Explained: The Difference Between Double Action And Single Action, And Anything Else In Between
SA — Single Action (Revolvers)
A single action revolver fires only when the trigger is pulled while the hammer is cocked to the rear. A single trigger pull results in one round being discharged and then the hammer does not reset itself. It must be cocked manually after each round is discharged.
Sidenote: If you’ve ever heard of a single-action pistol, please tell us about it in the comments section. I’ve personally never seen or heard of one — just single action revolvers.
Example: A Ruger Vaquero is a classic 6-round single action revolver.
SA/DA — Single Action/Double Action (Pistols & Revolvers)
Single action/double action pistols and revolvers operate by trigger pull. They operate semi-automatically. When loaded, each trigger pull results in a round exiting the chamber regardless of whether it is cocked or decocked. A shooter can manually cock the hammer of an SA/DA revolver or pistol to achieve a lighter trigger pull.
When loading an SA/DA pistol, sliding the upper receiver onto the round will cause the pistol to cock itself. If there is a decocking lever, you can choose to lower the hammer manually. This causes the firearm to go from Condition 0 to Condition 2*.
Example: Springfield 1911 .45 ACP is a Single Action/Double Action pistol.
*Condition 0-4 is explained later in this article.
DAO — Double Action Only (Pistols & Revolvers)
Double action only refers to a class of pistols and “hammerless” revolvers which only operate semi-automatically with a trigger pull. There is usually a longer, slightly heavier trigger pull on a DAO model than there will be with either a striker-fired pistol or an SA/DA with the hammer pulled to the rear.
Example: Kimber K6 .357 Magnum revolver is a Double Action Only revolver. A Sig Sauer P250 is an example of a Double Action Only pistol.
SF –Striker-fired (Pistols)
Striker-fired pistols don’t have hammers. They have a striker pin that is released with a trigger pull. They can’t be “cocked”/”decocked”, even though some models offer manual safeties. These pistols usually have the lightest stock trigger.
Example: A Glock 17 is a striker-fired pistol.
How Different Firing Mechanisms Apply To “Firearm Conditions” And Safety
We briefly went over the different trigger mechanisms. Now, let’s discuss how each applies to firearm conditions. Firearm conditions refer to how we carry a firearm. As concealed carriers, we usually stress Conditions 0-2 because that is loaded, with a round in the chamber. This enables us to react faster to a threat.
However, traveling on the road or shipping a firearm through the mail may require you to transport a firearm differently. For brevities sake, we’re going to list each condition, its basic idea, and which firing mechanisms relate to it.
Please note, Condition 0/1 is a rather arbitrary splitting of hairs and has been traditionally referred to just as “Condition 1” because it relates to the firearm’s loaded state of readiness. If you want to say your cocked revolver is in Condition 1, most people won’t trouble you over the detail.
Condition 0* — SA, SA/DA revolvers and pistols.
Condition 1* — SF, DAO pistols; DAO revolvers
Condition 2 — SA, SA/DA pistols & revolvers.
- Magazine inserted.
- Round loaded in the chamber.
- Hammer forward (‘decocked’).
Condition 3 — SA, SA/DA, DAO, SF pistols. Revolvers can’t be in ‘Condition 3’ on account they don’t have a magazine to insert. Theoretically, some revolvers can be in ‘Condition 3’ if the cylinder can be rolled out of chamber, has rounds but has not been closed. This is a horribly impractical way to transport a revolver.
- No round in the chamber.
- Magazine inserted.
- Hammer is forward (‘decocked’).
Condition 4 — SA, SA/DA, DAO, SF pistols & revolvers. Safe for inspection and transport.
- No round in the chamber.
- No magazine inserted.
- “Unloaded”
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