For years, I stuck to striker-fired pistols. I liked their consistent trigger pull, the simplicity of their mechanics, and the ease of training with them. So when I finally picked up a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol, I assumed it would be just as intuitive. I was dead wrong.
My first attempts with a double-action trigger were a disaster. The long, heavy first trigger pull felt sluggish, my accuracy suffered, and I found myself instinctively rushing through it to get to the lighter single-action shots. It didn’t take long before I started thinking, “Maybe this just isn’t for me.” But instead of giving up, I decided to learn the system properly – and that changed everything.
Here’s what I learned, and how I went from struggling to mastering double-action shooting.
The Double-Action Difference
The biggest mistake I made was treating a DA/SA trigger like a striker-fired trigger. With a striker-fired pistol, you get one consistent trigger pull every time. With a double-action pistol, that first trigger pull is much heavier and longer because it both cocks and releases the hammer.
Once the first shot is fired, the hammer stays back, meaning the trigger now operates in single-action mode – a lighter, shorter pull. This creates a two-stage shooting process that requires a completely different approach than a Glock or M&P.
Why Double-Action Pistols Still Matter
Despite their learning curve, DA/SA pistols are still widely used by military, law enforcement, and concealed carriers. Why? Because that long, heavy first pull acts as a built-in safety.
Unlike a striker-fired gun, where an accidental trigger press can easily result in a negligent discharge, a double-action trigger requires a deliberate pull. This makes it safer for holstering, drawing, and high-stress situations.
That added safety is what made me push through the learning process. Once I realized why the trigger was designed this way, I knew it was worth mastering.
The Biggest Mistake New Shooters Make
The worst advice I ever heard was: “Just rush through the first shot to get to the easy single-action trigger.”
That mindset leads to wildly inaccurate first shots – and in a self-defense situation, that first shot is the most important one. If you miss your first shot under stress, you may not get a second.
Instead of rushing through the double-action pull, I had to learn how to control it properly. There are two major techniques for this, and once I figured them out, everything changed.
Method 1: The All-the-Way-Through Pull
The first method is a smooth, continuous trigger pull – not slow, not rushed, but steady.
The key here is to move the trigger at a consistent pace, avoiding any sudden jerks or hesitation. Many shooters make the mistake of pulling too slowly, causing their finger to fatigue, which often results in an abrupt flinch at the end.
Instead, think of it like rolling through a stop sign rather than slamming on the brakes. A steady pull, without stopping, gets the shot off cleanly.
Method 2: The Staged Trigger Pull
The second method, and my personal favorite, is called staging the trigger.
Instead of pulling all the way through in one motion, I pull back quickly to the “wall” – the point just before the trigger breaks – pause for a split second, then complete the press.
This gives more control, allows me to adjust my sights, and helps avoid trigger jerk. It also mimics the feeling of a single-action trigger, making transitions between shots much smoother.
After practicing this technique, I saw an instant improvement in my accuracy and consistency.
Why Dry Fire Training is Essential
One of the best things I did to fix my double-action struggles was dry fire training.
I started practicing at home, using an unloaded gun, aiming at a fixed target, and working through the trigger pull over and over. By building muscle memory, I got comfortable with the heavier pull without wasting ammo at the range.
This simple practice completely changed my confidence with DA/SA guns.
Mastering the Draw and First Shot
Training a smooth draw with a DA/SA pistol is crucial. Unlike a striker-fired gun, where you simply draw and fire, a double-action requires an extra layer of awareness.
When holstering or drawing, I keep my thumb on the hammer. This way, if something snags the trigger, I can feel the hammer start to move and stop the motion before an accidental discharge.
I also made sure to decock my pistol after every shot while practicing, so that I was always drawing from double-action mode, not single-action. This built the habit of always training for the first shot, rather than relying on easy follow-ups.
The Importance of Grip and Trigger Placement
If you don’t have a solid grip, you will struggle with pulling the double-action trigger smoothly.
The biggest problem I had early on was using too little of my trigger finger. With a striker-fired gun, you typically use the pad of your finger. But with a double-action, you need more leverage – which means placing more of your finger on the trigger, often up to the first joint.
I also realized grip pressure matters. Too much grip tension in the firing hand can cause the entire gun to move, pulling shots off target. Instead, I focused on firm pressure from my support hand, while keeping my trigger hand relaxed.
Why Striker-Fired Shooters Struggle with DA/SA
Many shooters – including myself at first – struggle with double-action because they try to treat it like a striker-fired gun. The timing, grip, and trigger pull all require a different approach.
Striker-fired shooters get used to one type of trigger pull, so when they encounter a long double-action pull, they either jerk the shot or hesitate too much. The fix? Understanding that DA/SA is a different system and adjusting accordingly.
The Payoff: Why DA/SA is Worth the Effort
Once I got comfortable with double-action shooting, I found huge benefits.
- Greater safety – The long first pull makes accidental discharges less likely.
- More control – The ability to decock and re-engage the trigger makes it easy to manage under stress.
- Smoother shooting – Single-action follow-up shots feel crisper and more precise than a typical striker trigger.
After putting in the time to learn the system, I now prefer DA/SA over strikers for carry.
If You Struggle, Keep Training
I almost gave up on double-action pistols because I assumed they worked like my striker-fired guns. That was a huge mistake. But once I changed my approach, practiced my trigger control, and adjusted my grip and technique, I discovered just how effective and reliable DA/SA pistols can be.
If you’re struggling with a double-action trigger, don’t give up – train differently. Once you master it, you’ll see why so many shooters still trust DA/SA for serious use.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.