Single and Double Action Triggers, How Important Are They?

[Neo Elve]

Alright AP, I'm looking into getting my self a nice GBB pistol. After settling on KWA as the manufacturer I found I liked two of their pistols.

KWA M9 Tactical PTP (Double Action) [url]http://www.kwausa.com/products_m9tactical.html[/url]

KWA M1911 MKII PTP (Single Action)
[url]http://www.kwausa.com/products_1911mk2.html[/url]

Though these pistols differ on their trigger types. Now, I understand that the double action trigger will cock the hammer for me but do I need to pull back the slide to chamber the first bb anyway? Also, in your opinion, does it really matter if a pistol is double or single action?

[Beran]

for a duty pistol, yes. carrying a weapon with a double action trigger is more secure and you will have less chance of a negligent discharge.

for airsoft, it doesn't really matter in my opinion.

[VogonFord]

The advantage of double action is that if it has a decocking lever you can have the hammer down on a loaded chamber when holstered, pretty much eliminating the possibility of negligent discharge, and when you draw just pull the trigger. That said, in airsoft it doesn't really matter all that much (shooting yourself isn't exactly lethal). Pretty much just go for which pistol you like more. If you want it to be safe, put it on safe. I frequently carry my pistols magazine out anyway, so there's no chance of a negligent discharge in the first place (That's for the purpose of not losing magazines, though). If I'm looking for a fast draw, I use a Glock in a SERPA, which is single action.

Again, just choose which pistol you like best. The trigger style isn't as important in airsoft as it is in real life.

[ogrejager]

Dude.

Go pick 'em both up. Maybe even shoot them. See which one fits better. Which one looks better? Use those last two criteria to decide which TOY to get.

If you want a real steel gun, get a double action. What do you want for airsoft? Whichever one you like the most.

[RiotingCows]

I have a KWA M9 Tactical PTP. I love it, just don't use it much.

I wouldn't worry to much about the trigger action. Just decide which one do you think is sexier and go with that.

[quigly]

1911 ALL THE WAY!

[Seagreen]

Live weapons....I think it's operator skillset and preference.

Airsoft, go try everything that you can at an event. Most everyone is pretty giving when it comes to popping a cap or two with their favorite toys.

I'm not a big fan of the double to single action pistols. Double only, or single action have always been a better performer both on live and airsoft formats.

[Hallowground]

the only real difference i can see from airsoft practicality is your holsters retention style and your draw preference. if you use a 1911 it can be difficult to use most holsters retentions with the gun cocked and locked, but if you're using a serpa it shouldn't matter much at all. of course if you like the 1911 and don't want to run a hard holster, an isreali draw might be for you. also some people really like to pull a hammer back with their thumb and bust a cap.

[quigly]

With 1911s you can go to a half cock where the trigger can't activate the hammer. Then it is as simple as fully pulling it back as you draw. No need for some dramatic hammer pull. As long as you practice, it can be just as fast as if it was fully locked and loaded. It also helps secure the gun better if you use a thumb break holster.

[Jester316]

In theory I like DA/SA pistols, but in practicality, they always end up in SA mode in the holster (for both airsoft and live guns). Of course if I'm carrying to protect myself with, it very well might end up with a striker action (Glock, M&P,...).

Get what looks cool for airsoft.

[Neo Elve]

First off, thanks for the responses guys. Secondly, I live in VT and around here there aren't any airsoft stores around. Sadly that means I can't see how different pistols fit me. :(

Now, the overall feel I'm getting is that DA/SA doesn't matter a whole lot for airsoft. What does matter is the pistol and how it fits. Cool.

So AP, I think the above pistols are nice. Now I'm wondering if you agree or if you have any other high quality pistols in mind?

[quigly]

Both of those KWAs are wonderful. I've haven't owned one, but handling a few, they seem pretty solid. Never shot one though.

[DJ]

Both of those KWAs are wonderful. I've haven't owned one, but handling a few, they seem pretty solid. Never shot one though.

I own multiple KWA pistols including your choice of the 1911. I have been very happy with them as for reliability and quality. As for fit in your hand, it is not such as big deal in airsoft as the recoil factor is negligible. Go to an actual gun store and try how they feel in your hand, go from there. My recommendation is to get what strikes your fancy. My personal choice is the KSC (= KWA) Glock series because of the simplicity / lack of moving parts to break. The KSC is slightly better (in my opinion) because it is more authentic to the real gun ( it has the trigger "safety" lever and the KWA does not) If you want a Glock, you will probably have to get it out of country as Glock is pretty protective of their trademark / image in the US. Happy hunting, and Merry Christmas from Oregon.

[Nocte]

The thing to consider, is that a double-action trigger has, literally, TWICE the action of a single-action trigger. How much action do you really think you'll need? There is such a thing as too much action, but perhaps you're looking to inject a little action into your airsoft experience. Ultimately, I think it's up to you to decide if you can handle all that action (or not).

[Neo Elve]

I'm glad those pistols are solid.

Now as far as getting a Glock goes, I would love to get a G17 but sadly they are almost almost always out of stock.