Author Topic: Why do hunters seem to favor single action revolvers? (Read 1277 times)

DakotaElkSlayer · « **on:** March 03, 2005, 06:26:42 PM »

I have been just lurking about trying to learn some things about hunting with handguns... It seems like a lot of hunters seem to favor single action revolvers... Why is that?

Thanks,

Jim

pastorp · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2005, 06:49:27 PM »

Dakota, They are available in suitable calibers. For most the curved grip allows the gun to curl up in your hand during recoil and is more comfortable to shoot as a result. Did I say they look good too and are easily scoped.

Regards, Byron

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2005, 08:57:17 PM »

On top of that, most hunters shoot in single action mode rather than double action. So, why pay for the DA gun when a SA is what you'll actually need?

Jamie45 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2005, 10:08:51 PM »

A few other points:
The DA feature is most important in defense situations, when time is critical for that first reaction shot. For a carefully aimed shot like you would use in hunting, most people shoot single action for the lighter, shorter trigger pull.

A good single action is considerably cheaper than an equally good DA.

Single actions are mechanically simpler and stand up better to a consistent diet of heavy loads. I have frequently seen/heard stories of a favored N frame going out of time from heavy use. I have never heard stories of a Blackhawk or FA going out of time.

Dirty Harry was a California city boy

Sverre A. · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2005, 10:37:53 PM »

Maybe a little nostalgia?

palgeno · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2005, 02:50:02 AM »

Usually one shot is all you get anyway---that's why many of us use single shot T/C'sfor certain types (distant shots) of hunting. I use revolvers for (close in hunting)---another type of hunting. The only time I use a double action anymore is for hunting pigs in cover and especially if hunting behind dogs---and it must be set up to shoot double action----meaning a smooth trigger face and honed action----not the double action "target" type. ( But I do sometimes carry this gun for a backup and protection when hunting with a single shot.) Those piggies mill around a lot!!!! So lots of rounds are often needed to hose them down. :cry: pg

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2005, 05:03:22 AM »

Thanks for the great replies....NOW, it all makes sense. :-)

Jim

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2005, 05:31:33 AM »

I use both single action and double action. If I choose a double action revolver, I use it in single action mode, but if a second shot is need quick there is the double action available. But a single action will work just as well.

Questor · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2005, 07:35:51 AM »

I prefer the fit and feel of the DA. Top quality DAs are also a lot cheaper than top quality SAs.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2005, 08:27:14 AM »

oso45-70 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2005, 10:47:26 AM »

Say what?

mr.frosty · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2005, 11:59:35 AM »

what he said

leverfan · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2005, 01:08:35 PM »

Quote from: Questor

Top quality DAs are also a lot cheaper than top quality SAs.

Yeah, I haven't seen many double actions that command the prices of a FA revolver, or any of the single actions that come out of Bowen or Reeder's shops. You could certainly get a custom DA that would be up there, price-wise, with those top-of-the-line SA revolvers.

volshooter · « **Reply #13 on:** March 06, 2005, 01:41:34 PM »

I shoot single action for the trigger pull. nuff said.
Rick

Tom W. · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2005, 04:13:15 PM »

I can get the trigger pull changed. I cannot change the pain that my elbow must endure when shooting heavy loads in a S.A. revolver. The same loads in my D.A. recoil differently, and don't hurt my elbow. So therefore I shoot the D.A. because of the way it recoils.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #15 on:** March 07, 2005, 04:44:13 AM »

Tom,
What you said about recoil leaves me confused?(remember, I am new to this stuff) Why would the same load recoil differently in a single, or double, action? Is it the grip? Added weight in the double? Please explain...

Thanks,

Jim

southern utah · « **Reply #16 on:** March 07, 2005, 06:50:39 AM »

I think it is all preference, style ,stance etc.........DA are easier to reload and unload,faster backup shot and you can buy 2 or 3 S&W or Rugers for one FA. I prefer the fit and smoothness of my S&Ws over the Rugers both single and double action I have

John · « **Reply #17 on:** March 07, 2005, 07:08:02 AM »

I only own a double action redhawk, but I thumb cock it and shoot it like a single because I'm more accurate like that.

Questor · « **Reply #18 on:** March 07, 2005, 07:23:25 AM »

I was referring to Smith&Wesson and Dan Wesson revolvers as top quality DA revolvers. There's no need to do any custom or semi-custom work to these, they're tops right out of the box.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #19 on:** March 08, 2005, 06:33:30 AM »

If you're comparing a DA S&W or DW to a Freedom Arms SA, you're comparing apples to oranges. For "Top-of-the-Line" DA's, you need to move to a custom maker or S&W's Performance Shop. What I'd compare to the DW and S&W's coming off the asembly line would be a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter model, which is still cheaper than the DA's.

My Super Blackhawk Hunter in 45 Colt takes offense to not being called not "ready" out-of-the-box. It shoots wonderfully! Heck, I'd even stack up a non-Hunter model SA Ruger against the S&W's and DW's DA revolvers. I have nothing against either manufacturer, I own several S&W's and have been eyeing a DW 44VH 8" at a local shop.