Post by J Miller on Jun 12, 2010 11:38:14 GMT -5
Bile,
You're over thinking the equation. The .45 ACP in it's standard 230gr FMJ ball round is a 100 years of proven combat and anti-personal performance. If you are looking for a self defense load for a semi auto you'll need no more than that basic load but with perhaps a JHP type bullet. You really don't need +P type velocities.
Your comment that a single action revolver requires at least one good hand to use but an auto doesn't is in error. All hand guns need at least one functional hand to work. Having arthritis and suffering from gout (medication induced) I've learned what happens when a hand is only partially functional. At that point you need two hands, no question about it. Ever hear of limp wristing? If your hand is only partially functional you might not have the strength to hold your bottom feeder and it stands a real good chance of jamming due to limp wristing. How are you going to shoot the first round, a P90 is DA on the first isn't it) if your hand is injured and you have no strength in the trigger finger? That's where a single or double action revolver trumps the P90 for the first shot.
Have you practiced one hand loading of a bottom feeder? It's not as easy as you think.
Jeff is right, if you're planning for SD from marauding illegal aliens leave no bullets, empties, foot prints, or tire tracks behind. SSS, or at least S_S.
Joe
You are right about limp wristing an auto, and that is also a consideration that has brought me back to consider the double action a number of times. But a scenario with only one good hand left is one that comes just before killing or dying. Up to that point the reloading ease and speed of a semi-auto is a tad easier and faster than a single-action and may ensure that the one hand only options never comes into play. You do, however - as usual, give me some things to think about. BTW, a buddy of mine (we patrolled together way back when) had to put someone down after taking a load of shotgun pellets in the shoulder and chest. He only had enough fight left to reach behind himself with his only good arm, across his back, draw and fire five times into the perps chest with a revolver to end the fight. If he had to do anything else, like manipulate a hammer, I'm not sure he'd still be walking among us. Other one hand examples come to mind, but this one certainly stuck with me over the years.
Finally - so you would suggest I stick with a single-action for this exercise and advise that as the best option? I just want to make sure I'm not misunderstanding you. I truly love single-actions and consider the SAA one of the finest fighting handguns ever made and continue to fight against going back to that option. Thanks Joe.
Bile,
For the scenario you are describing I'd suggest a double action revolver. They are not subject to limp wristing, or the need to fiddle with safeties. You just pull the trigger and they fire. I like autos, don't get me wrong, the 1911 and the .45 ACP is my favorite auto and auto cartridge, but I just can't get as comfortable with them as I can a revolver. Revolvers have their own foibles, but not nearly as many as autos.
Thinking about your buddy who took the load shot, would he have been able to manipulate the hammer on a single action for five shots rather than just pull the trigger five times? I thing answering that question as you have would bring you to the double action revolver as a viable choice. S&W makes their N frame in .45 ACP and it's a good strong revolver.
Even though I am a single action revolver fan(atic) I do realize there are better choices ( I can't believe I said that ) for certain situations.
Joe