How NOT To Carry a Colt Single Action Army

Published on November 21, 2018
Duration: 5:00

This guide details the 'Cowboy Load' or 'John Wayne Load' technique for safely carrying a Colt Single Action Army (SAA) or similar traditional single-action revolvers. It explains why carrying six rounds can be dangerous due to the hammer resting directly on a live primer and provides a step-by-step method to carry five rounds safely by leaving one chamber under the hammer empty. The instruction comes from Hickok45, a highly respected firearms educator.

Quick Summary

Safely carry your Colt Single Action Army using the 'Cowboy Load' technique: load one round, skip a chamber, load four more, cock the hammer, and lower it onto the empty chamber. This prevents accidental discharge by ensuring the hammer rests on an empty chamber, a crucial safety measure for traditional single-action revolvers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Staged Negligent Discharge Example
  2. 00:54The Danger of Six Rounds
  3. 01:26Mechanical Vulnerability Explained
  4. 02:31The Cowboy Load Technique Demonstrated
  5. 03:45Range Performance and Accuracy
  6. 04:16Modern Exceptions and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you safely carry a Colt Single Action Army?

Safely carry a Colt Single Action Army using the 'Cowboy Load' or 'John Wayne Load'. Load one round, skip the next chamber, load four more, cock the hammer, and lower it onto the empty chamber. This ensures the hammer rests on an empty chamber, preventing accidental discharge.

Why is carrying 6 rounds in a Colt SAA dangerous?

Carrying six rounds in a traditional Colt SAA is dangerous because the firing pin rests directly on the primer of the chambered round. Any impact to the hammer can cause the firearm to discharge, unlike modern revolvers with transfer bars.

What is the 'Cowboy Load' technique?

The 'Cowboy Load' is a safety technique for single-action revolvers where five rounds are loaded, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. This prevents accidental firing if the hammer is struck, a common practice for historical firearms.

Are modern revolvers safer to carry fully loaded than older models?

Yes, modern revolvers like the Ruger Vaquero often feature transfer bars, which act as a safety mechanism. This allows them to be safely carried with a full cylinder of six rounds, unlike traditional designs such as the Colt Single Action Army.

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