 4 SW N frame as well.

Be Safe,
Scott

Old Griz · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2004, 04:27:21 PM »

:cb2: My SA guns are mainly my fun guns. Plinking, CAS, and hunting. For personal protection on trips I usually something that is easier to point and shoot, like a 2.5" or 3" K frame .357. My 3" M-66 has night sights, so it usually gets the nod. However, if I know I'm gonna spend several days and nights in the backcountry, I just feel safer with my 4" Anaconda.

frank405 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2004, 05:09:10 AM »

I carry a 3.5 inch Vaquero with the ugliest front sight you could imagine. It is a very accurate little sixgun. Since I carry this gun on a daily basis and shoot it quite a bit I NEVER wonder about the equipment. Sometimes I even carry a 5.5 inch 45 or now a new 4.5 inch 45. I suppose you can't reload as fast as an auto but I never worry about lack of power. The biggest concern around here is demented grizzly bears and the occasional weirdo from back east or from the left coast. As a matter of fact a single action did save me and my wife from three idiots in the Bighorns one fine spring day. Of course I never had to fire a shot just showed them a 45 and they ran away.
If you practice a lot and gain confidence in your sixgun you will never feel like you need a better handgun to live with.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2004, 08:23:48 AM »

sure would i routinely carry a little cimmeron arms thunderer .44 special in a shoulder holster.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2004, 10:07:22 PM »

I'll stick my neck out on this one and state flat out that anybody (OK, maybe a FEW exceptions) who relies on a SA revolver for self-defense is a fool!! This is especially true in light of the fact that SO MANY SA semi-autos are outstanding self-defense guns (close quarters speaking). I can recommend the SA revolver as a self-defense hand gun ONLY in the hands of one who both has experience in self-defense combat and who also is an EXCELLENT shot. That's my take on it.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2004, 11:32:01 PM »

I may be a fool no problem ive been called worse then that

Im not a police officer and dont see myself in any situation that 5 rounds wouldnt take care of. If it were possible to see statistics id bet that in most cituations that civilians use a gun in self defense youd probably see that it is rare the gun is even shot and even rarer that it shot more then once and about unheard of that its shot more the 5 times. In my opinion you much better off to use a single action if thats what you shoot the most. A good single action is very accurate reliable and hard hitting.

Quote from: Dusty Miller

I'll stick my neck out on this one and state flat out that anybody (OK, maybe a FEW exceptions) who relies on a SA revolver for self-defense is a fool!! This is especially true in light of the fact that SO MANY SA semi-autos are outstanding self-defense guns (close quarters speaking). I can recommend the SA revolver as a self-defense hand gun ONLY in the hands of one who both has experience in self-defense combat and who also is an EXCELLENT shot. That's my take on it.

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2004, 09:12:14 AM »

you tell him loyd
i must be a damn fool then cause thats the only type of pistol i own!!
and you still to this day ask any body who is anybody whats the fastest pistol from leather to the first shot? guess what ?? after all these years and all the modern technology..... a single action revolver!!!! i have been in a couple of scrapes and neither time did i have to fire a shot. once just the sight of the gun did it the other time seeing that big ol hollow point rolling around to line up in that big hole of a chamber did the trick.
he told the cops later that the hole in that barrel looked like a 55gal drum pointed at him. he had a 38snub in his pocket and said there was no way he was gonna match it against what ever that was i had. lol
btw it was 4 5/8 ruger vaquero 45
ok i'll stop now
sureshot

myronman3 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2004, 10:45:39 AM »

well i must disagree with you dusty. how many times have you seen an auto malfunction? how many times have you seen a single action revolver malfunction? the important thing is 1. have a gun 2. be able to use it and 3. you must be able to trust it. and if you cant trust it there is no sense to carry it. when it comes down to reliablity, the s.a. wins, period. and if someone gets the drop on you and your staring down the barrel of a cocked s.a., you know if the trigger is pulled your dead. why do you think the s.a. has been around so long and is still so popular?

Old Griz · « **Reply #10 on:** April 18, 2004, 01:56:14 PM »

:cb2: Then why was it replaced by the Double Action?

I love my SA revolvers, but like myronman3 said, a "cocked SA" IS awesome. In a life threatening emergency it's a whole lot easier and faster to shoot a gun you don't have to cock each time, especially if you can only use one arm.

GJ · « **Reply #11 on:** April 19, 2004, 02:15:28 AM »

I guess I am also a fool. Yesterday at the range, while trying a new load for the 45acp two failure to feed in an auto. While trying a new load in a NM Blackhawk 4 5/8" bbl 45 long colt well over 100 rounds no problem. I practice regularly with a single action and have all the confidence in the world that it will get the job done.

Mikey · « **Reply #12 on:** April 19, 2004, 04:01:07 AM »

bigbore442001: it used to be that whenever a gentleman went out for the evening he was considered 'well heeled' with a short barrelled single action in 45 Colt or 44-40, or even a 38-40 stuck in his belt. But, as with any carry gun that you depend on for personal defense, you need to be good enough with it to get yourself out of a bad situation. Honestly, I do not think I would feel at all undergunned with a 4&5/8" 1873 in 45 Colt in my belt. But, knowing me I would prolly have two, and that's just 'cause I like'm. But, and of course, this is just my two cents worth. Mikey.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #13 on:** April 19, 2004, 11:09:14 AM »

I don't see any problem with a single action for the situation described.

Remember what this gun is going to be put through. Camping, dirt, mud, purchasing ammo anywhere across country, perhaps some hunting that might push the limits for accuracy and distance, power necessary to ward of dogs, bruins, as well as humans. Based on the description we don't have the luxury of carrying several different guns, each suited to a specified purpose. It's just as possible to run into two-legged varmints in a rural setting as well as an urban setting. In the rural setting distance, accuracy, and penetration/power could play more than in an urban setting.

In this case, the only thing better than a single action would be a double action.

There are lots of people who live to a ripe old age without carrying any gun at all. They just learn to avoid trouble. You're better off packing a single action and thinking you are undergunned than packing a semi-auto and thinking you're 10-foot tall and bullet proof.

myronman3 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 19, 2004, 12:59:31 PM »

"Then why was it replaced by the Double Action? "
i would submit that it has never been replaced by anything. other types of guns have become popular; but as far as i can tell the s.a.'s are alive and well and as popular as they ever have been. besides, most guys shoot their d.a.'s single action anyhow.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #15 on:** April 19, 2004, 01:57:00 PM »

Well said!!!!!

Quote from: myronman3

"Then why was it replaced by the Double Action? "
i would submit that it has never been replaced by anything. other types of guns have become popular; but as far as i can tell the s.a.'s are alive and well and as popular as they ever have been. besides, most guys shoot their d.a.'s single action anyhow.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #16 on:** April 21, 2004, 11:36:33 AM »

I am not a millionaire, I work for a living to support my family. My wife stays home with our boy, and so she is there when he gets home from school. I can afford one handgun. It is a Ruger BH in .357 w/ 9mm cylinder. I carry it in the woods, and it resides daily in my backpack which I take to work. It is simple, rugged and I know how to operate it. If we ever get in a situation where unfriendlies are on our soil, they use 9mms so in thory I can use their ammo. My Ruger will defend my family and myself if needed and dispatch a deer or black bear if needed. So yes, I do carry a single action for personal protection in all situations.

-WH-

Steve P · « **Reply #17 on:** April 23, 2004, 03:11:17 PM »

Well, I have been called a fool, but NEVER with one of my single actions in my hand or on my side. Hmmmmm. :roll:

If you were breaking into my house with an uzi, would I grab a single action, hecktahell no, I would grab the back of my pants as I ran out the back door. Have it. Material possessions don't mean that much to me.

If you were trying to get to me, or someone in my family and I had the single action with me, If you were close enough to scare me with an uzi you are close enough to kill you dead with my single action. :twisted:

Have a nice day, and stay safe so you don't need to use one.

Steve

P.S. I grab my single actions 10:1 over my semi-autos and double actions. Why, because I can hit with them and know they will do the job if it has to be done.

Later...........

twodollarpistol · « **Reply #18 on:** April 26, 2004, 09:36:29 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller

I'll stick my neck out on this one and state flat out that anybody (OK, maybe a FEW exceptions) who relies on a SA revolver for self-defense is a fool!! This is especially true in light of the fact that SO MANY SA semi-autos are outstanding self-defense guns (close quarters speaking). I can recommend the SA revolver as a self-defense hand gun ONLY in the hands of one who both has experience in self-defense combat and who also is an EXCELLENT shot. That's my take on it.

OK! Im a fool, but I aint an arrogant know it all fool, and Im in some DAMN good company. One well placed shot is far better than 14 real fast misses. JMHO

twodollarpistol · « **Reply #19 on:** April 26, 2004, 09:41:18 AM »

Quote from: Old Griz

:cb2: Then why was it replaced by the Double Action?

I love my SA revolvers, but like myronman3 said, a "cocked SA" IS awesome. In a life threatening emergency it's a whole lot easier and faster to shoot a gun you don't have to cock each time, especially if you can only use one arm.

Damn! I didnt know it was replaced. I thought they were still around. :-D

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #20 on:** April 26, 2004, 10:14:34 AM »

I used a big bore Ruger Sa as my home protection gun for a couple of yraes it was my only firearm at the time and I never felt under guned Those big 45's never failed to get anybodys attention on or off the range and I always had confidence in my ability to use it effectivly.
Jim L

Old Griz · « **Reply #21 on:** April 26, 2004, 06:03:11 PM »

Muzzleloaders are still around today, too, but the army doesn't use them anymore. :-D

twodollarpistol · « **Reply #22 on:** April 27, 2004, 12:45:37 AM »

Quote from: Old Griz

Muzzleloaders are still around today, too, but the army doesn't use them anymore. :-D

Old Griz Your point is well taken. I, and everyone else, do agree there are advantages with some of the more modern weapons. No one is saying there isn't. That is why I have more than one carry gun. Some autos and double actions as well as a very sweet .41 Mag three screw, that I love to carry at times. But to call a man a fool because of his choice of self defense weapon is asinine. I dare say we all agree that in the hands of a competent individual a single action can be and is a VERY effective self defense weapon. And if anyone isn't competent, they dont have any business carrying anything, except mabe pepper spray. It is a serious decision to choose to go armed, and a totally serious and deadly responsibility. We must take this serious and not let the anti gun world hear us fussing over such things and calling each other a fool. Choose what you are comfortable with and get proficient in its use, and then pray to God above that you never have to use it, but if you do--use it well.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #23 on:** April 27, 2004, 03:25:39 AM »

Don't be so fast to put down black Powder I knew someone who carried a short barreled navy 36 caliber BPrevolver as his defence gun. It was all he owned and could afford at the time and he used it for more than 10 years befour he replaced it with a model 10 he got in a trade. As far as I know he never had to shoot somebody with it in all that time but he did have to pull it from leather a time or two. Funny the folks on the dangerious end did'nt think it was a joke and left post hast. While a BP revolver would'nt be my first choice in a defensive firearm but if its all you have its certainly better than a bit stick. Folks were using bp revolvers befour cartridge guns were invented and they killed a whold hell of a lot of people.
Jim L

frank405 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 27, 2004, 04:33:41 AM »

I carry a single action all the time because it has the power I will need to defend myself against a bear, lion or demented idiot from somewhere. There isn't an auto pistol that is a packable and powerful as my single action. I cannot shoot a double action any longer because my hand is pounded to death by them. If you would like to shoot against me Mr. Griz please come to Cody Wyoming and we shall go beat up some rocks or picket pins. If I know I am going up against just people I will surely carry a 1911 that I know quite well, but my main concern is big critters. I spend my spare time in the hills hiking and snooping around and wear out a full Vibram sole on a pair of White packers every year. I ALWAYS CARRY MY SINGLE ACTION LOADED WITH A 310 KEITH AT 1100.

Old Griz · « **Reply #25 on:** April 27, 2004, 08:02:41 PM »

OK, guyslets get back to the original issue:

Quote from: bigbore442001

If you were planning a camping/road trip across this great nation of ours, would you feel comfortable with a single action as your sole/primary handgun? This would include the duty of protection from fuzzy things with teeth in the woods to those not so fuzzy with two feet.

(1) I'm sorry if I upset anyone. It was not my intent, and I DID NOT call any one a fool.

(2) I DID say I love my single action revolvers. I only have six of them, and I know that may not be much at all to some of you, but it's a start.

(3) My point was that in an emergency situation it is quicker and easier for the majority of us handgun shooters to 1. draw the weapon and, 2. pull the trigger, with a DA revolver, rather than 1. draw the weapon, 2. cock the weapon, and 3. pull the trigger. (I know that fast draw artists cock first and then draw. Not many of us are fast draw artists, however.) This is why most folks went to DA revolversto cut out a stepand why Colt quit making them after the war. Thank heavens Ruger brought em back.

I think that most of you will admit that it takes greater skill and practice for some one to be profecient with a SA revolver. I happen to live in a city that has just been ranked #2 in the nation in violent crime. Murder and armed robberies are as common as rear ends. Recently, one gentleman was confronted by 3 armed men in an ATM. He saw their reflection in the glass as they came in behind him, and he drew his gun. When they threatened him and demanded his money he turned and fired, shooting all three. (The element of surprise on his sidethey didn't know he was armed until it was too late.) Now, if he was a CSA shooter he might have been able to do it with a SA, but he was not. And not everyone who likes SA guns are involved with CSA. Most are just hunters who like the strength and comfort of a SA handgun. All this guy had to do was point and shootwith one hand.

So for you guys who can do it with a SAgreat. Most of us, however, will have to settle for a DA if we need a fast second (or third) shot. Personally, I can do this faster with my Anaconda than I can with my Rugers.

So, I guess to really answer the original question you would have to know the individual's skill level.

Again, I respect all of you guys, and it's your knowledge and expertise that make this forum the best thing on the internet. My opinion is just thatan opinionand it's quite often wrong. Just ask my wife!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #26 on:** April 27, 2004, 10:06:39 PM »

Nothing personal taken here pal. Truth be know and dont tell anyone on this forum but ive been known to pack a 1911 and a smith occasionaly! Everyone is intitled to there opinion. It would be a pretty boring world if everyone agreed

twodollarpistol · « **Reply #27 on:** April 28, 2004, 12:14:38 AM »

Hey Old Griz, Let me repeat what Lloyd Smale said--no personal offense taken or intended. Actually I believe it was Dusty Miller that called us a fool and got this all started. Then he ducked out and we haven't heard any more from him. Probably out practicing with his new single action. This is what I really enjoy about this forum. We can all agree to disagree and still be friends and civil. Might even learn something. :-)

frank405 · « **Reply #28 on:** April 28, 2004, 04:48:36 AM »

Dear Mr. Griz
Move the heck out of that city if you can. Thank God the citizen at the ATM was armed.
I also agree with Lloyd Smale that no offense was intended or taken. My invitation to Cody also still stands, we sure could have some fun.

Old Griz · « **Reply #29 on:** April 28, 2004, 08:07:52 AM »

:cb2: If we weren't taking care of in-laws with Alzheimer's we'd be outta here fast! I think if we ever made it to Cody we'd never leave!