Single Action Vs. Double Action

[Futurecollector]

Other than the obvious whats the real pros and cons between the two,
would you use a Single action as a HD gun? Etc. etc.

[aplinker]

Single action is fine for hunting and range guns, but once the double action revolver was invented, no one carried a single action gun for defensive purposes. I certainly wouldn't choose one.

[Miltiades]

Revolvers or semiautos?

Are you speaking of revolvers or semiautos in your question? Single action semiautos include 1911s, Browning Hi Powers and a few others which are kept ready to fire in cocked condition with the safety applied. They are very fast to bring into use and fire repeated shots with.

If you're talking about revolvers, the single action guns require thumb cocking for each shot, and will be slightly slower than double action revolvers for that reason. Somebody well practiced with a single action revolver can be a fast and accurate shooter, however. I personally prefer double action revolvers for defensive us, but own a couple of single actions for the range.

[r08ert209cali]

Are you speaking of revolvers or semiautos in your question? Single action semiautos include 1911s, Browning Hi Powers and a few others which are kept ready to fire in cocked condition with the safety applied. They are very fast to bring into use and fire repeated shots with.

If you're talking about revolvers, the single action guns require thumb cocking for each shot, and will be slightly slower than double action revolvers for that reason. Somebody well practiced with a single action revolver can be a fast and accurate shooter, however. I personally prefer double action revolvers for defensive us, but own a couple of single actions for the range.

+1 Cocked and locked

[Black Majik]

Also to add, if regarding semi-auto pistols; double action on a pistol allows for double strike capability, whereas on a single action pistol would require tap-rack-bang/access.

[hkusp9c]

get a DA/SA gun if you can't choose

[cineski]

IMO, after improving my thoughts on this through experience, the best home defense platform is DA, no safety, with a constant pull. SAO is a very nice trigger for hunting and target shooting, as it allows for more microscopic accuracy. That's not saying DA is not an accurate platform, but it is less accurate than SA due to the greater trigger movement. The problem with SA is the external safety. In a time of high stress, little to medium practice with SAO triggers could result in your early demise. With my 1911, I constantly forget to flip the safety off when I'm at the range. I see lots of videos of people at the range with a 1911 that forget to flip the safety. That's all fine for range ues, but a SAO platform should be something you either leave to range use or you DEDICATE yourself to (which means you flip the safety off of every gun you draw). This is the reason I like the XD series of guns with their grip safety and short, crisp triggers. The grip safety may be a semi-placebo, but I like having it there. Even my HK45, which is in DA/SA mode is less favorable as a home defense gun due to the change in trigger (I'm currently trying to figure out converting it to LEM).

[Futurecollector]

To clarify, I was speaking about revolvers, I own some DA/SA Semi autos, and Some SA, and a Glock, so no coked and locked lol but I dont really have any experience with SA revolvers.

[cineski]

Sorry about that ;-). I guess my stance stays the same for revolvers. Why bring any additional action of a home defense gun like having to cock it?

[cineski]

Sorry about that ;-). I guess my stance stays the same for revolvers. Why bring any additional action of a home defense gun like having to cock it?

[1JimMarch]

no one carried a single action gun for defensive purposes

Ahem.





Yeah, daily CCW in AZ. Fanny pack. Complete with a peace sign on it as "Democrat camo". Plus that's where I keep my "piece" .

[nick]

Other than the obvious whats the real pros and cons between the two,
would you use a Single action as a HD gun? Etc. etc.

Well, most DA revolvers can also do SA. So why limit yourself to SA in the first place? Also, you have a few semiautos to choose from for HD, anyway. Don't let eccentric revolver nuts like Jim march, the ones with decades of practice, sway you

Oh, hi, Jim, didn't know you were here

[1JimMarch]

Hey, I can do one accurate shot per second with that thing, firing ammo that spanks the 40S&W in raw horsepower .

Reloads...yeah...I'm working on that .

[ZOMBIEHUNTER]

I wouldnt feel out gunned with a SA revolver I shoot mine very well and for home defense i would be okay.If we were talking about a gun fight no i would not want a SA actually i would rather not use a handgun at all for that.

[22popnsplat]

anyone who is proficient with a single action revolver will be a formidable apponant . The real downfall of the single action is the reload time required . For several years a single action revolver in 45 colt was my home defense weapon and I felt it was pretty good .
I belive a single action revolver is still the fastest to clear leather and hit a target , just look up Bob Munden