Do you fire double action?

[REP]

I shoot the short barreled guns double action and the longer barreled guns get shot as single actions. It's pretty hard to beat a good single action lock time like a S&W shot in single action mode compared to a single action with a decent trigger pull.

 

[ContinentalOp]

DA only. The last few revolvers I've owned have been DAO, either from the factory or gunsmith modified at my request. Even when I had DA revolvers that could fire SA, I can't remember ever shooting them SA.

Oddly when I fire SA I am worse than DA.

I must be odd, too (wouldn't be the first time I've been told that...). When I worked as an armed guard, I had to qualify with different handguns. I always got higher scores with my issued 4" S&W Model 10, factory stock except for grips, than my customized/accurized 1911. I have no scientific/factual basis for it, but I always thought it was the "rolling" of the DA trigger that helped me get more of a "surprise" break than the short, light SA trigger.

 

[bigwheelzip]

DA until my trigger finger hurts, then SA to finish the box of ammo.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[gerhard1]

DA 99.997%
Oddly when I fire SA I am worse than DA.

^^^^This.

For some reason, I am more accurate shooting DA. I have a very old Model 65 (1989-1990) on which I had a gunsmith to remove the SA notch from the trigger.

 

[CLASSIC12]

I shoot mostly single action, DA very occasionally and at shorter distances / rapid fire practice

QUESTION for those shooting mostly DA : do you shoot with a very slow pull of the trigger in order to have maximum accuracy ? Or a fast pull for speed ?

 

[ContinentalOp]

QUESTION for those shooting mostly DA : do you shoot with a very slow pull of the trigger in order to have maximum accuracy ? Or a fast pull for speed ?

What I've found is pulling through the DA pull as smoothly, and as quickly, as possible gives me better accuracy than trying to pull slowly. It's actually harder to hold the sights steady when pulling DA triggers slowly. But if I pull the trigger while maintaining a good balance of speed and smoothness, with no hesitation, and pull straight through, I get better results.

It also helps if I let my trigger finger slide across the trigger face a bit as I pull the trigger while maintaining front-to-back pressure on the grip with my shooting hand (not milking the grip). If I'm shooting two-handed, I use my support hand to grip with side-to-side pressure.

Even when shooting from the retention position, when I can't see the sights, I still try to maintain both trigger speed and smoothness. Though with any close-range, quick-fire self defense practice I'm not as focused on the mechanics as I am on getting rounds on target. Which is why I always include focus on those mechanics when I practice at the range or do dry fire practice at home, to help build "muscle memory" so I don't have to think about it.

 

[Sevens]

If I have a K, L or N frame S&W in my paws, I simply don't shoot single action almost ever.

My double action preference is why I loathe the gangly, fat, wide and finger-grating serrated target trigger. I find that trigger to be the worst option on any S&W revolver and for anyone who prefers double action shooting, I don't know how you can stand to have one.

Has anyone ever laid eyes on a killer custom PPC revolver with a big bloated and serrated "target" trigger? It would be an abomination.

It seems like three-T's has a place in Smith & Wesson lore akin to George Washington's place amongst American statesmen. But it is lost on me. It doesn't look bad, and I love that I can see it a mile away, so I know to either look elsewhere when shopping or make plans to swap that monster out of a new-to-me S&W revolver.

 

[rockquarry]

DA only. The last few revolvers I've owned have been DAO, either from the factory or gunsmith modified at my request. Even when I had DA revolvers that could fire SA, I can't remember ever shooting them SA.



I must be odd, too (wouldn't be the first time I've been told that...). When I worked as an armed guard, I had to qualify with different handguns. I always got higher scores with my issued 4" S&W Model 10, factory stock except for grips, than my customized/accurized 1911. I have no scientific/factual basis for it, but I always thought it was the "rolling" of the DA trigger that helped me get more of a "surprise" break than the short, light SA trigger.

I like 1911s and shoot them regularly, but have found them more difficult to shoot well in comparison with a double-action revolver like the Model 10 S&W. 1911s can be excellent and accurate shooters, but take far more pratice than a Model 10. I can't think of a better centerfire handgun for a beginner than a Model 10.

 

[jdlii]

Single action approximately 75% of the time and DA, 25%. Just like others have posted, it depends on which S&W revolver is in my hand or hands at the time.

My 6"+ models see a lot of SA time. The 4"- models see a good combination of both with an emphasis on DA, point at shoot from 3 to 10 yards.

Some but, not all of he shorter barrel models have had springs replace to aid with DA shooting and the modifications are more than worth the effort.

The longer barreled models are fantastic at breaking rocks, cans and other targets of opportunity at 25 yards and more but, in SA mode.

 

[OKFC05]

Both. Lifetime of hunting and 50 years shooting competition. Still shoot IDPA and bullseye with revolver; two entirely different techniques. All double action for IDPA, all single action for bullseye.
For the first six shots, I am still better with a K frame than any other gun in the world. I reload my M&P Pro 9mm somewhat faster and less often in a speed string. After 75 years and a (mild) heart attack, I can't keep up with Mr Miculek, but I never could anyway. I went to many matches with our best Oklahoma revolver shooter (he was 3 times national IDPA/SSP champ) and I never came even close to matching his speed either. Loved shooting with them. With the corona virus pandemic, wonder about the future of big matches and whether I will be around.

 

[Redlegvzv]

I shoot almost exclusively Double Action. Occasionally I will shoot single action. Developing the skill to shoot a revolver in double action well is a big part of the fascination of revolvers, at least for me.

 

[UncleEd]

Posters who report shooting almost exclusively
DA pretty much sum up the "science" of getting
the most out of a revolver: accuracy and speed.

ContinentalOp covers in most detail the points
that are necessary to a successful DA shooter.

 

[AJR337]

Personally speaking, it comes down to the purpose of the gun.

If it's intended to be used for defensive purposes, then double action is appropriate...if hunting, then single action, etc., etc...

Currently, my two smiths are shorter barreled "defensive" revolvers, so double action...only.

 

[silentflyer]

Almost never, single action 8 3/8" barrels at targets at 25,50 and 100 yards or more.

 

[Drm50]

I shoot 99.5% single action. I have S&Ws that have never been shot DA.

 

[Bumpus13]

I'll estimate that I shoot about 70% to 30% in favor of D/A

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I have noticed that 25 yard point-of-impact is consistently several inches higher in the single-action mode vs. double-action. Cartridge, barrel length, frame size, and other factors don't seem to make much, if any, difference. Most persons grip a handgun considerably tighter when using a two-handed hold, keeping the barrel from rising as much at the instant of recoil making point-of-impact lower than with a one-handed hold. Granted, not a scientific explanation and perhaps a flawed one but based on personal experience.

Same here, although choice of ammo can make a difference for me.

I usually shoot DA, although I do shoot SA with my M43 and M17, and occasionally with some of my revolvers that still have hammer spurs.

 

[JohnRippert]

DA except for distance.

 

[NYlakesider]

What I've found is pulling through the DA pull as smoothly, and as quickly, as possible gives me better accuracy than trying to pull slowly. It's actually harder to hold the sights steady when pulling DA triggers slowly. But if I pull the trigger while maintaining a good balance of speed and smoothness, with no hesitation, and pull straight through, I get better results.

It also helps if I let my trigger finger slide across the trigger face a bit as I pull the trigger while maintaining front-to-back pressure on the grip with my shooting hand (not milking the grip). If I'm shooting two-handed, I use my support hand to grip with side-to-side pressure.

Even when shooting from the retention position, when I can't see the sights, I still try to maintain both trigger speed and smoothness. Though with any close-range, quick-fire self defense practice I'm not as focused on the mechanics as I am on getting rounds on target. Which is why I always include focus on those mechanics when I practice at the range or do dry fire practice at home, to help build "muscle memory" so I don't have to think about it.

I totally agree with the bolded above. My guns are modded by me to get a good decent dependable trigger. I started doing my guns in the 70s long before the cheater spring kits came out. I was instructed in how to do good safe work by a LEO friend that was the RO and approved S&W armorer of a 100 man town force.

Its all in the timing both your trigger pull and your time between shots. My serious shooting is long over, but in my heyday of shooting (master class) I had a few people tell me "watching you shoot is like watching a machine, so consistent''

 

[steelslaver]

Mostly double action, My carry guns don't have spurs. Get S&W 22 revolver and go through a couple bricks of ammo a week until it is a reflex. Many years ago I worked a camp job out in the middle of the bad lands. One week off, one week off days then a week of nights. On nights I would get up every after noon and go out in the sage brush away from camp with a model 18 and go through box after box of 22s. I got ones that came 50 in a cardboard box with a nylon tray. I had those trays scattered all over and would shot the trays from what ever distance I saw them, Always double action. Best thing I ever did to improve my revolver shooting. More than shooting PPC, and it helped my scores in that.