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Is DA/SA really better than SA/SA?

Whether or not you prefer double-action (DA), single-action (SA), or a combination of the two (DA/SA) will depend largely upon your level of experience, as well as what you are looking for in a pistol. But, before getting into comparison features, it is important to understand what these terms mean, especially for beginners.

Single-action and double-action

Originally applied to revolvers, the terms SA and DA refer to firing the gun with a cocked or down hammer. If the hammer is pulled back (cocked), the trigger action will be shorter and quicker, or single-action; if the hammer is down, the trigger pull will be longer and harder, as the hammer needs to pull back and then snap forwards again, making it double-action. As weapons technology has advanced, these terms can be applied to semi-automatic pistols as well.

A single-action only (SAO or SA/SA) pistol will always have a short trigger pull, such as the Smith & Wesson M & P or Colt 1911. A double-action only (DAO) pistol always has the longer trigger pull, such as revolvers with a covered hammer like the Ruger LCR. DAO pistols are required by some police departments like the New York Police Department because of this longer pull.

A double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol is usually semi-automatic and unsurprisingly refers to a mixture of both designs. The first trigger pull will be long and in the DA style, but all subsequent pulls will be SA for swifter follow-up shots.

Use in self-defence

When using revolvers, a DA/SA style is usually preferable, offering both fast and slow shooting capabilities. Some covered-hammer DAO revolvers can be beneficial for a quick draw, as there is no risk of the hammer snagging on the holster, but you will only get that harder pull that can make it more difficult to aim. SA/SA revolvers are a worse option because they do not have the DA’s swing-out cylinder, which allows for simultaneous ejection and loading of all 5-8 rounds. Instead, they have to be fed one round at a time through a loading gate, wasting time.

Semi-automatic pistols were originally all SA/SA. Examples like the Colt 1911 are enduring favourites and provide that clean action for quicker, more accurate shots. However, SA/SA pistols can be more dangerous to carry. If they are holstered without the safety engaged, you are essentially carrying around a cocked weapon. A DA/SA pistol’s longer first pull can help add an extra layer of security to prevent accidental discharge.

For beginners

The transition from a DA to SA trigger action can be disconcerting for many new shooters. Even though the heavier trigger action can hinder accuracy, DAO pistols are often used by police departments for the extra safety of a double-action trigger and because they allow for a more controlled rate of fire.

Ultimately, it depends on what you want from a firearm. SA/SA will provide swift, easy action, whereas a DA/SA or DAO weapon adds an extra layer of security when holstered. Whatever the case, remember that training is the most important factor.

Does Dry Fire Training Help?

Dry firing is the practice of firing a firearm without any live ammunition in the gun. The user will pull the trigger, and the hammer will drop, but nothing else will happen. Dry fire training can be very beneficial and can help the user to improve their firearm skills. The user does not even need to go all the way out to a firing range to practice dry firing, as it can be done within their own home or land. So how does dry firing work exactly? And how does it help the user improve their firing skills?

How do you dry fire train?

To dry fire train, you must first make sure that your firearm is unloaded and pick a point on a target to aim for. You simply aim for this target as you would do normally with loaded ammunition and after you have dry fired once, you can simply go again after resetting the trigger. It is crucially important, however, that you remember the rules regarding gun safety, and be sure to fire away from any other people or animals. You should also double check that your firearm is unloaded, just to be extra safe before you begin.

What are the benefits of dry fire training?

Firstly, dry fire training helps the user to practice trigger training without developing a flinch, which is a natural reflex to develop when shooting a loaded gun. The lack of a loud bang means that the user will not develop this preemptive habit and so when the user moves onto using guns that are loaded with ammunition, they won’t find themselves flinching as they would have otherwise. Dry firing also allows people to practice shooting in locations where they would not be able to with live ammunition, granting the user extra practice time that they would perhaps not have gotten if they had needed to travel to a firing range every time they wanted to practice.

Dry fire training also trains the user’s body to pull the gun’s trigger cleanly, whilst teaching the user important skills regarding safe gun handling. Dry firing will allow you to improve your stance, trigger control and sight alignment, all of which are very important in improving your control over the gun. As well as those reasons, the very opportunity to just maintain your shooting skills makes dry firing worthwhile, as skills will diminish without practice.

Is dry firing bad for your gun?

Whilst dry firing is a safe way to practice your skills, excessively dry firing a gun can damage your firearm. The firing pin in a gun is supposed to strike a primer, which would normally be located within a cartridge. However, when dry firing, a cartridge is not present, and so there is nothing for the pin to strike. This can lead to the firing pin becoming damaged, so it is important not to dry fire your gun constantly. However, there is a way around this issue. All you need to do is invest in some snap caps. These are dummy rounds which the firing pin will strike, therefore preventing any damage that could be caused. This would mean that you could reap the benefits of dry fire training without fear of causing any damage to your firearms.

What Is The Best Cleaning Lubricant For Pistols?

When you become a gun owner, safety becomes paramount. One of the most important things to know as a pistol owner is that you should be regularly cleaning your pistol. Firing your gun causes dirt and dust to build up in the barrel, and this can make your gun unreliable as its performance declines due to the lack of care. This means that it is essential that you never neglect your gun maintenance, as you will only live to regret it later. So, what are the best cleaning lubricants for pistols?

Bisley Gun Oil

This cleaning lubricant is a good choice. It prevents corrosion and rusting as it has a unique rust inhibitor, which will help your pistol continue performing at its best for longer. This cleaning lubricant is good to try on all guns and is not too expensive either. Bisley also offers their gun oil in other forms, such as their gun grease.

Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil

For those who want to do their part to help the environment, then this choice is for you. Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil is biodegradable, so it is not as harmful to the environment as other cleaning lubricants are. As well as this, it is great for lubricating pistols and offers a layer of protection for wood, metal, leather and plastic. Due to its alkaline nature, this cleaning oil actually manages to neutralise sweat and other bodily fluids, so there is no need to worry about grubby hands ruining your pistol.

Lucas Oil Gun Oil

Another environmentally friendly gun cleaner, Lucas Oil Gun Oil is recommended by major firearm manufacturers for its ability to lubricate any type of firearm. Cleaning your pistol with this gun oil will make your firearm smoother and make the levers and springs feel brand new again. This oil can also be stored long-term, so if you do not clean your pistol very often, you do not need to worry about your gun oil going to waste.

Pro Shot Zero Friction Needle Oiler

This cleaning oil is great for those who like to be precise. The needle allows you to pinpoint exactly where on your firearm you want to drop the oil onto without creating any mess. The lubrication that this cleaner provides will ensure that your pistol continues to operate smoothly and is great for reaching those difficult areas of your pistol, which you may otherwise struggle to clean regularly and effectively.

Hoppe’s No.9

This cleaning lubricant is sure to impress as it reached number one on Amazon’s list for the best gun cleaning lubricant. Hoppe’s provides a barrier which will prevent corrosion and which will protect your pistol from general wear and tear. This cleaning lubricant is safe and easy to use and even comes with a child-proof cap to prevent any accidents occurring if there are young children in your home. Hoppe’s has been a worldwide favourite since 1903, so you really cannot go wrong in choosing them to care for your firearms.

Is a Higher Capacity Or Larger Caliber Better For Training?

When choosing a gun, you must decide whether you would like your firearm to have a higher capacity or a larger caliber. A gun’s capacity refers to the number of rounds it can hold, whilst a gun’s caliber refers to the size of the bullets that the gun can hold, and choosing a higher caliber means that you forfeit higher capacity and vice versa. It is up to the individual whether they would prefer to have more rounds or fewer rounds at a higher level of power, but what one is better for training?

The benefits of higher capacity 

In terms of training, having a gun with a higher capacity will give you more ammunition to practice with. When you are learning how to shoot, it will not do you any harm to have more ammunition to practice with. Training to shoot with a gun that has a higher capacity is also a more realistic starting point for those who are new to guns. Practicing with a gun with a larger caliber can be daunting and put a person off, so training with a gun that has a higher capacity is a better place to start if you are in this situation. It will allow you to become used to shooting and handling a less powerful gun before you move onto one that is more powerful, and give you a chance to improve your aim before moving onto a firearm which has fewer bullets for you to practice with. This will mean that by the time you move onto a more powerful gun, you will be less likely to miss your shot, which becomes a bigger issue with guns of higher caliber as there are fewer shots to take.

The benefits of a higher caliber 

However, if you decide to train with a higher caliber, then you will become adjusted to a more powerful gun, to begin with. Whilst you may find the training more difficult to start with initially, it will be worthwhile in the long run as once you have mastered your control over the gun, any other firearm will be easy to control in comparison. Training with a higher caliber will also mean that you truly appreciate the importance of each bullet, as you have less of them and will have to make sure that you perfect your shooting skills to ensure that you do not waste any bullets. There is also the argument to be made that if you are using a gun with a higher caliber, then you will not need as many shots as the gun is more powerful, and therefore you should cause more damage to your chosen target and require fewer bullets. However, caliber is not as important as the quality of your shot, so if you really want the higher caliber to work effectively, then you need to learn how to handle a more powerful gun to make good shots.

Whether you chose to purchase a gun with a higher capacity or a larger caliber, there is no right or wrong choice. Each kind has its benefits and downsides, and it is up to you what one suits you best.

Are Silencers Legal and Do They Affect Your Aim?

A gun silencer is a device which reduces the intensity of the sound of a gunshot. A silencer is able to do this because it modulates the speed of the gas from the muzzle and therefore manages to suppress the blast. Hiram Percy Maxim invented the first silencer in 1902, and it was so popular that even former president of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt was known to purchase the Maxim Silencer. Many people use silencers as a way to protect their hearing when they are training and as a way to soften the recoil on their guns. Consequently, silencers are gradually becoming more popular within the gun community. However, you must remember that silencers do not entirely eradicate sound from a gunshot, rather, they suppress the noise, which explains why they are also known as suppressors.

Are silencers legal in the USA?

The answer to this question changes depending on where you live. Some states such as California, Rhode Island, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, New Jersey, Illinois and the District of Columbia have all made silencers illegal. In states where a silencer is legal, a person who wishes to purchase one must go through an extra application process to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in which they will be required to pay an additional federal tax payment and a criminal background check. Unfortunately, it can take up to a year to get a response, but this is understandable as it is done to keep the public safe and to ensure that only responsible citizens can get their hands on silencers.

What are the benefits of silencers?

Apart from removing the deafening gunshot bang, silencers also make you less likely to flinch. Over time, your body will learn to stop automatically flinching as it will have adapted to there being no noise to react to. Historically, silencers ruined a shooter’s accuracy as they had rubber baffles that slowed down the bullets. But nowadays, shooters can actually shoot better with silencers as there is less noise and recoil, which makes it easier for a user to aim at their target and shoot successfully.

The lack of noise and recoil is particularly useful for those who are just starting to learn how to shoot. The lack of noise will make the experience less daunting for them and prevent them from ever forming that flinching reflex. The loud noise that comes from the gunshot is usually very daunting for a first-time shooter and so removing that noise can make the whole experience much more enjoyable and this consequently, will make a shooter’s aim better as they are not as stressed about the noise that they would otherwise expect to hear.

Silencers also make it easier for shooters to speak amongst each other due to the reduced levels of noise. This allows for better communication and means that shooters will not need to wear earplugs, meaning that the user is more aware of their surroundings, which is very beneficial when hunting.

Also known as a silencer, a suppressor is a hollow metal tube attached to a firearm barrel that reduces noise and muzzle flash after firing. Although suppressors don’t thoroughly dampen gun noise, they do make guns fire with limited sounds. Quieter guns are ideal for secret military operations and other situations. But do suppressors increase shooting accuracy in 0.45 ACP and 50 Cal handguns? Read on to find out.

Accuracy with Suppressor on 0.45 ACP

The 0.45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) or 0.45 Auto, was built by John Browning way back in 1904. These popular combat pistol cartridges combine accuracy and stopping power for firing against human targets; the US military did adopt these firearms around 1911. With minimal muzzle blast and flash, the 0.45 ACP also has moderate recoil and operates at a maximum chamber pressure of 21,000 PSI. Like other pistol cartridges, the 0.45 ACP is classified as a low-velocity round, meaning that it’s not effective against body armor. Another downside to this pistol is its large cartridge size and weight, making them unsuitable for large scale military operations.

Barrel harmonics change with suppressors, as each mount of a suppressor shifts the point of impact. This shift also varies for each firearm. But in general, suppressors are thought to improve the accuracy of firearms. A chunk of metal on the muzzle improves accuracy by clearing away turbulent gases. So, is it worth suppressing your 0.45 ACP pistol? Yes, of course! Almost all 0.45 ACP ammunition are subsonic. Adding a suppressor to your 0.45 Auto is a practical combination for accuracy and shooting comfort. Additionally, the weight of the suppressor helps eliminate the muzzle flip. Therefore, suppressed shooting with ACP may be more accurate than unsuppressed shooting.

Accuracy with Suppressors On 50 Cal Handguns

50-caliber handguns fire bullets that measure roughly .50 inches in diameter. With the development of smokeless powder, gun manufacturers shifted to small-diameter bullets that can be fired at higher velocities. The design of .50 and greater calibers once declined a bit. However, in the 20th century, half-inch diameter cartridges took a new dimension, with the 0.50 Action Express becoming very popular.

0.50 caliber handgun designs come in different types such as automatic, bolt action, and single-shot guns. Handguns of this caliber are normally heavier than other pistol types.

Their large size allows for structural integrity and recoil absorption. Fifty-fifty caliber handguns are exciting but also intimidating, to say the least. On the other hand, sizable half-inches truly shine for game hunters.

A 50-caliber handgun shooting experience is more fun and accurate when properly fitted with a suppressor than unsuppressed shooting. Suppressors limit gun noise to hearing-safe levels and keep your handgun’s burst below 140 decibels. Long suppressors are good for precision rifles. Suppressor length varies directly according to the size of the caliber. Silencers also enhance accuracy in 0.50 caliber handguns. Modern suppressor designs have no negative impact on the bullet. The standard deviation decreases, improving consistency while reducing recoil. Modern suppressors increase shooting accuracy in firearms once they are correctly installed in 50-caliber handguns and 0.45 ACP. Shooters are still encouraged to wear hearing protection while using suppressed firearms.

Owning a firearm is quite a big decision to take, as it involves several moving parts such as licensing, background checks, safety, etc. People own guns for various reasons, including personal safety and for recreational activities. But the question many people ask is whether they have to own a gun before they can get trained on how to use one. This has been a subject for debate over the years, with many people calling for mandatory training before one can own a gun. Do you want to find out more about this? Read on.

What Does the Training Entail?

Firearm training aims to sensitize actual or potential gun owners on the best way to use and keep guns and to create awareness on the safety protocols. This is to equip you with the necessary skills to avoid accidents, defend yourself, and enable you to carry such firearms responsibly. Firearm training teaches you basics such as how to load and unload a gun, grip the gun correctly, hand-eye coordination, what to do when there is a malfunction, etc. Experienced instructors do the training, and courses range from the beginners’ level to tactical training for the more experienced. Through this, you go through different real-life scenarios that prepare you to own a gun.

Who Qualifies to Be Trained?

To go through gun training, you can either be an owner or in the process of deciding whether to get one. According to research, about 39% of gun owners do not have any training. About 26 states in the US make it mandatory to be trained before one can carry a firearm. Research also shows that one needs to have a minimum of at least 50 hours of firearm training with any certified training instructor to completely qualify as a gun owner. What does this mean for you? Although there is no stipulated age limit, you should be sure you’re ready and responsible enough to handle a gun. Do not forget to be safety conscious throughout your training.

Where Can You Be Trained?

You can choose where to be trained depending on your main reason for purchasing the gun, such as a hobby, for law enforcement, or for personal protection. Your choice should also depend on whether you’re a beginner or already have some level of experience. There are a number of firearm training centers to choose from. However, due to the sensitive nature of firearm training, you need to do thorough research on their backgrounds before making your final choice. Also, look out for trainers who offer extensive firearm training courses that cover a broad range of topics, including ones that are often overlooked, such as suicide prevention, domestic violence, and state regulations.

Firearm training is essential, especially if you want to be a responsible gun owner. Aside from equipping you with the necessary skills you need to be law-abiding, it also helps in preventing loss of life and the occurrence of crimes.

For a fired shot to hit the desired target accurately, you must have adequate sight alignment and sight picture. If you’ve spent time at a shooting range, you would have heard these two terms and how they influence the firing experience. The truth is a user needs both to get an accurate shot. Although both terms are similar in concept, read further to learn more about the differences between sight alignment and sight picture.

Sight Picture

In marksmanship, the basic tenets rely on lining up the sights to hit a target accurately. In other words, sight picture refers to what your eyes see when you have your sights aligned and in proper positioning. It is the appropriate alignment of your vision when you aim at a target.

At any point in time, the human eye can only focus on a single object within range. This becomes quite challenging to achieve a perfect sight picture. This phenomenon is attributed to the differences in focal points, especially where the rear sight, front sight, and target are concerned.

Sight alignment

This occurs when the shooter gets a proper grasp of the pistol and aims downrange. When the user’s vision aligns with the rear end of the gun’s opening (the aperture), the front sight post is noticeable from there. As a shooter, you can only achieve accurate sight alignment when you adjust the front sight post within the rear aperture; depending on the type of gun, it will look like the letter ‘V’ or ‘U’ with a notch. That will include ensuring equal space on both sides of the post. In effect, a sight alignment when aiming a gun at the intended target becomes your sight picture.

The Seeming Differences

Now that you have a fair idea of what is meant by “sight picture” and “sight alignment”, it is time to look at the seeming differences between them. Whereas the sight alignment can be viewed in two ways (vertically and horizontally), the sight picture does not have the same characteristic. With the horizontal sight alignment, you should avoid placing the front sight too high; else, your shot will go above the target. It’s the same vice versa.

On the other hand, with a vertical alignment, you will need an equal amount of space distributed on each side of the notch. With this method, your rear sight becomes the window through which you can see the front sight. The fundamental principle here is to look through the rear sight and not at it.

Secondly, depending on the type of gun you’re using, your sight alignment will remain the same but not the sight picture. Different sight pictures are also known as ‘holds.’ Furthermore, a sight picture can be affected by adverse conditions such as inadequate lighting, but not the alignment.

Although both terms mean different things, each one relies on the other to function. Indeed, the seeming differences are primarily based on their definitions, but one cannot live independently of the other.