WHY SINGLE ACTION?

[Montana Slim]

Regarding double actions, I have two large frame pieces. One a S&W #3 DA (6 inch) in 44 Russian, the other a Colt 1878 (5 1/2 inch) in 44-40. I've shot the pair in several matches this summer. Yes the trigger pull is long, the grips are not ideal & they shift about in your hand while firing. Takes a bit of skill to slow yourself down so as to hit targets, but quite doable. I've shot several matches clean using them. I recently shot a speed pistol side match and discharged both of these revolvers (duelist style, staged on table) on three targets, each a 5-shot Nevada sweep. Total time was 5.3 seconds. Targets were close, maybe 10 ft. My ammunition is loaded with 2F black powder & Big Lube 200 grain pills. I use the double action feature for all my firing.

The only reliability issue has been a propensity for the mainspring tension screws to back out a tad during use resulting in a click-no-bang. Will be adding some blue loctite in the future.

The 1878 Colt cleans as easy as solid frame 1873's I own...actually easier since it is has a beautiful fresh nickle finish. The Smith has a few extra parts, but not difficult to take down. If it had fresh nickle, it would also clean very easy.

Keep in mind the single action 1873 Colt was a less sophisticated design and can still be fired when it's more delicate parts fail - an preferred feature for military use.