what is the difference in single action and double action in hand guns?

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

Most of the answers you have here are reasonably accurate.

However, double action means the revolver or pistol can be fired in two modes. One is by thumbing the hammer back, then squeezing the trigger to release the hammer (single action). The second mode, which is more "modern", which involves pulling the trigger, causing the hammer to rebound before the hammer releases to fire the cartridge (double action). Keep in mind, double action firearms can also be fired single action if there is an exposed hammer spur.

Over time double action has been construed to mean squeezing the trigger, rebounding the hammer then firing. This has been manifest with DAO handguns such as the S&W M40 Centennial or the Glock DAO striker-fire pistols.

Answer 2

A single action you have to pull the hammer back,double action just pull the trigger Mr hunter The person above me said a double is best don't think so you can only hit a Target if you can on it .A 44 mag or bigger one shot at a time 357 if you are good maybe with a double action maybe 2out of 4 real fast still one at a time.Both are about the same for speed .

Answer 3

A single action pistol is one that the hammer has to be pulled back to be fired. A double action is one that you can keep pulling the trigger and the hammer automatically is in the action of pulling the trigger and the barrel rolls in this action as well.

Answer 4

In a single action you have to pull the hammer back to fire the gun. In a double action the hammer gets pulled back when you pull the trigger.

Answer 5

Simple:

Single action the hammer has to be phyiscally pulled back. then you pull trigger to fire

Double action: pull the trigger and as you do the hammer comes back also. reaching the release point. and the hammer goes forward.

that is the geest of it

Answer 6

single action you cock hammer and pull trigger

double action you can pull trigger which pull back hammer and fires

double action best

just keep pulling trigger,

ssingle action like colt for target practice and tournaments. ,

Answer 7

Dear Yahoo,

The word "C O C K" is not always a dirty word. In this case it is a verb, not an anatomical noun.

Until this problem is fixed, I would suggest using the term like so: you have to first chicken the hammer" or "one must manually rooster the hammer."
Please also be careful to keep the rear-end of the shotgun's stock against your shoulder to prevent injury.

Answer 8

single action you have to pull back the hammer every time you shoot

Answer 9

OK
don't be worry
u can go to this link and read the different

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_action