Shooting Illustrated article

[mikedb]

I just stumbled across an April issue of Shooting Illustrated and there is a good article about single actions for self defense.  It brings out some very good points.

[Glanceblamm]

I missed that article but would probably throw Function at the top
Of the list as you could probably ride them hard and put them away wet and they would still work ok.

[SAAJim]

The article is online - http://www.gunsandhunting.com/articles/single_action/singleaction.html

Jim

[Dusty Miller]

I'd suggest that if an SA revolver is your first choice for a SD gun that you'd best be an absolute cracker jack shot with it, otherwise you're going to be a dead cowboy!  It sure beats the snot out of no gun at all but given the choice of handguns for self-defense I'm sticking with my .45 ACP or a big bore DA revolver, thank you.  Heck, even a SINGLE SHOT handgun is better than nothing but when one's life is on the line the smart choice is for more fire power (providing that one avoids the "spray and pray" mode of self-defense!).

[Will52100]

Just my humble opionion, but I would say that it has a lot to do with what your used to.  If I was to arm myself strickly against two legged animals and do no other shooting my choice would be along the lines of the 1911.

That said 99% of my shooting is with single actions, wether cap and ball or 73' peacemaker.  I'm not a super marksman, but the natural pointing of the colt style single action and my almost instintive "cock the danged hammer" makes me feel more comfortable with my 45  peacemaker in my bed side drawer than my hipower or 1911.  I know I can handle it and shoot it quikly and acuratly.  Or maybe I should just practice with the 1911 more often?

Also in keeping an auto on locked and cocked you still have to do more than pull the trigger, same thing with a single action.  A double action has a decided advantage here, but I don't own a DA and don't plan on owning one.

I'm definatly not saying that there are not superior firearms out there, but if you've got one and do the vast majority of shooting with it, feel comfortable with it and can hit acuratly with it, why not?  Use what you have to best advantage you can, wether it's a 50 BMG or a rock.  And lets face it, while it'd be nice to have an instant reload, how many carry extra mags and speed loaders rite handy?  If 5 shots of 45 don't settle it your in deep doodoo.

[Lloyd Smale]

I would suggest that if your using ANY handgun to protect you life that you become extreamly intimate with it!!!

I'd suggest that if an SA revolver is your first choice for a SD gun that you'd best be an absolute cracker jack shot with it, otherwise you're going to be a dead cowboy!  It sure beats the snot out of no gun at all but given the choice of handguns for self-defense I'm sticking with my .45 ACP or a big bore DA revolver, thank you.  Heck, even a SINGLE SHOT handgun is better than nothing but when one's life is on the line the smart choice is for more fire power (providing that one avoids the "spray and pray" mode of self-defense!).