Single action revolvers have limited cartridge capacity.  They are slower to reload than semi automatic pistols or double action revolvers.  They require considerable skill to manipulate efficiently.  They must be manually cocked for each shot.  With all of these shortcomings, who would choose a Single Action revolver for self defense and why would they do so?

There are several groups whose unique situations might cause them to select a single action(S/A) revolver for protection.  The first would be equestrians.  The S/A revolver is the most practical side arm for use on horseback because it must be manually cocked for each shot.  If firing a shot from horseback should cause the horse to buck, the rider cannot accidently shoot himself or the horse because the SA revolver which has been fired is no longer cocked and cannot be fired again until the shooter manually recocks the hammer.  I know several dedicated 1911 shooters who switch to a Ruger S/A revolver when they ride their horses.

The second group who might select the S/A revolver for self defense would be Cowboy Action Shooters(CAS).  Some CAS are familiar with a variety of firearms.  Others are skilled only with “cowboy” guns.  In some cases these dedicated competitors’ have no desire to learn the use of another weapon system.  Such people are far better armed with a S/A revolver which they shoot in competition every weekend, than an unfamiliar semi auto pistol.

The third group who might select a S/A revolver for self defense is comprised of those who have waited too long to acquire defensive firearms and can no longer obtain a semi auto pistol or double action revolver.  Modern semi auto pistols are becoming increasingly difficult to purchase and this situation may become worse in the near future.

For those who have only recently seen the need to own defensive firearms, a single action revolver is still a viable option in the hands of a properly trained shooter.

The fourth group consists of those people who live in a jurisdiction where semi auto pistols are tightly regulated.  In New Jersey for example semi autos are limited to 5 rounds in the magazine.  In New York the limit is now 7 rounds.  Typically, single and double action revolvers hold 6 to 10 rounds.  These guns are not restricted by recent legislation on magazine capacity.  More restrictions on semi automatic firearms are expected.

The fifth group would be hunters, hikers, fishermen and other outdoors-men who have selected a S/A revolver for predator defense and other outdoor emergencies. If, while experiencing the wilderness, two legged predators are unexpectedly encountered, knowing how to fight with the S/A revolver which is already being carried should prove helpful

When we refer to S/A revolvers for self defense, we are specifically referring to New Model Ruger.  These sturdy firearms have a transfer bar which allows them to be carried safely with all firing chambers loaded.  The Rugers use coil rather than flat springs which make them more reliable than most S/A revolvers.  Ruger revolvers are famously durable.

Single Action Revolvers have been used for combat and self defense for 178 years.  Thousands of soldiers, lawmen and civilians have used S/A revolvers to ensure their survival.   The S/A revolver has characteristics which, when used by a trained shooter, make it a useful defensive weapon today.

When asked about the extended reloading time of the S/A revolver an old time Law Man is reported to have said:  “I find that after I have shot 5 or 6 men I always seem to have plenty of time to reload.”  His point being, if you are shooting a powerful cartridge and you are hitting your targets, a revolver will resolve most self defense situations.

If you think that you may need more than 6 rounds, carry a second gun.  At Gunsite I demonstrated Jeff Coopers El Presidente obtaining 12 center hits on three targets at 10 meters including a 180 degree pivot in 10 seconds achieving the top score in the class while shooting against 1911’s and Glocks.  Instead of reloading an auto by changing magazines, I holstered one S/A revolver and presented another.  I know of several six-gun wizards who could better that performance by a country mile. I also had the top score In the class on the square range.

Revolvers are not dependent on the power of their ammunition in order to function.  Therefore they can use ammunition across a much wider power range than auto pistols.  In a struggle, an auto pistol which comes in contact with ones adversary may be pushed slightly out of battery and fail to function.  A revolver will fire with the muzzle pushed against an attacker.

By using the right techniques I can hit multiple targets faster with a S/A revolver than I can with an auto pistol.  The characteristics that allow us to shoot a hand gun accurately at speed are good sites and a good trigger.  A properly set up S/A revolver has a better trigger than any service auto pistol that I am aware of.  The sites on a good S/A revolver are at least as good as most service autos. In simple terms the winner is usually determined by skill rather than equipment.

The LAPD Combat Qualification Course was designed for double action revolvers and semi automatic pistols.  The “Ten ring” is a 5 inch by 4 inch box on the center of the target.  The course includes shooting at four separate aiming points and reloading.  Distances start at 7 yards and conclude at 15 yards.  The first stage requires the shooter to present the pistol, fire 6 shots, reload and fire 6 more shots in 25 seconds alternating between two targets.  I have repeatedly shot a perfect score on the entire course including the reloading stage with all hits in the “ten rings” and with time to spare using only one single action revolver.

The S/A revolver is available in powerful & effective calibers.

.357 Magnum

.41 Magnum

.44 Special

.44 Magnum

.45 Colt

Ruger Blackhawk with adjustable rear sights

 

 

Ruger Vaqeuro 357  (non-adjustable rear-sight)

For practicing and for the recoil sensitive:

.22 Rim Fire

.22 Rim Fire Magnum

Previously manufactured and still available in the used gun market:

.32 H&R Magnum

.327 Magmum

Rugers are available in both stainless steel and blue steel versions.  Some models have fixed sites while others are equipped with adjustable sites. Certain models are available with a round butt in addition to the more common square butt.  Several models have been made with the Bisley grip frame.  Ruger S/A revolvers are or have been available in 3 ¾”, 4 5/8”, 5 1/2 “, 6 ½”, 7 ½” and 10” barrel lengths.

Some of these handguns can use more than one caliber of ammunition.

The Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum can be purchased with a second cylinder in 9X19 mm.  All .357 Magnum revolvers can also use .38 special, .38 Colt and .38 S&W ammunition.

The .44 Magnum revolvers can use all .44 Special and .44 Colt ammunition.

The Ruger Black Hawk in .45 Colt is a very strong gun and is commonly used with very powerful .45 Colt +P ammunition. This ammunition provides power similar to the .44 Magnum.  The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt revolvers can be purchased with a second cylinder in .45 ACP making this a very versatile weapon.

For those with small hands or simply preferring a smaller handgun, the New Vaquero model in .357 Magnum and .45 Colt are built on a smaller frame.  These guns are very popular with CA shooters and outdoorsmen.

A firearm in the hands of an untrained shooter is about as useful as a violin in the hands of an untrained musician.  This is especially true in the case of the S/A revolver.  In order to fight efficiently with this weapon, professional training is strongly suggested.

We have been teaching self defense with S/A revolvers for many years.  I have been training with the S/A revolver as a serious fighting weapon for 49 years.  I have been using S/A revolvers in competition for nearly 20 years and Stacey for about 12 years.  I have 5 buckles for high place finishes in National and World Champion CAS matches and Stacey has two.  I taught a three day Single Action Defensive Revolver Course at the Gunsite Academy.

At Marksmanship Matters, Stacey and I conduct courses in defensive shooting with S/A revolvers.  If you are members of one of the groups described in this article or if you simply wish to have fun learning how to become safe, efficient and effective in the use of “cowboy guns,” give us a call or email us:

801-669-1886

lawrencemudgett@aol.com

Larry and Stacey Mudgett