Whats the difference between single action and double action handguns?

Question

ive been searching and cant find a good answer

Answer 1

The types are

Single Action: Like a 1911 where the hammer has to be back in order to fire and can not be fired from the lowered position. Short trigger pull.

Double Action: It can be fired from the lowered position and in semi-auto weapons, come with a decocking lever to safely put the hammer into the lowered position for carry. Some are Double action only, where after the first shot it returns to the lowered position. Long trigger pull.

DA/SA: A lot of duty pistols are this, first shot double, every shot after is single.

Answer 2

wikipedia should have all the info you need

Answer 3

Jeff W is 100% correct

Answer 4

In a single-action revolver, the hammer must be pulled back manually before it'll fire. A double-action can be operated that way, but a (heavy) pull on the trigger will also bring the hammer back and fire it without manually touching the hammer.

In self-loaders, the first shot is the same as with revolvers, though firing the first cartridge will of course move the slide and c**k the pistol for subsequent rounds.