 First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
#178202
01/24/2017 8:16 PM
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ScoutV2
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I am looking for a general purpose single action revolver for both Hunting and Camping. Something with a long enough barrel to get good enough velocity but can be carried in a good holster all day while camping.
What brand/caliber/barrel length from experience would y'all suggest?
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178204
01/24/2017 8:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
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AK hgunner1
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Ruger Blackhawk/ 45 Colt / 4 5/8 "
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178205
01/24/2017 8:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2016
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BushytailBasher
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Personally I've been thinking about saving for a 454 probably a ruger with at least a 5 inch barrel but I have to have that length to be legal for deer here my 4 5/8 41 Mag blackhawk was a joy to carry and had all the power I could need here but the most dangerous thing im likely to encounter is another person a rutting buck or a rabid squirrel or coyote lol
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178207
01/24/2017 8:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
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AK hgunner1
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Scout V2.
One question I have is how well versed meaning how often have you shot the short guns ? Lots or just starting to get into it ?
I see you are from Georgia and a .357 may be right up your alley. Not heavy on the recoil but plenty of bite for everything I do believe you would encounter.
My 3 cents.
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: AK hgunner1]
#178211
01/24/2017 9:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
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ScoutV2
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I have shot handguns most my life. I have had everything from airweight 357 to 45 acp in defensive firearms. Shot thousands of rounds of a little bit of everything. Just looking to venture into single action revolvers. This was my first year handgun hunting and the one thing I found is that if I did not have a brace for my long 44 it was extremely hard to get an accurate shot of any distance past 25 yards. (way too barrel heavy)
That's why I want something I can use in multiple situations. Deer Hunting and camping as a primary. Maybe a secondary to have while yote hunting.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178212
01/24/2017 10:03 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
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I am looking for a general purpose single action revolver for both Hunting and Camping. Something with a long enough barrel to get good enough velocity but can be carried in a good holster all day while camping.
What brand/caliber/barrel length from experience would y'all suggest?
Freedom Arms M97 in 45 Colt with 5.5" tube. It'll do anything you need it to and you'll hardly notice it on your belt. 
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178213
01/24/2017 10:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 463
AK hgunner1
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4 to 5 inch are the easiest to carry in my opinion.
Don't get in the way in most instances like getting in and out of a vehicle.
Do not loose all that much velocity over a longer barrel.
For a .357 it is roughly 35 FPS per inch of barrel.
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: AK hgunner1]
#178214
01/24/2017 10:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 488
Handgun400
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I own a SRH .454 with a 7.5" barrel. It is exactly what I wanted for a walking/camping gun but after a couple of years of carrying it I need a shorter barrel and bit smaller frame for what I do--save the dream trip to Alaska or sitting for hours on stand.
For what you're doing I would recommend a 4" to 5 1/2" DA revolver in .45 Colt or .44 Magnum IF indeed a revolver is what you're set on.
My filter is broken.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178217
01/24/2017 10:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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My main hunting revolver is a 6" barreled Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt and I think it hard to beat.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: s4s4u]
#178220
01/24/2017 11:23 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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If you hand load .45 Colt 4 5/8th to 5 1/2 in barrel. If not .44 mag as you already shoot that, same barrel length as .45.Most prefer the Bisley grip but they beat hell out of my knuckle as does the standard grip. But I can get Hogue for big hands or Pachmayr for smaller hands, rubber grips for the standard grip frame.They don't make them yet for the Bisley,you have to go custom.These grips take the bite out of single actions for me.All my single actions have Pachmayrs [my favorite]or Hogues or custom [Bisley]
junebug
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: junebug]
#178226
01/25/2017 12:36 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Super Blackhawk. 45 Colt. Barrel length of your choice. Load mild to wild and have at it!!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178233
01/25/2017 4:54 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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If you want to carry it all day on your belt then something in the 4 5/8 to 5 inches would be my preference. I would opt for a .44 Magnum over the 45 Colt just because you'll find hunting ammo easier to come by generally speaking. In order of quality and price, Freedom Arms, Magnum Research BFR, Ruger SBH. The Ruger is going to be the lightest one.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Gary]
#178238
01/25/2017 6:18 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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If you want to carry it all day on your belt then something in the 4 5/8 to 5 inches would be my preference. I would opt for a .44 Magnum over the 45 Colt just because you'll find hunting ammo easier to come by generally speaking. In order of quality and price, Freedom Arms, Magnum Research BFR, Ruger SBH. The Ruger is going to be the lightest BEST one. There ya go buddy. I'm sure it was just a small oversight in your proofreading, but I fixed it for ya. 
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#178242
01/25/2017 1:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I would also put the BFR in front of the FA for quality by virtue of the fact that it's a true five-shot and not a four-shot -- who ever heard of a four-shot revolver?? LOL!
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Whitworth]
#178243
01/25/2017 2:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
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ScoutV2
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Thanks for all the replies. Great Info. I am all over the target on this one. I want them all so it is too hard to choose. I am looking for a "TOOL" good looking is not my main concern. It will see A LOT of holster time and A LOT of range time. Camping/Hunting primarily carried for woods gun. Im not a recoil shy person so Im not really concerned with that aspect of it. However, the muzzle blast is something I am concerned with since I more than likely would not have hearing protection if Im camping and needed so shoot quick. I think I have boiled it down to the 4-5/8 barrel.
Caliber is the next battle!!!
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178244
01/25/2017 3:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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Caliber is the next battle!!! Being as you already have a 44 Magnum single shot, the 44 Magnum would make practical sense in a sidearm as well. I prefer the 45 Colt, but critters aren't going to know the difference. Any big bore centerfire is going to have some muzzle blast and the shorter the barrel the moreso. The 357, although smaller, will be harder on the ears than a 44 or 45. The new 480 Ruger 4-5/8" would be sweet as well if not concerned about caliber consolidation, and may be easier on the ears than the others.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: s4s4u]
#178248
01/25/2017 5:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746
cherokeetracker
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I say go with the 44 mag. If the muzzle blast is too much then drop down to the 44SPL. Noise level with the 44 SPL is much better than the 357 mag. (357 full house loads) Speer makes the Gold Dot Short Barrel ammo that is low flash, for the 44 mag.
Handle as many pistols as you can, ( in the shorter configurations) and you and your pocket book will decide.
Charles
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#178250
01/25/2017 7:10 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 97
N-Frame
journeyman
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If you've never fired a 4"-4 5/8" 44mag, you may want to try to shoot one before you buy. It may not be an issue at all, but then you will at least know what to expect.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: N-Frame]
#178251
01/25/2017 7:45 PM
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ScoutV2
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Think it would be worse than my LCR airweight in 357?
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178252
01/25/2017 8:05 PM
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AK hgunner1
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True with the muzzle blast of a .357 but depending on what he wants to use the handgun for he can always load it down to 38 special levels with wad cutters. Easier on the ears.
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: junebug]
#178263
01/25/2017 9:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
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five and a half inch Redhawk in 44.....carried my 7 1/2" Redhawk a couple of times while hunting Alaska and think the shorter barrel would work just fine.....
PS as junebug said "if you handload a 45 Colt if not 44mag".....
Life member-NRA-SCI
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Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#178265
01/25/2017 10:52 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 523
Walkingthemup
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From your post, I gather that you specifically want a single action revolver. Not my preference but totally valid. So that issue being settled, the question comes down to calibre, barrel length, and make.
As to calibre, I'm a big fan of .45. A properly loaded .45 Colt would handle anything you'll come across.
As to barrel length, I also find the longer barrelled revolvers too heavy to properly hold on target without some sort of rest. Add to that, they are just damn awkward to carry around. The recommendation to go for something in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 inches is very sound. Issues like flash gap size and oversized cylinder throats will have a greater effect on velocity than an extra couple of inches. When hunting, you can use some form of hearing protection. Your comment re needing a quick shot while camping suggests defense against predators. You'll hear much better with a bit of noise damage than if your ears have been chewed off.
The makes previously suggested all have their points. An FA is nice but very expensive as a woods gun. Personally, I'd be looking at a BFR. They line bore their cylinders and you are much more likely to have properly dimensioned cylinder throats. Ruger don't. A good Ruger is great value for money, but there are a lot of lemons.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Walkingthemup]
#178266
01/25/2017 11:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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From your post, I gather that you specifically want a single action revolver. Not my preference but totally valid. So that issue being settled, the question comes down to calibre, barrel length, and make.
As to calibre, I'm a big fan of .45. A properly loaded .45 Colt would handle anything you'll come across.
As to barrel length, I also find the longer barrelled revolvers too heavy to properly hold on target without some sort of rest. Add to that, they are just damn awkward to carry around. The recommendation to go for something in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 inches is very sound. Issues like flash gap size and oversized cylinder throats will have a greater effect on velocity than an extra couple of inches. When hunting, you can use some form of hearing protection. Your comment re needing a quick shot while camping suggests defense against predators. You'll hear much better with a bit of noise damage than if your ears have been chewed off.
The makes previously suggested all have their points. An FA is nice but very expensive as a woods gun. Personally, I'd be looking at a BFR. They line bore their cylinders and you are much more likely to have properly dimensioned cylinder throats. Ruger don't. A good Ruger is great value for money, but there are a lot of lemons. BFR actually doesn't line-bore, only FA does. However, they use another process that ensures alignment that is spot on. BFR is hard to beat.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Whitworth]
#178268
01/25/2017 11:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
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you must forgive my double action preference......its just when I find something that works through experience I usually go with it
Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#178270
01/25/2017 11:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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As far as weight goes my Black Hawk .45 4 5/8th with aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing is considerably lighter than my Bisly .45 with 5 1/2 in barrel.The Bisly has a steel grip frame and ejector rod housing.All are too noisy to shoot without hearing protection except in an emergency.
junebug
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#178273
01/26/2017 12:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 463
AK hgunner1
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you must forgive my double action preference......its just when I find something that works through experience I usually go with it I will not forgive you James !!!!! I'll join you. DA's the majority for me.
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: AK hgunner1]
#178274
01/26/2017 12:31 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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For choice of caliber, I still say 45 Colt. Can be loaded down to such a light load that kids can shoot it easily, or it can be loaded heavy enough that you better have a good grip, with BOTH hands. Does everything the 44mag will do, and then some. And at lower pressures. Besides, ya already have a 44mag.
I say DIVERSIFY!!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#178275
01/26/2017 1:25 AM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 206
FA834ME
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Single actions are great fun for general shooting and hunting and self defense if it is all you have with you. If I am on a mission that may involve the use of a gun to defend myself against some threat I will have a double action revolver if my choice is limited between a single action or double action. And a couple of speed loaders as well. Not much help with the decision being discussed. I suggest you get the single action in the caliber of your choice and a 1911 to go with it!
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: FA834ME]
#178277
01/26/2017 1:47 AM
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Joined: Dec 2016
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ScoutV2
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Thanks for everyone's input! It is a hard choice to make. It appears that the 45 colt has the majority vote. At least I have some good ideas on what to start looking for in my LGS.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: ScoutV2]
#178281
01/26/2017 5:12 AM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746
cherokeetracker
old hand
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Which hand do you use to shoot with Left or right?
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#178282
01/26/2017 5:59 AM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 463
AK hgunner1
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Which hand do you use to shoot with Left or right?
What ??????
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: AK hgunner1]
#178283
01/26/2017 1:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
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ScoutV2
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: AK hgunner1]
#178287
01/26/2017 3:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Which hand do you use to shoot with Left or right?
What ?????? Haha, I had the same reaction ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: s4s4u]
#178288
01/26/2017 3:53 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746
cherokeetracker
old hand
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Haha Forgive me.... I sometimes forget and I am not specific enough with questions or remarks.
The reason I ask that is,, a Double action is more shooter friendly for a right handed person and a Single action is more shooter friendly to a left handed person.
That was the point I was going to make when I ask the question.
The friendliness comes into play in reloading, and reloading quickly. On my double actions I have to switch hands to reload, since I shoot left handed.
I own several Double actions. And I do not think about getting rid of them just because I am left handed.
The single actions are easy to use since I am left handed. The gun never leaves my dominate hand...
This was just some thoughts I had since ScoutV2 is considering and thinking of joining in handgun purchases.
Charles
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#178289
01/26/2017 5:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
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Looking at the Ruger New Blackhawk in 45LC that comes with the 45acp cylinder in the 4-5/8 barrel configuration. Anyone have any experience with these conversion cylinder Rugers?
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#178291
01/26/2017 7:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 463
AK hgunner1
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I shoot left handed also. But for me I just take my hand off the grip and wrap my hand across the top of the revolver and use my right thumb to hold the cylinder open for reloading. Hard to explain it but so far everyone that has seen me in action that is a lefty were impressed with the way I do it.
Last edited by AK hgunner1; 01/26/2017 7:47 PM.
Charlie
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of GOD
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Re: First Time Single Action Purchase... What to get?
[Re: Whitworth]
#178301
01/27/2017 3:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Gary
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I would also put the BFR in front of the FA for quality by virtue of the fact that it's a true five-shot and not a four-shot -- who ever heard of a four-shot revolver?? LOL! if you can't solve it with 4 one more isn't likely to help much - learn to shoot 😜
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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