Single or Double action?

[Rastoff]

The traditional definition of single or double action is based on the trigger and what it does. In a single action gun, the trigger only releases the hammer; one action. In a double action gun, the trigger cocks and releases the hammer; two actions.

Striker fired guns don't have a hammer, but they do have a sear. So, it is logical to see it as setting and releasing the sear.

The Glock trigger actually pushes the striker back a little as the trigger is pulled. Thus, I can see how it could be considered a double action only. The M&P however, only releases the sear. The striker/sear is set by the action of the slide. To me, since the trigger only does one thing, it's a single action.

To confuse things more, several of the M&P models are described as "double action only" on the S&W website.

So, which is the M&P? DA or SA? What do you think and why?

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Neither, I would just call it a "striker fire trigger". But I'm fine will calling it a DA (even though it's technically not). Striker fired triggers don't feel anything like a true DA trigger IMO. And they sure don't feel like a SA trigger. Okay, maybe they feel like a really crappy SA trigger.

 

[Rgoodwin]

I think SA because pulling back the slide is similar to cocking the hammer.

 

[Bkreutz]

Single action because you can't pull the trigger a second time without racking the slide (Just MO)

 

[Tinn-Can]

I think they claim DA because of the hump on the sear... I ground mine off so does that make it SA?

 

[Rastoff]

I think they claim DA because of the hump on the sear... I ground mine off so does that make it SA?

What "hump" are you talking about? My sear has no such feature.

 

[ginzo]

I say SA because all the trigger does is release the striker, it doesn't reset it in any way.

 

[S&WForty]

To confuse things more, several of the M&P models are described as "double action only" on the S&W website.

That should read as follows:

To clarify things, several of the M&P models are described as "double action only" on the S&W website.

If it quacks like a DAO Glock...

/thread

 

[Tinn-Can]

What "hump" are you talking about? My sear has no such feature.

Then you don't have a factory sear? It is the little extra bit where the striker engages...

(Photo stolen from this sight)

 

[Rastoff]

OK, I see what you're talking about. Your definition of a "hump" and mine vary greatly.
"It's Frankensteen": Dr. Frederick Frankenstein meets Igor for the first time. - YouTube

Even so, that makes absolutely no difference to how the trigger works. Still only performs one function.

 

[George9]

I think SA because pulling back the slide is similar to cocking the hammer.

Pulling back the slide is not like cocking a hammer.. When the M&P goes to battery "this forward movement" of the slide that sets the striker. George

 

[Rastoff]

Pulling back the slide is not like cocking a hammer.. When the M&P goes to battery "this forward movement" of the slide that sets the striker. George

Cocking the hammer and moving the slide both set the sear. I see it as the same kind of action.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Pulling back the slide is not like cocking a hammer.. When the M&P goes to battery "this forward movement" of the slide that sets the striker. George

Huh?

 

[Rgoodwin]

Disagree George you can't push it fowward till you pull it back. Besides, I said similar.

 

[George9]

Cocking the hammer and moving the slide both set the sear. I see it as the same kind of action.

Yes I agree about the sear! But some don't seem to see that the striker is set or "cocked" only when the slide is in full battery from that forward movement of the slide. I myself consider it a S/A gun.. George

 

[George9]

Disagree George you can't push it fowward till you pull it back. Besides, I said similar.

Rgoodwin,
Sorry! Yes I agree we came to the same conclusion S/A!

 

[RichardDBeck]

Hammers and strikers do the same thing. They are spring loaded objects that store energy then transfer it into the primer. DA is when the trigger cocks the spring loaded object then releases that spring loaded object.

Single action is when the trigger is not capable of cocking the "spring loaded object". I would say because the trigger only performs a "single action" (releasing the sear) that the gun should be called single action.

 

[George9]

Well said! George

 

[Rgoodwin]

Agree 100 percent! Great explanation !

 

[Rgoodwin]

While we are on the trigger subject I gotta tell you guys what's happened with me and my FS 9. My trigger spring broke at the big hook. Sent S&W an email about two weeks ago very explicit about what part broke. I got an email back very quickly that said they would place it on back order. 6 weeks to get one. I stewed for a week and sent a response to their email which contains my email and all the particulars about what I need. Again they responded within 5 minutes that they shipped the part. Great, except today I get a package in the mail and its pretty big. I open it excitedly thinking hey they sent me a FS mag too. But no I'm frowning cause they sent me 2-15 round 40 mag springs instead. I've contacted them again. We'll see how this plays out. Sorry to hijack your thread just had to vent. Still love the brand just ready to be back in business.