The single action pistol went out of vogue as a defensive weapon around 1900 when double action revolvers and semi-auto pistols became reliable. Single action revolvers are rather complicated to operate in a self defense situation where one has too much else on their mind. There is also the problem of accidental/unintentional discharge once the hammer is cocked, either through stress or being startled or by accidentally lowering the hammer to uncock it. That is why no police department has taught single action shooting since about the early 1960s. Cocking the hammer also requires one to loosen the grip on the gun to cock the hammer with the thumb. This may lead to loosing the gun if you should be required to use it while in a scuffle.
The double action revolver would be a much better choice as you would only have a long, somewhat heavy, trigger pull to deal with. A problem with them though is that a number of women find the reach to the trigger to be too great with some stocks and the same long, kind of heavy pull is more than their hands can do without a fair bit of strengthening.
If you are dead set on getting a single action to hunt with, the Ruger Blackhawk would be a much better choice. Mainly, the sights are adjustable rather than a groove cut into the topstrap. This allows for one to better adjust the sights, making it easier to hit the target and also allows for better long range accuracy. I have one of each and for anything requiring accuracy, I reach for the Blackhawk.
I still think a semi-auto pistol is the best bet for all round self defense and the worry regarding its "safety" is greatly exaggerated. After all, look at the number of police officers who have them and the number of accidents they have despite the minimal training most get. Cops are not "gun guys" for the most part (I am each so have a decent idea of whence I speak) and look at a gun as a necessary tool of the trade. A simple safety talk and refresher with some periodic range time is all that is needed for general safe handling and operation.
If hunting with the gun is important and not just a means of justifying a different gun, then a revolver would be fine. If you are looking more towards a self defense gun, then look hard at an auto. The vast majority are no different than a revolver in operation so if you are comfortable with the one, the other hould be no different.