Do semi automatic handguns have to be ******?

Question

Do semi-automatic handguns have to be ****** just before the first time you fire, before everytime you fire, or not at all?

Answer 1

Just the first time, then one bullet fires for each squeeze of the trigger.

Answer 2

Some do, some do not. A 1911 .45 ACP must be manually ****** by the user the first time, after that the recoil recocks the gun during the ejection/reloading cycle. A Glock on the other hand does not and it's hammer must be ****** by the trigger pull for each shot, it is not reset by the ejection/reloading cycle, known as double-action only. A Beretta 92 works both ways the trigger may be pulled to cock the gun or the firer may choose to cock it manually, resulting in a lighter, crisper trigger pull.
These are the main three types of popular auto's, showing that there is a diverse range, look for the type of action, single means it must be ****** for the first shot, double means it does not and double-action only means it cannot be manually ******.
Most types of semi-autos do not need to be ****** for the initial shot, but since some models represent more of the total than others a majority decision would be hard to say.

Answer 3

A revolver will allow you six shots before you need to reload; the current semi-auto (the Beretta M9A1) holds 15 rounds in a double stack magazine. Also, as you mentioned, the semi auto is a lot quicker to reload. If you have loaded a fresh clip, with the action closed, then you would need two hands to reload a semi-auto. Keep in mind, however, that you would also need two hands (and a lot more time) to reload a revolver. The currently issued sidearm is also a singe/double action weapon This allows a soldier to un-holster the weapon and fire the first shot with a slightly heavier trigger pull, but without the need to pull the hammer first. While carrying in a combat situation, the gun would be 'locked and loaded', meaning a round is chambered, eliminating the need to "cock" the weapon. Once one clip has been expired, the action would remain open until the release was pushed, so when you put a new clip in, a round would be chambered by releasing the slide.

Answer 4

Bound's hubby here:

In short, maybe.

If you are shooting a single action semi-auto, such as a Model 1911, you need to cock it for the first shot. For subsequent shots, the moving slide will lock the hammer back. If you are shooting a double action semi-auto (like a Baretta Model 92), you can lock the hammer back for the first shot, but you don't have to. If you are shooting a DOA (double action only) pistol, you just squeeze the trigger with every shot, there is not a hammer that you play with.

Good luck.

Answer 5

i hope you people with the generous info on pistols don't get someone killed. on a single action pistol, it must be ****** the first time it is fired, then each succeeding shot will cock the pistol example a 1911a1.
but a double action as in in a ruger p89 it will fire the first round by simply pulling the trigger, a long pull, then it stays ****** until you fire, or add the safety or relieve the hammer. but remember to rotate the safety device.
a simple rule for all who knows weapons before me, always assume they are loaded. a loaded weapon in a novices hand is bad, know your weapon, know your self, knowledge is all important.

Answer 6

No. I think you are referring to when you pull back the slide to load a bullet into the barrel. Usually seen in movies. A semi-automatic handgun can be loaded (i.e. bullet in the barrel) and fired by pulling the trigger. If there is no bullet in the barrel and a clip is loaded in the gun, then yes, the gun must first be '******' to fire.

After firing the first bullet, the gas is used to push the slide back and 'auto-cocking' the gun. Essentially the slide is pushed back and as it slides forward, the next bullet in the clip or magazine is then loaded into the barrel. The gun is now ready to fire again. This repeats until all the bullets are gone.

Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Not all of them have to be ******.Some are what they call Double Action.Just pull the trigger and it will cock and fire all in one.

Answer 8

Listen to Jack. Just remember, a double/single or DAO still needs to have a round chambered before you pull the trigger.

Answer 9

hard subject. do a search on a search engine. that can assist!

Answer 10

It depends on the action and Jack's description is a good one.