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single action only revolver

SouthernBoy

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I think you mean "single action revolver", not "Single Action Only" revolver. That term, just like "Double Action/Single Action" are misnomers in that they are more recently coined terms of action types which have existed for many years. Sorry, just a point to give.

No, a single action revolver, while an incredible fun gun, is not the best choice of a defensive sidearm in today's world. You are limited to six rounds (most of them, anyway), and an action type which is pretty slow for repeat shots (unless your name is Bill Munden). If you are of a mind to carry a revolver, you would be much better served to carry one which is double action. Single actions are great for hunting but when the potential to encounter a BG, or multiple BG's, with semi-auto pistols, you could find yourself in deep kimchi.
 

carracer

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There is a thread somewhere here about an open carrier defending himself and other customers in, I think, a convenience store, with, a single action revolver in .45Colt.
 

Sonora Rebel

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There is a thread somewhere here about an open carrier defending himself and other customers in, I think, a convenience store, with, a single action revolver in .45Colt.

Yeah... (Richmond, VA) and somehow his sear broke and he was forced to hold the hammer back 'n release it with his thumb in the encounter. He was VERY lucky. That said... the SAA (Single Action Army) revolver is an antique design of little use in todays world for self defense. It's big, limited in capacity and slow to fire. Even slower to reload. I would no more carry a SAA for a carry gun than drive a Model T on the I-10. If you're thinkin' 'cowboy cool'... handguns are not fashion statements. This 'cowboy' carries a 1911-A1 in a Blackhawk Serpa holster.
 

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tcmech

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If it is all that you have - better than empty hand.

If looking to acquire, there are better options.

I have to agree with Grapeshot on this one. If it's all you got, it will do the job, but if you are shopping for a gun to carry there are a lot of better options.
 

Michigander

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If, and only if you happen to shoot cowboy action courses each and every week, and you carry a more substantial backup, I'd call it a decent option as a primary carry gun. Not great, but decent. Good cowboy action shooters are capable of extremely effective shooting with SAA type guns.

But since you're asking, that probably already means you aren't skilled with these guns as an extremely dedicated hobby, which is why I'd suggest you not even consider it.
 

Daylen

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I think you can get away with carrying in a federal gun free school zone if the single action revolver is percussion cap or old enough.

oh you gota back that up with a citation. Its not nice to tease with things too good to be true.
 

kwikrnu

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oh you gota back that up with a citation. Its not nice to tease with things too good to be true.

A according to federal law and antique is not a firearm. Title 18, Section 921(a)(3)

A pistol made before 1899 is not a firearm nor is a percussion pistol according to federal law. Title 18, Section 921(a)(16)

GFSZ says it is illegal to carry a firearm. Title 18, Section 921(q)(2)(A)
 

Grapeshot

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I think you can get away with carrying in a federal gun free school zone if the single action revolver is percussion cap or old enough.

A according to federal law and antique is not a firearm. Title 18, Section 921(a)(3)

A pistol made before 1899 is not a firearm nor is a percussion pistol according to federal law. Title 18, Section 921(a)(16)

GFSZ says it is illegal to carry a firearm. Title 18, Section 921(q)(2)(A)

Different states have different definitions as to what constitutes a gun/firearm and unique statutes regarding schools, schools zones and guns.

I would be very hesitant to make such a blanket reference and apply it by application to GFSZ.
 

kwikrnu

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Different states have different definitions as to what constitutes a gun/firearm and unique statutes regarding schools, schools zones and guns.

I would be very hesitant to make such a blanket reference and apply it by application to GFSZ.

I specifically stated "FEDERAL GUN FREE ZONE". It wouldn't be a federal crime if it didn't meet the federal statute's definition of a crime because of the federal definition of a firearm.
 

Grapeshot

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Different states have different definitions as to what constitutes a gun/firearm and unique statutes regarding schools, schools zones and guns.

I would be very hesitant to make such a blanket reference and apply it by application to GFSZ.

I specifically stated "FEDERAL GUN FREE ZONE". It wouldn't be a federal crime if it didn't meet the federal statute's definition of a crime because of the federal definition of a firearm.

I am aware of that. Also aware there was no caveat that other laws may apply.
 

kwikrnu

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I am aware of that. Also aware there was no caveat that other laws may apply.

I'm not going to put a legal disclaimer in each of my posts. I was talking about federal gun free zones and federal laws. I wasn't talking about local, state, common wealth or county laws because I didn't cite local, state, common wealth, or county laws. IANAL.
 

Batousaii

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Jun 16, 2009
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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
 

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