Help choosing a trigger system for CCW

[Dollar An Hour]

How did you guys arrive at your trigger system of choice? Was it the system of the first pistol you spent alot of time with? Or did you choose a system based on what you *thought* sounded like the way to go?

I've only owned DAO semiautos and revolvers and I'm looking for a primary CCW in 9mm or maybe .40.

I haven't become "set in my ways" with any certain trigger system such as TDA or 1911 style C&L, so I'm ready to choose one, practice like crazy until the system becomes second nature.

Can someone explain where decocker models fit into the equation, and the pros & cons of these?

FWIW, I've narrowed my choices down to a Walther P99C AS, Glock 26, S&W CS9 or 3913 TSW and the SIG P239 (haven't decided on DAK trigger versus SA/DA).

Maybe a doozy of a question, but I'm curious to hear reasons why people have chosen their trigger system. Thanks.

 

[Nitrogen]

I just shot a bunch of guns before I chose my XD-9.

Pick whatever you're most comfortible with, and can shoot best with.

 

[rellascout]

Do you like your Keltec? That is pretty long DA pull. If I were looking for a DA only gun in 9mm for CCW I would get a Glock 19. The advantage of a DAO gun like a Glock is a single consistent trigger pull with no external safeties, except the one between your ears. You only have to train for one trigger pull set around 6.5 lbs. The disadvantage is that there are no safeties except the one between your ears.

DA/SA guns like the Sig are also great for carry but they have two different trigger pulls that one must master. The first pull is long and heavy. 12 to 15 pounds. Then the guns fires in a SA mode at about 4.5lbs. Many people have trouble mastering the 2 pulls. Again you have no safeties but the 12 lb pull makes the gun very safe because it requires a very deliberate pull to make the gun fire.

Decockers are used on DA/SA guns to safety decock/ drop the hammer onto a loaded chamber without firing the gun allowing for DA carry.

Finally there is 1911 style SA. You chamber the round and use an external manual safety to lock the action. You simply disengage the safety and fire single action. Major advantage is only one trigger pull. But you must train to use the safety. C&L just makes some people nervous but it has been proven safe over and over again.

I mainly carry DA/SA or SA only. One is not better than the other IMHO. Training is the key. If you shoot enough and practice enough you can master any of the trigger systems and be effective.

 

[chris in va]

I wanted something that is ready to go in a panic situation. No safeties or other doodads to get in the way. All my CCW have decockers or DAO.

 

[P95Carry]

My EDC for last 17 months has been SIG 226 - prior to that I used SP-101 for ages. Going to semi I wanted easy safety and while no probs with C&L and 1911 chose to go DA/SA. I like the extra travel of DA - it is no problem at all and if adrenaline in the equation even less so.

It is all the safety I need and then shot #2 and on - easy SA.

I have a Smith SW99 - and that has seen some duty too in past - that also is fine for me.

The Glock would be fine for you I expect but just not as keen on the trigger - would prefer an XD these days. So from your list I'd be happy with 239 or 99 - tho for slightly different reasons. The SIG would win tho on favored manual of arms.

 

[antsi]

I like SIGs. Did not take me long to get used to DA/SA. You have to acquire the habit of decocking before holstering, which doesn't take long to do. You will feel silly when your thumb reaches for the decocker on a Glock or 1911 though.

 

[10-Ring]

I have the most rounds through DA/SA pistols, followed closely by DA revolvers. I figured that once I got comfortable w/ both I could shoot anything.
Which trigger system would I designate as my #1? All things considered, I prefer DA/SA (yeah, surprise, surprise) for its safety & quick follow up shot capability.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

The Glock would be fine for you I expect but just not as keen on the trigger - would prefer an XD these days. So from your list I'd be happy with 239 or 99 - tho for slightly different reasons. The SIG would win tho on favored manual of arms.

When you say Sig I'm assuming you mean standard DA/SA trigger, not the DAK?

The Walther AS trigger also sounds pretty cool with the long travel, low pull first shot.

I understand that (both style) Sig triggers, Glock triggers and P99 AS triggers all have short resets, correct?

 

[DunedinDragon]

I'd say it might take some thought and experimentation on your part before you really decide what you're most comfortable with carrying. At least it was that way for me.

I have all types of trigger pulls, a DAO (Taurus Mil-Pro), Glock 19, two Sig DA/SA's, and a 1911. Because I practice extensively with all my pistols, I wouldn't be terribly concerned about carrying any of them. That being said, however, I've tended over time to center on carrying my Sigs.

What really has brought me to that decision is less about safety and more about control should I be placed in a situation where I have to draw my gun. I think there are plenty of scenarios I can envision where I might draw my gun and even be prepared to shoot, but because the situation changes abruptly I want to back off (i.e. BG decides to run away). The triggers that are most ameanable to that are DAO and DA/SA. IMO, if I have made the commitment to actually fire then I don't see a need for DA after the first shot. I want a nice crisp trigger for follow-up. I would also say this choice carries with it the need to incorporate decocking and DA/SA into your range time. I do that by always firing a series of 3 or 4 shots, decock, and fire the next series...hopefully building muscle memory.

I think it's really a matter of what fits YOUR particular thoughts about carrying and self-defense.

 

[JDGray]

I like the CZ75, the safty only works in SA mode, cocked and locked, or you can carry it hammer down. The looong DA trigger, is safe to carry without a safty, or you can carry it in the half cocked position, for a reduced pull lenght and weight.

 

[Soybomb]

I wanted something with no manual safeties to be turned on accidentally or forgotten to be turned off in a panic. My p99 has my favorite TDA trigger, but i'll also go for dao if I need to for a pocket gun.

 

[flashman70]

My wife just got the H&K P2000 - primarily because it has ambi controls. It's the version 2 - DAO with no decocker, but a relatively heavy LEM trigger. After working with it I like the LEM trigger. Subsequent versions have a lighter trigger, spurred hammer and decocker, which might be better for CCW. But you might look at the H&K.

 

[DoubleR]

Trigger System & S&W 3913TSW

I'm used to the DA/SA on my Beretta FS92 and I now have a S&W 3913TSW that I started breaking in last week. Works just like what I'm familiar with. I really like it, based on the size and weight. The DA trigger is pretty light and the SA is almost non-existant. Try to find a range where you can test fire some pistols. It's what you will comfortable with that matters. I knew that the 3913TSW was for me after 5 rounds while taking it for a "Test Drive".

DoubleR

 

[waterhouse]

It was a long road to get where I am now.

Started with a Glock 19. I shot very poorly with it, partly because it didn't fit my hand and partly because I didn't like the trigger.

I quickly switched to the SIG line, going through a 228 and 239 before settling on a 225. They all have the same trigger (or at least they did at the time, newer models have more options), DA/SA. It took me a lot of practice to make my first shot go where I wanted. In single action I loved them, but my groups were always the "first shot" and then the "rest of the shots." It was pretty clear on paper that even after practicing a lot it wasn't the best system for me. I still own some of the SIGs, and I shoot them at the range (since I have time to cock before the first shot), but I don't carry them anymore.

Went to a 1911 for a while, and still carry one on occasion. I love the trigger. Same pull every time.

Now I carry a P7, same trigger pull every time.

I'll take safeties in exchange for the same trigger pull every time, mainly because I shoot much better with that system. Everyone always talks about shot placement, and I just couldn't do it well with a DA/SA gun.

 

[BullfrogKen]

The talk about the perceived shortcoming a 1911 safety, forgetting about it, fumbling it. Unless you plan on not training at all with your handgun, its really just not an issue.


At one time I bought into the misconception and nonsense about it. Then I got one and practiced with it. Its just not a problem.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Do you get what you pay for?

Do you like your Keltec? That is pretty long DA pull.

I think it's a perfect trigger for a pocket pistol, but I don't see the need for a DAO belt gun. I was considering the Kel-Tec P11 as it has some neat qualities - weighs only 14 oz, 12 round mags readily available, small and easy to carry. But the trigger is longer and heavier than my P32 and I can't help but think maybe you really do get what you pay for. So as a primary carry I feel better spending more on a weapon to depend on in a SD scenario.

OTOH, I get the feeling that maybe Sigs are overpriced - great pistols, but not a great value. Alot of posters in the Most Overrated Handgun thread seem to agree.