For Serious Gun Lovers

Single Action vs. Double Action: A Guide For Beginners

Single vs double action

If you’re new to guns, you’ve undoubtedly been hearing a lot of words and phrases and firearms-related terminology that you have little to no knowledge about. Today, we’re going to talk about the terms single action vs double action (as well as DAO, or double action only, and hammer fired and striker fired).

If you’re experienced with guns already, then you probably already know what each of these terms mean (or at least you should), and you can quit reading now. But if you’re new to guns and have no idea what those terms mean, then you’ll definitely want to keep reading and because these are some of the most basic of gun-related phrases out there and you need to know what they mean.

 

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Why Knowing Single Action vs Double Action Is Important

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 implications on your training and proficiency with your weapon.

Now, finally, let’s talk about what these terms really made.


Single Action vs Double Action?

Originally, the terms single action or double action applied only to revolvers, but with the development and evolution of firearms technology they have come to refer to semi-autos as well.

Single action vs double action

The terms we will discuss are:

  • Single Action (SA)
  • Double Action (DA)
  • Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA)
  • Single Action Only (SAO)
  • Double Action Only (DAO)

So, What Do Each of These Mean?

In the case of a hammer fired weapon, you have two modes: you can either fire the weapon with the hammer pulled back for a short and crisp trigger pull, or single action, or you can fire the weapon with the hammer down for a long and typically grittier trigger pull, or double action.

What Does Single Action Only (SAO) Mean?

SAO means that the weapon can only be fired in single action mode, and typically applies to pistols. SAO can also be used to refer to striker fired pistols that have a consistently short trigger pull as well, such as Glock or the Smith & Wesson M&P, or to hammer fired pistols that must always have the hammer back to fire as well, such as the Colt 1911 or the Ruger LCP II.

Single Action Only - SIG P226 DAK

What Does Double Action Only Mean?

DAO means that the weapon can only be fired in double action mode, and typically applies to pistols. Examples include the DAO variants of the Beretta 92 and SIG P226 DAK, or it can also sometimes refer to striker fired pistols such as Glock or M&P that are designed with a much heavier trigger pull (such as some police departments like the New York Police Department require). It can also apply to revolvers that have a covered up hammer so they can only be fired in the DA mode only, such as the Ruger LCR or Smith & Wesson 442/642.

What Does Double Action / Single Action Mean?

DA/SA refers to weapons, and usually semi-automatic pistols, that can be fired in DA or SA mode. The first trigger pull is long and in the DA mode. While all subsequent trigger pulls are in the shorter and crisper SA trigger mode, until the weapon is either empty or safely decocked. Examples include the Beretta 92, SIG P226, Walther P99, and the HK USP. Most DA/SA are hammer fired, but exceptions apply, as a few striker fired pistols like the P99 are DA/SA.

DA is typically used to refer to double action revolvers that can be fired in double action or have the hammer pulled back for single action, and in modern cases, with a swing out cylinder. This includes guns like the Ruger GP100 or the Smith & Wesson 686.

SA is typically used to refer to single action revolvers that can only be fired in single action mode after the hammer is pulled. This includes iconic revolvers like the Colt Peacemaker (AKA the Colt Single Action Army) or the Ruger Vaquero.

Now that we understand the terminology, you’re probably wondering, what is best?


What Is Best a Double Action vs Single Action (Revolvers)?

Is a DA or SA the best choice for revolvers?

Single vs double action revolvers

Short answer: it’s your preference.

Longer answer: most people would agree that the DA revolver is superior. In today’s modern age because it gives you the option to shoot in either mode for a faster rate of fire as well.

Most DA revolvers like the Ruger GP100 also have swing out cylinders for faster ejection and reloading. You can eject and load all five to eight rounds at once. Most SA guns like the Colt Peacemaker have a loading gate that allow the user to only eject and load one round at a time, which can be a major bummer in a self-defense situation.

So generally speaking, a revolver with both DA and SA capabilities is the best choice for defense.

Double Action Only Revolver Pros

But many compact and concealable defensive revolvers, such as the Ruger LCR and Smith & Wesson hammerless J-frame series, are double action only. This is because the hammer is shrouded by the gun frame. So they cannot allow the user to cock the hammer manually.

These guns therefore have a very long trigger pull, which can make them difficult to shoot accurately. Nonetheless, the longer trigger pull also makes them safer. Plus the exposed hammer reduces the chances of the weapon snagging when it is drawn from a holster or pocket.


What Is The Best Single Action vs Double Action – (Semi-Auto Pistols)?

The originally semi-automatic pistols were hammer fired, single action only weapons. The hammer has to be cocked in order for the weapon to fire. However, the slide cycling meant that the hammer would be cocked for you so you wouldn’t have to cock it yourself.

Colt_1911 semi-auto

A crystal clear example of this is the Colt 1911 pistol, which has proven itself to be one of the most enduring pistols of all time. Another good example is the Browning Hi-Power.

Single action only pistols like the Colt 1911 have a very short and crisp trigger pull. Which makes them easy to shoot accurately but also more dangerous to carry.  The 1911 or Hi-Power pistol should only be carried with the safety engaged.

Modern Day Striker Fired Pistols

Modern day striker fired pistols also have triggers that are very comparable to SAO guns. Guns like the Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield XD, Walther PPQ, HK VP9, and Canik TP9 and so on have a single consistent and light trigger pull that is a little heavier than a 1911 trigger but still significantly shorter and crisper than a double action. These guns are the most popular in today’s era.

Hammer fired pistols later developed into DA/SA models by the 1920s. Which again, means that the first shot is in the long double action form unless if the hammer is cocked. The most successful of these guns at the time was the Walther PPK and the Walther P38.

Double action vs single action handgun models

Later, the designs evolved into the modern day SIG P220 series, the Beretta 92 or the Taurus 92 series, the Beretta Px4 series, the CZ-75 series, the HK USP series, and the HK P30 series, to name a handful. As was noted above, some striker fired guns are DA/SA as well. With the most prominent example being a Walther P99, which also lacks a safety.

Double Action/Single Action Best for Beginners

For a beginner like you, a DA/SA gun may be the best option to go with. IF you value safety, because a gun with a long DA trigger for the first pull and a safety is going to be the safest type of gun to safety.

Alternatively, there’s also DAO guns, such as the DAO versions of the Beretta 92 and Sig P226, which offer a long and gritty trigger pull with each shot, but which also usually lack a manual safety as well.

But if you value simplicity, then the best type to go with would be a striker fired pistol with an SAO-like consistent trigger pull.


Best Single Action Revolver

If you decide that a single action revolver is your best option the following is a classic you can’t miss with.

Product NameWhere to Buy
image of Colt New FrontierColt New FrontierCheck Price

Colt New Frontier

 

The Colt New Frontier is the Best Single Action Revolver

 

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Best Double Action Only Revolver

Double Action Only Revolvers can be a great option for concealed carry. Or “Hammerless” revolver. Here is one we recommend:

Product NameWhere to Buy
image of Ruger LCRRuger LCRCheck Price

Ruger LCR

 

The Ruger LCR is the Best Double Action Only Revolver

 

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Best Double Action / Single Action Revolver

If you decide that a double action single action revolver is your best option here our favorite.

Product NameWhere to Buy
image of Ruger GP100Ruger GP100Check Price

Ruger GP100

 

The Ruger GP100 is the Best Double Action / Single Action Revolver

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Best Single Action Pistol

When is comes to single action pistols, there isn’t anything that comes close to the Colt 1911

Product NameWhere to Buy
image of COLT SERIES 70 GOVERNMENTCOLT SERIES 70 GOVERNMENTCheck Price

COLT SERIES 70 GOVERNMENT

 

The COLT SERIES 70 GOVERNMENT is the Best Single Action Pistol

 

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Best Double Single Action Pistol

Last on our list is the Double Single Action Pistol. The choice made by most military and police personnel.

Product NameWhere to Buy
image of Beretta 92 FSBeretta 92 FSCheck Price

Beretta 92 FS

 

The BERETTA 92 FS is the Best Double Single Action Pistol

 

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Single Action vs Double Action – Conclusion

Now that you know about the difference between the primary modes of operations for handguns, you can make a more educated decision on what the best type of defensive pistol for you is.

Ask yourself what you value. Do you value safety, or do you value speed and simplicity? Do you want a manual safety or do you not?

Regardless, remember that practice is the most important. It is the only true way to become fully proficient with your weapon of choice.

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7 Responses

  1. I was reading the article about SA/DA pistols in an effort to understand the differences and why! I just purchased a Beretta M9A1 (my first handgun) which has the SA/DA functions. I have hunted all my life with shotguns and rifles, shot expert in the U.S.M.C 4 years in a row with the M16 and the M16A1 (83-87). I have no clue what your article was talking about. Your article was for beginners I thought! Why would I want something other than pull the trigger and fire? This double action I cannot wrap my brain around. How is this suppose to help me (DA)?

    1. If you look at the picture of the 2 revolvers, they both have external hammers, and are (likely) DA/SA meaning they can shoot either double OR single action. If the shooter pulls the hammer back (cocks the gun) before pulling the trigger, the pull of the trigger only has to perform one action….FIRE the gun…since the shooter has already cocked it by pulling the hammer back. This is Single Action, and the trigger pull is much lighter (roughly 5-7 lbs) because it only has to fire when pulled. If the shooter does NOT pull the hammer back before pulling the trigger, the trigger pull must perform two actions…..cock the gun (pull back the hammer) AND fire the gun in a single pull of the trigger. This is DA and has a much heavier trigger pull (roughly 10-12 lbs or more). Some guns only have one action, either DAO (double action only) or SAO. Smith & Wesson hammerless J-frames are examples of DAO firearms because the hammer is hidden inside the frame so cannot be pulled back by the shooter prior to pulling the trigger…..Double Action Only (The gun must be cocked AND fired with every pull of the trigger.) I’ve never owned or even shot a pistol so I can’t speak to those. Like Hugh B, I’d only shot long guns all my life before getting my first revolver late in life I also did not understand what SA and DA were prior to that. Hopefully, this elementary explanation makes it easier to understand, at least with revolvers.

    2. A shorter (and probably simpler) explanation would’ve been……. Think of a bolt action rifle. With each shot, the shooter must manually cock the gun (with the bolt) before pulling the trigger to fire. Each trigger pull performs only one action..,.fires the gun, the shooter has already manually cocked it…..SINGLE ACTION. Compare that to a semi-auto rifle. The gun automatically cocks AND fires with every pull of the trigger……DOUBLE ACTION.

    3. Trigger pull on DA revolver has longer, 2 stage (cock on 1st click, fire on 2nd) and heavier trigger pull than the shorter, smoother and lighter pull of SA revolver.

    4. Same here, I was more confused after reading the article! I too have hunted all my life- shotgun and rifle.
      Never felt the need for handgun until lately.

  2. A SIg P226 for instance has a hammer that when loaded can be lowered down gently with a lever on the side of the pistol. The weapon is loaded with a round in the chamber, but the hammer isn’t actually cocked back when you use the lever to manually lower the hammer. Its a safer way for those who’re uncomfortable with having a firearm’s hammer cocked back when holstered. It does make for a harder trigger pull in this position, but practicing makes it easy to get used to.

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