SAA, Love em, respect them.
During rainy season i carry a 1911 with 2 mags.
- During summer, on nice sunny days, i often carry my Ruger Vaquero in .45 colt in a drop loop rig. The simple fact is... i been shooting, allot, since 12. Also time in the army, where i shot less than being a civilian. For me, a single action is fast and natural, it was my first pistol, and a first love of firearms. No, i don't do cowboy shoots, those are a sport, and not what you would really do in a defensive situation. The defensive application of a single action is completely different, no sun down quick draws, though i would note i can access my sidearm way faster than most other rigs (especially in the hands of an average person). Fact is, SAA it is not for the regular peep who gets a gun for basic self protection, though, It could work if thats all you have, or if "defense" is more likely bears and beasts than human. In the woods, the larger shell of a SAA is advantageous. For two-legged beasts, the .45 colt from an old ruger is like throwing a Volkswagen at them, and though i know the ballistic truth about bullets, i also believe he who hits first usually wins, so yes there is one profound advantage with a revolver in general, they are also reliable, as mentioned Re: broken sear, might even work when broken.
- So in the end, i usually advise many to get a double action revolver, if a revolver is what they like. A nice rig is beautiful, and can make a great conversation piece, but if you are not 100% attuned to the ways of old school action shooting, then stick with a modern machine. I do carry a small back up gun, as reloading the old beast is slow(er) and tedious. Under stress - any gun can be a pain to reload. I carry the BUG with my 1911 in winter too. Jams, breakage, grabs, inability to access the arm for unknown reasons, things like this are a possibility, so a second smaller gun is always a consideration.
- Be safe, have fun, choose a firearm that fits who and what you are.
:dude: Bat