Understanding Double/Single Action Handguns
Rob PincusRob Pincus is on the range with a double-action/single-action semiautomatic handgun to explain exactly how it works and review its characteristics. You can then decide if this type of handgun might be a good choice for you. This handgun is known for its accuracy, reliability, and ability to perform in a variety of adverse conditions. Extreme close-ups let you examine the gun’s functioning in detail.
In the video Rob describes that the DA/SA pistol should be carried decocked with a round in the chamber. Why not “cocked and locked” like a 1911 so your first shot and subsequent shots would be SA?
Hi, Brian. The primary reason would be that the risk far outweighs any potential benefit in terms of safety. You would still need to train for both the DA and SA modes because there is a potential of ending up in a situation where you would need to make a shot from the DA position. So if you have trained to the proper level of proficiency for both trigger pulls why would you want to keep the gun in a holster where there’s a greater chance of an accident? Also, with a lot of DA/SA it isn’t even possible to have the gun in the condition you mentioned. Many have a safety lever that also acts as the de-cocker and activating the safety de-cocks the gun. Some DA/SA (Sig comes to mind) don’t have a safety lever and only have a de-cocker.
Pulling a double action trigger in extreme situations can cause you to pull off target. If this happens you could potentially hit a building or vehicle and will be responsible for the damage, or hit another citizen and be responsible for their death. Its easier, and makes more sense, to train to keep you finger off the trigger than to practice and be proficient if the use of two separate trigger pulls.
The longer and heavier first trigger pull of a DA/SA firearm is advantageous when you consider that you will will most likely be pointing a firearm at someone and not pulling the trigger. Little debate that light triggers are more precise and heavier triggers are less prone to AD.
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