Since getting the 1894S I'm wondering what .44 revolver I'd like to carry to back up this or another rifle when hunting. I'm sure I'm not the only one to ask such a thing. I read Marshall's article on the Blackhawk "Kit Gun", his being .45 Colt. I've wanted a similar setup, even including the Bisley switch out.

As I consider investing in a revolver I caught myself questioning the advantage of SA vs DA in a backup.:confused:

So I put it to you my fellow outdoorsmen. What are the pros and cons of SA vs DA for a backup carry revolver for the field? Why do you carry your SA or DA over the other?

I have a single action Ruger Blackhawk and a double action Taurus Tracker in 44 mag. I like the Ruger for the longer sight radius but the little five shot Taurus Tracker is much lighter and handier to carry. The Ruger is more comfortable with hot loads. I usually carry 44 special loads (800-900 fps) in both since they are adaquate for most applications and do not have near the recoil of magnum loads. I tend to shoot the double action Tracker in single action mode. I guess you would be well off with either single or double as long as it was comfortable to carry. There are a lot of folks who could probably fire a single action as fast as I can shoot a double action. I like the 44 spec/mag since I also shoot a 444 Marlin which uses the same size bullet.

Some variables to consider:
1. experience with a handgun, be it S/A or D/A
2. personal preference of S/A or D/A
3. back up for what? - in what way as a 'back up'?
In case you don't have your rifle with you, and opportunity presents itself to harvest your ? (deer, hog, etc)?
If rifle is lost/fails, can use same cartridge firing handgun to finish your hunt?
To discourage an animal with less than honorable intentions towards your body, as in a situation with a hog, bear, mountain lion, etc?
3. you mention having a .44 magnum rifle, is the handgun to be of same chambering?

S/A:
1. with practice/experience, very fast for the first shot
2. point ability (with practice/experience) good for quick close in point shot placement (D/A can be also, but differences between the two action types. Invgeneral S/A more of a natural pointer than D/A, but again, experience/practice can be a deciding factor as well)
3. some say S/A stronger than D/A models, but today, and within reason, they both strong enough overall
4. S/A slower to reload (but in an emergency 'get that critter before he gets you' situation, reloads usually don't come in to play much) more shots as quick as one can fire, just might be
5. S/A's in same cartridge used (.44 mag here, correct?), tend to be more compact than D/A's - frame size/weight (not fair to compare a 5 shot D/A to a 6 shot S/A , grrrr!)

D/A:
1. with practice/experience, can be fast for first shot
2. not as point shooting friendly as S/A's, personal practice/experience can alter this aspect
3. D/A has quicker follow up shot capability
4. D/A quicker to reload
5. D/A's in same cartridge used, tend to be of larger frame size/weight, than S/A's

I personally prefer S/A's for a general field use handgun, or backup, as the S/A is so ingrained into me over the past 40+ years in using them.

I also like/use D/A's. If gonna wrestle with 10 ft grizzly, or stop charging hog, prefer D/A with short barrel, can pull trigger again n' again n' again with D/A. With the S/A you have to re cock the hammer for each shot, which is awkward to try and perform while being so distracted!
As an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75O2lKRHW30

D/A S&W Mountain Gun in .44 mag or .45 Colt is what normally accompanies me anymore, as a 'back up' handgun. For general field wandering, or woods loafing, a Colt SAA .44 Spcl is still my normal companion.

Personal preference, type of back up use intended, and other variables may enter into 'your' decisions...

back up for what? - in what way as a 'back up'?
In case you don't have your rifle with you, and opportunity presents itself to harvest your ? (deer, hog, etc)?
If rifle is lost/fails, can use same cartridge firing handgun to finish your hunt?
To discourage an animal with less than honorable intentions towards your body, as in a situation with a hog, bear, mountain lion, etc?All of the above.

3. you mention having a .44 magnum rifle, is the handgun to be of same chambering?Yes, 44 mag. I won't always have the .44 mag; sometimes a .35 Rem., maybe the 444 after I find one.

Personal preference, type of back up use intended, and other variables may enter into 'your' decisions...

OutsideBear - great info for me to consider. Most of my experience has been with 6" 357's (S&W 686, Colt Cobra, etc.) and my Glock in 9mm. But in most of my shooting with the 357's I was shooting single action anyway. Man I wish Ruger would make Bisley's with shorter barrels!

Ruger Vaquero Bisley's were made in the 4 5/8" barrel length, with fixed sights, though you may prefer adjustable sights?
I've had the 4 5/8" Vaquero fixed sighted Bisley models, and they do just fine.
I developed a load that was compatible with the carbine being used, then was able to adjust the fixed sights to work for me in the field - not used for hunting, but could have been. Adjustable sights can be nice, but then so can fixed sights, just may take getting 'more' acquainted with the fixed sighted handgun is all.
Fixed sights with a field gun/back up iron, should be most workable in the woods. They don't catch on things or clothing, or break/get knocked out of alignment (they conceivably could, but it'd be an extremely rare situation).
I usually develop one load and stick to it, with this kind of a setup.
An adjustable sighted blued or stainless Ruger Bisley with a 7.5" barrel can always be shortened to 4 5/8". Shouldn't be difficult for a good gunsmith to accomplish. Would also give you a handgun one of the neighbors doesn't have!

An adjustable sighted blued or stainless Ruger Bisley with a 7.5" barrel can always be shortened to 4 5/8". Shouldn't be difficult for a good gunsmith to accomplish. Would also give you a handgun one of the neighbors doesn't have!



That sounds like the route I'd like to go. That way I can develop a load for the .44 rifle, then adjust sights on the revolver to match, rather than the other way around. Now to find a good Bisley in .44 magnum.

I prefer the double action. Not because there's anything wrong with a single action, Not becuase a shingle action is any less accurate, but simply because I can load and unload a double action so much easier.

This may be silly, but I've been using revolvers now for 45 years and have had both types over the years and the double action is simply easier to use. Loading and dumping cases is simply much easier. It may be a silly reason, but it's mine and I'm sticking to it.

When I carry my M1894S in .41 Mag, my S&W M58 is on my hip as backup. I do like SA actions but always seem to have a Smith N frame around with great triggers. And I practice enough that I'm just as accurate with the DA shoot as SA.

CD

If it's a .44 you want I'd lean towards the new Ruger Redhawk 4"er. Back-up to me indicates emergency, and in case of emergency (cat or bear on you) you don't want to be looking to be cocking a hammer. Squeeze/Bang, simple, JMO, Rod.

I would be picking the Ruger Redhawk 4" .44 Mag or the S&W 329PD. S/A is great for target or cowboy shooting, or just shooting (they are a lot of fun) but when you really need to count on something, I'd rather have that D/A reliability.

We run this topic into the ground every so often :rolleyes:

While there's something to be said for double-action, when I went after my bison it was with a single-action revolver. Didn't feel the least bit handicapped!

I might change my tune if I can find a 4" Redhawk in .45 Colt, though....

It's simply 99.99% personal preference. ANY advantage you can dream up for one can be balanced by a different advantage for the other. Disadvantages, too.

I'm a SA kind of guy. I own two DAs and even wear one as my primary CCW gun. But in the field, there'll be a Ruger SA of some kind on my hip.

I ended up getting a stainless SBH w/4 5/8" barrel. I also just added the Bisley grip frame, and like it better than the standard SA grip. Still have some finishing to do on it, but it fits and feels good. I went ahead and installed Wolff springs in it while I had it apart. I'll shoot it to make sure I'm putting it back together right, then complete my finishing work.

For trail/hunting backup, I started out w/ a DA model 19 SW 357, then converted to a 41 Mag tuarus Titanium DA revolver. Now I've gone over to auto pistol...a 10mm EAA Witness P-carry. DA/SA, skinny, light weight and holds 16 rounds of 200 gr hardcast, fat meplat cartridges.

need more info as to 'backup'. are you talking emergency 30-40yd . shot on primary rifle ftf. or grizzly attack from bush. maybe both. if both were the answer, i think i would go single action and practice close quarters or fan firing 44 ,4t" revolver as you would have best of both worlds. close quarters emerg. only,think i would opt for D/A.

need more info as to 'backup'. are you talking emergency 30-40yd . shot on primary rifle ftf. or grizzly attack from bush. maybe both. if both were the answer, i think i would go single action and practice close quarters or fan firing 44 ,4t" revolver as you would have best of both worlds. close quarters emerg. only,think i would opt for D/A.

My concern would more likely be a wounded hog rushing me in thick brush [not many Grizzleys in Texas]. In that situation I'd most likely have a hand on my revolver already. And it's pretty natural for me to cock the hammer while drawing.

I am a handgun hunter, I like the single action for hunting and a double for back up. I feel confident with either. It is all just personal preference. Get what you shoot the best.

I ended up getting a stainless SBH w/4 5/8" barrel.

Very good choice. If you're died in wool handgun nut (I am not), you will eventually own a couple of each in SA/DA with variations in barrel length.

I've had a 5 1/2" SBH for about 20 years. I don't shoot a lot of jacketed stuff in a handgun, but I'm sure I'm at several thousand rounds of cast and extruded lead, and the bore is still like new. I'll never get rid of it, but I'm definately planning a space for a .44 Tracker. The 29's and Rddhawks are just way too big for my handgun plan, and the thought of that 5 shot Tracker just sounds like a great idea.

What your choice is going to be based on is what will be most comfortable for you to use. There is a lot of good advise on barrel length already mention in previous post. I have both sa and da revolvers. I could be comfortable with either sA or da revolver. Both action types have their pros and cons. get the action that you prefer and practice with it.

Very good choice. If you're died in wool handgun nut (I am not), you will eventually own a couple of each in SA/DA with variations in barrel length.

I've had a 5 1/2" SBH for about 20 years. I don't shoot a lot of jacketed stuff in a handgun, but I'm sure I'm at several thousand rounds of cast and extruded lead, and the bore is still like new. I'll never get rid of it, but I'm definitely planning a space for a .44 Tracker. The 29's and Redhawks are just way too big for my handgun plan, and the thought of that 5 shot Tracker just sounds like a great idea.

I've owned .357 686 S&W, and Colt Cobra, both in 6" Barrels. Both were tack drivers, and I had trigger work done on the Smith that was slick. I almost always shot them SA, mostly for target. I never shot more than 160gr JSPs, with most being handloaded 158gr SWCs. If I still had one of those guns I would be loading the heaviest hard cast flat nose that would fit the cylinder and been happy. But at the time I was down to a Glock 17 (9mm) and a .38 snub nose, neither that I wanted as my backup against a possible 300 lbs angry hog. Faced with options I sold the .38 and purchased the .44 SBH. No regrets. I've added a Bisley grip frame and grips and love the feel of this in my hand. But I still want a hard cast WFN coming out of it in a self defense situation in the field. I want it ripping a big hole all the way through, not expanding on tough gristle shield. I've ordered the BTB 265gr WFNs and will be reloading them by the end of the month. At that point I will begin my *HHH Services, Ltd.

*Helping Hogs to Heaven

I look at my NBH S/A .45Colt a a fun, target, cowboy action, novelty type gun.

If I want protection, its D/A all the way

I have a bunch of both and I like both styles for carrying and protection. The DA is more convenient to load/unload. For concealed carry or protection I tend to gravitate toward .44 or larger in easier to carry configurations which means shorter barrels and lighter weight. It's crucial to make sure the stocks fit your particular hand during recoil when using these little boogers. If I'm handgun hunting I gravitate to heavier, longer barreled models because I'm willing to sacrifice some easy carrying for longer sight radius. I can put fast, deliberately aimed shots on target with SA as good/fast as I can DA. This is especially true with hard kickers. Have fun with your project!

It's practice-practice-practice for me for a while. :D The bullets arrive soon, so I must also get the bench set up to reload them. I'll crank these out on my Dillon 550. I love this progressive press cuz it's not auto indexing, giving me a chance to make sure each of the 4 brass operations have gone right before proceeding. I can carefully/accurately load a round every 5 seconds or so with this thing, including checking how much powder is dropping every twenty rounds or so. It doesn't take long to load a box once I find my favorite load.

Are any of you using AA #5 to load with hard cast .44? Marshall suggested 10 grains (I believe I have that right) with a Winchester large pistol primer under his 265gr WFN for 1100 fps from a 4 5/8" SBH. Anybody else got a good .44 mag 1100 fps recipe for me with that bullet?

I prefer the double action. Not because there's anything wrong with a single action, Not becuase a shingle action is any less accurate, but simply because I can load and unload a double action so much easier.

This may be silly, but I've been using revolvers now for 45 years and have had both types over the years and the double action is simply easier to use. Loading and dumping cases is simply much easier. It may be a silly reason, but it's mine and I'm sticking to it.

Thanks for the heads up faucettb. I am in the market for a new 357 mag revolver and was considering the Ruger Blackhawk. But after going shooting this weekend and shooting both my SA Ruger 44 Blackhawk and my DA Taurus Tracker 44 mag I realized that I need to look for a double action 357 because the DA loads a lot easier. My arthritis in my hand made loading and unloadeing the SA a real headache or handache. Being able to use speedloaders is a big plus for folks like me with limited mobility in my hands. I really get tired of having to pick shells up after I drop them three or four times, even though the exercise is good for me.

Finally got a picture of the finished Bisley/SBH. I've really enjoyed this pistola with 13g of Bluedot behind a BTB 265g WFNGC.

That really looks nice!!!

That really looks nice!!!

Thanks Mike.

I'd like to get Bowen or one of the other good SA guys to take the sharp corners off, Bowen's V-notch rough country sight added, black powder cylinder camfer, and bead blast the gun. I'd also like the trigger and timing worked on and forcing cone inspected and possibly recut if necessary. I want this to be a very reliable and functional workhorse of a side arm. I'll consider scalloping the receiver and loading gate to lighten the gun also, but all this is starting to add up.

I currently shoot Marshall's 265g WFN at 1100 fps, which is both accurate and comfortable to shoot.

I am basically unqualified to recommend a gun based on the fact that I have not shot a DA revolver in over 10 years. I just got a Ruger Blackhawk 50th Anniversay model in .357 magnum. I really love everything about the gun as far as fit and finish, but most importantly because it is very accurate!

I think that whichever type you get, you should be comfortable shooting it. Is it reasonable to carry? I really like the Uncle Mike's side kick holster, although for hunting, I may go to a leather rig. Most important, can you hit what you are shooting at with the gun under stress? A cool head and an accurate gun will beat speed every time. I would feel prepared to defend myself with the Blackhawk, provided of course I'm in a situation where I can carry it.

I am basically unqualified to recommend a gun based on the fact that I have not shot a DA revolver in over 10 years. I just got a Ruger Blackhawk 50th Anniversay model in .357 magnum. I really love everything about the gun as far as fit and finish, but most importantly because it is very accurate!

I think that whichever type you get, you should be comfortable shooting it. Is it reasonable to carry? I really like the Uncle Mike's side kick holster, although for hunting, I may go to a leather rig. Most important, can you hit what you are shooting at with the gun under stress? A cool head and an accurate gun will beat speed every time. I would feel prepared to defend myself with the Blackhawk, provided of course I'm in a situation where I can carry it.

T-Bone I have purchased the Super Blackhawk and love the gun. But I've added the Bisley gripframe and wanted to post a picture of the gun. I am very pleased with the additional control under recoil that the Bisley grip affords me. And shooting Marshall's recommended reduced loads @ 1100 fps it's a real pussycat. I ended up using a Bianchi crossdraw holster with thumb snap that is actually for a S&W 29, and it fits great, and I love the crossdraw position when rifle hunting cuz it keeps the gun away from the butt of the rifle. I've also hunted with the Bisley/SBH alone and was very confident with 265g WFNs.

My favorite gun of all time is a model 629, but to be honest, when it comes to a woods gun, I prefer the Super Blackhawk.

Single Actions have fixed frames and you are more apt to drop or bang around a revolver in the woods than on the street. If I roll down a hill, I'd rather roll over and over on a blackhawk with the solid frame than any DA revovler which has a swing out cylinder on a yoke that could be damaged easily.

The short SUper B with the Bisly grip is nice. Looks very much like Elmer Keith's Number 5 custom Colt. If I had one set up like that, I would add the Belt Mountain locking base pin for a quasi factory -quasi custom sixgun as close to Kieths as you can affordably get.