Carry Question: Transitioning from DA/SA to Striker fire

[Creampuff]

I've been a DA/SA shooter pretty much all my life. (Sig P series and HK USP series)

Now I've joined the dark side with the M&P and the P320. I do like the how I can get the lower bore axis, the consistent trigger pull, and how my first shot is much more accurate now.

I live in a county where CCW is pretty much non-existent, so carrying for duty or for CCW doesn't really apply to me. But I am wondering for those who do carry a striker fire sidearm - Does the lighter trigger pull make you nervous?

I've always lived by the cardinal rule, of not putting your booger picker on the bang switch, so I get it, get your fingers of the trigger. But just for a peace of mind point of view, if I had a CCW, I would probably carry a DA/SA or DAO.

How long did it take for you to be comfortably carry a striker fire weapon? Particularly for those who transitioned from DA/SA to striker.

[Click Boom]

I too was brought up on da/sa and now appreciate strikers (probably not that uncommon, lol)

As soon as you have a good kydex holster there isn't much to worry about, imo.

[teg33]

What's about to be nervous ? DA/SA or striker trigger won't matter, as long as you use holster while carrying and finger discipline. Even you accidentally drop your striker gun, it won't fire.

[UNLTD1487]

I know how you feel. I ponder about the same thing. Try carrying without one in the chamber for awhile to gain confidence?

[Mossy Man]

i would make sure i get a good holster that has good trigger guard coverage and retention.

i'm going to be carrying soon and will be carrying Glocks....and that's one feature i'm looking for in a holster setup.

[tacos3]

Like the others have said, a good holster with good retention(adjustable is better) and full trigger guard helps. I moved from a Glock 26 with only a trigger and striker drop safeties in a Crossbreed hybrid holster to a Shield in an Alien Gear hybrid holster. The shield has a manual safety that I use only to holster the gun. When it's in the holster, I flip the manual safety off.

I never think about if it's safe because it is.

[Arrieta578]

I'm like you and was taught ole' school to carry a single action 1911 by the boys behind the green fence at the JFK SWC. I can remember when the plastic guns came out and I honestly did not understand all the hype. I just thought, who the heck would want a plastic gun? Not me, I want a gun that will last a life time like the 1911 the Army issued me.

Now almost 40 years later, I finally get it. Some of us are slow learners (me especially). My suggestion is, do some research on how striker fire guns work and decide for yourself. I am convinced that striker fired guns are as revolutionary as sliced bread.

But beware; there are differences you need to look at and understand. For example, the striker fired Glocks do not work the same as the striker fired Springfield XD series --hence the additional 1911 grip safety on the Springfields. Understand the advantages and limitations of each platform you use and you will have confidence in that weapons system --especially when carrying with a round chambered.

[BigL]

Think of it this way. If you ever had to unholster it you have already made the decision to use deadly force to protect yourself.

Do you rely on the heavy DA first shot as reassurance that you wont accidently pull the trigger when your trigger finger is resting on the trigger? Finger off the trigger till you are absolutly sure you are ready.

So to answer your question. Its no.

[UNLTD1487]

Good answer, BigL.

[Doheny]

If it makes you nervous you're not ready to carry yet.

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[BigL]

If it makes you nervous you're not ready to carry yet.

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Agreed.

[autoduel]

If it makes you nervous you're not ready to carry yet.

.

Disagree.
By the same logic, the same could be said of those who don't trust a safety.
They wouldn't be ready to carry if they don't trust themselves to be able to flip off the safety when they need to.

[Creampuff]

"Nervous" probably shouldn't be the best word that I selected.

Maybe " healthier respect" would be the better term.

As a hobby I use several power tools for wood working. Some I maintain a healthier respect for safety than others. The table saw I am more careful around because of kickback, than maybe my bandsaw. Both are capable of hacking off a limb, but I maintain more respect for the table saw. It doesn't imply fear. If I am afraid of an instrument, I agree with the above - don't operate it. I will not use an instrument I am afraid of, but there are some I do maintain more respect of what they are capable of doing.

No doubt, maintain trigger discipline, keep your finger off the trigger, don't be stupid. But everyone has their moment of just a fraction a second of "whoops". If I am going to snag the trigger on clothing, I'd rather it happen on a DA than striker fire.

Having said that, comfort comes with familiarity. And also a change in mindset, so as mentioned before, What changed your mindset when you transitioned from DA/SA to striker and how long did it take?

(As many have answered already, I have a feeling if I purchased a good holster that protected the trigger properly, my unfounded concerns will probably be unfounded

[crosseyedshooter]

Maybe someone can help me understand since I'm still unfamiliar with the inner mechanisms of a lot of handguns.

What's the difference between a 4-pound trigger Glock/M&P or 4-pound single action without a manual safety? For example, a cocked P226 has a 4.5-pound trigger with drop safety (disabled only by pulling trigger). It will not fire unless the trigger is pulled just like Glock/M&P. But why do people say a P226 shouldn't be carried cocked but a Glock or M&P can be? I've read about many people carrying striker-fired guns with modded triggers in the 4-pound range, so I think I'm missing something.

What are there other safeties inherent to the striker design that a hammer-fired design doesn't have?

[ruddogg]

I was a DA/SA (Sig P226) shooter for a LONG time, until I went to my CCW course, and was glad I ran the course of fire with my Walther PPQ instead of my Sig P226. The fact that it's a consistent trigger pull & you don't have to worry about DA/SA or even a 1911 safety for that matter was a HUGE plus for the course of fire.