Posted: 1/18/2002 2:08:46 PM EDT
| I going to purchase a semi-automatic handgun gun and I have some familiarity with the single action .45 but none with a double action. What are some pros and cons? Are any double actions set up to SAFELY carry a round in the chamber? |
| All modern double action/single action pistols are safe to carry with a round chambered. Most of the newer name brand, double action only, pistols are safe to carry chambered. some of the older double action only pistols that have inertia firing pins (no hammer) are better carried chamber empty |
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The difficulty that some people have with a double action semi automatic handgun shooting accurately with the change in trigger pull from double action on the first shot to single action on the second round. The single action .45 has the same trigger pull on each shot. Glocks have the same trigger pull on each shot also, although some people don't think much of the trigger pull in glocks. There are some semi automatic pistols sold as "double action only." I have never shot any of these but I would guess that the hammer does not stay cocked after the first shot. I don't think double action only guns are popular outside of police departments where they are seen as some kind of liability protection, I guess. I would suggest going to a range that rents pistols, or having some friends let you try theirs, to see how you like the various double action pistols. All modern double action pistols that I can think of are safe to carry with a round in the chamber. I guess that has the main point of double action pistols, they are PERCIEVED as being safer than a cocked .45. Double action guns do vary in their operation tho, whether they have decockers, magazine safeties etc etc. You need to read the manual and make sure you understand how the thing works. Take a class before you buy a pistol if you have not shot very much or with very many different types of pistols. |
| Thank you, I bought a Kel-tec P32 for the Mrs. She had a larger caliber revolver. She had to take the antibiotic,Ciprofloxin, and it damaged some nerves, this left her with a tingling feeling in her hands and feet and took away some strength. Pulling the trigger on the revolver, with confidence, was ifffy so I looked around and found the P32 which has a light trigger pull. We shot it and she is as happy as a clam. |