Use to be a Cocked and Locked guy. But I'm starting to moderate and realize that there are different ways to carry. My primary these days is a DA/SA and my bug is a DA only. The one on the nightstand is a DA only...

I'm asking from a logistical and legal defense standpoint. Home, open carry, or CCW.

Single Action 1911 Style Format, Double Action Only, or DA/SA semi automatic....? Not talking a range gun or a competitive shooting format. Talkin' strictly self-defense.


Giz

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Non gratum anus rodentum

Honestly... I think the best is what you are the most comfortable with and shoot the best.
I carry a 1911, condition 1 of course.
With a DA/SA I pull my first shot off target... since I am used to a SA pull.
Strangely enough, I dont have this issue with a revolver.
From a legal standpoint, I dont see what difference it would make... especially since all types have been used by law enforcement agencies at one time or another.
Atty tries to paint you as a crazed killed because of what you carry, counter that your weapon was a trusted sidearm of XYZ law enforcement agency.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

Unless of course you've got a rubber band around the grip safety! Course that's an easy fix...afterwards.

And better not cast your own bullets, or they'll say that you sit at home and brew Death, while at your leisure.

Assume factory ammo.

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I carry a Sig P239-40 in DA/SA. In fact one reason why I got into shooting revolvers again was so that I could easily practice shooting in double action. What I found out was that revolver practice not only improved my trigger stroke in double action, I also improved my single action shooting.

Now I have more revolvers than semi's. Go figure. Turns out that I really enjoy the challenge that shooting a revolver well in double action presents and I also appreciate the 100% recovery rate for fired brass.

From a legal standpoint a double action trigger can weigh in your favor provided you don't cock the gun. However, there are now so many different trigger options now available that it would be a bit difficult for a DA to make a case based on the trigger type. However, if you were to carry a gun with a trigger that isn't "factory" it could be a problem.

Personally, I prefer a DA/SA trigger because I feel more secure with that type of trigger. That first shot will require enough effort that I believe that it reduces the possibility of an unintended discharge. In addition, there is no safety that I have to remember to flip off before the gun will fire.

I guess the theory goes something like this. If a prosecuting DA figures that he can't get you on a murder charge...he will prosecute the case based on manslaughter. If you have a single action they would press for a accidental or unintented discharge. A full stroke heavy Double Action first trigger pull might get you out of this. At least it makes the prosecuter's job more difficult.


giz

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I carry in regular rotation, SA autos, Glocks, and DA revolvers. The SA autos are carried cocked and locked, the Glocks similarly with one in the chamber. All are loaded with factory hollowpoints, the 9x19mms with the 147gr. Winchester White Box, the .40 with Hornady 155gr., the .38 and .357 with the Federal 158gr. LSWC-HP "FBI" load, and the .45 with 200gr Hornady TAP.

I hate DA/SA and DAO autos. The trigger reach is usually too long for me and the triggers usually gruesome at best.

I prefer a consistent trigger pull. You get that with a auto's in single action like a 1911, safe action like a Glock, double action only, or double action revolvers. The problem with a SA/DA is the double action first round and then you have to transition to single action mode. I've never liked the transition and when I carried a Beretta 92 my second round would always seem to go wild in a double tap. That's why I went to a Glock, at least the trigger pull is the same every time.

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