What Your Gun’s Action Means: Beginners Guide

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.

MechanismSingle-ActionDouble-Action
Action/FunctionHammer drops then cartridge in chamber is fired.Hammer is cocked then dropped. Gun fires.
Hammer CockedManuallyAutomatically during trigger pull
Trigger PullShort, CrispLong, Heavy
ReloadingSlowerFaster
Examples1911 pistol, Colt Peacemakers, Ruger Blackhawk revolversGlock 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 .22 Handgun

.22 Handgun for Every Need

Whether you are a plinker, a competitive shooter, or you are looking to get into handling guns, there is no greater starting point than a 22. The .22 handgun has been a long-standing staple in the firearms community. These guns for sale are typically lightweight, durable, and as previously mentioned, a great starting point for first-time shooters. If you don’t know where to start, let GrabAGun help. We are an online gun store dedicated to bringing quality firearms to the masses. We have everything from 22 rifles, Draco guns, Glock 43s, and many more guns for sale online. Find a 22 handgun for sale at GrabAGun today and you won’t want to shop anywhere else. 

The Best .22 Handgun for Sale

Why get a 22 handgun at all? Well, a .22 pistol might, simply, be easier to shoot, carry, and/or conceal. For some, it’s the only gun that is needed or wanted. A .22 handgun is also a great option for those with arthritis or otherwise less than fully functional hands. This caliber is also considered a fantastic starter pistol. If you have young shooters that are interested in learning, a 22 handgun is one of the best places to get started. They tend to experience very little recoil, are easier to handle, and provide a very similar experience to a full-sized model. 

22 Handgun Deals

22 handgun for sale
Ruger SR22 .22LR 3.5-Inch 10Rd

If you are in the market for a reliable starter pistol, look no further than the Ruger SR22. This has a light, double-action and crisp single-action trigger pull with a rounded external hammer spur for easy cocking and single-action shooting. The SR22 features a polymer frame and two interchangeable rubberized grips with angled serrations which allow shooters to select either a slim or wide palm swell option. There are front and back serrations on the aerospace-grade aluminum slide for better grip and slide manipulation. The easy-to-use underside Picatinny rail features multiple cross slots for various mounting options. Take all of this, plus the stainless steel replaceable barrel, ambidextrous manual thumb safety/decocking lever, ambidextrous magazine release, and visual inspection port, and you’ve got an incredible handgun. It comes equipped with a 3.5-inch barrel, adjustable 3-dot sights, and a 10-round magazine. For a Ruger SR22, GrabAGun is the best place to shop! 

Taurus TX22 .22LR 4-Inch Barrel 16 Rounds Single Action Ambidextrous Manual Safety

Taurus continues its mission of delivering premium handgun performance and technological advancements to the shooting enthusiast market with the Taurus TX22. This is a gun for sale that is engineered to deliver best-in-class accuracy and reliability. As a rimfire, this rimfire polymer sporting pistol shoots and feels every bit like a custom-tuned competition model–without any costly upgrades or modifications. It features a class-leading 16-round magazine, crisp 5-pound trigger pull, optimized slide weight, and fully adjustable rear sights. The grips boast a proprietary grip texturing for positive hand placement. If you are in the market for a 22 handgun that truly outperforms all the rest, look no further than Taurus. Available at GrabAGun today.  

Ruger 22 handgun for sale
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 .22LR 5.5-Inch 10Rds

The Ruger Mark IV is a classic from the brand; the perfect target pistol. This features a simple, one-button takedown for quick and easy field-stripping as well as proper chamber to muzzle cleaning. Its internal cylindrical bolt construction ensures permanent sight to barrel alignment while the contoured ejection port and easy-to-grasp bolt ears allow for durable and reliable operation. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a Weaver or Picatinny-style rail. It utilizes an ambidextrous manual safety, push-button magazine release (located on the left side), and an ergonomic bolt stop. Two magazines come with this so you’ll have endless fun at the range. 

Looking for Year-Round Savings?

If savings all year long is something you are interested in, then sign up for the GrabAGun email newsletter: The Freedom Team. We’ll never send you spam, only sale updates, product notifications, and the like. Just scroll to the bottom of any GrabAGun page and check the bottom right corner for the signup form! 

Glock 44 .22 LR 4.02-Inch 10-Round

For a starter pistol, you go with Glock. The G44 is the ideal pistol to start or enhance your shooting experience. It’s perfect for new shooters thanks to the innovative design of a hybrid steel-polymer slide. The result is a lightweight firearm with low recoil functionality for optimal control. Thoroughly tested with a wide variety of ammo, Glock has ensured maximum performance and a redefinition of what small can do. The G44 is a compact-sized pistol, adaptable to nearly every hand size thanks to the convertible backstraps. And, of course, it comes with the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) for increased accuracy and precision. Find the Glock 44, at an affordable price, and other guns for sale through GrabAGun today. 

22 handgun
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact .22 LR 3.6” Barrel 10 Rds with 3-Dot Adjustable Rear Sight

M&P pistols are built with extreme precision to be the most accurate and reliable firearms on the market. Durable and comfortable, they are capable of handling as many rounds as you are. The M&P 22 Compact is a fantastic starter gun for sale. It’s been engineered with an attention to detail, with superior ergonomics, ambidextrous manual safety, and a reversible magazine release. Add a light or laser to the included Picatinny rail for improved target acquisition. With two 10-round magazines, adjustable rear sights, and a durable polymer frame, this is a reliable firearm that anyone can benefit from having in their collection. 

American Tactical Imports GSG M1911 .22LR 5-Inch 10RD

When John M. Browning invented his classic pistol in 1911, he could not have imagined that for over a century it would remain the standard of excellence in the industry. Nor could he imagine that it would be reproduced by almost every arms manufacturer in the world. GSG created their own version, the GSG M1911, which maintains the 1911’s classic uniqueness along with exciting new technology and features. Whether you are interested in casual plinking, target practice, or competitive shooting, this is a gun for sale that you don’t want to miss out on. Featuring an ambidextrous thumb safety, extended beavertail safety grip, and a 5-inch barrel, you won’t regret it. What’s more, it has the same look and feel as a full-size M1911, making it a perfect starter pistol for new shooters. 

Walther 22 handgun for sale
Walther PPK/S Black .22 LR 3.3-Inch Barrel 10 Rounds

Desperate to carry James Bonds’ gun, but not quite ready for that firepower? No problem at all. Walther has their own 22 handgun available and you’ll love it. It effortlessly blends the iconic PPK design with the fun and cost savings of the .22 LR. The PPK/S is nearly identical to its PPK brother, chambered in .380 ACP. Obviously, the major difference is, you can shoot the .22 rimfire for pennies a shot with the added benefit of recoil being minimal in comparison. Great for the whole family, the PPK/S is a classic DA/SA pistol that features a durable steel frame, 3.35-inch barrel, and a 10-round magazine for endless fun. 

22 Handgun for Sale at GrabAGun

As you can see, there is always a need for a 22 handgun in your collection. Just about everyone can benefit from a firearm like this. Once you decide on the gun for sale that you want, the next step is to find a gun store. GrabAGun is the premier online gun store for everything–22 handguns, tactical shotguns, Glock 9mm pistols, and more. You can even get bulk 9mm ammo, at a great price, and with flat-rate shipping through us. So what are you waiting for? Find a 22 handgun for sale at GrabAGun now and start saving! 

–Kellie Krevosky