Dumb Question...I just have to ask...

S

SpazzTrap

New member
I only have one pistol...a .38 revolver carry piece, but am interested in an auto. I have shot many...Sig, CZ, Berreta, Taurus 9's, and assorted 10mm, .40 SW's, .45's etc...

My main question is this: I have never been given a clear definition of single action, versus double action...I have seen it applied to autos as well as wheel guns. I have seen some autos refered to as DAO or SAO.

Could someone give an ignorant shotgun and rifle guy a quick education?

I'm interested in an auto for fun shooting/protection, and maybe possibly entry level local club competion. I shot a CZ 85 Combat that felt great to me. I liked the adjustable sights. How are these gun's reputation? I have a CZ rimfire sillhoutte gun I love. Build quality is fantastic.

Is 9mm enough for my vague needs? What advantages does a .40 or .45 offer me?

Thanks much!

-Kevin
 
SA = Single Action This handgun must be cocked for each shot (if it is a revolver) or cocked for the first shot(if it is a semi-automatic).

DA = Double Action This handgun may be cocked for each shot, but only if desired. With the hammer down, pulling the trigger will cock and drop the hammer. This is probably the most versatile as you can fire it like a single action if desired.

DAO = Double Action Only This handgun cannot be cocked. The hammer may or may not be visible, but is usually not spurred. It is preferred by many for pocket carry or other forms of concealed carry because there is no spurred hammer to catch on clothing. Another advantage is that, althought it is a long one, you will have a consistant trigger pull with each shot.

9x19mm is a great choice too, especially for a first auto. It is a very light recoiling round and still extremely effective.

Hope this helps!
 
It describes the actions performed by a trigger pull

SA: pulling the trigger drops the hammer/striker only.

DA: pulling the trigger cocks and drops the hammer/striker (2 actions)
 
Cool..thanks...

So my question now is: why are semi auto's available in SA? It seems like the whole deal is for it to be semi auto...i.e. pull the trigger to fire succesive shots. Seems like the only advantage of a SA Auto would be the increased mag capacity.

Or have I answered my own question?

Thanks again,

Kevin
 
Another related question...

On DAO pistols, I'm assuming that racking the slide cocks the pistol, since you "can't" cock a DOA pistol.

When you rack a regular DA pistol, is it "uncocked" until you pull back the hammer? Or do some mfgs. vary as to whether a gun is "cocked" after racking?

Thanks,

Kevin
 
So my question now is: why are semi auto's available in SA? It seems like the whole deal is for it to be semi auto...i.e. pull the trigger to fire succesive shots. Seems like the only advantage of a SA Auto would be the increased mag capacity.
Click to expand...
SA vs DA has nothing to do with magazine capacity. Even though a SA pistol must be cocked for the first shot, the slide does cock it for sucessive shots. The advantage of a SA pistol is that you can usually cock it ahead of time and carry it Cocked and Locked. That way, you can draw, flip off the safety, and already have a cocked pistol with a short trigger pull.
On DAO pistols, I'm assuming that racking the slide cocks the pistol, since you "can't" cock a DOA pistol.
Click to expand...
No. The slide will cock a SA or a DA pistol, but a DAO pistol cannot be cocked. If you fire a DAO pistol and do nothing more than set it down after, you will not find a cocked hammer.
When you rack a regular DA pistol, is it "uncocked" until you pull back the hammer? Or do some mfgs. vary as to whether a gun is "cocked" after racking?
Click to expand...
When you rack the slide, a DA (or SA) pistol gets cocked. If you are not going to carry it cocked, it must be de-cocked. Many modern DA pistols have a de-cocker. That is the safest method to drop the hammer without discharging the firearm. The only pistol that will not remain cocked by default after slide operation is a DAO pistol.
 
As to one of your other questions: why are semi autos available in SA?

You can get a best quality trigger in SA. It's just not possible to get trigger action as good with any other system.

Also, the trigger is the same for every shot, unlike the DA, which will have a DA pull for the first shot, and SA thereafter. Try doing a double tap sometime with a DA, and you'll see. Granted, a DAO and striker-fired guns have the same trigger feel every time, but only the SA has the same, good feel every time.
 
CZ makes EXCELLENT quality pistols. IMHO they are as good as anything made, to get comparable quality from anybody else you need to spend $100-300 more. They have alot to choose from, too.

http://www.czusa.com/

Most of their pistols are DA, with the added advantage that they can be carried "cocked and locked" like a SA auto if you prefer.
 
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SA advantages

One other advantage to the SA semiauto is the shorter distance from the back of the grip to the front of the trigger. For people with small hands and lesser hand strength (a lot of women fall into this category) this is can be important. My girlfriend carries a cocked and locked .45 and shoots one in competition. She once took a tape measure and measured from the back of the grip around the trigger to the back of the gun again on a Colt Python and on a Colt 1911. The 1911 was a full inch less and had a lighter pull. When smaller people try to shoot a double action revolver like a Python or a double stack double action semi, they tend to rotate the gun in their hand in order to reach the trigger and get enough leverage to pull it. Instead of having the gun centered in the "V" between their thumb and index finger and aligned with the bone in their forearm, it's twisted off to the side. The result is poor accuracy (the gun is just to big for them to get a proper pull) and the recoil hammers the thumb knuckle (which is painful and unpleasant).
 
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