Double Action Only ?

["DoubleAction"]

Whenever I hear or read of Double Action Only (DAO) Semi-Autos, I proceed to the next topic of discussion, however; revolvers is an entirely different topic of interest. The double action trigger's lockwork on a revolver is much different than that of a self cocking, self feeding system of the semi-auto. It is because of the functions performed by the double action trigger, on a revolver, which makes it the more likely candidate for the DAO trigger on a defensive gun.
The option of thumb cocking the hammer on a defensive revolver is far out weighed by options of bobbed and internal hammers. Another good reason for DAO triggers on the defensive revolvers is safety; Pointing the muzzle of a cocked revolver on a potential threat is 2 to 4 lbs on the trigger break for a discharge.
More on this tommorrow; And the Double Action Semi-Autos.

["DoubleAction"]

For a double action only trigger, on a defensive revolver, the trigger stroke should be light and smooth. The double action triggers on the S&W revolvers can be honed and tuned to give under 8 lb. single stage, non stacking strokes. This is very good for cartridges like the .357 & 44 Magnums, where hits of knock down energies are offered, and consistant trigger strokes are in repetitive sequences from one shot to the next. I have heard of the Colt Python being worked to give up 5 lb. double action single stage, non stacking strokes, with positive primer strikes, but it is very difficult to find such skilled smiths to do these actions on the Python.
The med Frame Revolvers do not always offer the concealability that the small frames offer, and one that conceals well, should be snag free with an open draw, with no obstructions. This employs the use of a handgun with no manual safeties, while maintaining a safe method for carry and deployment; This is the double action trigger, whether it's hammer is bobbed, internal, or shrouded.
Cocking the hammer can lead to other things like premature trigger release, or accidental discharges in defensive encounters. Practice often becomes habit, especially with double action revolvers, which is why I seldom ever thumb cock the hammer on a double action revolver.

[TMan]

DA, since I know little about revolvers, please explain what you mean by "single stage, non stacking strokes".

["DoubleAction"]

My choice for a Double Action Semi Auto is with the P-Series Sig Sauer; One reason is the lack of manual safeties, which would otherwise hinder the pistol useless in a defensive encounter. I've seen safeties on other pistols located in the most unusal places, one being on the rear part of the slide, I've also read of instances where some men died with their finger on a locked trigger system while being gunned down.
The first round Double Action Trigger on the Sig offers the same choices found on the DA Revolver, which many times ends without a shot being fired from either side during a potential threat, without giving up safety or trigger readiness. If a police officer points the muzzle of a gun at my face, I would rather it be a double action trigger.
First shot double action triggers employs the pistol for use, while subsequential shots will be deployed with shorter-lighter trigger breaks and resets, which gives the semi-auto an advantage over the longer strokes of the revolver's trigger. The self cocking operation of the semi-auto lends itself to popular appeal among those less interested in the mechanics of the revolver's longer heavier trigger strokes.
Many Law Enforcement Agencies require the use of Double Action Only semi-autos among their officers; never gave this much thought, but I tend to believe, from what I've heard, that many cops forget to decock the hammers prior to holstering their pistol, resulting in Accidental Discharges. D.A.O. triggers do not have decockers, because the hammer never locks back in single action. Because of being forced into using D.A.O. pistols, many LE complain about the heavy double action trigger strokes. One group with the decockers is complaining about safety issues, the other group is complaining about trigger issues.
Back to the double action triggers with the smoother- lighter strokes; I wonder why they gave up revolvers in the first place. Oh; They want lesser recoil with higher magazine capacities, and lighter pistols. Fortunately; Sig has began offering such pistols in Double Action Only, but I always seem to go on to the next topic when I begin reading of it.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; A single stage, non stacking stroke is one which, the trigger will not get any heavier as the mainspring compresses while the hammer is drawn to the rear, nor will the distinctive clicks with the locking lugs, or action, be felt during the rotation of the cylinder. Everything will be as smooth as butter. Very difficult to stage these triggers in double action; The one effective method of operating the trigger is to squeeze through in one single motion for the duration of the stroke.

On a two Stage trigger, the weight of the trigger will increase as the hammer travels to the rear. Often, this will be at about the same time that the lock engages the lug in the cylinder, which will give you the distinctive click. The movement of the trigger, prior to this point, is like the take up. Once the trigger take up is made, the trigger only requires a slight more pressure in order to complete the rearward travel of the hammer for the shot. This extra amount of pressure, in the trigger stacking, is easily felt during the operation of squeezing the trigger. It really takes little to notice this extra amount of pressure, and in time this point will become the final stage in setting up the shot. After a few hundred rounds, this point will begin to develope into a routine.

[KrustyBurger]

Try a Kahr - its DAO pull is actually better than several revolvers I've sampled.