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