DA, SA, DA/SA?
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jason_iowa
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I prefer DAO for combat or self defense. No safety, no loaded indicator keep it as simple as possible. I don't care if it even has sights on it. For handgun combat all of that stuff is useless. You want to go from draw to fire in as little time possible.
For "target" shooting I like a SA like a 1911 all the safety features are fine if I'm just shooting at paper. A nice crisp trigger.
I have DA/SA pistols but rarely shoot them and don't care for that action type.
For "target" shooting I like a SA like a 1911 all the safety features are fine if I'm just shooting at paper. A nice crisp trigger.
I have DA/SA pistols but rarely shoot them and don't care for that action type.
Go get some training!
Seriously, semi-educated is a BAD state to be in for firearms knowledge...just enough to be dangerous.
As for which system is better, it is mostly a matter of personal preference and intended use.
Personally, I like Single Action pistols (with a frame mounted "down=fire" safety, like the 1911). They offer a consistent, light, short trigger pull. For me, that helps reduce the effects of less-than-perfect trigger control on my part.
DAO pistols keep the advantage of a consistent pull, but are longer and heavier. Some people like this for carry applications, because a heavier, longer pull makes a negligent discharge slightly tougher. (NEVER rely on the trigger weight as a primary safety.)
DA/SA pistols lose the consistency, but keep the longer, heavier pull for the first shot (which some view as an advantage). They also go to a shorter, lighter pull after being cocked/shot. The SA pull is generally considered easier for most people to be accurate with. Personally, I do not favor this system, because I dislike having inconsistent trigger pulls. Yet, many people like them, for the reasons mentioned above.
Some striker-fired pistols are a bit between DAO and SAO pistols. Often, the striker is partially cocked. The trigger pull fully cocks, then releases the striker. This results in a pistol that has a relatively light trigger pull, but has some added safety (in that the striker is not fully cocked before trigger pull). The main benefit of this system, in my opinion, is a consistent trigger pull that is lighter than most DAO pistols.
Seriously, semi-educated is a BAD state to be in for firearms knowledge...just enough to be dangerous.
As for which system is better, it is mostly a matter of personal preference and intended use.
Personally, I like Single Action pistols (with a frame mounted "down=fire" safety, like the 1911). They offer a consistent, light, short trigger pull. For me, that helps reduce the effects of less-than-perfect trigger control on my part.
DAO pistols keep the advantage of a consistent pull, but are longer and heavier. Some people like this for carry applications, because a heavier, longer pull makes a negligent discharge slightly tougher. (NEVER rely on the trigger weight as a primary safety.)
DA/SA pistols lose the consistency, but keep the longer, heavier pull for the first shot (which some view as an advantage). They also go to a shorter, lighter pull after being cocked/shot. The SA pull is generally considered easier for most people to be accurate with. Personally, I do not favor this system, because I dislike having inconsistent trigger pulls. Yet, many people like them, for the reasons mentioned above.
Some striker-fired pistols are a bit between DAO and SAO pistols. Often, the striker is partially cocked. The trigger pull fully cocks, then releases the striker. This results in a pistol that has a relatively light trigger pull, but has some added safety (in that the striker is not fully cocked before trigger pull). The main benefit of this system, in my opinion, is a consistent trigger pull that is lighter than most DAO pistols.
Thanks, everyone. You've helped me to completely understand the differences in SA, DA, and SA/DA. In my opinion (for whatever it's worth), it seems that SA/DA are the best of both worlds for someone has a "hammer fixation," like me. I own two DAO pistols, but haven't been able to fire them. I'm moving back to my hometown (back in the sticks) in the next week or two, so I'll be able to fire the guns without having to go to a range. Both of the pistols I own (DAO) have a safety bar (that's what I'm going to call it) that you push up to engage the safety. Anyways, I really do appreciate everyone helping me to better understand this fascination of mine. Again, I'm leaning more towards Beretta or the 1911, but I'm just not sure which company I should purchase an 1911 from. Any suggestions? I want the absolute most reliable pistol on the market. I've heard that Colt makes an 1911 that doesn't require "tweeking" for it to become a dependable pistol. I don't know which companies made the "unreliable" 1911, but I want to steer clear of them if that's true. Like I've said before, I only got the pistols I have now because I DO know how to shoot, and there has been a lot of crime in this town, so I went and got the cheapest pistols I could find--to hold me over until I acquired more experience and knowledge--which ended up being the Hi-Point. I do plan on selling them once I've got the money for the Beretta 92a1, which almost gives me a woody. hahaha 
I prefer DA/SA. Of all of the DA/SA guns that I own, the trigger on my Witness Stock 10mm is the best. When fired in single action, the trigger has very little take-up and is light and crisp. That's the only complaint I've had about DA/SA guns - the sa trigger pull always seems to have too much take-up.
The the OP: Staying with your mother through this difficult time is very admirable. My mother has been in remission from breast cancer for about 10 years now, but it was horrifying tunnel vision when it was happening. Either way, given current medical technology in cancer research over the past several years, I have faith that she's going to make it. Godspeed and I wish everyone the very best. Now... to the guns...
My very first gun was a Beretta Cougar (DA/SA), a government model with no safety and only a decocker. It was burly, a little big to hold, but got me into guns and wanting to understand more than I did. I no longer own that gun (wish I did, it was a great pistol and highly accurate) but my tastes have long since changed.
One thing this post had me thinking about was that I never realized how highly I value a trigger in a gun. My automatics are only single stacks (this is a personal preference given my smaller hands) and I prefer single action triggers. I do own a DAO, a Keltec PF9, but only because it is the quintessential pocket gun and I'd prefer it have no safeties, so it MUST have at least a DA trigger. Given that I don't want a hammer in a pocket gun (think about it, right?) DAO is my only option here. That being said, my preference is for the 1911 which I believe to be the perfect platform, FOR ME. I own a Tokarev without a safety (which I DON'T like in a SA gun) that I also enjoy. I love revolvers and own some, but also hate the DA trigger. I plan on purchasing a Hi Power or variant at SOME point, and it will have to be an original SA configuration or it's a deal breaker. I know it's double stack, but I figure, I kinda "need" one now don't I? The point is, I prefer single actions because of the nice and light trigger pull. I measure my DA trigger pulls in miles and am just not fond of clearing all that real estate until it goes bang. Right around 2-4 lbs is just about right for me. You will realize, eventually the further you go along, that trigger pull is almost paramount. Having a tight and light trigger with no creep and little slack is like baby back ribs for me. I don't care how bad your restaurant looks from the outside because I know I'm going to enjoy my meal.
Enjoy your pistols and enjoy learning more about firearms (you will never know enough, believe me) and when you get to the point where you don't think you could ever have any more fun, go buy a shotgun and a high powered bolt action rifle. You won't look back!
My very first gun was a Beretta Cougar (DA/SA), a government model with no safety and only a decocker. It was burly, a little big to hold, but got me into guns and wanting to understand more than I did. I no longer own that gun (wish I did, it was a great pistol and highly accurate) but my tastes have long since changed.
One thing this post had me thinking about was that I never realized how highly I value a trigger in a gun. My automatics are only single stacks (this is a personal preference given my smaller hands) and I prefer single action triggers. I do own a DAO, a Keltec PF9, but only because it is the quintessential pocket gun and I'd prefer it have no safeties, so it MUST have at least a DA trigger. Given that I don't want a hammer in a pocket gun (think about it, right?) DAO is my only option here. That being said, my preference is for the 1911 which I believe to be the perfect platform, FOR ME. I own a Tokarev without a safety (which I DON'T like in a SA gun) that I also enjoy. I love revolvers and own some, but also hate the DA trigger. I plan on purchasing a Hi Power or variant at SOME point, and it will have to be an original SA configuration or it's a deal breaker. I know it's double stack, but I figure, I kinda "need" one now don't I? The point is, I prefer single actions because of the nice and light trigger pull. I measure my DA trigger pulls in miles and am just not fond of clearing all that real estate until it goes bang. Right around 2-4 lbs is just about right for me. You will realize, eventually the further you go along, that trigger pull is almost paramount. Having a tight and light trigger with no creep and little slack is like baby back ribs for me. I don't care how bad your restaurant looks from the outside because I know I'm going to enjoy my meal.
Enjoy your pistols and enjoy learning more about firearms (you will never know enough, believe me) and when you get to the point where you don't think you could ever have any more fun, go buy a shotgun and a high powered bolt action rifle. You won't look back!