New (?) Trigger Action Idea

D

DougB

New member
I don't know for sure if this is really a new idea, but I've never heard of it before, and I think it might have some appeal. I prefer traditional double/single action autos. I generally thumb cock for the first shot, and figure the double action is only for an emergency when I might have to shoot very quickly (I do practice double-action shooting once in awhile). But many people these days seem to prefer that their pistols have a consistent trigger pull so there is no adjustment between the first and subsequent shots - which, more or less, means double-action-only (DAO) as in Glock, Kel-tec, Sigma, etc.

The trouble is, many of us shoot mostly for fun (plinking, etc.) and it is tough to hit small targets with a long heavy trigger pull. Also not much good for small game hunting. I know that Glocks have a pretty decent trigger (almost single action), but whenever we lighten and shorten the trigger pull, we make the gun a little less safe to carry. I don't think you can really have it both ways (unless you go to a cocked & locked single action, which I don't care for).

So here's my idea: How about a pistol that never cocks itself, but can be thumb cocked? This would essentially be a DAO pistol that could be thumb cocked to give a very light trigger pull for precision shooting. In a close-range defensive situation, it would be used just like any other DAO pistol, but when time allows (paper punching, plinking, hunting, or any situation requiring very accurate, deliberate shooting), you could just thumb back the hammer for each shot (or cock the striker, as with the Walther P99).

I arrived at this idea because I'm frustrated that the only really small and light defensive pistols (Kel-tec, Taurus, Kahr, etc.) are all DAO. Does anyone think this idea has merit?

Doug
 
DougB,

Its been done. The Browning BDM. Per SWAT may 97 p51 by Leroy Thompson:

"In revolver setting, the BDM functions as a double-action revolver, the hammer following the slilde back to its rest position and a stiffer double-action pull required for each shot. What's different from a DA-only auto you ask? Primarily, the hammer may still be thumb cocked for a single-action shot, just as with a revolver."

There is a screw type selector to switch between the just described revolver mode, and the pistol mode ( functions just like a regular double action pistol, DA first shot, then SA).

Jason
 
I posted with this same thought awhile ago myself. The BDM was pointed out to me then, though I was unaware that it operated in this manner. I would like to see that same function applied to other current DAO pistols, like the Beretta "D" series, or those from Ruger.
 
I've thought of an idea myself, a weapon that can only be fired single-action :)

Serious, after going with the 1911-style for a while, other than (obviously) revolvers, is there any other use for double-action?


I apologize in advance if this starts a da/sa war, or just flames toward me in general. Just that I helped a guy try out a Kel-tec with a real nasty long trigger (not saying they're all bad; but his was awful, very gritty and HARD at the end of the 3 mile pull).

Is double-action on an autoloader there for any purpose other than a cocked hammer looking "really scary"?


Battler.
 
Yeah, so you don't have to mess with safety flips, switches, etc. before shooting the bad guy.
 
What that takes .00000001 seconds to flip the manual safety while you draw your pistol? You have it ready to go before you even get your gun up to point of sight.
 
You're discounting the time taken to pull the trigger.

Especially when you start using a 1911 with your thumb on the safety (holds down recoil flip a BUNCH) flipping it's really just a part of holding the gun.

I love my .45ACP glock as well; but with that trigger pull (at least if it's got a clean break) the 1911 gets the first aimed shot.

The Glock's trigger is short (and is sheer heaven compared to some of the worse compact TRUE D/A guns out there) but IMHO it eats more time than flipping a safety.


It's interesting that JM Browning didn't even WANT the lever safety on there - the grip safety was to suffice.


I don't mean to start a 1911 vs. Glock thread - you could throw the glock off a cliff/abuse it/drown it and it will keep on going and deliver what is GREAT performance. The 1911's just faster to the accurate shot - Glock's trigger needs little movement but we're comparing it to a trigger that needs none.

Battler.

Battler.
 
There is no comparing a ...... never mind!

[This message has been edited by 1911Ford (edited July 05, 2000).]
 
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