Double-action Firearm

Double-action refers to a firearm’s firing mechanism where a single trigger pull performs two functions, including both cocking the hammer or striker and then releasing it to actuate the firing pin, ignite the primer and fire the chambered cartridge. In a double-action firearm, the shooter can fire a round simply by pulling the trigger without manually cocking the hammer or striker beforehand. This design allows for a faster rate of fire compared to single-action firearms, making double-action handguns popular for self-defense and law enforcement use. Some double-action firearms also have the option for single-action mode, where the hammer or striker is manually cocked for a lighter and more precise trigger pull, often used for improved accuracy (see Single-Action/Double-Action).