Double Action for Hunting

[dougk]

I have a double action Ruger that I will be using for deer hunting in the fall.  While practicing I have be shooting single action.  And plan to hunt in single action, unless I stumble on a heard of deer (limit is 5 deer where I live).  :eek:

Who hunts in double action or has used double action while hunting?

Thanks,
Doug

[crawfish]

I started handgun hunting with a 657, currently use single and double action guns. Since my very first deer in 1990 I have always cocked the hammer by hand to shoot. I have never used double action in a hunting situation. In speaking with many handgun hunters over the years I can’t recall any that spoke of using their handgun in double action. There is a reason I do it this ay but I’ll wait to see if you get any other hits before I post why.

[Blackhawk44]

Have an old K22 that I consistantly use double action, but it was built by the same gentleman that built my old PPC pistol and was set up the same (including spring loaded crane lock) as a cheap-practice piece.  I did use my early tuned Redhawk double action once, but that may not count.  You see, I had this problem with a midsized porker trying to crawl into a pair of jeans--that I happened to be wearing...never mind.  That's not really hunting.

[oso45-70]

What are you trying to say Blackhawk, Not enough room in your jeans or was it a case of NO VACANCY. Not funny huh,,, Bet not........Joe.........

[Graybeard]

When deer hunting with a revolver it is almost always a double action. I've killed a bunch of deer with them. Can't say as I recall ever firing it double action when hunting tho. Don't even practice doing it as I have no intentions of doing it that way.

[Lloyd Smale]

I shoot my DA guns more DA then SA but feel it would be a stunt to shoot a live animal that way.

[Redhawk1]

I always shoot my double action is the single action mode. The trigger pull is better and I am a lot more accurate.  

[Dusty Miller]

Hey Blackhawk, I sympathize with your problem of porkers trying to get into your jeans.  That's about the best that ever tried to get into mine as well.   :grin:

[Mikey]

All my revolvers are double actions and I enjoy DA shooting but, when it comes to hunting I go right to single action.  The trigger pull is much better and that is what I prefer for hunting and target work.  Mikey.

[knight0334]

Being that I only have 5 handguns, and only one is a DA revolver, yeah I hunt with one.  I only shoot in SA mode though..   Groundhog and whitetail are easily taken with it(8" Colt Python 357).

[Blackhawk44]

Just to clarify, that porker was not one I was dating.  Suprising how little a .44mag kicks and how many you can get off when you're really busy.  Seriously, if you run across some old PPC shooters it might suprise you how they just use their pieces DAO.  Remember, their entire 150-180 round course was double action.  Most late models need to be tuned up for a decent double action though.  And, you won't see them using grooved or checkered triggers.  Good trigger stops come in handy.

[longwalker]

I always hunt and practice double action. The reason, when I hunt it is cold. I don't mean 20 degrees either. I wear gloves and to get your finger in the guard and start to put pressure on the trigger is difficult for me in single action. When I start to pull the trigger back I know I am ready to fire. You need to develope this skill, but it does not matter if you shoot with or without gloves. The pull is always the same.

longwalker

[WARPhEAGLE]

I have a SRH, always hunt single action, almost always shoot SA when target shooting, too. Just a more consistent trigger pull with single action, and accuracy is what we're after, right?
Go with whatever works for you.