Alright, partners, let’s mosey on down the trail of knowledge and get ourselves acquainted with the single-action revolver. These aren’t just any firearms. They’re the stuff of Wild West legend and so much more—capturing the spirit of that bygone era, and the ingenuity of early gunsmithing with every click of the hammer.
But the single-action isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about precision, craftsmanship, and the tactile satisfaction of shooting a gun that demands as much from its handler as it gives back in performance.
So saddle up, as we’re about to dive deep into the world of single-action versus double-action revolvers, explore the unbeatable perks of going single-action, tip our hats to the most famous six-shooter of them all, and discover just how much fun you can have shooting these iconic pieces of American history.
The Quick Draw Duel: Single-Action vs. Double-Action
What’s the difference between single-action and double-action revolvers?
With a single-action revolver, you’ve got to cock the hammer back yourself, each and every time you want to fire. It’s a deliberate action, like drawing a bead on a distant target. Pull the trigger on one of these, and you’re just releasing the hammer to strike the primer.
Now, double-action revolvers allow you to both cock the hammer and release it with a single trigger pull, making them quicker to fire but generally feeling “heavier” and requiring more effort for each shot. This can make your reaction time faster since you’re skipping a step, but since the trigger requires a stronger squeeze to get the job done, it might also affect your shot’s precision if you’re not used to it.
So basically when we’re talking single-action, think of it as “manual mode.” You’re doing the work to cock the hammer back every single time you’re ready to take a shot. It’s not about speed; it’s about being intentional with every move you make. When you pull that trigger, all you’re doing is letting the hammer do its thing and hit the primer. It’s a bit old-school, but there’s a satisfying rhythm to it.
Advantages of Single-Action Revolvers
As mentioned, the trigger on a single-action revolver is pretty sweet. It’s light and smooth, which means you’re not fighting against it when you’re trying to hit something dead-on. This can really make a difference in your accuracy.
But there’s also the simplicity of these guns. They’re not loaded with extra parts or complicated mechanisms. That means they’re tough as nails and won’t give you a headache when it comes time for a little TLC. (And the less time you spend messing around trying to fix or clean your gun, the more time you have for actually shooting.)
So choosing a single-action revolver is kind of like opting for a classic car. It might not have all the latest gizmos, but it’s reliable, does the job well, and has some historical nostalgia to it as a fringe benefit. There’s something to be said for the satisfaction of doing things the old-fashioned way, where you have a hand in every step of the process, and that definitely applies here.
Are They Fun to Shoot?
Are they fun to shoot? Absolutely. Shooting a single-action revolver, feeling every click of the cylinder, is an experience like no other.
All the steps, from loading your revolver to sending a round downrange, demands your full focus and respect. It delivers a distinct satisfaction whether you’re competing or just plinking cans off the fence post. Using a single-action combines skill, an appreciation for history, and fun in a way that’s honestly hard to find elsewhere.
These guns have a bit of Wild West flavor, sure, but at the end of the day, it’s about the simple pleasure of shooting. Whether you’ve been around guns your whole life or you’re picking one up for the first time, there’s something unique about learning to shoot with a single-action revolver. They’re reliable, they’re fun to shoot, and they teach you the basics of good marksmanship while connecting you with American history.
The Most Famous Single-Action Revolvers
The Colt Peacemaker
When it comes to fame and glory, one revolver stands tall above the rest: the Colt Single Action Army, affectionately known as the Peacemaker. This here is the “gun that won the West”—a true legend in steel and wood. That’s a hefty reputation for any piece of metal and wood to carry, but the Peacemaker lives up to it.
Since 1873, it’s been a sidearm of choice for lawmen, outlaws, and everyone in between. Whether you were on the right side of the law, the wrong side, or somewhere in that gray area, the Colt Single Action Army was likely at your hip. Its design is straightforward, yet absolutely effective; reliable to a fault, and with a level of stopping power that made anyone think twice.
Whether you’re a collector, a shooter, or just someone who appreciates the lore of the American West, the Colt Single Action Army’s a bridge to an era filled with tales of adventure, heroism, and, let’s be honest here, a fair amount of troublemaking.
Who Carried Them?
The list of folks who strapped the Peacemaker to their hip reads like a who’s who of the Wild West.
You’ve got your sheriffs and marshalls, like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. These guys relied on the Peacemaker for its reliability and the kind of stopping power you need when a stern word just won’t cut it.
You also had your larger-than-life characters like Jesse James and Billy the Kid who lived by the gun—and that gun was often the Colt Single Action Army. Of course, it wasn’t just gunfighters and outlaws who carried it. Settlers, ranchers, and soldiers also saw value in having a reliable piece at their side.
So, when we talk about the most famous single-action revolver, it’s clear why the Peacemaker takes the top spot. It’s not just about what it did—it’s about what it represents: a symbol of protection and authority across the frontier, the spirit of a bygone era, and the timeless appeal of a gun that’s as much a legend as the people who carried it.
Are Single-Action Revolvers Still Made?
Right around now might be wondering, “Do they still make those old-school single-action revolvers?” The answer is yes: Taylor’s & Company hasn’t just kept the Peacemaker’s flame burning; they’ve turned it into a bonfire with the TC9 1873 single action revolver series.
Alright, so you’re starting to wonder how T&C has managed to pull off this neat trick of dragging the classic 1873 revolver straight into the 21st century, right? In our look at the modern single-action TC9 1873 Revolver, we took a deep dive into exactly what they’re offering, examining each model for what it brings to the table.
The craftsmanship is excellent, connecting you to the past with every shot but with the reliability and performance you’d expect from contemporary firearms. Whether you’re looking for a showpiece or something for daily carry, it’s cool to see revolvers like the TC9 1873 that maintain their old-school soul while adapting to modern demands.
As you can see, Taylor’s & Company really gets it. They’re all about keeping things genuine, quality, and loaded with that vintage appeal. After all, we’re not just chatting about any old gun here. After all, this is the gun that won the West—a slice of American history.
*Fun Fact: Two firearms actually claim the title of “the gun that won the West”—the other being the Winchester Model 1873. Let’s just call them “the revolver that won the West” and “the rifle that won the West.”
Final Thoughts
Alright folks, let’s bring this ride home. We’ve been all over the map with single-action revolvers, from their legendary status in the pioneer days to their precision and craftsmanship. They’re old school, sure, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about them—a bit like choosing a classic muscle car. They’re straightforward, reliable, and they’ve got a specific character that contemporary firearms can’t match.
Companies like Taylor’s & Company are keeping the spirit of the single-action alive, combining old-world charm with modern reliability. These revolvers are a symbol of American ingenuity, of the rugged individualism that built this country—and they’re a hell of a lot of fun to shoot.
