Why are all the new compacts DAO?

D

DougB

New member
I'm very tempted by the Kel-Tec P32, P11, and P40. Same for the Kahr pistols, Tarus P111, and others. But it frustrates me that they all seem to be double-action-only. I prefer traditional double-action so I can cock the thing and have a little more chance of hitting something if I have time. I will use the pistol for plinking an maybe even shooting at a rabbit, as well as close-range self-defense. I've purchased an SW99 (used) primarily because it has single-action capability (albeit with kind of a weird trigger pull). Why doesn't someone make a really light, compact pistol with this type of lockwork?

Doug
 
I have no problem shooting either, or. But if a situation would arise where I had to draw my DA/SA I would not consider cocking the trigger with my thumb. That was not the intent of the design. If you want to have a SA then you should carry a 1911 or some other manufacturer that is designed for "Cocked and Locked".
 
Doug, I might suggest taking a look at the Makarov. Great accuracy, single or double action. Easy to get a great single action pull with a bit of work, and really great value for the money.

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Good shootin to ya
Plateshooter
 
The small pistols you mention, Doug, are aimed strcitly at concealed carry by the masses, folks who want a gun but do not want it to intrude heavily on their lifestyle. That is why the guns are very small and lightweight--folks don't want to be reminded that they are carrying a gun after eight or ten hours of doing so. It is also why the guns are DAO. Keep it simple.

I really don't think most of the recent converts to concealed carry practice much, and learning to use either an SA or TDA well requires practice. Granted, one won't hit well with a DAO they've not practiced with (and even good shooters will do worse with a DAO, on average, than they'll do with another action style), but they also are less likely to have negligent discharges because of their limited knowledge and training in pistolcraft. Consider the DAO plastic pocket piece as a lowest common denominator gun. And since they were designed from the ground up as DAOs, it isn't that easy to also offer them in TDA, so you're out of luck if you don't like DAO....

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--Mark
 
Check out the beretta 9000. True double action CCW, plus cocked and locked if you want it. I don't think they are in stores yet, but should be soon.
 
I ocncur with plateshooter, forgo the costly DAO and buy an inexpensive, but light years from cheap, Makarov.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DougB:
I'm very tempted by the Kel-Tec P32, P11, and P40. Same for the Kahr pistols, Tarus P111, and others. But it frustrates me that they all seem to be double-action-only

Doug[/quote]

I think it's too reduce the chance of an accidental discharge in a stress situation (same as the cops in NYC had to carry bobbed hammer .38's). Also, less likely to snag on clothing.
I thought the small Colt's were still SA. Also, the Firestar is a nice smaller semi-auto, albeit heavy and not "+P" rated.

For a smaller caliber, try the Beretta Tomcat. It's DA or SA...in fact I'll sell you mine (I want a Glock 26).
 
Well - one can get a lightweight revolver that is DA/SA. Does it have to be a pistol?

A six shot SW in 32 Mag can be had (make sure it passes the test for being made before Traitor Day, etc.).

Fine pocket gun.
 
does the Makarov come in 9mm or 9x18.??
Anyone have a price on this gun>?
Also how does it compare in size to kel-tec,
etc.
thanks

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Bullet44, the Makarov is 9x18 and I got mine for $140. It is essentially the same size as my P-11 but much heavier. I haven't carried it yet (don't have a holster and the Kel-Tec has a belt clip which is very convienent) but the size seems like it could conceal easily.
 
Thanks for all the comments. Regarding the Makarov suggestions, I recently purchased a Hungarian PA-63 9x18 (9mm Makarov cartridge). It looks like a Walther PP, but with a brushed aluminum frame. Cost me $120 in like-new condition with 4 magazines. Its lighter and I prefer the controls to the Makarovs. I like it a lot.

I think the Makarovs are nice guns too, but compared to a Keltec P11 for example, I believe they are larger, heavier, and lower capacity. They shoot a significantly lower powered cartridge, are less rust-resistant, and have the magazine release at the bottom of the grip. I do like the single-action capability, the historical interest, and the low price, but I'd really like one of the modern, light-weight, rust resistant polymer guns with single-action capability.

Doug
 
Despite thousands of rounds in practice, I can't acclimate to DA/SA transition. I got rid of my Sig P220 and would love to unload my S&W 4516-1. Double Action Only is easier for me to shoot. If you want options, consider a Ruger SP-101.
 
If you take care of your stuff rust isn't an issue. A carry pistol should be cleaned once a week. Add a light coat if CLP and rust isn't an issue. Yes the Mak is heaver, but it's 100% reliable. I've read too many posts about KelTecs needing this and needing that, not so with Makarovs.

I don't consider the 9x18 underpowered. Hornady, Corbon and Fiocchi make some real nice JHPs for it.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
I have been looking at the Taurus or the Kel-Tec compact 9mm to replace my G23 for warm weather CC. Any reason to pay $70 more for the Taurus? If there is, I'm willing to do it.
 
There are a few small pistols that are SA, my Cold Mustang Pocketlite is one example. I think the reason that most have gone DA is that it requires less training. While some, including me, contend that anyone carrying a concealed weapon should seek lots of training, that's not reality. Many people can count the number of times they shoot in a year on one hand, and have fingers left over. :)
 
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