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

[jackmoser65]

If its all you can do, then you need to give DA a good try, and see that it can be very accurate, and in many cases, a more accurate (not to mention, accuracy with speed). But you wont know that, if you arent willing to learn (and its not hard at all) to shoot this way.

And why would you make the assumption that I'm DA-dumb???

and you consider yourself a revolver shooter, you've got a really big hole in your repertoire.

Not all revolvers are trigger-cockers.


I have to say that if you think the long, heavier stroke of the DA trigger pull can be done with the same accuracy as a crisp, 2lb SA trigger, there's something wrong with your SA shooting. Perhaps it is your application that does not require a very high level of precision? Maybe we should quantify the kind of shooting we're talking about doing, at what range and what are our accuracy requirements? Human silhouettes at 21ft, live animals at 100yds or steel critters at 200-300m? Any IMHSA shooters shooting DA?

 

[2damnold4this]

It will make you a better shooter, and with any firearm, not just DA revolvers, and you will be a lot less trigger phobic.

^^^+1

 

[MrBorland]

Not all revolvers are trigger-cockers.

Perhaps you missed that I was referencing DA/SA revolvers.

I have to say that if you think the long, heavier stroke of the DA trigger pull can be done with the same accuracy as a crisp, 2lb SA trigger, there's something wrong with your SA shooting.

To clarify - if I were taking a long shot on game, or that "damned ram" from a supported position, I likely would shoot SA (and use a FA83 ). But too many extrapolate to categorically & completely dismiss the accuracy potential of the well-practiced DA shot. Matter of fact, my DA shooting is generally as accurate as my SA shooting. And if you want to know how good that is, I suggest you do a search - I've posted my targets & vids here numerous times.

 

[jackmoser65]

Matter of fact, my DA shooting is generally as accurate as my SA shooting.

Is that inherent to the trigger modes or does it have more to do with your training?

But too many extrapolate to categorically & completely dismiss the accuracy potential of the well-practiced DA shot.

No one here has said that. What I have to categorically dismiss is the notion that DA shooting is just as accurate as SA shooting for ALL circumstances and applications. This apparent attitude that DA shooters tend to have sticks in my craw.

 

[AK103K]

This apparent attitude that DA shooters tend to have sticks in my craw.

Works both ways.

What doesnt usually work both ways is, SAO shooters being better shooters "overall". DAO shooters who are reasonably proficient, can usually make that claim.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

A good shooter, with a nice gun can shoot just as well DA as SA.
People just don't learn DA because it "seems" harder.

 

[MrBorland]

I have to categorically dismiss is the notion that DA shooting is just as accurate as SA shooting for ALL circumstances and applications.

And from what I've read, no one here's said that, either. Just that DA shooting can be more accurate than is generally appreciated. And in many cases & applications, very accurate.

 

[tallball]

My carry guns are DAO, so that's how I shoot them.

For HD I have a 4" 357. I usually shoot it SA at the range, because it's more fun for me that way, but I shoot it DA sometimes, too. I have been shooting it and its identical predecessor regularly for 25 years. I am comfortable shooting it either way.

 

[JC57]

DA only

 

[Independent George]

A good shooter, with a nice gun can shoot just as well DA as SA.
People just don't learn DA because it "seems" harder.

It is harder - and that's precisely why I think it's worth practicing. Working at DA will improve your skills at both, and more rapidly, because it requires you to concentrate on your fundamentals. SA is much more forgiving, and therefor makes it very easy to get into bad habits because you can get away with it.

I suspect that you've been doing it so long that you've forgotten how hard it is at first, and how long it takes to get there. I'm getting better, but it's going to be a long while before I'm as good at DA as I am at SA.

 

[Radny97]

Almost always DA. I know this is counterintuitive but I have shot DA so much that I am now significantly more accurate off hand in DA. Something about the smooth long pull helps me stabilize the gun and be more accurate. I still shoot better in SA from a rest, which is about the only time I shoot a revolver SA anymore.

 

[Doc Holliday 1950]

I've always done both. This might sound weird but every one out of four or five times at the range I start off with 6 quick shots as fast as I can fire. Usually I fire SA for several loads before I start DA.
My first instructor was a crotchety old Son of a Gun(whose nose you could see in the dark) who kept yelling at us "Memory, you'se mitts better remember or you'se dust". Couldn't say what he really said or else I'd be censored. This just stuck with me. As said before, I'm not an LEO anymore(Aux.) and going to the range is for fun and for just in case so know I do both because I really like both ways.
I am more accurate with SA. I think most us us are and Firing a wheel is different than a semi, IMHO.

GW, this was a super post. Thanks. I really haven't had to think about this for a long time & if they're coming thru the windows, I better be ready> LOL.
Doc

 

[Metalboy]

Looks to me, that people who shoot mostly double action are using revolvers, or DAO/DAK system. So in order to shoot SA, they have to cock the hammer.
People who shoot DA/SA semi autos shoot mostly SA, because the gun automatically goes into SA mood. To shoot a semi auto in DA, one would have to de-cock after every shot.

 

[orionengnr]

An important point. In a stressful situation, you're going to revert to what you normally do. So if you choose a revolver for SD, you'd be wise to consistently practice your DA shooting.

This.
There are several good reasons why NYPD and many others made their revolvers DAO...unintended discharges after hammer-cocking were pretty high on that list.
I can't remember the last time I cocked the hammer on a revolver.
If I were hunting with a revolver, I would likely do so...but I'm not a hunter, so that is a non-starter.
If I had to try a 50-75 yard shot with a revolver on a BG with a rifle I might be tempted. Highly unlikely, since I almost never carry a revolver anymore.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

You can breathe on a S&W trigger with the hammer back and it's gonna fire.

Oh please. You can drop a cocked S&W on the ground and as long as it does not land on the hammer spur it will not fire. Most of my Smiths (over 40 of them) have single action trigger pulls of around 2 1/2 pounds.

When I am plinking at tin cans on the 25 yard berm I always cock the hammer first. Been doing so for over 40 years. A 2 1/2 pound trigger pull is going to disturb the sight picture (at least my sight picture) less than the 12 pound or so pull of a Double Action trigger.

 

[jackmoser65]

What doesnt usually work both ways is, SAO shooters being better shooters "overall". DAO shooters who are reasonably proficient, can usually make that claim.

I don't agree with that. You're proficient with what you practice. I'm MORE than reasonably proficient with both and the difference is obvious to me. But then again, I'm not banging away at 7yds either.

And from what I've read, no one here's said that, either.

That is exactly what some here are saying. AK103K said that in explicit terms and you +1'd his post.


Personally, I match the technique to the application. If I'm practicing with a defensive revolver (I carry a DAO S&W more often than not), I shoot double action. If I'm practicing with a field or hunting pistol, I shoot single action. I can surely cock the hammer and shoot a perp at 10ft but I'm not going to fire on a living critter at 100yds double action. Few would.

 

[MrBorland]

That is exactly what some here are saying. AK103K said that in explicit terms and you +1'd his post.

Well, we're drifting from the OP's simple question, so I'll offer one more clarification, then back out.

I agreed I'd likely take a SA shot on long game, IMHSA targets*, and likely the 50Y Slow Fire target in a bullseye competition (I might still shoot DA on the time and rapid fire 25Y targets, though). The thing is, these are highly specialized endeavors that most will never do. Most will do all their shooting inside 50Y, and from an unsupported position. Under these most common conditions, DA shooting can certainly be impressively accurate and comparable to their SA shooting. That some extreme and demanding shots are likely best taken SA shouldn't deter one from mastering the DA trigger, IMO.



* I've never shot IMHSA, but AFAIK, to effectively knock those heavy plates over, IMHSA shooters use big powerful cartridges that're chambered in SA revolvers anyway, so the issue of SA vs DA here is largely moot anyway. Matter of fact, the same could be said in many cases where one is hunting big game with a revolver (I did mention I'd use a FA83 for that purpose).

 

[kcub]

Here's the thing, I want any defense gun I have, even a pocket gun, capable of head shot accuracy. I will not get to control anything other than that choice of what I carry. I won't be able to choose the place (or else I'd choose not to be there). Same goes for range, circumstance, etc. DA may work at 5 yards for a classic frontal thorax shot but you don't know that's the hand you will be dealt.

I can't be head shot accurate double action other than maybe Bowie knife range. With single action I can hit a head at 25 yards even with some snubs.

I can use HK LEM adequately if that's considered double action. I don't consider Glock double action. The only revolver I could hit a head DA is a Dan Wesson 357 Max with 8" barrel, not a defense gun.

 

[AK103K]

Oh please. You can drop a cocked S&W on the ground and as long as it does not land on the hammer spur it will not fire. Most of my Smiths (over 40 of them) have single action trigger pulls of around 2 1/2 pounds.

Not that I want to drop any of them, I wouldnt have wanted to bet the hammer wouldnt drop on my 29 with the hammer cocked, if it were dropped. The trigger was very light, and the hammer could be dropped without pulling the trigger, by simply pushing it down with your thumb. This was a factory trigger too. Ive seen a few other S&W's like that over the years as well.

Not that it really matters, as, unlike older SA's, they wont fire if the trigger isnt pulled and held.

DA may work at 5 yards for a classic frontal thorax shot but you don't know that's the hand you will be dealt.

I can't be head shot accurate double action other than maybe Bowie knife range. With single action I can hit a head at 25 yards even with some snubs.

You can be head shot accurate, and even better, with a good attitude and a little practice. If youre convinced you "cant", you likely never will.

Even with my eyes starting to go now, with deliberation, I can still consistently make head shots at 25 yards with my 642's and 2" 19. The 4" guns are a bit easier, but its not that difficult with the snubbies. These are all box stock guns to, no trigger work.

As I said earlier, it was the heavy recoil of the .44, and the flinching issue from anticipation with the super light SA trigger that got me started shooting DA. Knowing that super light SA trigger would go with the slightest touch, was not a help at all, and really a detriment.

DAO took my focus away from the trigger, and put it where it belonged, on the sights, and maintaining alignment until the shot "unexpectedly" broke, something that those light SA triggers really dont give you.

Once I became accustomed to shooting DAO, and my muscle tone and tecnique picked up, the flinch was gone, and my groups shrank considerably. I found I did better with all my DA guns shooting DAO, and I also found my shooting overall (rifle, pistol, even open bolt SMG's) improved, as I became less reliant/focused on my triggers, and focused on the sights/targets.

With practice (like anything else) longer ranges are not an issue either. I used to hunt chucks out to 100 yards with both the 29, and my one 28, both 4" guns, and we practiced regularly at 100 yards with the old "Hi C" juice cans and clay pigeons, mostly from a between the knees seated position, and consistent hits, cans or chucks, were not a problem. Trying to sneak up on the chucks and shooting them up close, was a lot more fun though.

 

[44 AMP]

So, what do you DA revolver owners prefer and why?

I note the DA shooters references to combat/defensive shooting, speed, etc., and the SA shooters speak of accuracy. It is possible to have BOTH, with EITHER style. Not EASY, not something most people could manage, but it has been done, therefore it can be done.

Maybe by you, or I, maybe not, but people have done it. Ed McGivern's feats are still legends. If you can put 5 shots on a playing card at 20 feet in less than half a second, INCLUDING THE DRAW, shooting DA, I'll happily listen to your advice about shooting DA. Doesn't remotely mean I can duplicate that feat, but I will listen...

I can hit the 200yd gong on the rifle range, offhand, SA with my favorite guns quite regularly. I've proven I can do it with about any gun SA, once I get familiar with it. DA?? no. Not something I can manage. I can get close, but cannot guarantee hits, which I can shooting SA. But that just me...

One thing NOT mentioned is the GUN being used. Every DA gun you pick up does NOT have a wonderful sweet smooth and (relatively) light trigger. Some are excellent, most are good/fair, a few are horrid. I have a DA revolver with a pull that is somewhere above the 20LBS my scale can measure. I doubt even a DA expert would do his best work with a gun like that. Same gun, SA pull is about 5lbs, and I can manage that well enough.

I have other DA revolvers with much better pulls, both DA and SA. I think the style of trigger pull used is not quite as important as the gun you use it with.

Not sure it still holds, but for many, many years the world's fastest time for draw and fire was held by SA revolvers. As they used to say, its not the arrow its the Indian...but you know, the BOW makes a difference, too!