Rhode Island Gunsmith > Training > Single and Double Action

Firearms Training

Single and Double Action

By + John P. Silvaggio

The main difference between a single action and a double action is how the trigger is cocked.

1. Single-action - the trigger performs one action; releasing the hammer. The hammer must be manually cocked with the thumb.
2. Double-action - the trigger performs two tasks; it both cocks and releases the hammer. Most double-action revolvers can also be fired in a single-action mode by cocking the hammer with the thumb

• Revolvers can be classifed as single-action or double-action
• Semi-automatics can be classified as one of three types: Single-action, double-action, double-action-only