Double action

Double action or Double-action refers to one of two systems in firearms where the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer

• Double-action only (DAO) firearms trigger: The trigger both cocks and releases the striker. There is no single-action function and the striker will return to its decocked position after each shot.
• Traditional double-action– or double-action/single-action (DA/SA)– firearms trigger: The trigger combines the features of both a double-action only and a single-action only trigger. The firing mechanism automatically cocks the striker after the gun is fired. This mechanism will cock and release the striker when the striker is in the down position, but on each subsequent shot, the trigger will function as a single-action when using a semi-automatic. With a revolver you can cock the hammer first and then shoot (single action), or you can pull the trigger and it will cock and release the hammer (double action). Once the gun has fired the hammer stays in the decocked position until you either re-cock the hammer (single action), or pull the trigger again (double action).