How much DA practice vs SA practice?

[wanderinwalker]

I'd guess 60/40 SA/DA. 75/25 sounds too tilted toward SA, and it's not purely 50/50. And my DA wheelguns are all 80's vintage S&Ws.

BUT, the majority of revolver shooters I see at the range shoot SA. And I'd wager the majority of the people who say "I shoot a (DA) revolver better than a (Glock/XD etc.)" are comparing a thumb-cocked revolver to a trigger cocked semi.

 

[Japle]

My GP100 is DAO and I installed a trigger stop on my M29 making it DAO, also.

 

[420Stainless]

Snubs - which I might carry but seldom do, 50% ea. Longer barrels, which I only shoot for fun, 90% SA (except for the Vaquero ). I've grown to love revolvers, but almost all my carry is still semiauto.

 

[S&Wfan]

Thanks for all the replies. Had no idea people aren't shooting that much SA at all anymore. With my GP100 I'm spending about 75% of the time in SA and 25% of the time DA. Does that mean I'm practicing wrong?

Yes . . . and No!

No, you CAN'T go wrong practicing, as long as your technique is good.

That being said, it is always interesting to see shooters sign up for their first "Pin Match." Bowling Pin matches are shot at a distance of 10 yards (a good self defense distance) at good ol' heaving wooden bowling pins that are sitting about low-chest high on a heavy table. The object is to clear the table as fast as possible, for that's how ya win.

New shooters start trying to shoot single action and quickly realize other folks are clearing a five or six pin table in mere seconds shooting double action.

Next match, if they come back, they are starting to shoot double action. Yes, they are still as slow as molasses, and they are missing a lot because their double action technique hasn't been perfected where the trigger pull doesn't pull the sights off target, etc. . . . BUT, like I said, you can't go wrong practicing!

In time I've seen some fine, accurate single action plinkers, who would almost surely die quickly in a gun fight . . . turn into some pretty darn decent handgunners too!

As someone said, in an emergency you'll be shooting fast double action only anyway, just trying to keep the other guy ducking and running . . . so you need to learn to precisely hit what you need to hit every time . . . shooting fast and double action.

SUGGESTIONS . . .

Go to some handgun matches where revolvers are shot. You may just be comfortable hanging around and getting to know folks at first, and that's fine. You'll find, virtually without exception that the nicest and most helpful folks in the world are handgun competitors!!!

Soon you discover they are pulling for you in matches, no matter how you do, and encouraging you in every way . . . and you become a master with your firearms. You'll also learn to shoot more EFFICIENTLY and correctly watching what the best shooters do!

It is a lot of fun too!

 

[jad0110]

Quote:
Had no idea people aren't shooting that much SA at all anymore.

Well, this is group represents just one slice of those shooting wheelguns. Use the range or YouTube as a barometer, and you may find most shoot SA. Go to the Revolver subforum at brianenos.com, where competitive wheelgunners hang out, and they'll kick sand in your face for even having a hammer on your revolver.

Mr. Borland is right. The vast majority of revolver shooters I see at the range shoot their DA wheelguns SA.

And I'd wager the majority of the people who say "I shoot a (DA) revolver better than a (Glock/XD etc.)" are comparing a thumb-cocked revolver to a trigger cocked semi.

You may be right in some cases, but I really do shoot a DA revolver in DA better than a Glock or XD. And that is with a 642. Now, I usually shoot my 1911 better still than the 642, but revolvers like my Models 14, 15 and 686 top the 1911. In my hands anyway.

Actually, I shoot better DA than SA. Something about that long, heavy pull that makes a good counter balance for me, allowing for greater precision. YMMV.

Oh yeah, perhaps 1 / 400 or so shots in done in SA, the rest are DA.

 

[MCgunner]

At 7 yards I can shoot DA good enough. Even my auto has a long DA trigger and I've done okay with it in IDPA. It's a Kel Tec P11.

I can clear 6 pins with my DA .357, from low hold, not from leather, in around 6 seconds. That's from the buzzer to when the last pin hits the ground. No, that won't scare Jerry Miculek or any other master class shooter, but it's about as good as I can do it with a 1911. I'm in the sub six seconds with a 1911, but barely. The secret to speed is to start the trigger before you're on the target. It does take practice, but practice is still fun after all these years. If I could practice more, I'd get faster.

 

[Oro]

Double action only. Who's going to take the time to shoot SA in self defense?

Exactly. I don't shoot long range silhouette or anything else that would necessitate SA - everything I shoot is DA, so that's the way I practice.

 

[MCgunner]

Oro, you need to try some long range shooting. It's fun and practical. Of course, I like to kill things with handguns, so there's a need for it with me. I don't take 100 yard shots on deer DA. I shoot single action guns, anyway, in the field. But, life would be boring if all I cared about was DAO snubbies. But, I guess if you don't like killin' supper and sneer at Contenders, well, no need for SA.

 

[Brian Dale]

I've never met anybody who sneered at Contenders.

Actually, I shoot better DA than SA. Something about that long, heavy pull that makes a good counter balance for me, allowing for greater precision. YMMV.

Good point. The long trigger stroke apparently helps me to stay focused on the front sight.

 

[S&Wfan]

The smooth, long pull of the S&W revolvers is why they are so easy and accurate to shoot double action.

Once one masters the pull/grip/etc., many can shoot them with better success in matches as they can their 1911s.

Shooting double action revolvers one thing won't plague you . . . it will end your "milking" of the gun like so many folks do with single action automatics in a match.

You can't win when you milk the gun and the bullet hits 3' under the target at ten yards.

 

[Oro]

But, life would be boring if all I cared about was DAO snubbies. But, I guess if you don't like killin' supper and sneer at Contenders, well, no need for SA.

Well, MCgunner, since you insulted me personally, I'll respond. I like long range shooting. And do it with my revolvers. And I don't care exclusively about DA snubbies (I own no DAO guns, but the way). But no, I don't need to fudge my personal satisfaction with my revolvers by shooting SA at long range at game. I bought a new rifle yesterday just for this point. If I want to kill supper, as my family has done for many, many generations, I use a long gun and do it cleanly and as humanely as possible. I don't do it in SA with modern handguns because it suits my personal whims - I do it because it's efficient and humane and do it with an appropriate rifle and cartridge.

If I have time to line up and single-stroke my S&W 357 revolver to take down a deer or anything, I also have time to pull up my Win 94 out of the scabbard or an even better center-fire rifle and drop them more quickly and more accurately, with less suffering and pain.

Your post is particularly offensive as it implies you go take the game at over 100 yards with handguns because you can take the shot, not because it's humane or sensible. I like to think we as gun enthusiasts use them responsibly and to minimize harm and suffering, and not just shoot stuff "because we can."

I like to kill things with handguns, so there's a need for it with me.

I think this says it all. I don't enjoy "killing" anything, with handguns, rifles, or even mousetraps. But for hygene or for dinner, I do it. But I don't make my humor or amusement the main point of it as it appears you do. The thoughtlessness of advocating shooting game at long distance in SA with a revolver "because you can" disgusts me more than anything I've seen on this or any gun forum.

 

[Stainz]

I have divested myself of everything but S&W revolvers now. Fewer in number, but what I want - and designed for DA use, like the previous poster stated. My shooting - mainly plinking, some SPC competition - is 99+% DA. For my CC practice, it's all DA. Of course, my CCWs are a 642 and it's bigger sibling, a 296... both have enclosed hammers, making SA-shooting impossible. As successful defensive shooting is time-dependent, DA is required anyway.

Stainz

 

[StrawHat]

My primary carry gun is a 45 ACP S&W revovler. I practice it DA whenever I practice. I learned accurate DA shooting by competing in PPC matches. Once you learn how to shoot DA it is the easiest thing in the world.

PPC shooters routinely turn in 50 yard groups that are amazing. Often we would practice at double distances, and still turn in respectable scores.

Not all of us used tricked out PPC guns either, 4" S&Ws were common on the line and in the winners circle.

 

[wnycollector]

90% DA and 10% SA

 

[logical]

All the revolvers that I use for SD are DAO....so that's an easy one. The cannon-variety ones are mostly DA but I tend to shoot them SA more often than not, just like I would if hunting. The inbetween stuff, mostly 4" .357's are range guns so it's whatever I feel like doing that day...SA if I am trying to see just what the gun is capable of, DA if I just want to shoot it to shoot it.

 

[pmeisel]

90% sa -- 10% da.

 

[Sam1911]

Careful Oro, I understand why you might have taken umbrage, and see the point you're making, but let's not swing too far and escalate the argument.

If I want to kill supper, as my family has done for many, many generations, I use a long gun and do it cleanly and as humanely as possible. I don't do it in SA with modern handguns because it suits my personal whims - I do it because it's efficient and humane and do it with an appropriate rifle and cartridge.

If I have time to line up and single-stroke my S&W 357 revolver to take down a deer or anything, I also have time to pull up my Win 94 out of the scabbard or an even better center-fire rifle and drop them more quickly and more accurately, with less suffering and pain.

That's a false argument. If the energy transferred is sufficient, and the shot placement is proper, there is no more suffering and pain from a bullet fired from a revolver than there is from a long-gun.

Your post is particularly offensive as it implies you go take the game at over 100 yards with handguns because you can take the shot, not because it's humane or sensible. I like to think we as gun enthusiasts use them responsibly and to minimize harm and suffering, and not just shoot stuff "because we can."

Many of the revolver cartridges available these days are MORE powerful (sometimes FAR more) than your .30-30. Shall we turn the argument on its head and tell YOU that YOU'RE the unethical one? You'd have trouble arguing out from under that charge if his revolver can deliver twice the energy that your rifle will (and probably equal accuracy) ...

I think this says it all. I don't enjoy "killing" anything, with handguns, rifles, or even mousetraps. But for hygene or for dinner, I do it. But I don't make my humor or amusement the main point of it as it appears you do. The thoughtlessness of advocating shooting game at long distance in SA with a revolver "because you can" disgusts me more than anything I've seen on this or any gun forum.

If this was truly the case, we'd raise all animals in pens and kill them in abattoirs. It is not fair or accurate to denigrate anyone's love of hunting or the means by which they do it. A good, accurately placed shot with a sufficiently powerful cartridge is just as legitimate if it comes out of a rifle, handgun, shotgun, bow, slingshot, catapult, trebuchet, etc. We all take pleasure in the skill required to humanely make the kill in the way we choose.

Don't read into his post some nefarious sentiment that isn't there, just because you were offended by his previous post.

-Sam

 

[Kleanbore]

If you are practicing for personal defense as a civilian, DA.

If you are practicing for hunting, SA.

 

[jfh]

Although I currently current a j-frame with a hammer (360), my typical carry gun is a DAO M&P340.

I've fired one cylinderfull of single-action shots--to "see what it was like." All my practice was and has been DAO.

Jim H.

 

[savit260]

98-99% double action with my Colt's and Smiths. Rarely will I take a SA shot at the local indoor range. Almost never.

Occationaly, I'll take some 50 yard SA shots at ammo boxes or soda cans at the outdoor range, against the berm, but that would be a bit of a rarity as well. Just once in a great while to make sure I can still do it.

Of course, all shots with the Colt Frontier Scout are SA, but that's a fun gun, not a SD/HD gun.

 

[jad0110]

Don't read into his post some nefarious sentiment that isn't there, just because you were offended by his previous post.

Agreed. Although I don't know MC personally, I've read enough of his posts to know that he is one of the finer gents on THR.

Good point. The long trigger stroke apparently helps me to stay focused on the front sight.

Yep. There is something about the rythm/cadence of a DA revolver that just suits my shooting style better than anything else. I can draw on a target and while pulling the trigger, make fine adjustments to the sight picture. I don't stage or anything, I just squeeze the trigger with steadily increasing force until the shot breaks.

Shooting a DA revolver in SA throws off my natural timining, so it actually feels awkward to me. I don't seem to have this problem with 1911s, though they still don't feel quite as natural to shoot as a good DA revolver. For this reason, the gun I carry most frequently may soon become my 2" Model 15, instead of my 1911.

Now, I don't claim to be a great shot. I do okay, but I could certainly do better. I just do my personal best when shooting a DA revolver in DA.

 

[22-rimfire]

I shoot about 75% single action with all of my DA revolvers. I shoot DA for fun mostly; not accuracy.

I shoot my Smith 442 double action only. I wonder why? But it and my 3" GP100 are the only two revolvers I own that I shoot and practice DA shooting due to self defense issues. For me shooting the larger calibers, namely 41 mag, most 357 mag, and 480 Ruger is a single action exercise and I just waste a lot of ammo in double action. I am a bit frugal when it comes to ammunition. When I took my CCW class, I shot my 3" GP100 exclusively in double action for the shooting portion and that was a bit of an education.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

What is your goal?

If your revolver is for Self-Defense use only, then use single action to gain basic skills, then switch to double-action and stick with it. Back when police departments used revolvers, many departments shot double-action, only.

If your goal is hunting, general woods carry, and so on, the single-action and precision is what you want.

If you do all of the above, then you need to mix your practice strategies. Generally, people who carry revolvers for SD carry snubbies, so shoot your snubby DA only, and shoot enough to maintain proficiency. For your other revolvers, shoot SA.

 

[ir3e971]

About 50 / 50.

I don't see all range time as "practicing". (even though it could be argued that it is)

I shoot a 642 frequently. That is obviously DAO, and intended for SD purposes. It is fun to shoot, and difficult to master.

However, when I take out a full size revolver, it is more for personal enjoyment. Then I shoot both DA and SA. A big old Smith 629 with a super trigger is a joy to shoot. Because it is is not a primary defense firearm, I enjoy the pistol and its craftsmanship in DA and SA.

 

[texas bulldog]

my revolvers are all for self-defense. thus, i practice only in DA.

now my wife will practice in SA, despite my repeated attempts to wean her off that habit. maybe i can convince her to get a DAO gun so that she won't be tempted to thumb the hammer.