BoilerUP

Exactly.

With a SA handgun, the trigger is back until the hammer is cocked, then the trigger goes forward slightly as its ready to fire. If the hammer is down on a SA pistol you won't be able to move the trigger very much at all if you pull it.

With an autoloader, no its not; the process of ejecting the fired case and loading a new round cocks the hammer for you. If using a single-action revolver (a "western style" gun like a Colt Peacemaker, for example) yes you'd have to **** the hammer each time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_(firearms)

ryan1234

Glocks are neither DA or SA, they're a "safe-action" - you really notice next to a true DA - "The Glock, unlike most centerfire handguns, does not have a hammer which is dropped to push a firing pin when the trigger is pulled. Instead, the Glock has a striker which is completely enclosed within the slide. Whenever a round is in the chamber, the striker is partially retracted under tension. There isn't enough tension to fire the gun if for some reason the striker were forced forward from this position.

When the shooter pulls the trigger, the striker is retracted the rest of the way to full tension, wherefrom it can fire the gun. Because the trigger action needs only retract the striker part way, the trigger stroke is shorter and lighter than traditional DA designs"


. The HK I have (there are many trigger variants) is a SA/DA so you choose to carry 1911 style with a thumb safety or the double action (longer pull).... but after the first shot it goes to single action... but if you need to decock it, you just pull the thumb safety all the way down.

Glocks have a pretty good trigger pull (for government work).

BoilerUP

You're right...but I didn't want to muddy the waters any more for the confused poster

ryan1234

gotcha... there really are so many choices and variants, DAK,LEM, etc, etc... it's pretty hard to figure out what to get and why - gets really confusing. One guy I know said guns are kinda like girlfriends, some work good for some and not for others.

alarkyokie

Then there's just plain meanness, when it comes to spouses...
Mean Husband Gun Prank - CollegeHumor video

AZFlyer

Sort of a long post....

Made the plunge today. I had it narrowed down to the Glock 22 and XD40 and bought the XD-40 Tactical today.

Haven't fired it yet, but I plan on it and can't wait. Ended up going with the XD in the end as I slightly preferred the ergonomics over the glock and I really liked the loaded chamber/cocked pin indicators. Also, the trigger pull on the XD that I demo'd on the range seemed to have a smoother action that the Glock.

The model I bought is the Tactical model and has the longer 5" barrel (vs. 4" for the standard). I don't plan to carry, so I'm not concerned about the larger size, plus the longer sight radius should improve accuracy a little.

My next plan is to set aside a few dollars to purchase a rail mountable tac light.

Now a couple questions for you experienced owners....how do you guys typically store your home-defense firearm in your home? Do you change its location while you are out of town?

I plan to keep a magazine loaded but not in the gun, have both the loaded magazine and gun in the case and probably put it under my bed. When I'm away on trips/out of town I'll lock the case and hide it to prevent any burglars from finding it. I have only myself and my girlfriend here, and no children ever visit, so no concern with regards to that issue.

Next, my owners manual didn't specifically say how often the gun should be cleaned. The pro-shop rep that I worked with today says that for his personal XD, that he'll clean it after about every 500 rounds. Does that sound typical?

I want to make sure I'm doing everything right from the beginning so as to develop proper care and maintenance habits from the get go.

Here is a pic:

detpilot

Nice looking piece there AZ.... I'm looking to replace my cheap 12 GA with a pistol grip one that's a bit more suited for home defense, then eventually get my CCW and jump into the world of pistols. I certainly appreciate all the knowledge you guys have and are willing to share.

Side note, as an owner of a shotgun and two rifles (.22 and AK-47, thank you Dunhams), I'm proof that it is possible to be a gun lover and a *gasp!* Obama supporter...

slipped

I store my sig(primary defense weapon+ a 12 bore) magazine in the pistol, I prefer not to keep a round chabered because I gererally sit around and squeeze the trigger while watching tv. You can "store" your pistol anywhere, I leave mine just lying around but I come from a gun family and I got no kids. As far as cleaning you need to learn to field strip your pistol, this means removing the slide/ barrel/ recoil spring/spring guide. Your owners manual will/should show you how to take care of business there. You may want to purchase a cleaning rod, some patches and some good oil, and a silicone impregnated rag to wipe her down with. Dont WORRY about it too much as these are built to handle a considerable amount of abuse, however I do understand you have a new baby and want to take care of it. Think of it as a fancy hammer. Enjoy. Oh also I personally wouldnt waste money on a tactical light, they are very expensive and the same can be accomplished with a normal flashlight, think surefire or maglight.

slipped

Its a Rock Island. 1911 A1. They are made in the Phillipenes(sp) but are built REALLY well, for ~$500 YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG.

skidmark

Socialists love guns, that's why they keeping taking them away!