NCJ Number
199767
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2003 Pages: 40-43
Date Published
March 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The author describes his testing of four types of trigger mechanisms with four 9mm sample pistols.
Abstract
The article first explains the pros and cons of the following trigger mechanisms: single action (SA), which allows the operator to carry the pistol either hammer down on an empty chamber or "cocked and locked;" double action/single action (DA/SA), which allows the hammer to be carried down on a loaded chamber and the first shot to be fired by a long, double-action trigger pull while subsequent shots can be fired in single-action mode; safe action, which is a striker-fired system that is partially cocked when the pistol's slide goes forward; and double action only (DAO), which combines the safety and simplicity of the DA revolver with the benefits of the modern semiauto pistol. The test of these trigger mechanisms consisted of firing at targets set up at 7 yards. The tester drew the pistol and fired eight slow fire rounds ("head" shots only); drew the pistol and fired four sets of rapid fire double taps, reholstering between each two-shot string; did repeat double-tap drill firing of the pistol weak-handed; and drew the pistol and fired eight rounds as fast as a flash sight picture could be acquired. For accuracy and overall ease of operation, the tester rated the Safe Action the highest. For speed, the Safe Action and the SA tied. Because of ease of handling and built-in safety features, the tester gave the Safe Action trigger the highest rating, with the DA/SA system as a runner up. The author advises, however, that officers or agencies try pistols with all four types of triggers and, after extensive practice, decide which system best suits one's needs.