Double Action/Single Action Trigger

I will just say right away that the double action/single action, or DA/SA is my favorite trigger system to work with all around. I feel that this trigger system offers more to all users than any other system. No trigger system is going to be perfect, but this system comes pretty close for me. After learning how to use it and practicing a bit, the DA/SA became my favorite.

HOW IT WORKS

The fact is that the inner workings is a bit different in almost every DA/SA pistol, however the concept of what they are doing is the same. The first shot is a long, heavier double action pull where the hammer is cocked and then released to hit the firing pin, which will in turn striker the primer. This first pull will be slightly heavier than your standard revolver, and with a lightly longer pull. The reason for this is that the first shot must be intentional and, theoretically, the best way to ensure this is a long and heavy trigger pull. After this long trigger pull, the rest of the trigger pulls are going to be from the single action, which will give you nice and light trigger pulls until the pistol is out of ammunition. 

Think of the double action pull as a confirmation pull that you indeed intend to fire and that it is not just flinch firing. The last function of the DA/SA is decocking. This is literally where the hammer is SAFELY dropped to set the trigger to double action. Some people are afraid that pistols like the Beretta 92 Series are actually very likely to go off when decocking, simply because the hammer is being released under full force and slapping the slide. This is totally irrational to believe that a pistol manufacturer like Beretta, Sig Sauer, or CZ would make a decocker switch act functionally like a second trigger for the pistol. That would completely negate the purpose of it being a decocker. Legally, the decocker levers would have to be labeled as "Auxiliary Trigger" or "Trigger#2". Please, let us use our brains.

Also, some people like some pistols over others because the hammer can be lowered in a controlled fashion and it is quieter. This is ridiculous if you ask me. If you are decocking the pistol, it means you are done with using it, meaning the threat has passed. DUH! And for those who like the controlled fall because it scares them that the hammer slams forward, read the previous chapters and learn about how inside of the pistols work. Other than a few other minor things such as some DA/SA pistols can be cocked and locked like a 1911, CZ75, or Browning Hi Power, there really is not much else to explain on the function of the DA/SA trigger system.

GIVING CLARITY

I know you will hear these statements about the DA/SA because I hear them all the time, so I figure it is best to add my own experience in these matters. Most of the things said are out of ignorance or inexperience and lack of training or practice, from my experience. This sometimes comes from instructors, but mainly Joe Shmoe at the gun counter, or the fat guy telling you to buy a 357 Magnum revolver for your wife. These guys and gals are always full of great knowledge, sarcasm intended.

"IT IS HARD TO GET OVER THE DOUBLE TO SINGLE ACTION TRANSITION"

My feelings on this are simple. The first trigger pull is a long one because it is the introduction shot that confirms you want those single action shots. You are just opening the door. There is nothing to get over. If you can't remember what your firearm does functionally, and work around that, you may want to set it down for a bit until you can get your mind right. There is nothing to get over accept the fact that the first pull merely gives you an advantage on the draw. I will explain more when I explain technique.

"THE DOUBLE ACTION TRIGGER IS JUST TOO HEAVY AND LONG TO SHOOT ACCURATELY"

This is a mater of perspective to those who have little to no experience on this trigger system. It is understandable that any new thing is going to seem like a challenge and present you with some kind of difficulty as you learn the ropes. But I don't understand where the whole "I QUIT BECAUSE IT WAS CHALLENGING" came from. Overcoming challenges use to be what men did. If they wanted to build something, they did. If people told them something was impossible, they did it. Where did these types of men go? The ones that spit in the face of a challenge and laughed at it. I guess they are dying off. Now we have the easy road children who try to skirt the hard road in favor of instant gratification and hopes of glory. Sorry kids, no such thing.

"THE DA/SA IS COMPLICATED AND HAS MORE PARTS THAT CAN BREAK"

This argument is a bit feeble in my eyes. Yes there are more parts in a hammer fired pistol...OBVIOUSLY! However, a hammer fired pistols distributed the load no different than a striker fired pistol but they can tend to have greater durability such as almost all the H&K pistols out there. Most of the people I see using this argument have never put more than 500 rounds through a pistol. It says alot about someone when they consider 1000 rounds alot of ammo. 1000 rounds is not going to be very taxing on a pistols life

TECHNIQUE

Unfortunately I don't want to go on with more of the ridiculous things that people say about the DA/SA trigger system. Instead, I think it is time to discuss the actual techniques that one might benefit from when learning the system. The thing that most people have issues with is the double action, specifically what I call the draw shot, which requires a specific technique for the greatest effect on target. This is your first shot out of the holster, which must be quick and precise because the rest of the shots may depend on the placement of that first shot. Yet this first shot must be closely controlled. After this first shot, the rest of the shots will be short, crisp, and easy to hit with. Practice these techniques with snap caps to protect your firing pin because this is gonna require a good amount of repetitions.

There is a specific technique I use on the draw shot that is very quick and good for close range engagements. Basically, this technique involves a gradual pull that starts from the retention position. The thing you must keep in mind is that the DA pull is going to have some weight, so this allows you to have a certain amount of aggression in the pull as you extend out. Personally, the heavier trigger pulls can be an advantage in being able to start the pull earlier. From the retention position, start with your trigger finger straight on the frame. As you extend out, move your finger from the frame to the finish of the trigger pull. Think of your goal being to get your trigger finger to the back of the trigger guard, without letting the trigger get in the way. Make one smooth motion to the rear. Make sure you don't halt, stall, stage, or in any way delay your pull of the trigger. My best description is to pretend there is a piece of string on your trigger finger and as you push out, that string pulls your finger to the rear. You aren't going to halt or stage your extension any, so don't halt your pull.

The second technique is pulling the trigger from complete extension. This technique is for those longer range or delayed shots such as holding someone at gunpoint. With this method you will have to start with your finger off the trigger and on the frame. From there, you simply go from the frame to pulling the trigger all the way to the rear without delay. Do this as fast as you can without moving the gun. This one will take practice, but it will increase the strength of your trigger pull and you will be able to pull any trigger without too much issue. Practice this often for the best effect.

CLOSING

learning the DA/SA trigger system is not as hard as some people make it out to be. If you just put a bit of effort into it at first, the rewards will be compounded. Don't let the heavy and long trigger pull on the first shot deter you. In my experience, a truly good shooter is good with any gun they are given. This pistol allows you to be aggressive on the trigger right away and then rewards you with a single action pull after that first "assurance" shot. Practice with great focus often and you will learn quicker than you think.