Single or Double Action for CCW.

[.45Ruger]

Last night I was at the range firing with each of the three guns I usually cary. (Not at the same time) I have an Oficer's Model 1911, Springfield XD 40 and Ruger P95. I came to the conclusion that I really need to pick one type of action and train for that one. It takes alot of different training to go from, double action Ruger to point and shoot XD. I decided I dont want carry the P95 so the question becomes, 1911 or XD. I shoot both about equally and can conceal both. I do like the extra 4 rounds I get in the XD but man I love the .45. I guess my question is if you were me what would you do?

 

[Haycreek]

D/A or S/A

Fast is Fine, but Accuracy is Final, so which one can you draw and hit the target with on your "first" shot. Make the first one count, if your first D/A round seems to be a "flyer", you better stick with cocked and locked , single action 1911. And practice "thumb safety and trigger finger discipline"

 

[Soap]

I'll only carry a Single or Striker-fired (like the XD). I don't like variable weight trigger pulls even though I shoot them fairly well.

 

[Logistar]

I really think it is a personal choice based on your confidence and comfort level with each choice.

I agree that accuracy is very important. However, I seem to have about the same accuracy whether double or single action. I have engaged my target quickly in DA and SA using my Beretta. The groups are roughly the same. (I don't know whether to say I am a great DA shooter or a poor SA shooter! )

Since there is little difference for me and I also practice DA followed by SA shots, I prefer DA with NO safety. Pull gun, pull trigger. - Simple, easy, works for me. - and yes... I have confidence in my first DA shot.

(Having said that... a short time ago, I refused to carry anything other than DAO. After carrying for a while, I guess you could say my tastes changed - At least this gives me an excuse to buy more guns!)

Logistar

 

[LiquidTension]

I'd go with the 1911, but I'm a little biased I suppose

 

[blades67]

Single or Double Action for CCW?

Yes.

 

[MolonLabe416]

Both the XD and the 1911 are good choices. You were right not to consider the P95. Big and klunky. As Col. Cooper has opined, "DA is an ingenious solution to a non-existent problem."

You are right to settle on one system or the other and train primarily with that system. Either the XD or 1911 will do. I'd run some tests and see what works best for you. The best test is a 3 day class with a good instructor. Take two in close proximity. Shoot one in the first class and the other in the second. Choose the one that works best for you.

 

[Blackhawk]

Logistar said everything perfectly for me to simply echo!

 

[.45Ruger]

I had another range session today and have decided to carry the XD. I have also gone ahead and ordered an XD-9 Subcompact so that I can have two carry guns with the same action and one is smaller and easier to conceal.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Personally, I'd stick with the single action.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

My personal preference is the DAO Glock (I know, technically it's not DAO). I like the same trigger pull for each shot for a CCW weapon.

 

[Greybeard]

Personal preference is Double Action Only, small and light enough to be "always" gun. I'm experimenting these days with transitioning from S&W 340 to Kahr PM9. Similar trigger pull on each was one part of the decision.

We've got a member who comes to the range at least twice a month. Another admitted "addict". He generally brings so many handguns that he uses not just a range bag, but a box and wheeled buggy.

Latest aquisition was a Kimber. A cheap Ruger "car gun" before that. Before that, a Sig. Another Glock before that. A Beretta 21A before that. And also shoots a few j-frames.

He was complaining earlier this week about his inability to be equally consistent with the "favorites". As a friend, I semi-tactfully unloaded on him that, IMHO, he was NEVER gonna get really good with any one of 'em as long as he kept up jumping around every time he came out ...

 

[El Tejon]

Carry single actions myself, a 1911 and a Kahr P9.

Grey has it. Pick the guns you like, train with them and then get multiple copies of the same gun.

 

[Handy]

Accuracy is the least important consideration in a CCW pistol.

That's a myth, if anything.


Your main concerns are reliability and safety. A DA trigger is a larger margin of safety than a weapon with a light trigger and is a more reliable way to get off the critical shot than a system that requires a manipulation of more than a trigger.


Think about it this way: The average defensive shooting is going to take place at 3 yards or less. Aside from the fact that the worst trigger on the most inaccurate gun is still going to be easy to get center hits at that range, the gun is really acting as a contact weapon. A DA trigger gives you a simple, fumble proof method of firing defensively while fending off blows or in close physical contact.

DA triggered autos, like the P95 you mention, are also the least sensitive to carry method. A holster is always best, but in a pinch a DA can be safely carried in a waistband. That's pretty much a no-no with 1911 or XD. Remember, there is a better chance of shooting yourself than needing to shoot an attacker if you carry for the rest of your life. Don't increase the odds against yourself unnecessarily with a method of carry that requires a greater degree of alertness for safety.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

My carry arms have become SA or DAO. My DA has been put out to pasture. (Only because it's too big)

 

[jimbo]

JMHO I believe in the additional safety of DA first shot to reduce accidents. I've owned all manner of operating systems in handguns and I don't see any difference in 1st shot accuracy between my Kimber, Glock or Sig 220.

The effects of fear and stress during self-defense will have a far larger affect on 1st shot accuracy than the operating system you choose. I would go with DA/SA for a carry gun.

That said, I applaud your decision to train with one operating system and stick with it.

 

[chaim]

I have long been a fan of SA autos for defensive purposes. Quick first shot with consistent follow-up shots, there is certainly something to be said about it. It is also a safe and proven system, either with the additional grip safety like in the 1911 or without like in the BHP. Those who are concerned with the safety of the system I think are worrying over a non-issue. However, it does take some training specifically geared towards making sure you remember to disengage the safety in a SD situation.

That said, I have decided (at least for now) to move to using a DA first shot (or even buying a DAO) for exclusive SD use.

Why? Because I love revolvers and my primary HD gun is a revolver (actually I alternate between a few) and when I move to a carry state I intend to primarily carry a revolver. For training and muscle memory purposes I think it would be smart to use self defense autos with as similar a manual of arms as possible if I plan to occasionally switch off (less to go wrong if I am always using the same manual of arms). For that reason I plan to use DA autos for defense from now on, either decocker only, decocked and safety disengaged or DAO.

If you are not a revolver guy and you want to consoladate to only one action type for SD purposes then go with what is most comfortable for you. There are some things to be said for DA or DAO guns (such as no safety to worry about, and the DAO still gives the consistent shots) so it isn't cut and dry that a SA gun is better. Thus, my advice is go w/ the action that the gun you shoot best or feel most comfortable with is in. Then any other guns you may chose to carry or use for HD just needs to be of the same action type for consistency.

Oh, and out of the two guns you have narrowed down to, well I can't really help. I love 1911s and should I ever change my mind about how I'm going to do things (like if I decide to do away w/ revolvers for SD work or if I go back to my original- revolvers, DA decocked or DAO autos that work like revolvers AND SA guns with the safety that works in the right direction- the only safeties to deal w/ in that plan are SA safeties) then I will certainly plan to get some carry 1911s. However, I do like the XD alot, the one I shot was nice and I certainly would like to pick one up sometime myself (yes, as a possible carry gun if I move to a CCW state).

Deciding on the XD I think you made the right choice, but then since I was undecided based on what you narrowed it down to I guess I could have said that either way

 

[M1911]

1 guess

 

[355sigfan]

Well Single action guns and short action trigger guns like the Glock are the easiest guns for people to shoot well. While teaching and from my own experience I have observed that da triggers in DA SA guns either slow the shooter down on the first shot or they cause him or her to place the shot other than where they intended. The degree off target the first shot is depends on the skill of the shooter. But DA SA guns can be shot well it just takes more time and training. Also you will never shoot one as fast and as accurate as you would a single action design like the 1911.
PAT

 

[10-Ring]

Go w/ the one you like best right now & can commit some training time into.

 

[Ala Dan]

In MY case,

I prefer DA over SA any day of the week! It doesn't
matter whether or not it's a semi-auto self loader or
a revolver; I shoot both equally! But, I have been known
to carry a BHP "Practical model" 9m/m ever once in awhile.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[JPM70535]

For my money the best of both worlds can be had with a Para-Ordnance LDA. Lightest, smoothest most consistant trigger pulls and a 1911 safety sysyem that makes the pistol safe to tuck in a waistband "Mexican" sans belt and holster.


GOD MADE MAN, SAM COLT MADE THEM ALL EQUAL!!!

 

[Serpico]

If you have to ask, go with DA...single action should be for die hard fans who would never think of carrying anything else...