Triggers

[killbyte]

What type of triggers do you prefer? Which is most desirable Double-Action or Single-Action?

I'm looking to get my first handgun, but I'm not sure which is best for me.

[J-cat]

Single action. It's light and pleasant and foster accuracy.

[Rekrab]

I've always been a fan of DA/SA but SAO also has it's appeal. My Beretta and Bersa is DA/SA and I like the ability to carry one round in the chamber with the hammer down. Sure, the first trigger pull will be extremely long and heavy if I ever had to use it for defense, but I don't like keeping mechanical parts under pressure. That being said, a Single Action Only style pistol like a 1911 always has a wonderful, perfect trigger that's the same every time you pull. The downside to this is that if you're carrying for defense at home or CCW you will need to carry the gun with the hammer back if you want to carry one in the chamber, or remember to pull back the hammer under stress.

If you're talking about revolvers, I like DA because I always have the option of manually cocking the hammer just like a SA revolver. Then if I needed to use one for defense it's just a matter of point and pull. Of course, for a first gun I would recommend a revolver in DA. I think it's true that a SA trigger certainly does foster accuracy, but with a DA you always have the option of shooting in SA but you don't have that option if you purchase a SA revolver.

[bjl333]

What type of triggers do you prefer? Which is most desirable Double-Action or Single-Action?

I'm looking to get my first handgun, but I'm not sure which is best for me.

Its best to go to a gun shop and handle a couple, then find a range that has'em for rental. That way what feels best for you is the best for you.

Where are you located?

[BamBam-31]

Sounds like you're relatively new to handguns. If that's the case, there's more to consider than DA/SA or SAO. Your best bet is to find a range w/ rentals or friends w/ multiple handguns and actually shoot a few. Some things to consider in addition to trigger pull:

--Polymer vs. alloy vs. steel
--Caliber
--Bore axis height
--Controls
--Ergonomics
--Parts availability / aftermarket support

Really have to shoot them to see.

[Spirit 1]

Sounds like you're relatively new to handguns. If that's the case, there's more to consider than DA/SA or SAO. Your best bet is to find a range w/ rentals or friends w/ multiple handguns and actually shoot a few. Some things to consider in addition to trigger pull:

--Polymer vs. alloy vs. steel
--Caliber
--Bore axis height
--Controls
--Ergonomics
--Parts availability / aftermarket support

Really have to shoot them to see.

Purely opinion and not trying to be argumentative at all, but I have never considered bore axis height as a go/no-go on gun selection, especially for someone relatively new to guns. Seems a little too advanced of theory for a beginner to try to puzzle out? Might needlessly complicate an otherwise fairly straighforward decision: "I like this one".

Again, just opinion....

[BamBam-31]

^^^Good point. Right there w/ trigger reset. Both are pretty high on my list, though....

[lazs]

for new guys.. controls and ergonomics pretty much mean... does it feel good in my hand and is it too complex to use.

At the range the newbies with semi autos are the biggest headache for the rangemasters.. they have no clue how to operate the gun or what to do when it jams or how to make it safe.

I think that caliber is more important for some than others. I have seen new people fire .357 and 44 mags accurately and not be able to hit the paper with a plastic gun in something like 9mm or 40

I am a big fan of the 22 for a first handgun though. A revolver is better but more expensive in most cases for a quality one. Next best is a semi auto with a real hammer, be that a dedicated firearm of conversion from a centerfire.

[Cyc Wid It]

For semi-autos:

There's no more danger in carrying condition 1 than there is any other way. Some may argue that it's even safer. The trigger difference between double and single action is noticeable, even among beginners.