Why single/double action on service revolvers?

[XxWINxX94]

I don't even use the DA on any of my revolvers

+1,
Very rarely do I use that either. It kind of throws off your point of aim from the pressure needed for the DA trigger pull.

However, if you wanted to get 6 rounds on a big target at close range as fast as you can, then you can't beat the DA.

 

[9mmepiphany]

+1,
Very rarely do I use that either. It kind of throws off your point of aim from the pressure needed for the DA trigger pull.

It doesn't if you press the trigger just like you do the SA one, just over alonger distance

However, if you wanted to get 6 rounds on a big target at close range as fast as you can, then you can't beat the DA.

I guess it depends on how you define close range. My instructor shoots a DA/SA in competition out to 25 yards with a DA first shot at the same speed and accuracy as he did when shooting his 1911 (GM in both USPSA and IDPA)

I'm not that good, I slow down much beyond 15-20 yards...keeping the shots inside the X-ring (~6")

 

[XxWINxX94]

It doesn't if you press the trigger just like you do the SA one, just over alonger distance

I guess it depends on what you're shooting. I find my point of aim is severly impacted if I'm slowly shooting a revolver with a really heavy trigger pull in DA with no benchrest/support. This was the last time I even tried shooting DA, only used the SA for the revolvers I can. I just find that the SA is better for precision shooting, IMO.

I guess it depends on how you define close range. My instructor shoots a DA/SA in competition out to 25 yards with a DA first shot at the same speed and accuracy as he did when shooting his 1911 (GM in both USPSA and IDPA)

Impressive! I'm not sure what I would call close range, probably something less than 10 yards where you can just get all 6 shots on target fairly quick.

This is what I find as a novice revolver shooter, I'm sure the more expirienced folks have different outlook when it comes to the DA/SA stuff.

 

[pikid89]

probably for the same reason the SIG P250 never really caught on as a service pistol, or in general for that matter
DAO is generally only embraced by the deep concealment/last ditch/BUG carriers..(ex. S&W 642, LCP)

 

[9mmepiphany]

DAO is generally only embraced by the deep concealment/last ditch/BUG carriers..(ex. S&W 642, LCP)

I would offer a differing opinion.

For many years Competitive PPC was shot in DAO out to 50 yards and the Bianchi Cup was ruled for many year by wheelguns also shot in DAO. The current ICORE, IDPA and USPSA classes have competitors all shooting revolvers in DAO...as it is just as accurate and faster.

When referring to semi-auto pistols...disregarding Glocks and M&Ps which aren't a true DAO...the Sig DAK and H&K LEM triggers are very popular and can be shot very accurately

 

[Jenrick]

The LEM is actually a pre-cocked SA trigger with a lot of slack, it functions just like Para's LDA. The problem with the 250 is that it has horrendous recoil characteristics in anything other then 9mm. The trigger is actually very shootable, it just sucks to try to hold onto after it goes off.

-Jenrick

 

[GLShooter]

I've shot revolvers in IPSC since 1985. One a full house compensated 25-2 and the other a 5" compensated L-Frame.Manged to eek out six total High Revolver awards between the Open and the Indoor US IPSC Nationals . All my serious competition revolvers are DAO. NO single action available period. The one 586 that does have either has been left unmolested for NRA silhouette straight wall pistol matches with a scope and is shot SA or pressed in to duty in my AZ Police Games for Combat Pistol. I still shoot it DA for those.

I also shoot PC with a K-frame. Ranges are from 7 to 50 yards. All shot DA. Once again no SA available. In fact the three revolvers I use have all had the hammer spurs removed.

I can say that I can shoot stages with double action far quicker than with single. How fast you can go does come down to the amount of practice and skill you can bring to the line along with equipment and any helpful modifications.

For pure accuracy at 50 yards and beyond with generous times or no pressure the SA is easier to hit with when addressing small targets like IHMSA steel or similar stuff. My Model 29 was always shot SA until I bought a SBH and then of course I had to do it that way.LOL

A box stock revolver from Smith is not as smooth as silk in DA and we all know that. My feelings are that when I buy a revolver it goes straight to a 'smith before I even shoot it. No sense wasting my time until I feel it is "right"

I don't have issues with cocking the pistol but for SD use I would just as soon leave the fine motor skill demands alone and go with something that takes a bit more work to set into play.

Just my rambling thoughts on this. Everyone has their theories and druthers. YMMV

Greg