What does single action and double action mean?

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Single-action and double-action refer to how a gun's mechanism operates when the trigger is pulled. The "double" in double-action means the trigger performs two functions: cocking, and then firing the gun. The hammer cannot be manually cocked back; only the pull of the trigger can cause that to happen.



Similarly, what is the difference between single action and double action?

Overall, the biggest difference between single action and double action weapons is what the trigger does when you pull it. When you pull the trigger of a single action weapon, it simply drops the hammer. In a double action weapon, pulling the trigger both cocks and drops the hammer.

Beside above, what does single double mean? Double Action Handgun The trigger both cocks the hammer (or striker) of the firearm which prepares for the actual firing to take place and then fires the handgun. For each single trigger pull, the gun is performing two actions, and that's why it's called “double” action.

Then, is a Glock single or double action?

The Glock is neither a single or a double action pistol. This gives the Glock the safety of a self-cocking or double action pistol but with a trigger pull which is only a bit heavier than a single action and is consistent for every shot.

What does double action Glock mean?

A glock is both "pre-cocked", and a double action. The striker is pulled just slightly rearward under the tension of its own spring when the slide is allowed to go forward. However, when you pull the trigger you add an additional "cocking", if you will, to the striker. This is what makes it double action.

36 Related Question Answers Found

What is da Sa?

A double-action/single-action (DA/SA) firearm combines the features of both mechanisms. If the user uses their thumb to pull the hammer to the back, but doesn't press the trigger, the mechanism will lock the hammer in the cocked position until the trigger is pressed, just like a single action.

What is the best double action pistol?

5 Great Double-Action Pistols For Concealed Carry
  • CZ-75 D PCR Compact. Though they have newer double-action pistols designed with carry in mind, one of the oldies is one of the real goodies – the CZ-75 D PCR Compact.
  • Beretta PX4 Storm Compact and PX4 Subcompact.
  • S&W J-Frame.
  • Walther P99C.
  • Bersa Thunder .

Can you make a single action revolver double action?

Converting revolvers to double-action only. For a competition/defensive revolver there are number of considerable benefits to having the hammer bobbed and the gun converted to DAO. The first thing to note is that single action is basically worthless in competition, and is also pretty worthless in a defensive gun.

Are double action revolvers safe?

Most modern double-action revolvers have an internal safety, either a hammer block or a transfer bar, that positively prevents firing without the trigger being pulled. The only double-action revolvers with external safeties are unusual cases available only on special order or modified through aftermarket conversions.

Why do some pistols have two triggers?


The other trigger “sets” the trigger pull on the second trigger to a VERY light pull weight. This makes accurate fire slightly easier than if the firiing trigger had a (more safe) pull weight of, say five pounds. Pull the set trigger, and the firing trigger pull weight could be two pounds or (much) less.

What does cocking the hammer do?

In double-action revolvers, the shooter can either pull the trigger to cock and fire or pull the hammer back ahead of time. The advantage of cocking the hammer first is that the trigger moves more easily when it is time to fire. Obviously, a revolver is easier to use than a flintlock or a percussion-cap weapon.

How does a double action revolver work?

Double-Action Revolver (DA) In a double-action revolver, pulling the trigger generates two actions: First, the hammer is pulled back to the cocked position while the cylinder is being rotated to the next round, followed by the second action where is the hammer is released, striking the firing pin.

What is single action with restrike capability?

It means that the glock has no hammer that one can re-cock to fire the round that is in the chamber.

Why is a 1911 so popular?

Another reason why the 1911 has stayed popular is that it's actually a very viable carry gun, whether as a packing gun for the out of doors or as a concealed carry . It's easier for conventional concealed carry, because the slide is actually pretty slim; it's about 0.9 inches for most models.

Why don t Glocks have a safety?


Glock eliminated the need for a manual safety with their design. When carried in a proper holster (that holds the weapon securely and covers the trigger), by a properly trained individual (who keeps his/her finger off the trigger until ready to fire), it needs no manual safety to be safely manipulated.

Is it safe to carry a Glock with a round in the chamber?

It is fine to carry one in the chamber as long as its in a holster and you keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. You will be lucky to see attempts on your life ahead of time, so believing you will have time to chamber a round no matter what is foolish.

Will a Glock fire without the magazine?

Whether you are a proponent of the magazine disconnect as a safety feature or not, it would serve you well to know that some semi-automatics CAN fire without the magaine and others cannot. Glocks for example, will fire the last chambered round without the magazine in the weapon, as will my Beretta PX4 Storm.

Can you decock a striker fired pistol?

Some say the only way to decock the typical striker-fired pistol is to press the trigger, but there are considerations and other striker-fired pistols with decockers. While it is true several striker-fired pistols do not have external manual safeties, some do.

Can Glock fire without pulling trigger?

Certainly a Glock cannot fire without a trigger pull. A Glock is NOT fully cocked until the trigger is pulled. The striker is only “staged” or partially cocked.

What is a safe action?


The SAFE ACTION® System is a fully automatic safety system consisting of three passive, independently operating, mechanical safeties. All three safeties disengage sequentially as the trigger is pulled and automatically re-engage when the trigger is released.

Are all Glocks striker fired?

Popularized by Glock, the striker fired pistol is one of the most popular types of pistols on the market today. The striker fired pistol differs from a hammer fired pistol in that it does not rely on a hammer hitting a firing pin to ignite the primer of the cartridge.

What is a triple action pistol?

Triple action” is just a marketing term cooked up to describe a hybrid single/double action trigger mechanism. Most double action firearms can be fired in single action mode, with semi-automatic pistols having the advantage that after an initial double-action shot, all other shots are single action.