Do you fire double action?

[Greenjoytj]

I started this thread so I wouldn't hi-jack the the 686-6 thread.

Do you fire your DA revolver using the triggers double action mode or do you mostly use it as a single action?

I have a S&W 686-6 "Competitor" performance center model with the under barrel system of removable customizable weights.
I mostly shoot it using the double action trigger mode, only if I'm having a bad day do I resort to firing in the single action mode.

 

[NYlakesider]

Mostly DA.

I was heavy into PPC shooting in the70s early 80s and figured out it was better to just learn one good way of making the gun go bang.

I used a modified by me M28 6'' for the normal matches and a Model 15 2'' for what was called the offduty class.
Even on the 50 yard with the 28 line I stuck with DA.

Took a few deer with a Model 29 in DA mode.

 

[OLDSTER]

Double action almost exclusively.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

I too was into PPC shooting on the PD's shooting team in the 70s and 80s. I generally shot into the 1480s and was a state champion and Governor's 10 shooter a couple of times back in the day. As noted above, PPC is a DA game for the most part, even at the 50 yard line. As a result, I rarely shoot a revolver any other way, even when shooting at extended ranges.

For good success with DA shooting, a good two handed grip helps and I also like my S&W revolvers to stack just a bit as the cylinder locks into place. With that tactile notice, I then have virtually a SA let off for the shot.

 

[rd97]

I shoot double action exclusively. Once you learn, it really improves your shooting in my experience.

 

[SLT223]

About 99.8% double action.

 

[The Norseman]

SA/DA

I'm not a Double Action Shoot'n kinda guy.
I really really like the Option though.

I shoot Single Action all the time. Every so often
I'll Double Tap my S&W 617-1 22lr.
I see that I'm usually low at 50ft, but within the Target.

It is good to know what your Revolver could do.

P.S. Come to think about it, I don't think I have ever
shot DA in my Big Bores, weird.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[7tenz]

I'm not a Double Action Shoot'n kinda guy.
I really really like the Option though.

I shoot Single Action all the time. Every so often
I'll Double Tap my S&W 617-1 22lr.
I see that I'm usually low at 50ft, but within the Target.

It is good to know what your Revolver could do.

P.S. Come to think about it, I don't think I have ever
shot DA in my Big Bores, weird.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

Same here. I also like the swing-out cylinders. I never had a single action revolver but have been interested in getting one at times.

 

[yfdcap]

99.9 percent single action. Never been a fan of the double action pull. Love these guns for their single action feel. I have a couple double action only and rarely carry and even more rare to shoot them.

 

[brucev]

I shoot both SA and DA. Years ago I got to shooting DA w/ a lttle Model 18. I had shot it a lot in SA at 25 yds. Found that with care I could ceep it at 2.0 inches or less for six shots. This was normal. Started shooting it a lot DA. Never got to where I could count on 2.0 inch groups. But, did get to where I could keep six shots inside 3.0 inches. Nowadays, I still shoot DA and SA. It's just a nice difference for shooting. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[rubiranch]

Only with my 640-1 and my 642-1.

 

[BAM-BAM]

DA most of time..... PPC,Qualifying, USPSA (club level) and IDPA............early 80s to 2010 or so....... DA is the way you will shoot if you ever need to "use" your revolver.....................

That said.... hunting (deer) or out at 50yds when "time is on my side" ...... I'll go single action.

 

[S&W revolverman]

D/A only for me. That was what I was taught years ago in LE basic training, and also what I instructed years ago on the LE range.

S/A seems a little awkward. Kind of like a right handed batter attemtping to hit left handed.

 

[jimmyj]

LEO qualifications with a revolver is DA only.
Us old timers had several handicaps to contend with using "Wheel Guns"
1. DA only
2. limited rounds (6)
3. reloading

 

[rockquarry]

Fifty years ago, I learned to shoot a revolver double-action only. Later, I began shooting single-action, one hand only, "Bullseye" style. I find this style of shooting more interesting and challenging and it's very easy to revert back to double-action, two-handed shooting with no loss of skill should the need arise. I've seldom fired a revolver double-action for the last twenty years.

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 time 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.

 

[jbtrucker]

Mostly D/A M686 and M10 the S/A is WOW!

 

[Goldstar225]

Double action almost exclusively. Years ago when I used a K-22 for squirrel hunting it was shot SA.

 

[mike from st pete]

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

 

[rwsmith]

Both.....

I shoot single action for target fun and double action for defense training. I'm not Jerry Miculek with either one, but good enough.

My 6" 686 I use single action more, but my snubs I use in double action more.

 

[double-dipper]

SA exclusively with my 629 and my Redhawk. I handgun hunt for deer and want one well placed shot. I hunt from inside a ground blind or with my back to a big old tree so no need for DA. Now with the .22's and 38's yes both SA and DA.

 

[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.