[Bountyhunter]

Well what do you think about the single action revolver as an offensive weapon? I've seen some videos of some pretty good shooting with a SA. I'm thinking that I'd be taken out quick by some of them even if I was using my 1911.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I voted yes. I'm better with my SA's than some people I know are with their semi autos.

 

[Montanan]

I voted yes as well, simply because at one time that is what I carried as my CCW. And yes, they can be very hard to beat when the chips are down.

 

[Johngoboom]

If its all you have, it's a great defensive weapon. But I voted no, because there are better choices out there.

The negatives:

Slow Reload

May be imposible to fire if you're in a struggle with the BG for the gun

(As stupid as it sounds) An A-Hole prosecuter may say that cocking a hammer shows premeditaion

 

[Wizard]

I voted no ONLY because reloads (if necessary) with a DA revolver or semi-auto are much faster.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

We are talking offensive. Not defensive. So lawyers don't count John. I'm talking full blown attack. :shock: :lol:

 

[sheepdog]

A man proficient with a SA can do enough damage to get a shell or two loaded if he has cover, and not run dry...and there's always the NY reload....I'd be twice nervous to see a guy armed with an old Vaquero...you can almost be guaranteed he's good with it or he wouldn't choose it......I'm not fast and not the best SA shot...but I'd feel real comfy with one....44 or 45----and plenty of ammo....the west wasn't won with a 1911!!!

 

[Johngoboom]

Well in that case...if your attacking with the gun, the sturdy nature of single actions due lend them selves to pistol wipping some one with the gun with out dueing any damage to the firearm. :lol:

 

[Bountyhunter]

I agree Sheepdog. I can shoot off hand no sites pretty damn good out to 7 yards. If I take a second I can tag a pie plate at about 25 yards every time. I can't do that with my semis. :?

 

[sheepdog]

Practice with a reasonable load holding(throwing) the gun out till your hand is about 8" afront of your belt...looking at your target...gallon-sized...and shoot one shot...you will quickly(read 20 shots or sooner) be able to throw the round where you want it without ever bringing it up to chest/eye level....you're looking over the gun and pointing it into the target...I taught two of my boys to shoot like that...they were sure they couldn't but they did....I picked up a Crimson Trace demo dummy gun at the range/shop and "threw" it at a doorknob across the room....hit it first try...your hand/eye coordination will learn to do it real quickly....I wouldn't say quick draw and do it---you may need your a.. to sit on later....but from a hang-down position...not in any real hurry...you'll pick it up fast-cock as you come up....it's easier with a DA revolver but you'll pick it up....and it 's fun to do.....don't have to line your body up with the gun and target...arm can remain to the side...20-25 feet is a good range....

 

[chance]

Agree totally Sheepdog. At Winter Range I paid my money and shot a bunch of rounds on the quick draw range. After figuring out that shooting at my toes was a waste of time was able to start hitting the traget after about 5 rounds. Maybe not kill shots all, but they sure would ruin a BG's day. I am much more confortable with a SA than my P89 which always seems to shoot low.

 

[sheepdog]

I don't go for quick just smooth...the quick will come....I started the boys out with a bb pistol and a 5-gal bucket with a rag across it from 10'...once you get it...you're good for about 20-25'-after that, you oughta be using the sights, I feel....I learned to do that after watching old Matt week after week...most of my shooting's been one handed...that way I don't have to put the coffee cup down.

 

[Montanan]

Long long time ago, it was common place for the law dog, after the first shot to open the gate eject the spent case and replace it with a fresh cartridge. If it was all I got, I can get this done rather quickly.... fast draw was not the way of the west, but being advantaged from cover. Now this is not to say that I carry my SA for CCW, but I know I can accuratly draw and fire a SA with leathal results.

Believe me, "IF" you ever get into a situation where you have to defend yourself, your whole vision becomes focal, and then your whole world slows down. I have been in one such situation on the streets of Oakland, Ca. where the perp came out from behind a vehicle with a long barrel 12 ga. I went home that night, and he did not as he found a new resting place.

That was some 25 years ago, and I still live with it to this day.

 

[sheepdog]

Thank you, JB, for putting it on the line for all of us...and paying the price which noone can understand completely till they're there....we're glad to have you!!! I don't know who said it, but it's something like "People can sleep soundly in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." You are one...and putting down the badge has not changed who you are....I , and I'm sure the rest of us, appreciate that.....

 

[deputy125]

i voted "no" mainly because i view any handgun as a defensive weapon.

of course, if its the only weapon available, then sure...... as one adapts and learns the system and tactics.

i've seen folks do amazin' things with vaqueros---unfortunately, i'm not one of them.....

but give me a two gun rig, 10,000 rds of free ammo, and a paid in full one year vacation to practice, and i might get profecient enough to use one offensively...................

till then, i'll stick with the systems i've trained with in LE work.........not because they are the best things going out there------there will always be "new and improved" on the horizon. Its because i am confident with what i got...............

 

[Bountyhunter]

That's the main thing, Deputy. Being confident in your abilities with your weapon.

 

[Drummer]

I had to think about this one for a while.
As much as I love my single action Blackhawks, if I am going after someone (I assume this is not about hunting animals, which I don’t do anyhow) I would want a double action and a couple speed loaders. BT&DT and the DAs are my choice.
If you’re going to take a semi-auto, you better take 2. Not 2 magazines, 2 guns.

 

[sheepdog]

I like Drummer's tactics....more is better....

 

[b.roberts]

I voted yes, because I have confidence in my SA's and know I could if I had to. If you ever run into me out in the woods, you will probably see me with a SA revolver. That said, however, it isn't the best tool for offense. I carry DA revolvers or a 1911 auto when in town. Those really aren't great for offense either. If I were going to war (figuratively), give me a rifle.

 

[Drummer]

Another thing about wheel guns, single or double action.
Everyone remembers the famous scene from Dirty Harry, “Do ya feel lucky, Punk?”
Well can you imagine trying that with the slide stuck open on a semi because the magazine is empty?