Several times, a single action was all I owned. When I was a teen-ager, we had the Watts Riots in LA--kept a Ruger Single Six by my bed. Kept a 41 Blackhawk and a Super Blackhawk when in college. Carried them for defense at those times.
Of course, we have bears (some BIG ones) here in the Northwest. I carry a modified Vaquero (3", Bisley grips) with very hot 45 Colt loads while hiking. Or a 45 Colt SAA, sometimes (milder loads). Wife carries a 41 Blackhawk. Carried various single actions when I guided on pigs in grad school; for poachers, wounded hogs, and mtn lions.