What Your Gun’s Action Means: Beginners Guide

July 27, 2022 | 0 Comments

Action Guide

A gun can be multifunctional or optimized for a specific purpose. But how well do you know the action behind it? There are multiple options when it comes to the action of your gun. There is single-action, double-action, or both in one! Here is a quick guide on the meaning of each gun’s action and its function. When you find your preference, take action by shopping at GrabAGun. We’ve got revolvers for sale, semi-automatic handgun deals, and ammo to go. Get everything you need, at the prices you want, through our online gun store today!

Let’s break it down. A gun’s mechanism consists of the trigger, hammer, and safety. The type of action is defined by how a gun’s mechanism operates when the trigger is pulled.

Single-Action (SA)

The single-action (SA) trigger is the earliest form of trigger types. The term SA began to be used with the introduction of new double-action revolvers in the mid-19th century. Single-action means that pulling the trigger does one action: It releases the hammer or the striker. If the gun is not cocked, pulling the trigger will do nothing. The hammer must be manually pulled back, and then pulling the trigger will release it. Cocking the hammer will rotate the cylinder bringing a new round in alignment with the barrel. Once it is cocked, the single action trigger must be pressed to fire. The hammer must be continuously re-cocked to fire another round. A single-action pistol will have a shorter, lighter trigger pull than a double-action because the work of pulling the hammer back is already done.

Double-Action (DA)

A double-action (DA) trigger will cock the hammer and release it all in one pull. By repeatedly pulling the trigger, it allows multiple shots to be fired until all rounds have been released. Double-action revolvers can have exposed hammers or a hammer that is shrouded and/or the thumb spur machined off. Double-action will deliver the same pull length and weight with every shot. A double-action firearm will have a longer, stiffer trigger pull than a single-action gun because of the extra step required to cock the hammer with the trigger.

Mechanism	Single-Action	Double-Action
Action/Function	Hammer drops then cartridge in chamber is fired.	Hammer is cocked then dropped. Gun fires.
Hammer Cocked	Manually	Automatically during trigger pull
Trigger Pull	Short, Crisp	Long, Heavy
Reloading	Slower	Faster
Examples	1911 pistol, Colt Peacemakers, Ruger Blackhawk revolvers	Glock pistols, S&W 29’s, Ruger Redhawk, LCR revolvers

Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA)

With a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) firearm, the combination of both mechanisms gives you the best of both worlds. When the gun fires, the cycling slide will automatically cock the hammer to the rear. The following shots will be fired in single-action mode, unless the hammer is manually lowered.

DA/SA often identifies with a semi-automatic. However, when referring to a double-action revolver, it simply means it has the ability to fire in both double- and single-action mode. The trigger function of a DA/SA semi-automatic handgun is similar to a DA revolver, but unlike a DA revolver, only the first trigger pull will be double-action. Every trigger pull after that will be lighter because the slide is re-cocking the hammer after each shot. A DA/SA pistol can be carried with the hammer down on a loaded chamber. By pulling the trigger, it will cock and release the hammer.

Single-Action and Double-Action Guns at GrabAGun

Here at GrabAGun, we carry a wide variety of single-action pistols and revolvers from all your favorite brands. The Ruger Blackhawk revolver offers reliability and accuracy. It comes chambered in .357 Mag with a 4.63 inch barrel. It features a black rubber grip, a ramp front and adjustable rear sight, a transfer bar safety, and a 6 round capacity. The entire Ruger Blackhawk series offers various finishes and styles. From our trusted line of revolvers to 1911 pistols, GrabAGun meets the needs of all single-action shooters.

GrabAGun offers a supreme collection of semi-automatic handguns. If you are looking for a double-action/single-action semi-automatic handgun, the CZ 75 P-01 is a great option. The CZ 75 P-01 Omega is the ideal concealed carry handgun. Delivering high performance and consistency, it comes chambered in the powerful 9mm caliber with a 3.75 inch barrel. Features include fixed sights, a picatinny rail, a serrated trigger guard, an ambidextrous interchangeable decocker safety, and two 15 round magazines. Our collection of CZ handguns come in many colors and designs. When you are ready to make a purchase, GrabAGun has you covered with the double-action/semi-automatic handgun of your choice.

Whether you are looking for a single-action or double-action firearm, GrabAGun has it all! We are the premier online gun store for all your needs. Find ammo online, triggers and trigger guards, revolvers for sale, semi-automatic handgun deals, and more! To make sure you don’t miss out on any deals, sign up for our email newsletter, The Freedom Team. Get a single-action or double-action gun for sale at a price you’ll love, only at GrabAGun.

– Nina Manzanares

Best Of: AR-15 Lowers

July 13, 2022 | 0 Comments

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gun builder, picking the right AR lower is important for your rifle build. Not sure what exactly you are looking for? GrabAGun has you covered! Our online store offers stripped and fully assembled lower receivers made of high quality materials from the best in the business. Shop online at GrabAGun today and receive the best deals on your AR-15 lowers and AR-15 parts kits.

What is a Lower Receiver?

Shopping for a lower and other AR-15 accessories can either be a fun or a daunting process depending on your experience level. Even though there are many lowers to choose from, each shooter can individualize their rifle with a lower that features designs and accessories that reflect their personality. An AR lower receiver, or lower, is the bottom half of your AR rifle build. You can choose to buy a stripped lower and then complete it with your choice of parts kit, stock, grip, trigger, and receiver extension, or you might prefer to purchase a complete lower that is fully assembled and ready to go! With the addition of a complete upper, you will be ready to add sights or your optic of choice, and then shoot your new rifle. It is important to note that the AR lower receiver is serialized and is subject to regulation.

Lowers come in different colors, finishes, and materials that can change the look and feel of your entire gun. Some lowers even have eye-catching designs etched into them that will make your AR the most unique rifle at the range! Depending on how you plan to use your AR-15, you want to make sure you get the correct lower that fits your needs. There are typically three types of lower receivers:

Forged	Billet	Polymer
Forged aluminum receivers are the most popular type of lower. Superheated and hammered into the shape of a lower, these receivers are typically lighter than Billet receivers and are the strongest. However, the lower has to be chiseled down after forging to take off any excess aluminum. This can lead to imperfections in the fit and finish if too little or too much aluminum is taken off.	Billet receivers are usually milled out of a block of aluminum. Since these lowers are milled by machines, they are extremely precise and are highly customizable. However, they can be a bit heavier due to excess materials usually used for a design on the lower. They are technically less strong than a forged receiver since the aluminum isn’t hammer forged.	The polymer receivers are cut from polymer instead of aluminum. These are still fairly new and are much weaker than the other two. While these are still catching on in popularity, these lowers are much cheaper and lighter. This makes them a great option for a shooter on a budget or for someone wanting a lightweight build.

In the end, it is up to you to decide which type of receiver fits your AR-15 build. Go to GrabAGun online to check out all types of AR-15 lowers and get the best deal today!

Top AR-15 Lowers

We have a variety of popular lowers that are fan favorites among GrabAGun customers. Listed below are some of the top rated lower receiver brands to date:

Spike’s Tactical

If you are planning a build or just collecting lowers for a rainy day, you can’t go wrong with Spike’s Tactical lower receivers. The Spike’s Tactical AR-15 Stripped Lower Receivers are lowers that feature precisely milled and machined dimensions, threads, and fire control group sockets. Capable of accepting any AR-15 style upper receiver, these lowers are an excellent option for building a rifle from the ground up! This lower has a MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 Hard Coat Anodized finish and is made out of 7075 T6 forged aluminum. The safety selector markings are engraved as universal bullet pictogram markings and the magazine well is emblazoned with the instantly recognizable Spike’s spider logo. Not only can you get the spider logo on your lower receiver, but Spike’s Tactical has many other logos such as a Jolly Roger skull and crossbones, the punisher logo, a Viking logo, and more!

Aero Precision

Not feeling like building your AR-15 pistol fully from scratch? You may want to think about getting an AR-15 Complete Lower Receiver! This Aero Precision AR15 Pistol Complete Lower Receiver is the perfect base while also coming completely attached with a billet trigger guard with the aero precision logo, an enhanced pistol receiver extension, and a standard lower parts kit. This receiver is machined from 7075-T6 forged aluminum and comes with the Magpul MOE grip for extra value. GrabAGun has many other complete lowers and AR accessories for your pistol build so shop online for the best gun deals today!

Anderson

The Anderson AR-15 Complete Lower Receiver is the perfect receiver that allows you to drop on an upper, push the pins, and head to the range! Made from a high-strength 7075 T6 aluminum, this complete lower is forged for reliable performance and outstanding durability. The hard anodized finish adds extra strength to the receiver walls and delivers superior abrasion resistance for rugged field use. Precision-machined to ensure drop-in installation of Mil-Spec aftermarket components, this complete lower utilizes the Anderson lower parts kit and is completed with a Magpul 6 position adjustable butt stock for ultimate maneuverability. It also includes a Magpul pistol grip which features removable and replaceable front and rear straps. This lower is the perfect platform for building the ultimate, mission-specific, AR-15 rifle or carbine.

Sharps Bros.

Are you looking for something a bit more unique than just your regular receiver? Then Sharps Bros. may be the brand for you! Their specialty is the AR-15 Stripped Lower Receivers that have designs carved and shaped into the magazine well with great detail, such as a warthog or a pirate-like skull. Milled from strong 7075-T6 aluminum, it has bullet pictogram selector markings on both sides and is ready for your .223/5.56, 6.5 Grendel, or .300 AAC Blackout build. This lower features a heavily flared magwell with an oversized integrated trigger guard and accepts any standard AR-15 pattern magazine, including GI and PMAGS. Fully compatible with all mil-spec internal parts and aftermarket mil-spec upper receivers, you won’t have any trouble building the ultimate, ultra-reliable lower receiver. This amazing looking base platform for your next rifle is finished in an extremely durable mil-spec hardcoat anodized black finish. If you are looking for a unique AR-15 lower receiver, GrabAGun has you covered!

Seekin’s Precision

Every exceptional AR-15 rifle begins with an excellent lower receiver, such as the Seekin’s Precision SP223 Gen 2 Billet Lower. Precision machined from a solid billet of 7075-T6 aluminum to accept mil-spec components, this Seekin’s Precision lower is the perfect platform to begin your next AR build! It has a Seekins Precision Enhanced Bolt Catch, a receiver tensioning screw, an oversized trigger guard, and includes an ambi-bolt stop assembly. Custom screw in dowel pins are used for assembly to eliminate the need for roll pins, hammers, and punches. A quick access mag release and a beveled mag well provides for rapid mag changes and it works with almost all AR-15 magazines. It’s engineered to exceed military specifications with features not found on your standard run-of-the-mill lower receiver!

Ruger

Ruger’s AR-556 Lower Elite is the lower that you have been looking for! It has a six-position telescoping Magpul MOE carbine buttstock and Mil-Spec buffer tube which allows the rifle to be properly sized for different shooters. The ergonomic pistol grip features an extended trigger reach for more precise trigger control. This model also has a two-stage Ruger Elite 452 AR-Trigger with a smooth, crisp trigger pull. Pick up the best Ruger AR-15 lower receiver for sale available on the GrabAGun site now!

AR Lowers at GrabAGun

GrabAGun has many lowers to choose from and has other gun parts such as uppers, AR parts kits, and triggers! Want to know about more deals on various items in our store? Sign up for our newsletter, The Freedom Team, today and get product notifications, sales updates, and more! You can check out more of our blog posts to get the best of various brands throughout the year. Go to GrabAGun today and check out all of our AR-15 accessories for the best deal.

–Destinee Norman