Accuracy Testing - Do You Use DA or SA?

[teufelhunden]

I'm interested to know how folks perform accuracy testing for new guns or new loads. Double action or single?

I prefer DA, since that is how I do most of my shooting. Obviously, it can be a bit of a handicap, but it simulates my typical shooting conditions far more than SA.

I'd be interested to know what other do.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

When I test a load I use a rest and single action, I shoot double action other than that even in Bullseye.

 

[OKFC05]

Depends on what I'm testing.

If I'm assessing a single change, like a new brand of bullet, I try to isolate that as much as possible, shooting from a rest and all that.

If I'm trying to determine the overall effect of choosing a particular pistol for a sanctioned shoot, there's no substitute for rigging up and shooting a stage or three against the timer.

 

[Dave from Pa]

For accuracy testing single action off a good set of bags.

 

[brucev]

In selecting a factory load or in developing a handload, I fire single action from a good rest.

 

[Jodykid]

Single of course

Single action you're testing the gun and load. Double action is testing the shooter.

Joe

 

[Raider]

Single action off a sandbag for testing.

Charlie

 

[38-44HD45]

Single action you're testing the gun and load. Double action is testing the shooter.

Joe

Not necessarily. I find that I shoot a DA revolver with a good, smooth pull as well, and often better DA than SA, off a rest or offhand. Depending on the gun, the range to the target, and why I'm testing, I may shoot either SA or DA, so I didn't vote in the poll.

 

[ajpelz]

SA

When testing for accuracy, I always shoot SA. My groups are generally about half the size of a DA group.

If one round is more accurate in SA, I do not see why it would be less accurate than others in DA. IMHO, the round of ammo in the chamber has no bearing on the shooter's ability to maintain a steady hand through a longer heavier trigger pull.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'm interested to know how folks perform accuracy testing for new guns or new loads. Double action or single?

I prefer DA, since that is how I do most of my shooting. Obviously, it can be a bit of a handicap, but it simulates my typical shooting conditions far more than SA.

I'd be interested to know what other do.

IMO, you are doing exactly what you should, although I would be less concerned about the effect on accuracy than a possible effect on POI. I generally test the way I intend to use the gun, but when trying to make an ammo selection, for instance, I use the best support I can get without actually resting the barrel on something. In those cases I usually use SA if it is available (I have a lot of DAO revolvers).

Feel free to satisfy your curiosity about what other people do, but IMO you don't need any help - you're already doing just fine on your own.

 

[sonny]

Single action you're testing the gun and load. Double action is testing the shooter.
Joe

EXCELLENT POINT!

Sonny

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Well I do agree with JodyKid, However I shoot better DA than SA. Intristic accuracy is interesting but I check for accuracy how I shoot rather than off a rest or such. This works for me.

 

[teufelhunden]

Thanks for the responses. Seems like most folks prefer single action.

I tried both methods yesterday while zeroing my 620. I started out SA, using a bench rest and a sandbag, but I gave up when I realized the SA groups were no smaller than my typical DA groups from offhand.

This is not because I'm a crack shot (unfortunately). I think it has more to do with familiarity and comfort. I'm much more accustomed to shooting DA offhand than SA from a bench, and I couldn't really get comfortable on the bench. For now at least, I'll stick to DA.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Single action you're testing the gun and load. Double action is testing the shooter. Joe

Yup. Double action to test myself. Single action to see how much work I have to match what the gun can do.