Do you use your double action revolver mostly SA or DA?

G

g.willikers

New member
On another thread, someone asked why do people shoot their double-action revolvers DA at all.
For some of us, the answer is obvious, that's the way they were designed to be used and a clear advantage over the earlier single action revolvers.
And a much faster way to shoot them.
But yet, most folks I see at the range seem to prefer the easier trigger pull and accuracy of using them single action, just like the old sixguns.
So, what do you DA revolver owners prefer and why?
 
95% of the time double action. Occasionally I will run a cylinder single action for kicks but the great majority it's double action.

I also ALWAYS decock and shoot my first shot double action with my da/sa autos.
 
I have two k frames that I shoot 95% DA since they are both used for HD service and it is very likely that if I did have to use them in a HD situation that is how they would be shot. Both have 4" barrels. I have a 6" GP100 that I like to shoot at longer ranges than normal SD/HD would demand (50 yds). I also shoot hotter loads in the GP100. I shoot it about 60%SA/40%DA. I feel the SA trigger pull makes accuracy easier to achieve. DA makes speed easier.
 
Shooting revolver competition, the hammer spurs are gone so its double action only. Practice will help you obtain a smooth trigger pull
 
The answer for me is single action. If I am carrying a firearm it is a semi-auto pistol, so do not need to do a fast draw and fire with my revolvers. That being said when using a revolver, there is no need for the double action option and I thumb back the hammer each time and take my time on each shot.

I do practice shooting double action with at least one cylinder full each range visit, just to make sure I can hit the target should I need to use the revolver in an emergency.

But single action is my preferred method of using a revolver.

That's just me and I do shoot double action and single action with my semi's.

Stay safe.
Jim
 
Thank you very much for asking, I was the one who is wondering.
I'm 70 years young, and never but never in my life had to pull the trigger fast. Non of the paper target, beer can, rabbit, deer, or anything else on this Earth needed it.
On the other hand, if I was an LE, taking part in a war, or something like that, I guess it would be different.
So far I always had the split second to cock the hammer.
Therefor 99.99% of the time I fire my guns single action, because its much more accurate.
 
There are only 2 that I shoot DA.

  1. 6" Colt Python
  2. 8" Dan Wesson 357 Max with 38 spl

The Dan Wesson with that long cylinder and barrel is so heavy that just the weight makes DA a different and very pleasurable experience, no recoil with 38 +P, just butter smooth and wonderfully accurate.
 
I practice in SA, DA and DA- rapid fire.....EVERY time at the range.

If you don't practice EACH of these "modes", you will NEVER be any good with them, if you should need to be.......
 
The Taurus 38 is fired double action most of the time. The six-inch Python get 357s fired single action and the 38s double action. My S&W 25-5 gets equal time both ways. I've only fired my 44 magnum Redhawk double action one time, well six rounds.
 
I never use double action. I only own two da revolvers and one of them I have never fired da, the other one only a few times.
 
I guess it depends. Revolvers DA/SA are different than DA/SA semi autos.
Sometime I fire the first shot DA with my CZ82, but the trigger on that one is very light/smooth.
 
Having shot PPC, IPSC, and IDPA, sometimes carry a pocket revolver, I normally go all double action except to test ammo.

If I were going to shoot the Harry Reeves bullseye match, I would work on my single action.
 
Pretty much S/A. I shoot for fun. I don't train. I don't really practice.

About the only D/A I do these days is my Colt Cobra.
 
that's the way they were designed to be used
Click to expand...

Whenever I see this, I am caught between a cringe and a chuckle.

There are very few handgun designers alive today, feel free to ask them how they designed their guns to be operated. The designers of the DA revolver are not in that group, however, and I have yet to find any verifiable instructions from them on how they intended their guns to operated.

As far as I'm concerned, the only DA revolvers designed to be used DA (exclusively) are the ones with internal hammers. If the DA gun has a hammer that can be manually cocked, then clearly the gun is designed to be capable of being operated either way.

Generations of shooters were taught, and believed that the DA feature was a "point blank, emergency use only" feature. Comforting to have, certainly, but not a practical thing for general use.

Today, we realize that is not the case, and many, many shooters have proven DA can be mastered and used quite well at beyond belly to belly distances.

HOWEVER, there are still a lot of us who's use, and opinions, hold to the earlier practice.

99.9% of my shooting is SA. My life does not include any regular possibility of having to hold someone at gunpoint, or be involved in a gunfight. I don't play shooting games where speed is a factor, because compared to me, snails are pretty quick and turtles are blazingly fast.:rolleyes::D

I am, however pretty accurate, and that has always been enough for me.

I'm totally fine with any way YOU want to shoot YOUR gun. But please, don't beat me with the fact that I am going to DIE because I don't extensively practice DA shooting. (yes, I have actually met some people foolish enough to claim that).

#1) it hasn't happened yet, and since it hasn't happened in the past half century, I doubt the next half century will be significantly different in this regard, if I am so lucky as to live that long. And #2, I am confident that at the point blank range I would choose to shoot DA if forced, I would be accurate enough. (this might not prove true, but until reality shows me it IS untrue, I shall continue in my blissful ignorance.;))

I'm a recreational shooter, not a LEO, or a competitor, so my wants and needs are not the same as theirs, or probably yours.
 
Depends on the gun. I have some N frame Smiths in both 44 and 357 mag. Based on the intended use I shoot them mostly SA, but do run a few cylinders in it DA.

I also have a couple of Smith J frames. One is hammerless, both of those are usually shot DA.
 
Oops, I asked the question, but neglected to answer it myself.
Having grown up through the formative years exclusively with SA sixguns, it was many years, decades actually, before learning how to use a DA revolver.
After deciding to do so, it was mostly thanks to my trusty Crosman pellet revolver that I was able to get the hang of it.
Now, I shoot DA revolvers exclusively DA, without loss of accuracy and a definite improvement in recoil control and the speed of follow up shots.
 
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