By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Revolvers are fun, challenging and capable of stacking up to virtually any task, from small game hunting to self-defense, with competition, predator control and lots of other applications.
I own both, and as wheelguns go, I’d feel comfortable with either on my cartridge belt because I already have. Wheelguns go along with life in the outdoors, especially in bear country. It has been quite a year in the wilds where bear-human encounters seem to have increased considerably.
This report from Colorado underscores what I’ve mentioned many times about packing a sidearm when I’m off the pavement. With fall hunting seasons underway, the potential for hunters running into bears, mountain lions, maybe wolves or some other varmint increases.
I’ve enjoyed shooting large-caliber double-action revolvers, from .480 Ruger on down through the .44 and .41 magnums, the .357 Magnum and even the .38 Special. Each one has something to offer, and none should be dismissed as foolish.
Which one should be favored over the other? That’s kind of a silly question, since it really boils down to personal preferences and the job needing to be done.
The double-action can be reloaded faster than a single-action. It can utilize speedloaders. The single-action must be reloaded one cartridge at a time, via the loading gate.
I prefer wheelguns with adjustable rear sights, especially when chambered for magnum cartridges. Fixed sight sixguns in .45 Colt or .44 Special haven’t outlived their usefulness, however. Remember, Gen. George Patton carried a nickel-plated .Colt SAA in the field during WWII.
Sometime during the fall hunting seasons, it’s guaranteed that my personal gear will include one or the other, and maybe even both.
I’ve shot deer with single-and double-action wheelguns in .41 Magnum, and both delivered the goods with comparable loads. All of those shots were fired single-action, so there’s really no advantage so far as that goes. I’ve known some pretty fast guys with single-action revolvers and a few slow folks armed with double-actions. On game shots, I prefer firing singe-action, regardless which type of handgun I’m using. Single shot shooting tends to allow a little more precision, which is one reason I disdain bobbing hammer on double-action guns. The late Elmer Keith didn’t care for that practice, either
Grips Make the Gun
I’ve never really cared for factory grips on any of my revolvers. They’re either too small or too large. It has become a habit to replace my factory grips, and I’ve tried a lot of different ones. I’ve used Pachmayr rubber grips on some guns, Herrett’s wood stocks on others, plus synthetic models from Ajax, Altamont, Arizona Custom and Eagle. I’m particularly fond of the Magna Tusk models from Arizona Custom in “aged ivory” on my Ruger New Vaquero and Blackhawk guns.
On the other hand, I’ve got sets of Kirinite grips from Eagle for my N-frame Smith & Wesson double-actions, and they’ve proven themselves in the field on numerous occasions. Don’t ask which is best because there’s no pat answer. The grip one chooses is the best for that individual.
I should also mention the elk antler grips from Eagle which also fit my New Vaqueros, and I crafted a set of elk antler grips for one of my Blackhawks.
I don’t carry a wheelgun to draw attention or to make some kind of statement. I pack a revolver because they are capable of doing a job which may come along.
When discussing grips, one must acknowledge that they may be shaped to accomplish specific tasks. Even single-action sixguns can be fitted with target-type grips, but my preference has always been the so-called “plow handle” design which allows the single-action to rock back in the hand during recoil.
On the double-action guns. I rather like target-type grips because they simply fit my hand better, and the grip frame design on my Smith & Wesson guns is simply uncomfortable during recoil without the target grips, or with a magna-style and a Tyler-T adapter.
Comfortable shooting is the goal, and each shooter must determine what’s best for him or her.
Meanwhile, my “pleasure” is to keep both single- and double-action wheelguns in my gun safe for use when needed. They all see action.
