Shooting a SAA makes you a better overall shooter

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’ve come to believe that shooting a Colt SAA or clone well can make you a better all around shot with other guns. It seems that way with me.

A SAA makes you grasp the gun and hold it the same way every time.

It makes you really pay attention to trigger control as it is very sensitive to inconsistent finger placement and side to side pressure.

It has a relatively slow lock time and you simply must carefully follow through after the sear breaks.

It sure makes a 1911 much easier to shoot.

[JimT]

My exact ideas.
I know a lot of shooters choose guns with a fast lock time and that is fine.
BUT ... I have read about the shooting that people did with flintlocks! Talk about needing FOLLOW-THROUGH!
Learn the basics and they apply to most everything.

[Bill in Oregon]

Excellent point, Scott. I need to have Fermin Garza work his magic on my Blackhawk and then put in some serious trigger time.

[samsi]

Funny, I was mulling over this very subject yesterday and I completely agree. I did some dry fire with a 1911 and thought I'd do the Blackhawk afterwards, then I decided to skip the Blackhawk entirely since I was feeling good about myself and there was no need to ruin it!

[AJMD429]

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I really enjoy my Single Six and Super Blackhawk, but the grip is so different than my Taurus 92 CCW that I have to practice with both to be good at either.

[Scott Tschirhart]

Funny, I was mulling over this very subject yesterday and I completely agree. I did some dry fire with a 1911 and thought I'd do the Blackhawk afterwards, then I decided to skip the Blackhawk entirely since I was feeling good about myself and there was no need to ruin it!

I’ve been guilty of that. But I decided to see if I could master the SAA and I think it was worth it!

[Bronco]

Would shooting a DA by cocking the hammer be the same? I don't have a SA but most of my shooting revolvers is by cocking the hammer then work the trigger.
Only dumb question is the one you do not ask

[Scott Tschirhart]

Probably any shooting is good for training your mind and body.

[samsi]

Probably any shooting is good for training your mind and body.

This is true. About 20 years ago there was a fellow at the local range who'd had a stroke and had the typical after effects with one side virtually non-functional. He started shooting 3-4 days a week, first with a .22 and later with a Kimber Target .45. It didn't happen overnight but after a couple years he seemed like it never happened, normal speech and motor functions. He could hold as steady as anyone.

[Ysabel Kid]

Probably any shooting is good for training your mind and body.

Almost.

Given some of what passes for target shooting I've seen at public ranges, I have to say some shooting just reinforces horrid practices!

[Malamute]

I'll take a little different tack, I find SAs and revolvers in general to be far easier to shoot well than auto pistols. I carried and used 1911s a fair bit in the past, but never was able to come close to the mechanical accuracy and consistent performance accuracy of a Smith revolver or good SA revolver. It took me far more work for lesser results, and required much more work to try to maintain those lesser abilities. I had 22 conversion unit for the National Match, both were stunningly mechanically accurate, but I was never able to shoot them as consistently well. I was also never able to reliably hit running rabbits and squirrels, things thrown in the air, with an auto pistol of any type. With a Smith K-22, model 19, model 29, SA Rugers in rimfire and centerfire, yes.

Ive mostly given up on autos. I shot a glock 19 some after getting it for the ex. she didnt like it, ammo was cheap at the time, $11.88/100, so I shot it, maybe 3500 rds worth, mostly at the 300 yard plate. I was surprised that I could hit it as well as I did, but it never shot very good groups at closer distances. Still, I could hit the plate easier with the smith revolvers, far better triggers, far easier to shoot well overall.

Getting reacquainted with traditional SAs after shooting rugers for a long time, Im enjoying the ride so to speak, and hitting stuff at 300 yards one handed has been relatively simple once the sights were close to correct at closer distances.

Autos to me requires large amounts of practice to maintain lower levels of ability, revolvers seem to practically shoot themselves in comparison. Ive pretty much lost all interest and desire to shoot auto pistols. I got an ACP cylinder for the Cimarron 45 so I can shoot up the ACP ammo I have thats not getting shot in 1911s.

Ive had a prolonged period of little to no shooting for health and life situation reasons, I cant get excited about picking up an auto, the SA revolvers are a joy to shoot. The old saying about you never forget how to ride a bike? That seems to apply to revolvers, not for autos in my case.

[AmBraCol]

I think you're onto something there, Scott. Batt Masterson, in the book mentioned by JimT recently, talks about how horrible the old sixguns were to learn to shoot. Of course he lays it on thick because he was promoting the Savage auto pistol as "superior". But there's some truth in among the prose as well as the dramatic "no good at all" moaning. All that being said, if you can master the old sixguns, you can pretty much shoot anything decently to very well. I've had the same experience with pellet guns over the years. Putting in time at the range with a pellet gun with all its foibles and problems (talking Crosman 2240, 1377, etc) enabled me to out shoot the rest of the club with their target guns they rarely shot. As JimT mentions, the old flintlocks demanded even MORE follow through, and they did some impressive work with their rifles back in the day. Same as with caplocks (Ned Roberts' book on the Caplock rifle is a fascinating read). I'm hoping to spend some time with my single actions next year. It's been too long.

[Paladin]

Probably any shooting is good for training your mind and body.

Almost.

Given some of what passes for target shooting I've seen at public ranges, I have to say some shooting just reinforces horrid practices!

Sad to say, I agree and avoid public ranges.
I enjoy practicing my single and double actions.

[LeverGunner]

I find that a single action with smooth grip panels to be the hardest gun to master. Coincidentally, it happens to be the gun that most stirs my soul, and the gun I've chosen to carry.

I do very well with a single six, with 22 semi-autos, with centerfire semi-autos, and with double actions. I am still mastering the single action centerfire sixgun though. My shooting with the single six has improved, as I've become more conscience of my technique and more consistent in grip placement, grip power, and trigger control.

My gun of choice, a Ruger New Model Blackhawk and a New Model Single Six.

[piller]

I am not any expert. I do find that practice with SAA style revolvers causes me to watch my grip and sight picture. I also notice that watching my grip and sight picture carries over to better shooting on anything.

[JimT]

Practice gripping the pistol the same way each time you pick it up. Get it in your muscle memory. Practice not putting your finger into the trigger guard until the gun is being pointed at the target. I have been holding single actions this way for over 60 years. It's just natural now.

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[piller]

Lots of good practice.

[Griff]

I've thought about this since I read your initial post Scott. I'm totally undecided. My first pistol was a Single Six, and I can't say I ever mastered it. My second was a .357 Blackhawk, and again, can't say I ever mastered it. I then entered the service, and by luck, was able to shoot a qualification course with the 1911. Scored "Expert", mostly thru luck and not knowing any better, listened and tried to emulate what the range master told me. Shot on our ship's pistol team with the 1911, never really stood out, but never embarrassed myself. Joined the SO and issued a mdl 13 S&W. Over the years I got better to the point that I could habitually max out the points, but only come to about 60% on the "X" count on our PPC course. By this time I had acquired a Combat Commander and shot a qualifying course with it every time out with whatever "K" frame I owned at the time. But, would only get about 98% of the score, and about 5% less X count. I bought my 1st Colt SAA about the time I got out of the Navy, 4-¾" 45 Colt, 2nd gen. It and the Ruger were stolen about 1974... The Colt got replaced after a couple of years haggling with the insurance company, but the Ruger didn't. Then, in 1988, a local PD called and told me the Ruger was recovered after a robbery. It wasn't used in the robbery, so they were returning it to me. It was so badly beat up, I never shot it again and traded it off. I started cowboy action shooting in SoCal in 1985, so my shooting was divided between the single, double & semi, more done the double action & 1911. I think "trigger time" is all encompassing. The more time spent behind a trigger will improve your skills, if you pay attention and work to improve. With the decreased "practice" I get now, I know that skills diminish... but, just a few hours of time behind the sights will bring back whatever skills you once had. Diminished eyesight negates some of that... but the muscle memory comes back pretty quickly. I can't disagree with you, but also wonder whether it's simply the trigger time that enhances your shooting skills.

[LeverGunner]

I agree with you Griff to a large extent. Lots of trigger time translates from one variety of gun to another, provided of course that trigger time is done with the intent to improve.

I did a lot of my early shooting with Ruger Single Six, a Ruger 22/45 semi-auto 22, and a 1911. I did a bit of trading and shot a variety of everything else, but I really cut my teeth on those, with the Single Six being chief among them.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’m sure that different people will have different experiences.

The SAA is challenging because it is easy to be inconsistent with your grip.

The trigger is generally good, but it’s easy to put more or less of your finger on it. It’s more difficult to remember to pull straight back.

As with most shooting. Your mind plays a big part.

[JimT]

As with most shooting. Your mind plays a big part.

I found that I was not someone who could pick up different types of guns and be really proficient with them. For me to be confident and comfortable, I needed to stick with one type of gun. I chose to try to learn to shoot the single action sixgun to the best of my ability and for 20 years or so stuck with that. And I pretty much shot one gun the whole time. Hitting with it at various distances became instinctive.

I never owned a double action sixgun until I started working in Corrections. They issued me a Model 10 S&W and I purchased one through the Department. And still have it.

I always had a 1911 around but never shot it much. The single action sixgun was what I preferred. And still do. I am not saying it's THE BEST. It is just my preferred gun.

My mind is very comfortable with it!

[Griff]

I certainly didn't mean to imply that just "trigger time" will improve your shooting skills... as I don't think anything replaces time spent with one particular model gun. I think the reason I didn't master the Single Six or Blackhawk was because I spent more time with the 1911. Knowing your sight picture and getting comfortable with how to grasp, draw and aim without adjusting the grip from your initial grasp of the firearm takes hours & hours of practice.

[JimT]

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[Scott Tschirhart]

I spent many years carrying a 1911 on duty, competed with it, and just generally shot the heck out of it.

To this day, it feels right in my hand and I love shooting a 1911.

But there’s something about a SAA that just makes me feel good. I recognize that it’s more challenging. It holds less rounds…..but in .45 Colt it hits with authority and gives me great comfort.

[JimT]

I think I have always felt a connection with some of the old-time shooters who used the single action and were known to do really accurate work with them. I ain't in their class, but somehow it felt like I was carrying on what they were doing. And the single action has been part of my life for more than 75 years now. I still carry one as my CCW gun at times ... especially in cooler weather when it slips under my belt, hidden by a jacket or vest.

I know a lot of folks would feel almost unarmed with 5 shots at their disposal instead of 14 but I didn't grow up that way. If I feel I need more I carry 2 guns.

[piller]

As with anything, the better your quality of practice, the better the quality of the result. Sloppy practice is not ever going to give you top results. The only revolver I have that doesn't wear Pachmayr is a Ruger Speed Six. The Pachmayr grips put my hand in the right spot every time.

[Bill in Oregon]

"I know a lot of folks would feel almost unarmed with 5 shots at their disposal instead of 14 but I didn't grow up that way. If I feel I need more I carry 2 guns. "

Big grin ....

[JimT]

I once shot the PPC course with the Police Dept. using my .45 Colt single action. I had no problem running the course except for the last Stage, 12 shots in 10 seconds I think it was. I had a speed loader for the single action and could reload it pretty fast but not that fast! So I hid my .357 Blackhawk in my boot, six rounds in each gun, and shot the course. On the last stage I fired 6 with the .45, dumped it in my holster and pulled the .357 from my boot and beat the clock. Not by much. But they still would not accept it because I did not reload, even though I pointed out that what I did was known as the "New York Reload."

[Scott Tschirhart]

Games and scores. Not sure they translate into combat effectiveness which I think is more about the willingness to do violence under the right circumstances.

[JimT]

That's right Scott.
For those who might be struggling with that question, I would suggest the book "When Violence Is The Answer" by Tim Larkin.

The book is about his training and technique for individuals, but the first part is "How To Think About Violence" and is a good discussion of what Scott brought up.

[Ysabel Kid]

I once shot the PPC course with the Police Dept. using my .45 Colt single action. I had no problem running the course except for the last Stage, 12 shots in 10 seconds I think it was. I had a speed loader for the single action and could reload it pretty fast but not that fast! So I hid my .357 Blackhawk in my boot, six rounds in each gun, and shot the course. On the last stage I fired 6 with the .45, dumped it in my holster and pulled the .357 from my boot and beat the clock. Not by much. But they still would not accept it because I did not reload, even though I pointed out that what I did was known as the "New York Reload."

The SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) qualification course is geared towards pistols. At some point I am going to try it with a double-action revolver, which should be doable albeit a challenge. Doing it with a single-action revolver could require a pair for sure.

I think I'd need eight cap & ball revolvers with a derringer to complete it with those!

[Griff]

IIRC, the last stage on our PPC qualification course was 12 rounds in 25 seconds. My last shot was simultaneous with the buzzer... they gave it to me. However, the only time I wore a SAA on duty, was when participating in a parade.

[JimT]

I was nearly 40 years ago so I could be wrong about the time on the last stage. 25 seconds sounds more reasonable. It was short enough time I knew I wasn't gonna reload that fast.

[Scott Tschirhart]

True, the SAA is not going to be reloaded as fast as a more “modern” pistol.

But you put a .454 diameter lead slug in the right place, you probably won’t need to do it again.

[AmBraCol]

The SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) qualification course is geared towards pistols. At some point I am going to try it with a double-action revolver, which should be doable albeit a challenge. Doing it with a single-action revolver could require a pair for sure.

I think I'd need eight cap & ball revolvers with a derringer to complete it with those!

That what "the boys" carried back when Quantrill and Anderson were giving the Feds a run for their money.

[JimT]

The SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) qualification course is geared towards pistols. At some point I am going to try it with a double-action revolver, which should be doable albeit a challenge. Doing it with a single-action revolver could require a pair for sure.

I think I'd need eight cap & ball revolvers with a derringer to complete it with those!

That what "the boys" carried back when Quantrill and Anderson were giving the Feds a run for their money.

"The real secret to their success in combat against a more numerous Union enemy, aside from their guerrilla tactics, lay in their superior weapon, the Colt's revolving pistol. The revolver was the primary weapon of Quantrill's men, and there is abundant evidence that they were deadly with this frontier weapon. It became customary for the guerrilla's to carry from two to eight revolvers in their belts and on their saddles. These rapid firing five and six shot weapons, in addition to the customary Sharps carbine, gave them a tremendous volume of fire power....." (from The Grey Ghosts of the Confederacy by Richard S. Brownlee, page 104)