Single Action And Double Action Trigger?

Question

Whats the difference?

Whats better?

Does it matter?

And why have one or the other?

Answer 1

The single action trigger is most closely associated with cowboy revolvers where the hammer has to be pulled back and locked before the trigger will fire the weapon. The advantage of the single action trigger is that it reduces the chance of pulling the shot off of the target because of a lighter and shorter trigger pull.

The double action trigger is related to gangster revolvers where the hammer is down and the trigger will c**k and fire the weapon. Because of the heavier and longer trigger pull of the double action trigger there is a greater chance of pulling the shot off target. However, the double action trigger can be operated in the same manner as te single action trigger by pulling the hammer back to the locked position.

Answer 2

I prefer single action or double action only, I do not like traditional double action.  I like the trigger pull to be exactly the same with every shot, at least with semi's, with a revolver I'm happy with either, but even on a double action revolver, I always c**k the hammer before firing, so I shoot single action, to each their own though.  With a single action trigger pull it is MUCH lighter than double action or dao, which usually equates to less jerking of the gun while squeezing the trigger, but with practice, their all good designs, just my opinion, thanks

Answer 3

big question.

single action ...takes a action to c**k (hammer) to c**k and an action to fire (trigger)

double action..the trigger stroke combines...or one "action" c***s, then fires the weapon.

Now days you have auto loaders and revolvers that are in both camps.

Single action hanguns will typically have lighter triggers and slowerrates of firne

Double action firing will typically have heavier trigger forces and faster rates of fire.

Why have one or the other?

Double action is a little safer in the opinion of some...In revolvers, you have to be more deliberate to get the weapon to discharge. Many late model hanguns are sold as "double action only" DAO

Single action ...lighter trigger... faster hammer fall.... better accuracy.

For slow, aimed deliberate fire .. an advantage. Target and hunters like to have single actions for accuracy advantages.

Some auto pistols like the older SW 39 fire the first round DA and leave the hammer ****** so subsequent rounds are fired single action.

How do you uncock the hammer? That requires a "de cocker-safety"

1911 pattern pistols are fired single action ..so to carry one of these we rely on mechanical safeties and the hammer is ****** and locked with a safety... either format require training and constant practice for profieiciency,

the comprimise has been safe action like Glock or older designs modified to double action only

Pick what you like...train with it and remember "the safety is between your ears"

Jeff

Answer 4

Single action means the hammer is ****** and all the trigger does is drop it.

Double action means when you pull the trigger it c***s the hammer back then drops it.

Depends

Yes

If you want to carry a gun locked and loaded without the safety on it's a good idea to have a DA trigger so you can carry with the hammer down. The added weight required for the DA trigger pull will lesson the likelihood of an accidental discharge. Also, a lot small pocket .380s don't have safeties at all so they have DA only triggers for safety.

Some guns like the ruger P90 are both DA and SA. When you pull the slide back to load a round if you flip the safety on it will automatically decock the hammer. So later your first trigger pull will be DA as it brings the hammer back for the first shot. After the first shot the recoil from the gun firing will c**k the hammer and the rest of the trigger pulls will be  SA, thus lighter.

Answer 5

Single action requires you to manually pull back the hammer of the weapon and usually require less pressure to release the trigger. Double action c***s back the hammer as you pull on the trigger and the amount of force to c**k and fire the weapon requires a bit more force on the trigger. You can also manually pull the trigger back with your finger just like a single action weapon. So since it can be fired both ways it's called a double action. There are some that have the spur from the hammer removed and can only be fired by pulling the trigger and for some reason it's still called a double action? The reason some don't have a spur on the hammer is so that it doesn't catch on clothing when pulled out from a waist band or from under a jacket.  

Answer 6

Single-action revolver:  The hammer must be ****** for each shot.

Double-action revolver:  Pulling the trigger initiates firing.

Single-action automatic (also known as single-action-on-the-first shot): The hammer must be pulled back manually or the slide must be racked (to feed a bullet from the box magazine) in order to initiate the shooting process.  After this it will self-load, c**k and fire for each pull of the trigger.

Double-action automatic every shot:  Squeezing the trigger effects firing each time.

Does it matter?  Well the double-action is more modern, more versatile and prefered by most.  Many believe that single-action is the most accurate.  I prefer Glock's safe-action (double-action every shot) myself.  

H

Answer 7

Single action requires you to pull back and c**k the trigger first before shooting. Double action will c**k the trigger and fire the shot while you pull the trigger back in one motion. A double action is also capable of manually cocking the trigger first (same as a double action) for a more accurate shot. Therefore double action is the best choice. Double action guns are also available in a semi-auto but only on the first shot can you c**k the trigger prior to squeezing the shot off.

Old western style guns were all single action revolvers. If you notice in western movies you will see the shooter poping back the trigger in between shots with he left palm while pulling the trigger with his right hand.

be careful what you buy some older guns have design flaws which can fire if the hammer is bumped while in the forward position. Some firearms like the lever action 30/30 has a specific trigger position that acts as the safety, this is a good choice because you can c**k the trigger, unlock the safety and fire the gun with just the pull of the trigger and it won't discharge if bumped.