Double Action Revolvers

[O.T. Buchannan]

I've been a member of NCOWS for a few years, and I've always been under the impression that period double action revolvers are NCOWS legal.  I've seen them used at NCOWS matches, and I have a pair of Starrs that I would like to use. 

In reading the By-Laws, is this an area that needs to be clarified?  I'm seeking the input of those who would like to specifically see them included, and in addition, what specific models should be included. 

The ones that immediately come to mind for me are:

1877 Colt Lightning and Thunderer
1878 Colt DA
1881 Smith & Wesson
Original Remington Double Actions
Original Merwin Hulbert Double Actions
1858 Starr Double Actions
British Webley, Adams, and Enfield DAs

Some of the swing out cylinder models would be a little more gray, so I would like to see what the consensus is in that area.

Basically, I'm wondering if there is enough positive interest in this area to seek clarification (and have specific models included) within the By-Laws.

Let me know your thoughts.

[Mogorilla]

Just a note to add to your list, someone would have to shoot an original, but there was a Cooper double action percussion pistol that looked like a colt navy.  A friend and I have toyed with the idea of converting a navy clone, but don't  have the particular workings of the Cooper to do so.  I like modern double actions and plan on buying a star sometime in the future.

[French Jack]

O.T., any of those that were manufactured pro\ior to 1899 as well as reproductions of them are given blanket approval.  The only grey area is the models that were manufactured beginning prior to 1899 and continued after the turn of the century.  There were several models of these from various manufacturers.  Even those are not a problem, as long as the model can be shown to have existed prior to 1899.  BTW, we had an entrant at the Eastern Regional using an 1892 Colt, Navy DA, quite a treat to see.

[Wymore Wrangler]

I've seen Lone Gunman attempt to use a pair of 1877 Colt Double Actions.....

[Terry Lane]

Howdy all,
I got to shoot Montana Sam's Colt New Service for the entire match last month at BRR. Shot it double action three stages and single action for three. What an honor and a thrill. Take care.

[BlaiseNSaddles]

Forget the double actions for prior to 1899 - I think the C96 Broomhandle would be fun.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

That C96 would be fun.  However, I doubt that many (if ANY) were in private hands then.  It's kinda like the '97 Winchester pump;  Yeah, they were invented and certainly some were in private hands.  BUT, I doubt if many made it away from the wealthy East Coast owners until after the turn of the Century or perhaps even WWI. 

Just my opinion, friends.

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Steel Horse Bailey,

Of course, some of us are portraying financially comfortable East Coast residents.

Look at that, I just justified getting myself a C96 Mauser!  Darn! 

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

[St. George]

Apropos of nothing - but since the words' double-action' were popping out at me I thought I'd relate this.

I shot a 'double-action' revolver fairly recently that'd make 'all' of you worshippers of the 'holy black' green with envy.

A Savage Navy...

Quite the thing - and I'm wondering if I have a 'perceived need' for one.

They're an unusual design - and like the Webley-Fosbery - they're kind of like an 'adult puzzle'.

In truth - they're a single-action that's cocked by the second finger of the firing hand by pulling the ring to the rear - like a really big set trigger - and then pulling the 'actual' trigger.

During the Civil War's early days - they were issued - and some were even purchased ('what' were those guys thinking?) - but the reliability of the Colt and Remington revolvers - along with their increased manufacturing capabilities - surpassed them and they exist largely in photographs of the time.

Still and all...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Terry Lane]

Prof. Wickwire,
comfortable? Eastern? I thought you hung out with that seeker of the orbs Briscoe County, Jr., and never had much to do with firearms, only airships and explosives.  Take care.

[O.T. Buchannan]

I forgot about the Cooper and the Savage!  I am a fan of double action revolvers, although the only ones I would like to use in NCOWS are my Starrs, and my Webley RIC.

Terry, I've got a Colt New Service in .45 Colt...it is the early variant, with the 7 1/2 barrel.  I've also got a Webley-Greene Target, with the 7 1/2 barrel, I've got a Webley Mk.I, with a 4 inch barrel, and a S&W Military & Police with a 6 inch barrel.

It would REALLY be awesome to have those Starrs converted!!!!!!!!!

However, if I saw somebody at a match pull out a Savage, I think I would just stare in awe.............

[Terry Lane]

O.T.,
damn. As big as I am it'd be difficult for me to sneak up behind you and relieve you of any of those fine pistols. Maybe someday when we shoot together you'd let me at least touch one of 'em? Thanks and take care.

[Hemlock Mike]

OOOKKK --

I got an old C96 Mauser with a wood holster.  Works as a stock too 

I'm in for sure !! 

What ??  Ain't youse guyz ever seen a top loader

Mike

[St. George]

Savage Navy revolvers are 'around' - kinda - but finding a good one is getting difficult.

On the other hand - the ones I've seen are in pretty nice condition - all in all.

I'd imagine that it's because they were usurped quickly and were put aside in favor of the far more prevalent Colts and Remingtons.

The one I shot probably had around 75% of its original blued finish - with zero pitting - and the grips had both cartouches, to boot.

Handling it is different from most everything - because of the breadth of hand-span involved and because of the Zen-like moves that the shooter makes immediately prior to touching it off.

This is definitely a piece that you want to handle a lot before you shoot it, since you have to train your firing hand.

Shooting it's a hoot - because the anchor-like weight of it absorbs what recoil a .36 round ball may produce, and it's fairly accurate.

And for those who might care about that sort of thing - when a Savage is on the Line - the official 'Timer' is the Sundial...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Jeez!

They ALREADY time me with a sundial!

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Mr. Lane,

Briscoe and I have had many adventures together, but currently I am residing on the East Coast.  The Schwenke Sisters wanted me to be their manager and the best offers came from the East coast.

Those girls can swing a mean hammer.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

Prof. Wickwire,
comfortable? Eastern? I thought you hung out with that seeker of the orbs Briscoe County, Jr., and never had much to do with firearms, only airships and explosives.  Take care.

[Terry Lane]

Prof.
thanks for the update and congratulations on your new position.

[French Jack]

Let's not forget the Pettingil.....

[44caliberkid]

I was gonna use my S&W DA44 Frontier at the GAF Muster, but preliminary testing showed it to be unreliable.  Light primer hits and the trigger getting stuck to the rear.  Definitely needs a good gunsmith that understands them. Any S&W or Webley would make a great workin' cowboy gun , cause of the faster reloads.

[Frog69]

I have for years shot 1878 colt DAs in 44/40 i shoot them in double action only when i shoot at NCOWS matches in fact when im not shooting working class i shoot a pair of them and as my pocket pistol  (or hide out) i use a 1878 sheriff model again in 44/40 . i absolutely love the old DAs and if there was enough interest would love to start a NCOWS club or sub group  that was made up of DA shooters..... this stuff is just to much fun