SA or DA Revolver?

[hend238]

Not sure if they are built as strongly but I do know they can take the hottest reasonable handloads no problem. Old Ruger Bisleys (the 3 screw ones ) would be my first pick but a Bisley Blackhawk would be good too. The newer Bisley Vaqueros are a smaller frame and can't take the heavy loads. Jaguars eh? That would be difficult. Only guy I have seen or heard of hunting jaguars ( or chasing them anyways) tended to use several dogs and lost a few of them. I haven't looked into it but I have a feeling hunting jaguars may be illegal in several countries.

Good recommendations except I don't like the Bisley grip.
I'm not hunting Jaguars, I just happen to work smack dab in the middle of their territory.

 

[hend238]

Bingo! You hit the nail on the head of why I'm struggling with the decision of which caliber.

 

[hend238]

Since you reload already (wish I did) you should go with the 45LC and customize different load for different pleasures. I also looked at the "convertibles" but the mixed reviews turned me away from them…..and go with a SA only!

My 2 SAO revolvers….44mag Ruger SBH Bisley Hunter & .44 1851 Navy Sheriff steel frame black powder

Nice collection.

 

[jongun]

I have both a DA 357 and SA 45 Colt and for plinking the SA is a lot more fun! Having said that if it's for work in grizzly country I'd get one of those stainless Ruger Redhawks ( DA ) in 45 Colt at Elwood Epps and learn how to reload some hotter loads.

The stainless Ruger Redhawk in 45 Colt is exactly what I'm wanting for next years wilderness protection handgun. I'd have one already if it were in the budget. Already reload the cartridge so loading up some hot loads for bear(black) isn't a problem.

 

[silverfoxdj]

I am quite aware of the differences between the 357 and 45 LC. The only reason I was considering the 357 was because I already load for the 45 ACP. I wanted something different and the ability to shoot the 38 special and the 357 Mag appealed to me. The convertible option has come to mind also. 45LC/45acp and 357/9mm convertible revolvers are two that I've looked at. There are mixed reviews on how well the 9mm shoots from the 357 platform however. 3 calibers in one platform is a lot of bang for your buck though. Could be fun or just not worth the effort.

I'd say lots of fun, especially loading for 38 SPL and practicing at a lower cost

 

[mikeyb]

I am having so much fun with my GP-100 right now at the range. DA is long and stiff but SA is a joy to shoot. The cowboy action guys are okay with DA fired as SA for their shoots so long as they get more people hooked. Rem white box .38 Spcl is pretty accurate and cheap, I don't chase the cases everywhere, and after a few hundred rounds the long, stiff action is at least fairly smooth. SA is great. Such a fun piece of steel.

Now I want a S&W 686 and new laws to let me hunt with it!

 

[Smcx]

.454? Then you can cover a really wide power range down to light 45 colt. I went with a .44 due to ammo availability, and didn't get a .357 because I enjoy firing hand artillery. The .357 almost feels like a .22 after firing a 454.

(Of course there's always the .460 as well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )

 

[BCRider]

I'd have to agree that the .454Casull option is worth considering. But it does close down the variety in choice for guns. For wilderness ATC the X frame S&W's would be just way too heavy and large for easy carry. So for budget mindedness you're pretty much stuck with the Ruger Super Redhawk.

There's the Magnum Research BFR in SA but that's another heavyweight and large size gun.

 

[curseyou]

Guns are like pokemon. Gotta catch em all.

 

[Gundoggy]

I would get an SA.....nickel with white grips...4.75" gunfighter length barrel.

 

[hend238]

Sorry guys not interested in considering other calibers. I've given a lot of thought on this and narrowed it down to 357 and 45.

 

[Can-down]

I wouldn't be afraid of buying a convertible blackhawk 9mm/.357..... mine shoots cans off hand just fine at 25 yards with cheap 9mm.... what do you want it for?
Fun or competition?
You don't have to use the 9mm cylinder if you don't want to..... it's basically a bonus.

I wouldn't sweat the caliber too much either because you will likely end up with both down the road..... keep your eyes peeled for a deal and let fate decide which one comes first.

I just picked up a 9mm Alfa from Rustywood and I must say it's impressing me so far and it's only been in the house for a few hours.....

 

[Nester]

Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum 4.2

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/12099/Ruger-GP100-357-Magnum-42-Blued.aspx


Why? Just find the SA/DA easier to load and I'm a bit trigger happy some days......

 

[sailor723]

I think the biggest thing that would bother me about SA would be the unloading. (pushing out one casing at a time)

 

[Can-down]

Loading and unloading SA's is the best part for me. Very meditative and relaxing.
Maybe if I could afford to shoot hundreds of rounds each session I'd get tired of reloading but anything over .22lr is not a concern for me and even the little .22's don't bother me. There is so much rush in today's world that it's nice to slow down and take a step back in time.

If I want to blast I'll load up some mags and rack a slide.

 

[tjhaile]

Most people shoot their doubles as singles. The only difference would be in how you load and unload them.

I can't remember the last time I cocked the hammer on my K-22.

 

[Can-down]

I can't remember the last time I cocked the hammer on my K-22.

Not every double action is as smooth as a K-22 eh.....

 

[Can-down]

I can't remember the last time I cocked the hammer on my K-22.

Not every double action is as smooth as a K-22 eh.....
Double action revolver shooting is a good test of trigger control and it is good training for both technique and finger strength.

 

[sunborn]

If you are going SA, then the top break Uberti model in .45 colt is what you want. Fast loads and unloads, just a blast for plinking.

 

[Boomer]

If you intend to hot-rod your loads, the SA has the advantage of individually ejecting each casing, where simultaneous ejection can be difficult. Yes I know, prudently loads shouldn't expand case head diameter to where extraction is sticky, but if you happen to be shooting cast with maximum loads, a heavier than normal bullet can sneak in there from time to time, and the case sticks. I have short fingers, so I find that a SA grip fits my hand better than a S&W N frame, although I like K frames, but you won't find a .44 magnum K frame. Also I find the hump of the S&W grip frame really punishes my hand in heavy recoil, so if I had to have a DA, I'd try to find an old Redhawk, and cut it down to 5". The factory wood Redhawk grips worked well for me, even if the gun is a bit big and clunky compared to a Smith.