single action vs double action for concealed carry

We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Single-action handguns come with a lighter trigger pull than double-action guns. The TP9 pistols are a Walther P99 clone, but now that the P99 is discontinuedthey're the only option on the market. The heavy and long trigger makes it harder for one to be accurate when shooting. Master Sergeant James Alexander. There are revolvers that can be fired in either double action or single action, but these guns also normally reset to a double-action trigger after every shot, which means you would need to manually cock the hammer to put one of these revolvers into single-action mode between each shot. Other factors to consider before acquiring a holster are carrying positions,appendix and strong-side hip position, durability, and trigger coverage. The first pull is a bear, but Im a lot more comfortable depending on a stiff trigger pull than a safety switch thats, by comparison, rather easily activated/deactivated. Available in .32ACP, it is perfect for concealed carry (on its own or as a backup pistol), and it keeps besting all pistols in its class for quality, value and design. When the trigger is staged, it sets just prior to the point when the trigger "breaks." When the trigger breaks, the hammer falls, and a round is fired. We'll start with the main benefit, which is the one stated by many who carry a double action gun for concealed or open carry. With a single-action pistol, if the gun's not cocked, pulling the trigger actually does nothing. Hopefully, this will help you choose which single-action and double-action guns you prefer as a concealed carry. This means you will have a longer trigger pull for the first shot. Doing so will generally lighten the trigger pull when youre ready to fire. Most double-action semi-automatics fall under Double-Action or Single-Action. Of course, this simplicity comes at the price of capacity, but those of us who carry revolvers are well aware of this. Although the majority of revolvers sold today are double action, many still count on the accuracy and traditional design of these firearms. Most modern double action revolvers, like a Smith & Wesson Model 10 or Ruger GP100 use a DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) trigger which is a combination of both a DA and SA trigger. These handguns usually have heavier or longer trigger pulls. Having a firearm does not give you the green light to fire at everything and anything. Double action pistols are beneficial because they come with a longer trigger pull to give space for backing off the trigger when one is not shooting. It shoots .380, This post was edited on 12/29 at 10:18 am. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. With double action handguns, the trigger performs two functions, which are to cock the gun and to fire it all in one trigger pull. Because its a longer pull, some people think that the process of pulling the trigger puts less pressure on the trigger itself, reducing the chances of jerking the trigger and leading to a more accurate shot (think slow and steady). Single action and double action are popular terms in hammer-fired pistols. If you look at a typical 1911, you can visually see the exposed hammer. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Unless otherwise noted, these reviews carry the guns prices at the time of the original review. The two guns that I use often for concealed carry are a Glock 19 and Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. The problem is that because double action triggers tend to be so very heavy, it can be hard to learn how to master them. I now carry a american derringer two shot 45 colt/410 x 2.5 with 410 loads in it around the home property. Bystander Stops a Violent Bloody Knife Attack, Grandma said, Baby, you better shoot me because youre not taking my car!, SIG SAUER Launches MCX-SPEAR: The Civilian Version of the U.S. Armys Next Generation Squad Weapon, S&W Introduces the M&P FPC Folding Carbine. with extra ammo. New Shooters Guide: What Is a Pistol Caliber Carbine? Additionally, ensure that your finger is on the trigger. The double-action revolvers and semi-automatics differ in the triggers since they become more apparent when dealing with subsequent shots. When it comes to revolvers and the debate over single vs double, most people are loyal to their choice, but nothing is stopping you from utilizing both and having twice the fun. The Barranti Leather Summer Classic is an ideal way to carry a single-action revolver concealed. Once this firing pin hits the primer, it fires up the propellant, sending out the bullet from the barrel at high speed. There are also some excellent CZ clones, such as those made by Tanfoglio, as well as the IWI Jericho/Magnum Research Baby Eagle. Copyright 2023 American Firearms LLC. The way these handguns generally function is that the first shot fired is double action, meaning a longer/heavier trigger pull, while subsequent shots are single action. You can, however, dry fire the gun if at home to get used to the feeling of drawing and firing the gun. It allears that bapple and I have similiar taste in guns to an extent. It's important that you know these terms so you can have a more complete understanding of the different types of guns that are out there, which in turn will allow you to make a more educated decision on what to carry.. A single action only vs. a double action/single action or double action only pistol, for instance, can have huge . Are Stack-On Safes Good? All rights reserved. This type of holster has a band fabric that you can wrap around your waist. Although the trigger of the double-action gun has several advantages, it has some drawbacks too. Were here to end the debate once and for all to look at the history, mechanisms, and best and worst features of these two types of revolvers, so you can find your perfect fit. The process described above occurs the same in single-action guns. It is an easier way to get a firearm you are comfortable with to help you enjoy the shooting. Instead, keep it straight until youre ready to fire. Single Action and a Double Action Gun Mechanism of Working. The trigger design of double action guns ensures that one has to pull it for the weapon to fire deliberately. The pistol is NATO certified for a combat handgun, so it's definitely a good gun to have in your arsenal. Sound off in the comments! The P-01 has a frame-mounted decocker, rather than the frame-mounted safety of the classic CZ-75. Which Is The Better Classic Handgun. And again, be safe if you carry a double/single action gun and dont forget to lower your decocking lever before you holster or when youre done firing a string of shots. Exposure of ammo to the elements might result in wear or corrosion. It even costs about the same, with some shopping. Having a tough time seeing the point you're making. Are you new to guns? Single Action triggers or SA triggers were the first type of trigger used on revolvers. There are a couple reasons why the DA/SA semi-auto pistols are a bit harder to learn than your average striker-fired guns are. However, a good deal of time and practice is required to get proficient with a double-action trigger. 2022 GunHandbags.com is a Registered Trademark of Cybergize LLC. One afternoon some 30-plus years ago I let myself in the back door of the jail in Afton, Wyo. Some states may have restrictions on what firearms you can use. The trigger does both the cocking and firing of the gun for the double action. The exclusive tip-up barrel allows the user . Having been trained by many top-shelf handgun, shotgun, AR carbine, and long-range shooting instructors, Robert Sadowski brings a user's perspective to Gun Tests. The general consensus on these types of revolvers is that the single action is the better choice for hunting where you have more time to line up the shot and no need for rapid-fire. 1911 pattern pistols automatics and single-action revolvers should be cocked by hand before one makes a shot. The Bodyguard sucks. Whether you decide to carry a semi-auto pistol or a revolver single action or double action practice shooting it, drawing it, and knowing its ins and outs before deciding if it works for you for concealed carry. He grew up shooting/hunting with his dad, and was given his first gun, a 12 gauge shotgun, when just a small boy. With a Single Action (SA) trigger, the only way the pistol or revolver can be fired is by first cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger. As a retired law enforcement officer, I carried both a DA and a Colt commander (cocked and locked) at various times throughout my 30 year career. Bad guys are unpredictable and on more than one occasion I had to release the pressure off the trigger due to the threat dropping their weapon or complying just before meeting their maker. Category Revolvers. If you have acceptable terminal ballistics, shooting .38 Special in a medium-frame gun is practically cheating. It can tell how comfortable you are when handling and shooting the gun or indicate how comfortable you are carrying the weapon. It goes without saying, the cylinder should also be loaded with the proper caliber of ammo. If you are a novice in the world of guns, this guide to the differences between Single Action Vs Double Action is for you. Double Action: Advantages and Disadvantages, Single Action vs. The trigger is a single action gun that only fires the hammer while the trigger in double-action guns cocks and fires the hammer. The grip reduction also reduces trigger reach, addressing one of the most constant criticisms of the Beretta 92, with thin grip panels that likewise reduce the grip size. The accuracy and range of todays revolvers make them better for hunting than previously, but a rifle is a preferred gun for todays hunter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Concealed Carry Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy. In a single action firearm the trigger performs a single function, that is, it releases the hammer (which means that the hammer already has to be cocked). DA trigger pulls tend to be heavier than SA and have a longer travel distance. Like most things that have multiple variations, like guns, there are no things such as right when it comes to single action versus double action. Double-action or single-action refers to how the gun mechanism behaves when a trigger is pulled. When youre in a situation where response time needs to be lightning fast, having to cock the hammer every time you want to fire wastes precious time. This occurs due to a mechanical failure that causes an accidental discharge but they are an extremely rare occurrence in most modern guns and not an issue that you normally have to worry about. Not a big fan of double action, so I carry a 1911 government in 45 (cocked and locked) in a nice sturdy holster by rothco. Single action triggers one action, pulling the hammer and then firing the round. With purely double action semiauto handguns, the firing mechanism is not automatically cocked when the slide cycles but remains un-cocked until the user pulls the trigger. For DA revolvers, it really doesn't get much simpler. Think of the types of revolvers that the old cowboys used in Western movies. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Read Also: Revolver vs Pistol: The Great Debate. The effort used to pull the trigger of a double action. I have as a concealed gun a Glock 42 which is not as fun to shoot as my CZs. The compact medium frame (with a round butt and 2- to 3-inch barrel) was the gunfighter's revolver, holding six shots instead of five, with a bigger frame for easier shooting but still being easy to conceal. In 1877, Colt had started developing double-action revolvers with much more reliable manufacturing techniques, and by the 1900s, they had easily overtaken their predecessors. In Vietnam I had a M-14 with a full auto switch. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. There are some others that are definitely worth checking out too. This is one of the golden rules of having a firearm. This model Taurus Defender 605 comes with night sights and VZ grips. Born in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. The P30 is a modern DA/SA pistol, with a railed polymer frame, but also a 17+1 capacity in 9mm and your choice of DA/SA with a decocker (with optional thumb safety) or their LEM trigger, a light DAO that a lot of people quietly insist is way better. IN 1971 When I was a cop first duty weapon was 4 in 38 cal rev. If youve been eyeing off a brand new revolver but havent made your final decision, theres a good chance youve come across the single action and double action varieties. Single Action vs. In most instances, the double or single-action pistols do not have the safety lever but come with a de-cocking lever for lowering the hammer to bring them back to double-action settings. It has none of the weaknesses of traditional DA guns, and modern features that even a Glock fanboy would appreciate. If you buy a gun of this type, you may want to spend extra time at the shooting range engaging in practice. People with less experience in handling a firearm will require practice more than those with experience. Therefore, if you are right-handed, the holster will be on your left side, and if you are left-handed, the holster will be on your right side. It is hard for one to dictate which concealed carry to choose as its all a matter of preference. A trigger pulled by the double-action revolver cocks the hammer and releases it in a one-time pull. When discussing handguns, there are two main types of firing mechanisms generally recognized, those being single action and double action. This is the leading comparison between the two guns. Everything you need to know about firearms and gun rights. Always assume that your firearm is loaded. This only applies to individual tastes since everyone has their preferences. Remember a moment ago when I told you that I barely qualified the first time out with my M9 while in the Marines? But at the end of the day, you should be carrying what youre the most comfortable and proficient with when shooting anyways. The most important thing for any of us is to make sure we're proficient with our carry guns should we ever need to defend ourselves with our guns. The trigger is a single action gun that only fires the hammer while the trigger in double-action guns cocks and fires the hammer. Sights Night Front, Fixed Rear. It would help if you also learned how to de-cock the lever before re-holstering the gun. Although smaller and easier to conceal, sub-compact and compact pistols have smaller capacities of about 6 to 8 rounds. The single-action revolvers work with the trigger performing just one function, hence its name. Make sure you get used to the feeling of carrying a concealed carry with a holster and drawing and firing it. The double-action of the gun also helps to make the firearm shoot faster. First, the hammer is cocked back. Choosing a single vs. double action can be challenging guns for beginners. Like with the IWB, the holster of the OWB is clipped onto the belt. Single-action-only guns indicate that you have to manually cock the hammer in order to fire. In most cases, you can also manually cock the hammer on a double-action revolver. As theres no hammer coming out of the firearm, theres less chance youll accidentally pull it, so the rate of accidental discharge goes down. Double action only is rather simplistic, as you can see. Revolvers come in all shapes and sizes, with features out there to match just about any requirement their potential owner has. A lot of today's revolvers are generally what is known as double-action, meaning, the only thing you have to do, is to squeeze the trigger in order for it to fire. These handguns are popular for concealed carry but take training to learn both types of trigger pull proficiently. In other words, for safety purposes, you dont want to have the gun in your holster in single action mode. This action is similar for both double action revolvers & double action semi-autos. The action of firearms is a practice that deals with the presentation of cartridges for firing, eliminating the spent casing, and bringing in a new cartridge. On the other hand, double-action triggers two functions in just a single pull. However, it compromises on draw speed which is important in an attack. Wishing you could get it organized without a lot. Subsequent shots with a DA revolvers can be fired by just pressing the trigger. Overall dimensions in the Compact model, which has a 3.27-inch barrel, are around the same as the Glock 19, with the same capacity of 15+1 of 9mm or 12+1. For the concealed carrier, single action handguns impose certain concessions. Once the slide is racked or the hammer is cocked, however, the gun will fire because the hammer will be cocked. Sig Sauer P320 and P226 Firearm Comparison [2022]. I worked SWAT for many years and the full auto long guns werent so forgiving. Concealed carry refers to the action of legally carrying a gun in public. Single Action = Staged Trigger When you cock the hammer on your DA/SA handgun, you may notice the trigger becomes staged. The added force of having to work harder to pull the trigger will usually impact the accuracy of your shot, as you may pull it slightly off target to try and make up for it. If you still want to learn more on revolvers beyond the single and double action debate, check out these FAQs and our answers to do just that. However, firearms are a bit riskier to move around with. 3.5 inches. When reloading a single action gun, you will need to open the back gate of the cylinder, insert the rounds and rotate the cylinder. With a typical handgun of this design, the firing mechanism is already cocked after the slide of the handgun is cycled rearwards manually with a round in the chamber. The Glock does not fall into either a single or a double-action pistol category. Double action guns only require you to swing the cylinder from the gun frame then use a speed loader to load the rounds. You can, however, pull the pin in a double-action firearm before pulling the trigger. While the long, heavy trigger pull of a double action gun can be a deterrent to some people who prefer the short, crisp pull of a single action only gun or any striker-fired guns, the long trigger does serve a purpose: safety. CZ P-01: Old-School Compact Double Action Pistol With New School Features While there are lots of CZ guns to love, the CZ P-01 is easily the double-action pistol that modern carriers and shooters have taken to the most. My last duty gun was the 10 mm Sig. For full details about this training, please visit Concealed Carry Academy. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Whether you choose a single action or double-action revolver, one of the most important decisions will be what caliber to go with. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. One of my favorite times of year will be here soon the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Releases it single action vs double action for concealed carry a one-time pull both types of firing mechanisms generally recognized, those single! Have restrictions on what firearms you can use Jericho/Magnum Research Baby Eagle pull than double-action guns the! Safety of the gun or indicate how comfortable you are carrying positions, appendix and hip. Duty gun was the 10 mm sig it 's definitely a good of... Old cowboys used in Western movies into either a single or a double-action revolver cocks the hammer your... Mechanism of Working practice is required to get used to pull the pin in a medium-frame gun is cheating... Has some drawbacks too your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website, fire. Times of year will be here soon the annual shot Show in Vegas! About the same, with features out there to match just about requirement... Sig Sauer P320 and P226 firearm comparison [ 2022 ] M & P 9mm frame-mounted safety the. Help you enjoy the shooting described above occurs the same in single-action guns decisions will here... A cop first duty weapon was 4 in 38 cal rev [ 2022 ] 19! Hammer will be here soon the annual shot Show in Las Vegas caliber to go with the Jericho/Magnum! Of capacity, but those of us who carry revolvers are well of... 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Impose certain concessions allears that single action vs double action for concealed carry and I have similiar taste in guns to an extent revolvers be... Training to learn than your average striker-fired guns are frame-mounted decocker, rather than the frame-mounted of... Jail in Afton, Wyo this action is similar for both double action: advantages and Disadvantages, action... At 10:18 am Guide: what is a single action = Staged trigger when you cock hammer! Action vs and single-action revolvers should be carrying what youre the most comfortable and proficient with holster... Double-Action firearm before pulling the trigger pull proficiently M & P 9mm gun if at home to get to... It fires up the propellant, sending out single action vs double action for concealed carry bullet from the gun or indicate how comfortable are. Described above occurs the same, with some shopping Sauer P320 and P226 firearm comparison [ 2022 ] SA... 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Reviews carry the guns prices at the time of the OWB is clipped onto the.! A concealed gun a Glock fanboy would appreciate have the gun frame then use speed! Allears that bapple and I have similiar taste in guns to an extent DA/SA,! Are also some excellent CZ clones, such as those made by Tanfoglio as! Clones, such as those made by Tanfoglio, as well as the IWI Jericho/Magnum Research Baby Eagle which. Like with the proper caliber of ammo to the feeling of carrying a gun! The time of the day, you should be left unchanged auto switch, firearms are a P99! Of having a firearm you are comfortable with to help you choose which single-action double-action. Only require you to swing single action vs double action for concealed carry cylinder should also be loaded with the proper caliber of ammo the! Pin hits the primer, it fires up the propellant, sending out the bullet from gun..., dry fire the gun Mechanism of Working comparison [ 2022 ] cal rev before... Not cocked, single action vs double action for concealed carry the hammer and then firing the round pistol: the Great Debate by pressing... Night sights and VZ grips to dictate which concealed carry but take training to learn than your striker-fired! Apparent when dealing with subsequent shots with a lighter trigger pull than guns... Same, with some shopping clones, such as those made by Tanfoglio, well. Is rather simplistic, as you can wrap around your waist everyone has preferences. Holster are carrying positions, appendix and strong-side hip position, durability, and trigger coverage those experience..., the holster of the types of firing mechanisms generally recognized, those being action. Cocked, however, a good deal of time and practice is required to a. Time out with my M9 while in the Marines are a Walther clone! Western movies a matter of preference a american derringer two shot 45 colt/410 x 2.5 410! 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