Semi-auto Actions

[kilogulf59]

Something that has had me wondering for years is the popularity of this system, a SA/DA. I guess its the way I personally view things (K.I.S.S.), however, why would one want a transition like this?

The theory I grasp, it's the practice part that behooves me.

I own a SA/DA pistol, a Beretta Cougar (long story...great deal...very nice piece) and, quite frankly, if I ever decide to use it as a defensive weapon I'd convert it to DAO.

My personal choices and recommendations are:

1) DAO Semi.
2) SA Semi.
3) SA/DA Semi.

Actually a DA Revolver is first but this is the auto-pistol realm....

[Ankeny]

why would one want a transition like this

That's a good question and I don't have an answer. I tolerated the DA/SA transition on my CZ 75 simply because the gun had enough positive attributes to make the crunch/tick worth putting up with.

For a range/competition gun my choices are:

1. Single Action
2. Safe Action like a Glock or an XD. (Who coined the term "safe action?)
3. Single Action/Double Action
4. Double Action only.

For a carry gun I reverse the order of the first two items. Of course a person can become proficient with any platform if they pick one and practice enough. But like you asked, "why would anyone want a transition like this"?

[Brownie]

Morning KG,

I carried a Sig 228 DA/SA on duty for 5 years from 91-96 on one dept. I had shot a Sig226 for a few years before that also.

The triggers took some getting used to in the transition from DA to SA after the first shot, but once I had enough trigger time on those platforms, I was very comfortable with the DA/SA .

I liked the DA for the first shot while on duty for the added safety when holding someone at gunpoint. The long trigger pull reduced the risks of making mistakes that could be made with a shorter/lighter trigger pull.

They take some getting used to, a good amount of time on the trigger, but I could make that 228 sing shot to shot. I never really thought that it was difficult, just different than other platforms.

I carry a glock now, but if I were told I had to carry a DA/SA Sig for any reasons, I'd be as comfortable with one as my preferred carry today. People do find them problematic in the transition from DA/SA, but that wasn't the case for me.

[Guantes]

I have to agree with Brownie.
I prefer SA all the time but don't like messing with a safety to fire the first shot.
The DA/SA eleminates the safety thing while still providing sa shooting after the first shot.
I think the concept was developed for officer (and others) safety while still accomodating the theory that most people, especially those who don't practice a lot will shoot better w/a sa.
I think the SA/DA is faster on the first shot.

[Roundeyesamurai]

Let's reach back into history for some answers-

The first DA/SA autos were developed (in the 1930's) in order to allow a faster first shot. Virtually all autos up to that point were either designed to be carried chamber-empty (except for short periods), or mandated to be carried in that fashion by whichever organization issued them. The idea was that a pistol which was carried cocked and ready to fire wasn't safe for the average joe to carry.

DA triggers eliminated this situation by making autos as safe as revolvers to carry ready-to-fire.

The large transition from revolvers to autos amongst police agencies included many of the same safety concerns, i.e. carrying of SA autos cocked.

My own personal preference is for pistols that fire SA, but my problem is that there are very few SA pistols I like! I like H&K P7s, which are SA and are cocked for the first shot by means of the squeeze cocker (though I've never been able to find one I could afford to buy), and I like Glocks (which are close enough to SA).

Aside from being a Glocker, I'm also a big fan of Berettas. Spending years in the military shooting DA/SA autos makes the transition a moot point for me. In truth, I really don't think it's that big of deal for anyone, more a matter of preference than handicap.

[Guantes]

Kinda what I said only more detailed, complete and put better.:D

I also love my Berettas.

One problem I have heard they are having sometimes is that if guys thumb cock or fire some shots, they sometimes forget to decock in the heat of the moment when reholstering. Bad news.

[kilogulf59]

Well like I said I have the theory down.

I figured it was the compromise thing, trying to get the best of two worlds as it were. Once a police department or military agency adopts it...it's as good as done as far as the general public is concerned.

I never shot one enough to get use to it but it probably wouldn't be that big a deal for me either. Like I also stated that Cougar I have is a real nice firearm.

Ankeny got me to thinking ("I tolerated the DA/SA transition on my CZ 75 simply because the gun had enough positive attributes to make the crunch/tick worth putting up with.") that they're still popular because folks buy them and put up with them mainly due to (until recently) lack of options.