Semi-Auto DAO/SAO
A few days ago I posted a question in this vein and for some reason it disappeared so we'll try again, slightly re-phrased.
In a semi-auto pistol what mechanical actions makes it double action only and what mechanical actions make it single action only?
Lookin' forward to the answers.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
In a semi-auto pistol what mechanical actions makes it double action only and what mechanical actions make it single action only?
Lookin' forward to the answers.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
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In a double action pistol, the trigger performs the DOUBLE action of cocking the hammer and firing the piece.
If it is double action only, the hammer or striker will come to rest after each shot, and will have to be trigger cocked for each shot.
In the traditional double action, the hammer remains cocked after the slide cycles the first and subsequent times.
In a single action pistol, the trigger performs a SINGLE function. It fires the piece, but first the hammer must be cocked.
These definitions came about in the last 30 years or so.
The original, and most would say correct, definition of double action, is a gun that can be fired whether the hammer is cocked or at rest. When so-called "double-action only" pistols came along, the definition had to be changed, because strictly speaking, a double-action only pistol is a single action, since it only fires one way.
SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net0 -
In a double action pistol, the trigger performs the DOUBLE action of cocking the hammer and firing the piece.
If it is double action only, the hammer or striker will come to rest after each shot, and will have to be trigger cocked for each shot.
In the traditional double action, the hammer remains cocked after the slide cycles the first and subsequent times.
In a single action pistol, the trigger performs a SINGLE function. It fires the piece, but first the hammer must be cocked.
These definitions came about in the last 30 years or so.
The original, and most would say correct, definition of double action, is a gun that can be fired whether the hammer is cocked or at rest. When so-called "double-action only" pistols came along, the definition had to be changed, because strictly speaking, a double-action only pistol is a single action, since it only fires one way.
SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net0 -
In order to fire a handgun, two specific actions must take place.
Step 1: The mainspring must be compressed to generate potential energy. This is often done by cocking the hammer. Some handguns, however, do not have hammers, and the mainspring is directly connected to a spring-loaded striker (the firing pin).
Step 2: The mainspring must be released, converting the stored potential energy to mechanical energy. All handguns (revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and Derringers) must perform these two steps in order to discharge the cartridge. The action of a handgun refers to the mechanism used to perform these steps.
There are three general types of actions commonly used on handguns, each performing the two basic steps slightly differently.
Single Action
When the trigger is pulled on a single action handgun, it performs only Step 2 -release of the hammer from its cocked position. In single action handguns, the hammer must be cocked manually (Step 1).
Double Action
When the trigger is pulled on a double action handgun, both Steps 1 and 2 are performed. The hammer is cocked and then released by pulling the trigger. Since the process of cocking the hammer compresses the mainspring, the force that must be applied to the trigger of a double action handgun is greater than that of a single action gun. The hammer of a double action handgun, however, can be manually cocked.
Double Action Only
Double action-only handguns function essentially the same way as double action handguns, except it is not possible to manually cock the hammer.
So, in plainer english, on one, if I pull the trigger, it will fire.
On the other, I can "cock" the hammer back, then release it with a shorter trigger pull.
This is, to me, more accurate, since less energy is used to drop the hammer.
On many semi-autos, you can fire the first shot single or double action, and subsequent shots will be single action, as the slide pushes the hammer back into the "single action" position.
On some pistols, after the rack the slide to put a round in the chamber, you can only fire single action.
This is good for some. You see it on smaller handguns frequently.
Many like to "see the hammer drop", and choose a style to meet that desire.
I hope this makes a little more sense than it does to me.0 -
Thanks guys ... I wan't "trolling" ya. My previous post was on the XD pistol ... keep hearing and/or reading guys talking about the DAO XD Pistol, heck it's even in the gun mags.
Per the mechanical write up I've read on the pistol the slide action cocks or sets the striker and the trigger merely trips it. The trigger action does noting to the set or cocking of the striker. So it isn't DAO. Charging the pistol or slide action from the first shot on sets/cocks the striker and the trigger action just releases it.
I appreciate your time and if this post lives long enough maybe some people will get the right impression.
Oh yeah ... the contender is SAO[:D]
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
I shoot most accurately BY FAR when the hammer is cocked back. Even on my Gamo pellet gun, it makes a world of difference.
I am trying a Para LDA - Light Double Action. And it is light. Still have not gotten the hang of it, but when it warms up, I'll be making some noise.0
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