New Shooter

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fsfty

New member
Just got bought a S&W 686 4". I went to the range and shot it single action, and I may want to use it for defense duty. Im thinking I should be shooting double action at the range cause Im concerned about an AD if I needed it in a possible defense situation shooting single action. Do you guys shoot DA or SA?
 
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Yes, I practice shooting DA

Lots of people say you should never use the SA mode,,,
They say it trains you to need the SA mode.

Horse pucky I say.

It's a simple thing,,,
Practice in both modes I say.

I practice mostly in DA mode,,,
I want that to be as natural as breathing,,,
But I also like to see how tight a group I can produce.

When I'm in that mood,,,
I shoot single action.

When I'm practicing for defense,,,
I use double action.

Don't over-think this my friend,,,
Nothing says you can't use each mode when appropriate.

Aarond

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I mainly practice with my DA revolver in DA mode for defense-type practice or drills at the range

I only use SA mode if "playing around." By which I mean attempting multiple bullseyes or distance shots - simply just to see if I can.

If your primary use will be as a defensive handgun, practice as you would be most likely to employ it in a realistic situation. In such a situation, cocking the hammer will likely be the last thing on your mind.
 
Practice DA for self defense, try a little bullseye in single action one hand mode. Both are great fun.
 
I'm a competitive shooter, so I never shoot my DA guns SA. I have three S&Ws that have never been fired SA.

As a beginner, you should use SA and concentrate on learning trigger control, follow-through and how to accurately call your shots. Shoot light .38 Special loads and get the fundamentals down before you get into heavy loads and SD practice.

My 686SSR:

PachmayrsandFOfront.jpg
 
I do both....on all my S&W revolvers....

and I practice double taps and triple taps...both ways..../ and coming out of a holster...if I'm on target and under 3 sec for double taps and 3.5 sec or so on triple taps - especially with full power .357 mag 158 gr rounds / its pretty good for an old guy...or at least good enough for me.

In terms of accuracy - out to 21 Ft - it makes no difference if I'm shooting SA or DA really. At 30 Feet...single vs double action will give me a tighter group.../ and beyond 30 Feet its probably not a Defensive scenario anyway, in my view.

Tightness of the group ...isn't a tactical issue anyway ...what you want is tactical accuracy / and if your shots are grouped too tight - you need to speed up and push yourself. The effective triangle for good effective fire - is between the nipples and the belly button in my mind...ideally center mass...but within the triangle is certainly an effective shot for Defense.

But with a new gun....set your times out of a holster maybe at 5 sec to start on double taps...and work it down to 3 sec.../ accuracy comes first - then speed. If you get ragged shots - out of the effective triangle...slow it down / maybe do some reading on your grip ...the little things.

and have some fun....
 
You should practice DA shooting if you plan on using your Smith ( any DA revolver, actually) for SD/HD (Buy a LOT of cheap practice ammo), since most new shooters will pull their DA shots waaaaay off center mass.



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I agree with others who suggest learning the DA trigger. I rarely shoot SA, even for target work. Most of my hammers are bobbed, as a matter of fact.
 
Practice it both ways.
Knowing how to switch from double to single action quickly isn't a bad talent to have.
For a long, precision shot that might be needed, or for helping a stubborn cylinder to rotate to the next round.
You can't ever know too much about your equipment.
 
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