[silent knight]

Which do you think is more accurate?

[M2 Carbine]

SA/DA

I shoot SA 95% of the time but I like the DA option in case I don't have time to cock the hammer.

I have a number of DAO guns but don't find them enjoyable to shoot unless I'm just blasting very close to the target, like 10 yards.


Which is more accurate?
Simple, shoot both at 25 yards and see.

[lawson4]

I prefer DA/SA, also. I carry one on duty (FN HPDA 9mm). I like the decock feature; I can have SA after the first shot and not have to carry cocked and locked. Nothing wrong with C&L, I just prefer the decocker.:)

lawson4

[Chipperman]

I don't like the DA/SA transition. I'd rather have a consistent pull, regardless of whether it's SA or DAO.

[hnk45acp]

DA/SA
I carry C&L. if for some reason there's a lite primer strike all I have to do is pull the trigger again.

[mpmarty]

Absolutely prefer the ability to second strike a primer. Have no problem with condition one carry but still like to be able to pull the trigger on a "click" surprise. DA only is fine also in a CCW for me but that absolutely does not include Glock, SA XD, or any of the other cockamamie "pre-cock" trigger systems which are the worst of both worlds.

[longeyes]

I like 1911s and Glocks--what does that tell you?

[atek3]

which is the most accurate? SA... which do I prefer for self defense, XD, glock, and light DAO's (DAK, LEM, LDA, kahr, kel-tec)

I don't like DA/SA... why burden yourself with an inconsistant trigger pull when there are such great auto's that don't use it...

look at what competitors win with... with the exception of ernest langdon, it isn't da/sa.

atek3

[MrTuffPaws]

Depends. If I am shooting long distance, say 25 yards, I use a SA

If a carry (shooting close range) I prefer DAO. More of a safety thing with the long pull of a DAO trigger than anything else.

[browningguy]

SA for me, better triggers and a real safety.

[RNB65]

SA for target shooting. DAO for self-defense.

[Zeke Menuar]

SA in 1911's or the DAO? system in my XD45's

Never much cared for the DA/SA system in autos or revolvers.

ZM

[Chuck R.]

I prefer SA, and have shot 1911s for 25 years.

When I bought my SIG 220ST for an HD gun I spent probably around 1000 rounds in DA to SA transition drills getting proficient with it. To me at least it takes concentration to keep the 1st DA shot in the group.

Then I bought my first Baer 1911 last summer and went back to shooting mostly SA 1911s. I still practice regularly with the SIG because to me at least the DA to SA is a perishable skill.

I would say that for accuracy, nothing beats a good crips SA trigger.

Chuck

[AK103K]

Which is more accurate?
Simple, shoot both at 25 yards and see.
I actually shoot tighter groups with DA guns, both pistols and revolvers. Once you learn to shoot them, the difference can be pretty dramatic, especially with heavy recoiling guns.

I don't like DA/SA... why burden yourself with an inconsistant trigger pull when there are such great auto's that don't use it...
I think to much has been made of this over the years. I always believed it too, until I took the time to practice with one and learn to shoot it well. It really takes only a little time and and its time well spent. I have no troubles going from a DA first shot and putting the second and subsequent shots right in there next the first. I think the biggest problem here is, people are not willing to put any time in to learn. Its easier to just complain. :)

[MCgunner]

Which is more accurate depends on the barrel, lock up, load, etc, not the trigger system. Now, if you're not a good enough shooter DA to hit with it, that's not the gun's fault.

I prefer DA or DAO because it works just like my revolvers, draw and fire DA style, for the first shot. There's no confusing training here, all operate the same. I also like the fact there is no need for a safety. My favorite DA/SA would be a decocker in which the decocker returns to fire and does not function as a safety.

I think the biggest problem here is, people are not willing to put any time in to learn. Its easier to just complain.

Amen.

[MCgunner]

I like 1911s and Glocks--what does that tell you?

That you're not a skilled DA shooter? That you'd never make it in PPC competition? That you're too young to have learned to shoot with a revolver? Oh, I don't know....:neener:

[Autolycus]

For a carry gun I want something that does not have a safety. So a DA/SA works fine for me or so does a DAO. I will carry an HK P2000 when I move out of IL and move to the USA.

Though a nice cocked and locked 1911 is an excellent weapon that I am sure I could master with some practice.

[Marshall]

I prefer SA in semi-auto's and DA in revo's.

[XDRocks]

I have found that I can get very accurate with any pistol if I have enough time to get used to the trigger. I like SA more due to the 2-3 pound Kimber triggers but I know Glock shooter who can blind a fly at 25 yards. :what:

[Mulliga]

In terms of accuracy, like people mentioned above, all trigger systems can be accurate. I think a SA trigger is easiest to learn, but a nice worn-in old S&W revolver DA pull has a good feel to it, too.

I prefer one trigger pull, but the transition from DA to SA doesn't haunt my dreams or anything - no problems adapting to any system. In any event, you align the sights and squeeze the trigger until the hammer drops, so no big deal.

[Galen]

I prefer the SA/DA myself. Can't say exactly why, though the fact that my favorite gun is SA/DA might be the reason. I don't have a problem with the other systems. Just takes some practice.

As for accuracy... my firearms are more accurate than I am :(.

[kirkstick]

I have carried a Beretta 92 FS (DA/SA) and the Beretta 96D (DAO). I prefered the 96D for the same trigger pull every time and no decocker!!! However, I went to carrying Glocks. Three models of the same caliber. smallest takes the largest magazines, same grip ( just a little shorter as size goes down) AND THE SAME TRIGGER PULL-FEEL- ETC... ;)

[10-Ring]

Most of my guns are DA/SA but I have DAO, SA, & striker fired. I like them all & have shot 1000's of rounds w/ each. Perhaps it's because I have more rounds through my DA/SA's, I really don't know, but at this point in time, I prefer DA/SA
That's not saying I don't feel comfortable or equally secure carry ANY of my other guns :D

[abarth]

I like SA trigger, but my carry piece is a DA/SA. I just feel better with the hammer down.

[vanilla_gorilla]

1911

[KurtC]

DAO .45's for all autos. No need for safeties, decockers or other unneccessary levers to ruin the lines of the gun.

If I lacked the skill to shoot a DAO accurately, I would consider a SAO. I believe in consistent trigger pulls, no DA/SA stuff (except for .45 acp revolvers ;) ).

[Phil DeGraves]

Accuracy depends on sight alignment and trigger control. Trigger control is best with an SA. That is not an opinion, that is a fact. Sure, a good DA pull can be better than a lousy SA pull, but all things being equal, a good SA pull is easier to hit with than a good DA pull. It really surprises me how many people say "If I want to hit my target, I'll shoot SA, but if I am shooting for my life, DAO." So, if your life depends on it, you want a trigger that's worse and that you are more likely to miss with? Especially under stress? That just doesn't make any sense to me, at all.

[Phil DeGraves]

"I think the biggest problem here is, people are not willing to put any time in to learn. Its easier to just complain."

That's the rub. You can learn to shoot SA cocked and locked, or you can spend even more time to learn to shoot DA or DAO. All of them will work if you put the time in to train with them PROPERLY. I have found that the cocked and locked SA system is the easiest and quickest to master.

[possum]

DAO is my favorite, i like a consistant trigger pull through out. single action is alright by me as well but can't get into da/sa to save my life. i have an xd and a kahr and i love them, and part of the reason is that they are dao. I don't like to worry about an external hammer, and decokers and all that Jazz.

[1911 guy]

Of course, judging by my user name, you already knew how I'd vote and why. Because it's better! :evil:

[AK103K]

That's the rub. You can learn to shoot SA cocked and locked, or you can spend even more time to learn to shoot DA or DAO. All of them will work if you put the time in to train with them PROPERLY. I have found that the cocked and locked SA system is the easiest and quickest to master.
Theres no doubt the 1911 is easier to master, but if its all you master, your doing yourself a huge disfavor.

The DA guns really take no time to learn to shoot well with. The biggest thing to overcome is probably lack of muscle tone, especially if you were not a DA shooter previously, pistol or revolver. Once you practice some, and you begin to get some tone and control, you'll suddenly find its no big deal and very easy to shoot very well with.

Personally, I believe in learning as many different platforms as possible, and at least be reasonably competent with anything I might have to pick up and put to work, and that goes for ANY weapon, rifle, pistol, shotgun, SMG, or whatever. By doing so, your much more versatile, and much more confidant.

I know we all have our favorites, but if you havent tried and learned to use them all, or at least, as many as possible, how do you know for sure just what your favorites are?

[RustyShackelford]

For CC, duty, protection use I would use a DA only pistol or revolver. There are many good reasons but to keep it short, a DA only sidearm is your best bet. You can avoid ADs/accidents, avoid any false claims saying you "cocked the hammer" or acted reckless and when you carry a "hammerless" sidearm there's no spur to rub against your side or snag on clothes when you carry it. ;)

DA only weapons may not be as accurate but for protection/duty use they are good enough.

DA only weapons are used by LE agencies all over for these reasons.

Rusty

[WarMachine]

For range and target work I prefer SA.

For other purposes I would prefer one of the striker-fired options. I'm looking into picking up an XD, M&P, or GLOCK sometime this Christmas.

[Anna's Dad]

DAO for CCW.

For the range, I'm fine with SA or DA/SA (since it can pretty much be SA if you want it to be).

EDIT: I just read my own post and I feel like I should work for the government or IBM with all of the acronyms I just used :)

[SeanSw]

It took me a solid year of revolver ownership before becoming comfortable with DA shooting. I don't get out shooting often, maybe every 6 weeks, but dry firing and building muscle memory helped to make the improvement.

I still use SA now and again for precise target work or distance shooting and find myself moving towards DA more often than expected. This is only with revolvers though. My only pistol is DA/SA and the trigger transition is very difficult for me. I hadn't expected such a difficult time with fast, accurate shooting with the first DA shot but it will probably be the reason for my next purchase.

[TomN]

I prefer a SA, but I practice with a DA/SA also.

[Ala Dan]

Why? Cuz, I'm a SIG man at heart~!:cool: :D

[roo_ster]

Accurate
"Which is most accurate" is fraught with variables.

But, if you take a look at handgun competitions, there are usually several classes with the SA autos out by themselves in their own class. This is done "to keep it competitive' or "to keep it fair."

Also, take a gander at the Bullseye crowd. That has gone almost exclusively SA. I don't ever recall a posting by a Bullseye competitor talking about their DAO/DA/SA Bullseye gun.

That said, it seems that when accuracy & speed is the measure, SA comes out on top.

Preferences
I have come to prefer SA C&L carry as my preferred mode, as I shoot best with a 1911.

Second place is DAO. A worn or tuned S&W DA revolver is a pleasure to shoot. I think the only time I ever fire my revos SA is when doing load development.

Least desireable, from my POV, is DA/SA. I despise the transition and sloppy-azz triggers that come with DA/SA autos. IMO, DA/SA is a solution looking for a problem and an exercise in needless complexity.

[Geno]

While I like SA/DA, I find that I fire SA-only more accurately. I assume that with practice, I could improve that, but why? Until they make a 1911, P35 or G17 in SA/DA, I'll stick with SA-only.

Doc2005

[AK103K]

But, if you take a look at handgun competitions, there are usually several classes with the SA autos out by themselves in their own class. This is done "to keep it competitive' or "to keep it fair."

Also, take a gander at the Bullseye crowd. That has gone almost exclusively SA. I don't ever recall a posting by a Bullseye competitor talking about their DAO/DA/SA Bullseye gun.

That said, it seems that when accuracy & speed is the measure, SA comes out on top.
I think your dealing with apples and oranges here. Games and target guns and their type of shooting are in a whole different world. Your world is controlled by a fixed set of rules, a buzzer and/or a clock, and a gun and equipment you would rarely see anywhere but the range.

I'm not a games or bullseye target shooter. My shooting has always been with stock guns(for the most part) and stock carry systems(mostly IWB) from concealment. I've carried stock 1911's, and mostly a stock Combat Commander, C&L for about 30 years. Never had any troubles with them, and they were always a pleasure to shoot with. I actually prefer a clean, heavier trigger in them than most will tell you you need, and as they come from the box, most of my Colts were fine, although I had one that was a tad light, and took some getting used to.(I didnt carry it) Most all the 1911's that I have shot that have had trigger work done, I considered to light for a carry gun. Theres no way I'd carry a "race gun", even if it would fit in my stock holster.

Once I transitioned over to SIG's, I had no trouble at all with the DA/SA triggers, and they are also very easy to shoot well with, right out of the box. If your willing to spend just a small amount of time learning to shoot DA/SA, especially with a SIG, you would understand what I'm talking about and your trusty 1911's would most likely only come out to go to the games and play. I only wish I'd made the switch years ago.

[shield20]

I like 'em in this order...

QA, SA, DAK, LEM, SA/DA, DA/SA

I can shoot them all well, but for CCW consistency is key (for me).