You are providing the public a great service by educating those like me who know very little about handguns or gun self-defense. Ignorance is one obstacle to gun ownership and self-defense. Thanks
In my opinion, I believe that both could be effective, however, I believe that those who do not go to the range regularly should carry either a DA or DA/SA weapon (including law enforcement) because of the lite trigger pull. Some may more practice to actually prepare themselves for the lite trigger pull of a striker fired weapon and some might need the heavy trigger pull of a DA or DA/SA, especially those who don't regularly train, to avoid or at least lessen the likely hood of an accidental discharge or accidental shooting; In a life or death situation, you won't notice the difference in the trigger pull, no matter which weapon you carry, however, without extensive shoot/ don't shoot training, the possibility of an accidental discharge with a SA or Striker fired weapon could be greater,; which I believe happens in many police related shootings.
Many striker-fired pistols have triggers that have minimal takeup and are very light, so as to almost be like carrying a traditional DA/SA with the hammer cocked and no safety engaged. I have both an HK P30 (DA/SA with hammer) and an HK VP9 (striker-fired). Both are stock with no modifications. I'm able to double-tap as accurately with the P30's DA to SA transition as I am with the VP9. Admittedly, I do possess an above average degree of firearms training. I prefer the P30 because not only is holstering a decocked DA/SA pistol generally safer than a striker-fired one, I like the heavier DA pull to ward off the possibility of an accidental discharge in a larger variety of situations as compared to striker-fired pistols. As a bonus, once I've decided to start shooting, I'm more accurate with the subsequent SA trigger pulls compared to the striker-fired trigger pulls. However, after saying all of that, I used to carry a Glock 17 (purchased new in 1993) during my police career in the 1990s and early 2000s. I was very careful when reholstering and maintained excellent trigger discipline; I never had an accidental/negligent discharge. I carried the Glock because it was very durable, highly corrosion resistant, and accurate enough. My Glock held up very well in some very nasty conditions. Back then, I liked DA/SA pistols, but the finishes on Sigs and Berettas just weren't as durable as the Glock, and most DA/SA pistols had a very long DA trigger reach. However, as a civilian now, my preferred pistol is the HK P30 V3 (DA/SA). If the P30 had been in production during my police career, I probably would have switched to it then. The P30 fits my hand perfectly and I just shoot it so well. Getting back to some downsides of striker-fired pistols, a fellow police officer carried an HK P7M8 for a short time. During training, he went to reholster his pistol and shot himself in the leg (fortunately superficial). He had apparently forgotten to release the cocking piece and that awesome light (stock) trigger got caught on the thumb break strap of his duty holster and discharged. Of course, that was more user error than anything else. However, the same thing could have happened with any other pistol with a short, light trigger pull...as many of the modern striker-fired pistols have today. And that thumb break strap could easily be substituted for a wad of clothing, etc. Just something to think about.
I am a Prison Deputy and its because of Police and other Law and Enforcements i switched from pt 92 taurus to Glock 19 Both are great pistols but because of the extra weight of the Beretta models i kind of feeled much comfortable with Polymer Pistols and about accidental discharges i think there are various kydex holsters that have trigger space.
Whatever the firearm you decide to protect your life with, you should practice with it, and whatever its format, you will get proficient with it. So none are better .... than the one you Know.
It's all about preference! I love both styles and I choose to conceal a traditional DA in the appendix position. Thanks for not beating us up in your video! Everyone has preferences and that's cool.
I think it’s just a matter of preference. Are striker fired guns great? Yup Are hammer fired guns great? Yup Pick a platform you like and learn how to run it like a badass and don’t worry about gear chasing.
Active Self Protection Extra You wouldn’t consider the Sig P Series to be a different platform than a Glock? Would you mind expounding on that statement? I’m not looking for an argument. I just want to hear a new perspective. “Platform” is thrown around so much in gun culture it’d be nice to hear a different take.
Pet peeves don't count...anymore than a feeling counts...facts only please. No disrespect intended man. That something my foundation pastor taught me...be careful with feelings because they can lead you astray..no disrespect intended.
Active Self Protection Extra You do make great videos, but as I read through the comments with this video and many others you have made, you are condescending to many viewers. Very off-putting! For this reason, I hit the unsubscribe "button."
Really digging this new channel, it’s proving to be a really good place for me to grab some solid info on all the basics I don’t know and need to learn!
Good Video. I carry a Sig Sauer P229 Legion SA/DA in .40. I have no issues with the recoil and like the benefits of the larger caliber. It is considered to be the top carry gun by many experts but like you mentioned it is preference on the style you like. The thing I like the most is something you touched on and that’s the no mechanical safety but still being safe with a round in the chamber. Striker fire pistols do have potential energy in the design while Single/Double action pistols do not have potential energy in the hammer because it is decocked while carried. I have no issues getting the first round on target consistently at 25 to 50 feet. In my opinion, hence why I carry one, the P229 is the best SA/DA carry pistols and one of if not the best carry pistol in any design. My P226 10mm is my favorite defense gun all around. It’s just a great platform.....
My first handgun was a double-action revolver. I've continued to use DA/SA pistols and still own a few along with striker fired. It doesn't take that much effort to learn to fire a double-action properly and everyone should get to know the unique properties of all their firearms. You mentioned the Bersa Thunder. It's a great shooter and incredibly accurate.
DAO and DA/SA all the way... Have carried Revolvers, DAO pistols and of course DA/SA pistols... Revolvers and DAO pistols are always back up guns... My mains have always been DA/SA
I like how you never tell people what to carry. We choose a gun and train and thats the way it goes. Your explanation does help in making our choice. This channel is the best i have found for every aspect of self defense. Knowing when to pull a gun is what i needed to know and everyday i learn more as a result of your dedication to our saftey and training. There is various skill levels and you just know when you know you can handle a gun right.
Great presentation. I'm a hammer fire guy. For the reward of training the two different pulls (and shouldn't you be training anyway?) you get a great built in safety DA pull and then an awesome, light, crisp SA pull. Lots of winning going on there. I've had striker fired guns and probably will again but their triggers just aren't crisp like a hammer fire, at least the ones I've owned. I like that crisp break.
@@toddmerriott6901 Love that PX4 Storm. One of the few fully left hand guns I can use with basically full functionality left handed [compact version has ambi slide lock, for some reason sub and full don't][personally use the sub and reg compact].
Don't get me wrong, I do love my striker fire guns, but man do I feel better with DA/SA hammer fire. Love the long first pull, makes me feel extra safe, plus having that hammer "at rest" just makes me feel better [yes I am aware of internal safeties in guns, hey this isn't all logical, somtimes it is just the feel]. The ability to put my thumb on that hammer to feel safe with it held down.... nothing necessary and strikers are fine, but I just feels so much nicer to me.
DA/SA and DAO pistols offer added safety of allowing you to place your thumb over the hammer when reholstering. This is especially important when considering AIWB carry.
@@keeblerelf801 The Striker Control Device ("The Gadget") for Glocks is the only one I know of that will not only indicate the rearward movement of the trigger but will prevent discharge with sufficient pressure from the thumb. The Walther PPS' pin will push into the thumb but can easily be defeated by the trigger finger's force. Likewise, the Walther P99 will not prevent discharge. Perhaps the HK P7 will prevent it. If anyone would know, it'd be James Williamson.
Especially if you ... as of course you should... actually practice with your weapon. Realistically though if you are untrained you are just going to spam pull that trigger anyway and won't even notice.
But how accurate would that first shot be, in a high pressure situation? I personally like DA/SA, but I question how much the first two shots would be disturbed, under pressure.
I am not qualified to comment on whether one is better or worse than the other. What I can say is that ALL my experience and training with service pistols have been with a hammer fired pistol. Thats what I know, and what I'm comfortable with. For those reasons, hammer fired is what I stick to.
Yes, there are many of us who came up fro revolvers and into hammer fired such as the 3rd generation S&W, which is what I grew use to when working. In fact, I still have a Model 411 and a Model 4566 and shoot both very well. I have made the transition to the striker fired M&P.
I think a hammer fire da/sa with decocker is the safest option for most people who are not going to spend the time training as much as they should. Your own survey showed a small percentage of people actually go to the range or take classes as often as they ought to. I also think in a real defensive situation after having an adrenaline dump, you're not really going to notice the difference between a 9lb da pull and the following 5lb sa pull.
totally agree, all of my da/sa do not have the decocker. have to be real careful when lowering the hammer. Or like I do, just keep it cocked and locked.
Is someone with minimal training going to remember to decock a DA/SA Pistol after a stressful self defense encounter? Be able to hit their target with the first long and heavy pull? I’ve run both hammer fired and striker fired but I shoot; A LOT. A gun with a complicated manual of arms is not good for someone who doesn’t train, I’m sorry.
sharper2112 With the single action trigger being about the same between hammer fired and striker, I don't see how decocking after the fight is over matters. They could just as easily have an ND in either situation. It's the everyday carry and the initial decision to shoot and getting on target where I think a double action is better for people with limited training. Like John said, it requires a much more deliberate action.
I think hammer fired DA/SA is safer for most people who don't go to the range a lot. You can carry with a round in the chamber with little chance of an inadvertent discharge. If you know that you are in a really hot situation, you can always thumb the hammer back and get a consistent trigger pull. Also, the hammer gives you the option of hitting the primer more than once just by pulling the trigger if a round doesn't go off. I also think striker fired pistols may be the best option for people who train often, can assess situations quickly and have really good safety habits.
Id disagree especially when it comes to releasing the hammer when there is no de cocker and just in general with a decocker people may forget to drop the hammer if they stop firing before the gun is empty
@@jamesjones9207Either way, when you stop firing both systems are sitting on a live round with a light trigger. But at least you can decock the hammer and make the hammer fired weapon safer. The striker fire probably doesn’t have any safety at all. I personally like all the choices the hammer fired gives you.
Truth. 32 yrs LEO. 28 yrs with 92F. Didn’t believe I could love another Gun as much (even though Long first pull) After 24 hrs of training I found my new Love M&P 9. Never thought it would happen. ☝️this is my safety. Went from 15 to 17 rounds. Love my modern Striker Fire. I feel just like you. Modern striker is better. After being retired tried the compact, still too heavy. Now I love my Shield 9 with Hyve extension. Carri d a Gun every day of my life for past 35 years. I only compete (USPSA & IDPA) with my Shield because that’s what I carry concealed. Love striker fire.
I have a 1st Gen shield in 9 and one in 40, and a full size in 40, as well as a 2nd generation in 9. The M&P series really is a phenomenal series. I single handedly keep S&W in business, basically. I have many many more too from them. They just make great guns. I owned an SW9VE that I got used ,my only ever used gun, and it was WELL used. That was 10 years ago, and that thing was so beat up but I couldn't kill it with Russian ammo and poor cleaning habits. I ended up cleaning it inside and out, made it look nice, and it still works like a champ firing Tula steel cased ammo. I ended up also buying an SD9 and SD40. If you need a gun to just work, S&W is the king of that. Their sights aren't half bad either on the M&Ps.
Same here, once I finally decided to go striker I decided on the M&P line. I own all four sizes and am now buying all their equivalents in the new 2.0's which I love. S&W took every shortcoming I had with my original M&P's and fixed them.
I have both a striker fired (Walther PPS)and a DA/SA hammer fired pistol (H&K P30SKS). I prefer the hammer fired with a manual safety. It’s just another level of safe. Like any other pistol it is a matter of training until it becomes second nature. If you don’t train your carry gun won’t do you a damn bit of good.
I agree that the best safety is a good mind, but that being said, often and effective training builds a good mind. In the end, carry how you train and train on how you carry. On the other hand, more moving parts creates more room for mechanical failure.
Striker fired guns are more conducive to newer shooters with less experience. That being said, people who are willing to put in the practice to train themselves to turn off their safety when they need it then see the benefit of a much better trigger (on a single action only gun). The most difficult part of shooting a pistol accurately is keeping the sights aligned as the trigger is pulled, and the better the trigger the easier this is to do. It's a lot easier to put rounds down range accurately with a nice 1911 trigger than most striker fired triggers.
- "just putting high quality internals into a striker fired gun." Code for "I have to spend hundreds of additional dollars to make my gun's trigger get closer to, but never as good as, a 1911." Here is your SAO pistol with a better trigger and same capacity - armscor.com/firearms/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-hc-9mm/
It takes no training to use a striker fired trigger whereas it takes training to do double action first shot or to train yourself to never forget to turn off the safety; the reward for doing so is a better trigger.
Hi John, I just wanted to thank you for your videos! I’m from the UK, and I have been watching your channel since I first went into care (I’m not sure what that is called in the USA, maybe an orphanage?). They really helped me to maintain my defence- and dignity! I was forced to stand up for myself and eventually become respected as a man, even though I went in as a rather scared boy! Again, thank you and thanks for everything you do and teach to us, your humble disciples! 😁
Active Self Protection Extra I’m all good now thanks dude! Older girlfriend who I love has homed me! I’ve made peace with my god and I often show her these videos :) Thank you!
Funny I just had this discussion with a friend. A true craftsman can work with the old methods, and they produce fine results. But a tradesman (and that's most of us!) need efficient, effective tools to get the job done quickly and with less initial investment in learning.
Well stated. I'm old school. Train with the tool you aim to use. In the fire service, knowing your capabilities and your equipment means life. When it comes to firearms, this is equally critical. Learn to to use your tool when the chips are down. I can't state this strongly enough. ASP says it in every video. You must prepare yourself long before the crisis.
I would prefer a double action to carry since they require a very deliberate trigger pull. Whereas a striker in the heat of the moment can be too easy to shoot. Even with all the training in the world, in the heat of the moment, your finger may find its way to the trigger too soon
Your characterization of the striker-fired as “the best of both worlds” (single + double hammer-fired) is the best succinct explanation I’ve heard yet. Nice job!
I 100% agree, and I've carried a 1911 for some 20 years. Although my duty pistol is a striker fired pistol, and I plan on switching my CCW to a striker fired pistol.
I know this is an old video, but it is still relevant today as far as being a good video in explaining the differences between the three action types. Female, and new sub here. Thanks!
Better safety, better trigger and generally higher quality manufacturing are reasons why I like the da/sa guns for duty use. But I'll ccw anything from a snubby revolver to compact glock to a 1911 depending on the situation, I'm not picky.
I have both. All my guns are great. It is the gun owners responsibility to train with their guns. 1911's you have to hit that safety. Hammerless revolvers you have to stage the trigger to get that accurate shot. Highpoints you have to beat your assailant when it jams. LOL
JusticeAA every trigger pull on a 1911 is the same. Also you can safely carry a hammer fired pistol with the hammer cocked in the holster. I pull the trigger the same way every time no matter the type of trigger, the only thing i will complain about is trigger reset, as in too long of a trigger reset sucks.
Cylinder and Slide have a product for 1911 and Browning Hi-Power pistols called the Safety Fast Shooting System. It allows you to carry with a round in the chamber, hammer down, and thumb safety engaged. When you thumb the safety down it also cocks the hammer back.
One other "pro" for the hammer fired pistol is the double strike. If a round fails to discharge with a striker you must rack the slide. You can drop the hammer again on a DA/SA.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I bought my first handgun about a year ago, which is a hammer fired Sig P238. Great little gun. I absolutely love the trigger pull on it; no creep or take up with a crisp break, and then an extremely short and tactile reset. It's really got me spoiled. I have shot my daughter's striker fired Sig P365 a few times and from what I rememer I really had no complaints with it's trigger pull or how it functioned as a whole. And I've also shot aTaurus G2c and I have to say that I despised it's initial long, long trigger pull.
I'm LEO with 23yrs. Started with Beretta 92G then HK Compact and about six years ago my department went to Glock. I do like the striker fired, have a Glock 19 and Sig P320 for my personal guns. Recently picked up a HK P30Sk with the LEM trigger which I'm really liking. Any experience with HK LEMs? Do love the new channel. Thanks.
Traditional Double Action incorporate many quality and proven duty and off duty firearms long standing since before the early 2000's...The main advantage overall are the strikers are more simple to use for more people. But pretty much that is where it ends. Strikers also account for the majority of reported negligent and accidental discharges as well and I include in that comment my experiences in taking Police Reports for over 25 years of people shooting themselves or destroying property. The reason this happens is simple. Either a person fails to maintain proper trigger finger index (keeping their bogger hook off the trigger until ready to fire) or outside elements create or assist the trigger going bang. Loose clothing during re-holstering, fingers getting jammed down inside a holster when re-holstering and things like draw string tabs getting wedged in one of those hard kydex holsters will all aide in a discharge even if you keep your finger clear, This does not happen as often and I'd even say even a quarter as much with Traditional Double Action firearms. When you also take into account many of you out there carry appendix and for a safety factor it's even more of a factor in carrying concealed. Another reason Traditional Double Action firearms are good (not better) but good is because of "deliberate trigger engagement" during a deadly force encounter. And what I mean by that is you point your gun when justified and squeeze the trigger in that split second where it all changes and you decide "not to fire" that can be accomplished easier with a Traditional double action as you can both feel and see that hammer start to go back slowly vs a striker fired take up then instant click. And that is a thing folks. I have experienced it at work without going into details. The next reason I support Traditional Double Action and have even considered carrying that way again off duty more often is accuracy. John was on here saying striker fired firearms may be more accurate and many of you on here in the comments have said the same thing because of the consistency of the trigger vs heavy then light that exist on a traditional double action and I say not true. The reason I say that is simple to me. The very first shot most people including myself fire when shooting is dead on no matter if there is a long trigger or a short crisp trigger your best shot period will be your first shot. So think about it , if what I say is true then the single action follow up shots both for speed and accuracy will vastly improve because as all of us know nothing is faster and more accurate on a handgun than a single action trigger pull and that is exacdtly what you get with a traditional action....IMHO
A short history lesson from an old LE fart: Before striker-fired guns became popular in the 1980s, there were very few "accidental shootings" by law enforcement and civilians due to the long trigger press of the typical "double action revolver". When law enforcement agencies started using the popular striker-fired pistols, such as Glock, the rate of accidental shootings by police went through the roof! Due to the fact municipalities were paying out hundreds of millions of dollars to civilians accidentally shot by police, a lawyer (not a law enforcement officer or firearms instructor) working for a large county, got the bright idea of having their deputies extend their trigger-finger along the slide until they were ready to discharge their weapon. They also passed the idea along to P.O.S.T. Needless to say the idea swept the country overnight, and the payouts to shooting victims (suspects & civilians) were reduced substantially. The lawyer's idea was to reduce the "money" paid out to victims by cities and counties. It had NOTHING to do with gun safety. With few exceptions, and not knowing the reasoning behind it, most firearms instructors bought into the procedure and the rest is history. Once upon a time, my boss tasks me with an assignment of traveling the nation reviewing shootings involving federal agents as well as local LE. Among other stats I soon discovered, agencies having the lowest number of accidental shootings were those still using revolvers or hammer-fired double/single action pistols. Off Topic - Food for thought: Let's not forget today's stats. Unlike the 1960s and 70s, studies now indicate the average municipal law enforcement officer (in combat situations - not on the range) miss their suspects almost 60% of the time (shootings between 6 feet and 21 ft.) and 77% of the time (shootings 21+ ft.). Additionally, unlike these days, local law enforcement were required to "qualify" EVERY MONTH...... NOT quarterly, semi-yearly or annually! Due to the fact retired peace officers no longer have the legal protection afforded by a governmental agency when involved in a shooting, it is my humble opinion for self-defense, you may want to consider carrying a revolver or hammer-fired double/single action pistol. You non-prior LE civilians ought to think about it too. Enough of my ranting. Stay safe out there!
I've never really cared if a gun was Hammer fired or Stryker fired. Its never effected my decision when buying a handgun. The only thing a Gun needs is to be reliable and durable, everything else can be mitigated with proper training.
We may different on this opinion. But I believe you shouldn't have a favorite weapon. I believe it is best if people in general became proficient with any weapon. That is something I personally strive for. This way if anything happens, no matter to situation. I will have a basic understanding on how to fight with whatever I may have. Doesn't matter if its a Knife, revolver, Glock, AR15, AK, Bolt action rifle or a broken piece of glass. I want to be able to understand each and every weapon. Learn its strengths and how to mitigate its weaknesses.
@@Front-Toward-Enemy that sounds good, and you should understand many platforms, but when it comes to your EDC, I subscribe to the idea that you shouldn't rotate a lot of guns in and out of your carry system because that can bite you... I'd stick with one and get good with it
David Benkendorf of course and I agree. It can bite you in the arse. If you are used to carrying a Glock and one day switch to a Shield that has a safety on it. Well this could be fatal because while you may be able to shoot the s&w shield effectively, you may not be so good at disengaging the safety under pressure because the Glock you carry and train with doesn’t have one.
I never particularly cared either, have carried both. Started with hammer-fired, then striker-fired, now back to hammer-fired, and it's not because I prefer having a hammer (although I kinda do)... I just got the gun I liked and it happened to be.
The firsts pistol I ever shot were a 1911 and a variety of revolvers (I also shot many hunting rifles and shotguns, and even shot in youth skeet tournaments). That was throughout my youth. As I got older I went many years without shooting anything. Then sometime in the late 90s I got back into shooting a variety of platforms. I got up to speed on the new polymer striker fired designs. I got into old and new rifle and battle rifle platforms. I trained for defensive shotgun use, etc... Then I got into a lot of the import surplus stuff that was available. My firearms proficiency came back much easier than I thought it would. But even still I put in as much time as I could afford, making sure I touched a lot of the bases, on as many things as I could...and spent significant time on the things I would most likely use defensively. All was going well... Then I bought a 1911. Its a series 70 platform, with a decent set of factory enhancements... An enhanced skeletal trigger system, a more pronounced beaver-tail grip safety, Novak sights, Stainless hammered steel barrel, Commander style hammer, all forged steel...nothing is cast, front slide serrations, a beveled mag well, a beveled ejection port, and one or two more things I'm probably forgetting. I worked up my skill set on the 1911, and Im making similar times, and having far better accuracy... than I am having with my polymer striker fired guns. I never upgrade or change anything on any firearm. I always train to it in an "out of the box" condition. And I am just doing better with the 1911. I simply run the platforms I have, time myself, and check for accuracy... The 1911 is either equalling or besting the results from other firearms. I was quite surprised myself. And I didnt necessarily have to run through thousands of rounds to achieve that. It came pretty quickly. And to be honest I am more comfortable with the "cocked and locked" mode of carry for the 1911, than I am with striker fired platforms. My muscle memory just tends to gravitate to that mindset for some reason. So I am now switching to carrying a 1911...and I sometimes carry a small Italian Walther PPK knock-off... which operates similarly to the 1911.
Why didn't you mention the benefits of having a second-strike capability in a DA/SA pistol? That's an important factor to consider when juxtaposing the two weapon systems.
@@uttamjeetsingh7451 One of the failures which can happen when firing a pistol is that the round doesn't go off when the firing pin hits the primer. This can be because the firing pin is slightly too short or the primer is pressed in a little too deep into the cartridge. Either way, it will usually fire the second time it is struck because the first one pre-deforms the metal, making it easier for the impact to deform it further on the next strike. Double-action (whether DA/SA or DAO) pistols will always strike again if you pull the trigger a second time. An SAO or striker-fired needs the extra step of racking the slide (or for SAO, at least pulling the hammer back).
I have had striker fired pistol since the early 80s, a HKP7M13, loved it, squeeze cocker, as safe as it gets, I now carry a Ruger LC9, striker fired with a EXTERIOR safety. I used to carry a kimber but it became too heavy at the end of the day. In my mind, carry what you find comfortable in your safety zone.
I prefer a double action only such as Sig P250. The trigger pull is like a revolver. I feel these gun as safer with a less change of a accidental discharge.
Hammer fired guns will light the hard primers that some striker fired pistols will choke on. If ammo availability/quality is an issue, the hammer fired guns have a little bit of a reliability advantage.
I'm 70. In my 30's and 40's I shot alot, ran and organized pistol matches and even taught some safety classes. Then I got into bows and hunting and stopped playing with handguns. After bows, I was called out of the woods to Church. Now years later I realize I Have to train back alot of what has gotten stale, and also realize age has crept into many aspects of life and my body. I don't want to risk not remembering to disengage or engage safeties or decockers. I don't want to have to worry that I might take up some tension on a striker fired trigger under extreme circumstances when fine motor skills have severly diminished, combined with older reflexes making for a dangerous possibility of a nd. I may train back to where I am comfortable with a striker fired weapon but until then I found a wonderfully smooth Sig P250 DAOsc with a small comfortable grip on a double stack 9 that is for me, a perfect carry gun. What a shame Sig discontinued this fine weapon that has a small but very loyal following. As a fellow Pastor I really enjoy and am learning from your videos. Thank you.
Good explanation. What it really boils down to is a word you said a few times, training. There’s no bad gun to carry as long as you train with it and are comfortable shooting it. If you trust it when it counts, carry it.
The long trigger pull only matters to those that choose not to practice; and care more about punching holes in paper, than self-defense. During a high stress, use of force encounter; adrenaline will make that first pull seem as light as a feather.
I live in an agricultural area and had a wild dog(pit bull) attack a goat. When I came to the corral the dog took off running and I was able to hit it on the run form about 20 yards out (using sig 226 in 357sig) so I tend to agree at that moment I didn’t notice the double action pull at all if anything it gave me time to aim and squeeze of the shot more accurately
All true, but I still love my SW 5906, 6906 and Walther PPK. Admittedly somewhat because I think they are cool old school and I like the idea of having to train to the different trigger pulls between double and single action.
You're right, it does take some training to get that trigger transition down. I didn't realize it until I started really training but I did notice a difference.
I constantly hear, "safeties will get you killed". Guy who just said that proceeds to holster his Glock in an active retention holster. The ones that require a release to deploy their weapon? Yeah, that makes sense. Like you said, to each his own. I like a safety. I'm no gunslinger, but in my 55 years of shooting I don't recall ever forgetting whether my safety was engaged or not.
Had to comment. It's just an adage invented in recent years that has no merit. Had one idiot tell me If I "needed" a safety I should sell all my guns. My reply. "If you panic so easily that a safety is more than you can handle maybe you should sell your guns". Is what it is. BTW. I don't own a proper 1911, I have a Ruger P90 which I enjoy, but it's not a 1911. That will be my next purchase.
Apologize if you think I was picking a fight. I wasn't. I'm a senior citizen, you could time me with a sun dial. My point was that my guns safety is not an issue. It's not even a passing thought. If it's deployed, it's ready to fire, safety or not. Peace from Ahwatukee.
Active Self Protection Extra Hmmm. Like your channel, but pretty presumptuous of you and perhaps even a bit condescending! albeit with a smiley face. :_) I would venture to guess that most of us carrying 1911's train a lot. Based on a recent video you made about your training schedule, I will have many more hours training this year than you will. We do use a timer and other ways of creating stress. And I have never not taken my safety off. I've carried and shot DA/SA. It's fine. Striker isn't my preference, but I'm fine with it being yours.
My CZ 75D compact decocker puts the hammer at half-cocked. Great for carry. Just enough resistance to avoid accidental discharge yet short enough travel to make first shot quick and accurate.
John, this question is not related to the video but just came up out of curiosity while viewing it. Is there any real potential dangers/real inconveniences that can come in the future for someone posting videos/pics online of your gun and revealing it's serial number? Or is it just like a car's VIN. Maybe a good topic for future video. Thanks for what you do.
I agree with almost all of what you said John. Except for the part about needing less training for a striker fired gun. It requires less initial training, but with little training comes the opportunity for "Glock Leg" or a negligent discharge. If you are like me, try to avoid going to dangerous places, and try to stay at least code yellow while out and about, I'm more worried about a negligent discharge than having to defend myself. For my striker fired gun, I love my xds;; having the grip safety gives me a little more comfort with respects to safety. Reholstering, reloading, etc., I make sure I don't depress the grip safety as my backup. With revolver, SA, or SA/DA pistol, I have my thumb on the hammer when doing similar. No matter what you choose, train, train, train if you are going to carry. Otherwise you might be the one taking the ambulance ride, or looking at a jury of 12. I dig your video's, keep em up!
I have both and just have to say I like them both. I don't prefer one over the other. I train with both so I'm comfortable with both. It's all about training and becoming comfortable with your firearms.
Craigx71 Glocks are too easy to limpwrist. Major problem in my opinion. Watch the video of the guy in the Toyota who kills a cop with an akm after his glock malfunctions.
Personally... I prefer a hammer... I carry a company issue Sig Sauer SP 2202 rather than the Glock 19 which the company also provides Suppose I'm old school lol😎😎
This is one of the most reasoned explanations of single/double-single/striker actions I've come across. For me, after trying all sorts of actions, every pistol I carry consistently is single action. The exception is a Ruger LC9S. But they all have external safeties and they all have exceptional triggers. I'm referring to Ruger 1911's in .45 and 9mm and a Springfield 911 in .380. Why? The trigger. When I pull my firearm out of pocket or holster for real, I'm really needing to hit the bad guy quickly. Now this is just for me... but for me, I know I can hit what I'm looking at, even if it's moving, with the sort of short, light, quick, positive trigger pulls my carry guns have. Flicking the safety down as I pull it from concealment has become instinctive.
I like my hammer fired guns more than striker, something about being able to cock the hammer i love! Probly why I've always liked and had a revolver!! Can't go wrong with a 4" 357!!
Active Self Protection Extra yeah I guess I never thought about it, if I got a click and no bang it could have never picked up another round. Btw you should do a vid on quality mags vs cheap mags for carry
Yes, 2nd strike only good for bad primers in cheaply made ammo or if you have only one round left to try again. Or, for novice user who will not know how to cycle. Otherwise, tap-rack-smoke'em if ya got em.
When I was a puppy, I cut my teeth on double action revolvers. Carried a single action 1911 in the Army. Now it is a DA/SA 9mm. You are absolutely correct that you can train your muscle memory to remember, first shot 12pound double action, shift finger, subsequent shots 5pound SA. In a stressful, life or death situation, you will revert to your training. Thumbs up for another good video.
Great job, John. The best one you can have is the one you'll carry when you need it. Doesn't matter which. One thing that I read is that it takes an average of seventeen seconds for a non proprietary user to figure out a mechanical safety when taking someone's gun.( Gun Digest- Concealed carry, Ayoob.
I prefer double action hammer fired for my inside the pocket conceal carry. I like a striker fired if I’m wearing a holster. They are both great. Just depends on the environment you carrying in.
Jake C no my hammer is flush with the slide I cc a LCP or LC9 depending on my attire. It’s a safety thing for me. I don’t like having a striker fired with no safety inside my pocket.
I've been shooting for some 40 plus years , growing up ,unless it was a true double action or a single action revolver, guns had safties. It was just accepted, not something most of us even thought about. We didn't need to train with it to remember there was a safety, we trained to be better shooters. I have striker fired guns with safties and without, double action only, double / single action etc. I never forget the safety , or where the mag release is. It's my weapon and I know how it works. Honestly, I never heard anything about having to train to remember using the safety until the striker fired pistols came along and especially until youtube came along. Glocks with no safties were all the rage and then other gun manufacturers followed suit. I think this created a new generation of shooters who shoot almost exclusively non thumb safety pistols and they kind of freak out a little when you put something other than that in their hands. I do understand getting used to various types of triggers , but thats just part of shooting. One thing that do find humorous is how so many shooters today say things like, you don't need a safety, those will get you killed when using a striker fired gun, but when carrying a single action semi auto, they have no problem with it having a safety.
I think that discounts the M9 and decockers, but I get what you're saying. We never worried about safeties with revolvers, but when semi-autos came on the scene things changed. So as times change, needs change.
@Active Self Protection Extra not even really when semi autos came along, semi autos have been around since even before 1911, bit to be fair not until around 1911 did the people start carrying semi autos. As you are aware decockers simply put a pistol back into double action. Again though, it was just another gun system if people liked it and wanted to carry it with a decocker and in double action. It was simply done for "safety " reasons . All I'm saying is, growing up ( in my case) from about 10 years old shooting , if the gun had a thumb safety we used it. It was just part of owning a gun and no training was required to learn to engage the safety if we used one with a decocker and carried it double action on the first pull, then we didn't have to think about that or train either. By the way ,I don't ever remember anyone getting shot or killed when I was a kid because they used a safety and forgot to disengage it. I enjoyed this video, because it is clearly educational.
Why would we move from hammer to striker fired? Before you say the answer, I'm gonna take a guess. Is it because it closes up the trigger and firing pin mechanisms and protects them more from the elements and trauma to the firearm?
8aleph you are short selling yourself if you only think about maintenance... guns get knocked around dropped and beat up during fights... junk can get into exposed open hammers and fowl them up unlike closed strikers or clothes can get tangled up in an exposed hammer it your grappling
Matthew Brown it’s because it allows using a polymer(plastic) frame. There are only one or two polymer framed guns with hammers, probably the stress involved with mounting a pivoting hammer into plastic that is also slammed backwards when the slide recoils is too much for a plastic frame. With a striker there is almost no real torsional stress on the frame. That’s my theory anyway.
Vincent Lok there are a number of hammer fired polymer framed pistols. Beretta px4, FN FNX, CZ p07/p09, Sig sp2022, and maybe one or two others I'm not thinking of. Obviously few compared to striker fired.
Striker fired guns are not new, my 1920 H&R self-loader is striker fired. The big advantage of striker fired guns is that they are simpler and cheaper. I am not really convinced about the ‘trigger on the trigger’ safety. It just keeps the gun from firing unless you pull the trigger. I thought that was the job of the trigger. Iver Johnson dropped that system after a few years because everyone just looked at it as a gimmick. With a hammer, you can put your thumb on the hammer when reholstering and tell there is a problem before you shoot yourself in the leg.
Striker fired guns suck if you use military surplus ammo, military ammo has hard primers that a striker fired gun will not fire ( some of the time) Hammer fired is the way to go.
What I like about striker fired pistols is that every shot have to be consciously fired. On DA pistols the second trigger pull is often very light, creating a possible follow up shot without conscious will to fire it. And I do this alot with a competition level DA/SA pistol. Though, more often than not it's necessary and hits the target spot on, so it's not a problem in a competition. In a defensive situations I imagine I wouldn't want to shoot any unwanted shots and therefore striker fired pistols can be a safer option in order to avoid unwanted holes where you do not want them or if your legislation looks down on you if you shoot the perp one too many times.
I was a civilian worker for a Big Sheriffs Dept. The Deputies got to practice once a quarter. At one time they were talking about once every three months. The deputies that were shooters were complaining that this was not near enough. They were using the Berettas.
As a 10 year police officer, I would say that a gun safety should never be viewed as a defense against a suspect using your weapon against you. You train to avoid disarmament at all costs.
Other advantages of striker fired pistols: 1) Striker fired pistols typically have a lower bore axis than hammer fired pistols, generally meaning less muzzle flip and slightly faster split times. 2) Striker fired pistols for the most part have between 40% to 50% fewer parts than traditional double action handguns such as the Beretta 92 or Sig P226 for example. Few parts means fewer things to go wrong or break, so from a maintenance standpoint Striker fired pistols are usually slightly easier to repair. Disadvantages of striker fired pistols: 1) No second strike capability.
Hammer-fired pistols typically weigh a bit more and have a better trigger in single action, meaning less felt recoil, less muzzle flip, better accuracy and faster follow-ups (although my Steyr is a great example of what you're saying, low axis and great trigger... and sights, at least to me). A very cursory check showed a Beretta 92 has 69 parts, a 1911 has 58, and a Glock has 34, so you're right about that. But you just mentioned two hammer-fired pistols that are among the most renowned for their reliability. I know some would throw Glock into that company, but it is not in the same league in terms of quality and I have seen the most reliability issues with them. Granted, maybe it is because they are so prevalent, or because it was user-induced in one way or another, and when I personally put a lot of rounds through one, I had no problems, but that's still my experience and I have to go with that. Anything will fail if you don't maintain it properly. BTW, I carry a 92FS. Second strike capability depends, as I said somewhere else up above. It's faster, but only if the second try is successful, and I wouldn't bet on that. Nice if it works, but you're that much behind the person who went right into their tap-rack-bang drill if it doesn't.
If you shoot a glock with a 1911 it would break it, if you shoot a 1911 with a glock it would only scratch it, The 1911 is like the superman of handguns
Good video with many comments and opinions. Many of us learned and trained with the 1911, Baretta, or SIG P226. Now many of us are switching to some striker fire models such as Springfield XD, M&P 9, M&P Shield, or Glock models. To each their own, no wrong answer. But regardless, training and competence are not up to par based on some surveys done on ASP. Therefore buy what you like and shoot a lot (dry fire too) to build confidence and competence and it will not matter which style you prefer if you are proficient and safe.
MikhailBarracuda91 do you think he's the only person who's not a fan of safety's, hammers and decockers? Sold my Kimber for a Glock back in 2007. Glock was cheaper, functions much better.
Yep I prefer my 2 Walther P99 gen 1's in 9 mm !!! I so use to that single action pull and listen for that reset every time and baam it goes with just a slight pull and yes that first double action pull acts as a safety but also I love that decocker on it for when wanting to holster the pistol as well which sends the pistol back to double action or safety mode as I call it !!!!
I used to own Sigs that were da/sa but sold them, not my cup of tea. I now own a striker for my daily cc and a SAO for matches and home defense. That’s what I like best but not saying anyone is better.
My 24/7 taurus G2 striker fired is DA/SA, with decocker. After first shot can put safety On in S/A, and carry S/A. On a 1911A1 you have to either pull the slide to chamber round to get hammer back, or pull hammer back to shoot, or deactivate safety. My friend shot himself in leg trying to Decock his 1911. Owning a piano doesn't make you Chopin, like owning firearm make you Dirty Harry. You get out what you put in. My advice to the Novice, Revolver.
Good summary of the differences. I hear a lot of people hate on DA/SA guns and I think a lot of that hate stems from not understanding the purpose behind that heavy DA trigger stroke. I tried for quite awhile to train on a single action pistol, but I could never get to where I disengaged the safety absolutely 100% of the time. The DA trigger is not as hard for me to manage. Obviously striker fired guns simplify things, but I like the extra margin of safety provided by a DA/SA, plus it's what I have to use for duty.
Striker-fired semiautomatic handguns have been around for well over 100 years. The world's first mass-produced semiautomatic pistol, the Borchardt C-93 (1893), was striker fired, as was the Luger (developed in 1898, issued beginning in 1900), and the Browning FN M1905 (1905), to name just a few.
Thanks for the objective treatment of this subject. I personally prefer a da/sa hammer fired pistol, but I practice at the range almost every week to be sure that first heavy pull is on target. I just got the MantisX (thanks for that recommendation!) and am using it to help eliminate the difference in my handling of the da vs sa.
My main carry is a s&w 6906. It has a bobbed hammer. I didn't like it at first, especially since my first gun was a beretta 92, but now I love it. But i will also carry a smaller striker fired shield from time to time. But it took some time to be able to get the training and mindset to carry both
Until recently, I only owned stuker fired, but I was recently lucky enough to purchase a brand new P226 for one heck a good price. Even when I am carrying my EDC, I want to be holding that P226. But it does take some training to remember to decock that. I personally think everyone who wants be truly proficient should learn to operate a hammer-fired system.
I love both my striker fire sig P365 and my good old trusty hammer fire makarov. I’ll carry one or the other depending on what I wear. I won’t ever get rid of either and shoot accurately at appropriate distance with both. I’ll say that the Sig has way better sites though. If I pocket carry the only choice for me is the Taurus curve. Those 3 guns are a few of the guns that I will never sell.
If you get a hard primer a second pull of the trigger is faster than ejecting the round & in the 2 hard primers I’ve had in 30 years the 2nd hammer strike has never failed to make the cartridge fire.
Two quick points that were missed. First, an exposed hammer in double action offers feedback for trigger position upon reholstering. Second, there are a few striker fired guns on the market with traditional double action, such as the Walther P99.
Very good rundown of what to look for in a CCW, and you're absolutely right that shot placement is by far, more important (and by default, training) than the actual calibre. However, I would add that, IMHO, that .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .357 Mag, and .40 S&W are the most appropriate, just due to size of the weapon, and round capacity. Anything of a higher calibre, is just overkill (no pun intended), and will, perhaps, lead to over shooting, and injuring innocent bystanders.
Good video. It's really a mistake to even think about "striker vs. hammer" though. The reason I say that is because a pistol with the same operating characteristics can be designed with either ignition system. The LCP 2 is an example of a hammer fired gun that acts just like a "modern striker fired gun". And there are striker fired guns with long heavy trigger pulls. It really comes down to the following: 1. short/light trigger pull vs. long heavy pull 2. Some means of switching the gun off (i.e. safety switch) 3. Some means of preventing the pistol from firing should something go wrong during re-holstering. (thumb on a hammer or "gadget" striker control device) These characteristics can be achieved regardless of action type. We would be better served addressing them than using words like "striker", "hammer", "double action", or "single action."
For me it depends on the gun. For example, I like how the Glocks are striker fire, but I like how my FNX 45 is hammer fire. One thing I like about the hammers is that during a draw, you can place your thumb on the back of that hammer, which acts as another method of safety to prevent the trigger from getting pulled accidentally. Then once my sights are on target, I move my thumb off the hammer and pull the double action trigger. I think the training makes all the difference. I've been firing double action on my FNX 45 for the first shot of every mag for a while now. When I shoot single action on my first shot, it actually kind of throws me off, because I'm so used that that double action and I know exactly how it is supposed to feel. So in a way, neither is better like you said. You just gotta know what you're using and you'll get really good with it.
I like both, but when i started shooting revolvers where the thing, thus i learned DA and SA on them. Mainly the S&W 19 and 686. So my pistol of choice to cc is a CZ 75d, i just love it! And i love my MP5 too, so I’m a old school Cold War kind of guy! Not really surprising my kid years are the 60’s and 70’s....
You are providing the public a great service by educating those like me who know very little about handguns or gun self-defense. Ignorance is one obstacle to gun ownership and self-defense. Thanks
Yay! Glad to help!
In my opinion, I believe that both could be effective, however, I believe that those who do not go to the range regularly should carry either a DA or DA/SA weapon (including law enforcement) because of the lite trigger pull. Some may more practice to actually prepare themselves for the lite trigger pull of a striker fired weapon and some might need the heavy trigger pull of a DA or DA/SA, especially those who don't regularly train, to avoid or at least lessen the likely hood of an accidental discharge or accidental shooting; In a life or death situation, you won't notice the difference in the trigger pull, no matter which weapon you carry, however, without extensive shoot/ don't shoot training, the possibility of an accidental discharge with a SA or Striker fired weapon could be greater,; which I believe happens in many police related shootings.
@@ASPextrai am looking forward to buy a striker fired gun. is there a way to decock it having one in the chamber?
You can gently lower the hammer but it takes practice
Many striker-fired pistols have triggers that have minimal takeup and are very light, so as to almost be like carrying a traditional DA/SA with the hammer cocked and no safety engaged. I have both an HK P30 (DA/SA with hammer) and an HK VP9 (striker-fired). Both are stock with no modifications. I'm able to double-tap as accurately with the P30's DA to SA transition as I am with the VP9. Admittedly, I do possess an above average degree of firearms training. I prefer the P30 because not only is holstering a decocked DA/SA pistol generally safer than a striker-fired one, I like the heavier DA pull to ward off the possibility of an accidental discharge in a larger variety of situations as compared to striker-fired pistols. As a bonus, once I've decided to start shooting, I'm more accurate with the subsequent SA trigger pulls compared to the striker-fired trigger pulls.
However, after saying all of that, I used to carry a Glock 17 (purchased new in 1993) during my police career in the 1990s and early 2000s. I was very careful when reholstering and maintained excellent trigger discipline; I never had an accidental/negligent discharge. I carried the Glock because it was very durable, highly corrosion resistant, and accurate enough. My Glock held up very well in some very nasty conditions. Back then, I liked DA/SA pistols, but the finishes on Sigs and Berettas just weren't as durable as the Glock, and most DA/SA pistols had a very long DA trigger reach. However, as a civilian now, my preferred pistol is the HK P30 V3 (DA/SA). If the P30 had been in production during my police career, I probably would have switched to it then. The P30 fits my hand perfectly and I just shoot it so well.
Getting back to some downsides of striker-fired pistols, a fellow police officer carried an HK P7M8 for a short time. During training, he went to reholster his pistol and shot himself in the leg (fortunately superficial). He had apparently forgotten to release the cocking piece and that awesome light (stock) trigger got caught on the thumb break strap of his duty holster and discharged. Of course, that was more user error than anything else. However, the same thing could have happened with any other pistol with a short, light trigger pull...as many of the modern striker-fired pistols have today. And that thumb break strap could easily be substituted for a wad of clothing, etc. Just something to think about.
A decocked DA/SA gun or DAO gun is definitely not prone to ND while holstering, and that's an advantage.
Brent G so that officer shooting himself was basically the same as not decocking a DA/SA pistol?
plus with a hammer fired gun you can keep your thumb on the hammer as you holster it
I am a Prison Deputy and its because of Police and other Law and Enforcements i switched from pt 92 taurus to Glock 19 Both are great pistols but because of the extra weight of the Beretta models i kind of feeled much comfortable with Polymer Pistols and about accidental discharges i think there are various kydex holsters that have trigger space.
Chris Indermuehle I converted to a V1 with a Grey Guns trigger and it’s damn amazing. I can’t even put into words how much I love my P30 now.
Whatever the firearm you decide to protect your life with, you should practice with it, and whatever its format, you will get proficient with it. So none are better .... than the one you Know.
A glock is better than a matchlock
It's all about preference! I love both styles and I choose to conceal a traditional DA in the appendix position. Thanks for not beating us up in your video! Everyone has preferences and that's cool.
I think it’s just a matter of preference.
Are striker fired guns great? Yup
Are hammer fired guns great? Yup
Pick a platform you like and learn how to run it like a badass and don’t worry about gear chasing.
Guns are not platforms.
Active Self Protection Extra You wouldn’t consider the Sig P Series to be a different platform than a Glock?
Would you mind expounding on that statement? I’m not looking for an argument. I just want to hear a new perspective. “Platform” is thrown around so much in gun culture it’d be nice to hear a different take.
Video forthcoming. It's a pet peeve of mine. :)
Pet peeves don't count...anymore than a feeling counts...facts only please. No disrespect intended man. That something my foundation pastor taught me...be careful with feelings because they can lead you astray..no disrespect intended.
Active Self Protection Extra You do make great videos, but as I read through the comments with this video and many others you have made, you are condescending to many viewers. Very off-putting! For this reason, I hit the unsubscribe "button."
Really digging this new channel, it’s proving to be a really good place for me to grab some solid info on all the basics I don’t know and need to learn!
I really like this channel, too. Information is really well presented and complete.
Good Video. I carry a Sig Sauer P229 Legion SA/DA in .40. I have no issues with the recoil and like the benefits of the larger caliber. It is considered to be the top carry gun by many experts but like you mentioned it is preference on the style you like. The thing I like the most is something you touched on and that’s the no mechanical safety but still being safe with a round in the chamber. Striker fire pistols do have potential energy in the design while Single/Double action pistols do not have potential energy in the hammer because it is decocked while carried. I have no issues getting the first round on target consistently at 25 to 50 feet. In my opinion, hence why I carry one, the P229 is the best SA/DA carry pistols and one of if not the best carry pistol in any design. My P226 10mm is my favorite defense gun all around. It’s just a great platform.....
Matthew Rutledge Completely agree. Love my 229, it’s always with me...
Get an HK P30. You’ll keep that 229 in the safe.
My first handgun was a double-action revolver. I've continued to use DA/SA pistols and still own a few along with striker fired. It doesn't take that much effort to learn to fire a double-action properly and everyone should get to know the unique properties of all their firearms. You mentioned the Bersa Thunder. It's a great shooter and incredibly accurate.
DAO and DA/SA all the way...
Have carried Revolvers, DAO pistols and of course DA/SA pistols... Revolvers and DAO pistols are always back up guns... My mains have always been DA/SA
I like how you never tell people what to carry. We choose a gun and train and thats the way it goes. Your explanation does help in making our choice. This channel is the best i have found for every aspect of self defense. Knowing when to pull a gun is what i needed to know and everyday i learn more as a result of your dedication to our saftey and training. There is various skill levels and you just know when you know you can handle a gun right.
Great presentation. I'm a hammer fire guy. For the reward of training the two different pulls (and shouldn't you be training anyway?) you get a great built in safety DA pull and then an awesome, light, crisp SA pull. Lots of winning going on there. I've had striker fired guns and probably will again but their triggers just aren't crisp like a hammer fire, at least the ones I've owned. I like that crisp break.
gregorysoule agreed! I my buddys all have glocks. There is no comparison to my beretta px4 storms (type f) sa trigger pull. It feels so sweet!!!!
@@toddmerriott6901 Love that PX4 Storm. One of the few fully left hand guns I can use with basically full functionality left handed [compact version has ambi slide lock, for some reason sub and full don't][personally use the sub and reg compact].
Don't get me wrong, I do love my striker fire guns, but man do I feel better with DA/SA hammer fire. Love the long first pull, makes me feel extra safe, plus having that hammer "at rest" just makes me feel better [yes I am aware of internal safeties in guns, hey this isn't all logical, somtimes it is just the feel]. The ability to put my thumb on that hammer to feel safe with it held down.... nothing necessary and strikers are fine, but I just feels so much nicer to me.
This is probably the best explanation I heard on TH-cam about double and single action
DA/SA and DAO pistols offer added safety of allowing you to place your thumb over the hammer when reholstering. This is especially important when considering AIWB carry.
You can do the same thing with striker fire pistols if there is an obstruction pushing on the trigger you can feel striker being pushed back.
@@keeblerelf801 The Striker Control Device ("The Gadget") for Glocks is the only one I know of that will not only indicate the rearward movement of the trigger but will prevent discharge with sufficient pressure from the thumb. The Walther PPS' pin will push into the thumb but can easily be defeated by the trigger finger's force. Likewise, the Walther P99 will not prevent discharge. Perhaps the HK P7 will prevent it. If anyone would know, it'd be James Williamson.
You're the first one I found on YT to even mention the trigger when speaking of the differences. Nice job.
DA to SA change... when you are actually fighting for your life... you dont even notice it.
Well said
That is so true. Adrenaline wins!
Especially if you ... as of course you should... actually practice with your weapon. Realistically though if you are untrained you are just going to spam pull that trigger anyway and won't even notice.
But how accurate would that first shot be, in a high pressure situation? I personally like DA/SA, but I question how much the first two shots would be disturbed, under pressure.
I am not qualified to comment on whether one is better or worse than the other. What I can say is that ALL my experience and training with service pistols have been with a hammer fired pistol. Thats what I know, and what I'm comfortable with. For those reasons, hammer fired is what I stick to.
That's a fair way to make the decision I think.
Yes, there are many of us who came up fro revolvers and into hammer fired such as the 3rd generation S&W, which is what I grew use to when working. In fact, I still have a Model 411 and a Model 4566 and shoot both very well.
I have made the transition to the striker fired M&P.
And the Paul Harrell Subjective Thinker Award for this comment section goes to @rdsii64 :D
Critical and independent thinking, and hands on experience...a very good combination I think .....
I think a hammer fire da/sa with decocker is the safest option for most people who are not going to spend the time training as much as they should. Your own survey showed a small percentage of people actually go to the range or take classes as often as they ought to.
I also think in a real defensive situation after having an adrenaline dump, you're not really going to notice the difference between a 9lb da pull and the following 5lb sa pull.
You might not NOTICE the difference, but it's there and it still affects you.
totally agree, all of my da/sa do not have the decocker. have to be real careful when lowering the hammer. Or like I do, just keep it cocked and locked.
p.s. and no magazine safety.
Is someone with minimal training going to remember to decock a DA/SA Pistol after a stressful self defense encounter? Be able to hit their target with the first long and heavy pull? I’ve run both hammer fired and striker fired but I shoot; A LOT. A gun with a complicated manual of arms is not good for someone who doesn’t train, I’m sorry.
sharper2112 With the single action trigger being about the same between hammer fired and striker, I don't see how decocking after the fight is over matters. They could just as easily have an ND in either situation. It's the everyday carry and the initial decision to shoot and getting on target where I think a double action is better for people with limited training. Like John said, it requires a much more deliberate action.
I think hammer fired DA/SA is safer for most people who don't go to the range a lot. You can carry with a round in the chamber with little chance of an inadvertent discharge. If you know that you are in a really hot situation, you can always thumb the hammer back and get a consistent trigger pull. Also, the hammer gives you the option of hitting the primer more than once just by pulling the trigger if a round doesn't go off. I also think striker fired pistols may be the best option for people who train often, can assess situations quickly and have really good safety habits.
Id disagree especially when it comes to releasing the hammer when there is no de cocker and just in general with a decocker people may forget to drop the hammer if they stop firing before the gun is empty
@@jamesjones9207Either way, when you stop firing both systems are sitting on a live round with a light trigger. But at least you can decock the hammer and make the hammer fired weapon safer. The striker fire probably doesn’t have any safety at all. I personally like all the choices the hammer fired gives you.
Truth. 32 yrs LEO. 28 yrs with 92F. Didn’t believe I could love another Gun as much (even though Long first pull) After 24 hrs of training I found my new Love M&P 9. Never thought it would happen. ☝️this is my safety. Went from 15 to 17 rounds. Love my modern Striker Fire. I feel just like you. Modern striker is better. After being retired tried the compact, still too heavy. Now I love my Shield 9 with Hyve extension. Carri d a Gun every day of my life for past 35 years. I only compete (USPSA & IDPA) with my Shield because that’s what I carry concealed. Love striker fire.
Bret Parker just got +2 in my shield with Taran Tactical
I have a 1st Gen shield in 9 and one in 40, and a full size in 40, as well as a 2nd generation in 9. The M&P series really is a phenomenal series.
I single handedly keep S&W in business, basically. I have many many more too from them. They just make great guns. I owned an SW9VE that I got used ,my only ever used gun, and it was WELL used. That was 10 years ago, and that thing was so beat up but I couldn't kill it with Russian ammo and poor cleaning habits. I ended up cleaning it inside and out, made it look nice, and it still works like a champ firing Tula steel cased ammo.
I ended up also buying an SD9 and SD40. If you need a gun to just work, S&W is the king of that. Their sights aren't half bad either on the M&Ps.
Same here, once I finally decided to go striker I decided on the M&P line. I own all four sizes and am now buying all their equivalents in the new 2.0's which I love. S&W took every shortcoming I had with my original M&P's and fixed them.
Ask the backflipping FBI agent about that index finger safety
Do you have an extra chromosome?
I have both a striker fired (Walther PPS)and a DA/SA hammer fired pistol (H&K P30SKS). I prefer the hammer fired with a manual safety. It’s just another level of safe. Like any other pistol it is a matter of training until it becomes second nature. If you don’t train your carry gun won’t do you a damn bit of good.
I agree that the best safety is a good mind, but that being said, often and effective training builds a good mind. In the end, carry how you train and train on how you carry. On the other hand, more moving parts creates more room for mechanical failure.
Striker fired guns are more conducive to newer shooters with less experience. That being said, people who are willing to put in the practice to train themselves to turn off their safety when they need it then see the benefit of a much better trigger (on a single action only gun).
The most difficult part of shooting a pistol accurately is keeping the sights aligned as the trigger is pulled, and the better the trigger the easier this is to do. It's a lot easier to put rounds down range accurately with a nice 1911 trigger than most striker fired triggers.
- "just putting high quality internals into a striker fired gun."
Code for "I have to spend hundreds of additional dollars to make my gun's trigger get closer to, but never as good as, a 1911."
Here is your SAO pistol with a better trigger and same capacity - armscor.com/firearms/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-hc-9mm/
It takes no training to use a striker fired trigger whereas it takes training to do double action first shot or to train yourself to never forget to turn off the safety; the reward for doing so is a better trigger.
- "get a nice stryker fired gun like the ppq or vp9"
Those have good triggers, but they will never have a trigger as good as a finely tuned 1911.
Howard Rourke 😂😂😂🤦♂️
MCMLXXX VII IX He’s right tho
Hi John, I just wanted to thank you for your videos! I’m from the UK, and I have been watching your channel since I first went into care (I’m not sure what that is called in the USA, maybe an orphanage?). They really helped me to maintain my defence- and dignity! I was forced to stand up for myself and eventually become respected as a man, even though I went in as a rather scared boy! Again, thank you and thanks for everything you do and teach to us, your humble disciples! 😁
Glad to help you. Sorry for your situation. :(
Active Self Protection Extra
I’m all good now thanks dude! Older girlfriend who I love has homed me! I’ve made peace with my god and I often show her these videos :) Thank you!
Some of the best craftsmen, create using older tools and unconventional methods. Pick your tools, practice with them......
Funny I just had this discussion with a friend. A true craftsman can work with the old methods, and they produce fine results. But a tradesman (and that's most of us!) need efficient, effective tools to get the job done quickly and with less initial investment in learning.
Well stated. I'm old school. Train with the tool you aim to use. In the fire service, knowing your capabilities and your equipment means life.
When it comes to firearms, this is equally critical.
Learn to to use your tool when the chips are down.
I can't state this strongly enough. ASP says it in every video. You must prepare yourself long before the crisis.
Fantastic video, thanks for sharing this information!
I would prefer a double action to carry since they require a very deliberate trigger pull.
Whereas a striker in the heat of the moment can be too easy to shoot. Even with all the training in the world, in the heat of the moment, your finger may find its way to the trigger too soon
Your characterization of the striker-fired as “the best of both worlds” (single + double hammer-fired) is the best succinct explanation I’ve heard yet. Nice job!
I like the consistent, super short, 4lb pull of a 1911. Winning Mexican standoffs since 1911.
Nothing really does compare to the trigger of a 1911...AGREED.....I also shoot them more accurately than any other handgun.
Love my 1911 on my side and it's deadly accurate, I say it cos I'm not that good with my other guns 🤷♂️
I 100% agree, and I've carried a 1911 for some 20 years. Although my duty pistol is a striker fired pistol, and I plan on switching my CCW to a striker fired pistol.
Love the hammer futz in the beginning.
I know this is an old video, but it is still relevant today as far as being a good video in explaining the differences between the three action types. Female, and new sub here. Thanks!
Glad to help!
Better safety, better trigger and generally higher quality manufacturing are reasons why I like the da/sa guns for duty use. But I'll ccw anything from a snubby revolver to compact glock to a 1911 depending on the situation, I'm not picky.
I have both. All my guns are great. It is the gun owners responsibility to train with their guns. 1911's you have to hit that safety. Hammerless revolvers you have to stage the trigger to get that accurate shot. Highpoints you have to beat your assailant when it jams. LOL
"Hammer vs. striker" -- another thing folks fuss over, that they shouldn't.
There are hammer fired guns that have a consistent trigger pull with all shots. And, there are striker fired guns that are DA/SA.
Too funny....................................................but, true !!
Yea, we should be talking about titty Bars.
Chuck Bridgeland it makes for interesting conversation, that's all.
JusticeAA every trigger pull on a 1911 is the same. Also you can safely carry a hammer fired pistol with the hammer cocked in the holster. I pull the trigger the same way every time no matter the type of trigger, the only thing i will complain about is trigger reset, as in too long of a trigger reset sucks.
Cylinder and Slide have a product for 1911 and Browning Hi-Power pistols called the Safety Fast Shooting System. It allows you to carry with a round in the chamber, hammer down, and thumb safety engaged. When you thumb the safety down it also cocks the hammer back.
One other "pro" for the hammer fired pistol is the double strike. If a round fails to discharge with a striker you must rack the slide. You can drop the hammer again on a DA/SA.
Only on the DA/SA or DAO hammer. SAO no dice.
True that
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I bought my first handgun about a year ago, which is a hammer fired Sig P238. Great little gun. I absolutely love the trigger pull on it; no creep or take up with a crisp break, and then an extremely short and tactile reset. It's really got me spoiled. I have shot my daughter's striker fired Sig P365 a few times and from what I rememer I really had no complaints with it's trigger pull or how it functioned as a whole. And I've also shot aTaurus G2c and I have to say that I despised it's initial long, long trigger pull.
I'm LEO with 23yrs. Started with Beretta 92G then HK Compact and about six years ago my department went to Glock. I do like the striker fired, have a Glock 19 and Sig P320 for my personal guns. Recently picked up a HK P30Sk with the LEM trigger which I'm really liking. Any experience with HK LEMs? Do love the new channel. Thanks.
I haven't got much trigger time with the LEM trigger.
Traditional Double Action incorporate many quality and proven duty and off duty firearms long standing since before the early 2000's...The main advantage overall are the strikers are more simple to use for more people. But pretty much that is where it ends. Strikers also account for the majority of reported negligent and accidental discharges as well and I include in that comment my experiences in taking Police Reports for over 25 years of people shooting themselves or destroying property. The reason this happens is simple. Either a person fails to maintain proper trigger finger index (keeping their bogger hook off the trigger until ready to fire) or outside elements create or assist the trigger going bang. Loose clothing during re-holstering, fingers getting jammed down inside a holster when re-holstering and things like draw string tabs getting wedged in one of those hard kydex holsters will all aide in a discharge even if you keep your finger clear, This does not happen as often and I'd even say even a quarter as much with Traditional Double Action firearms. When you also take into account many of you out there carry appendix and for a safety factor it's even more of a factor in carrying concealed. Another reason Traditional Double Action firearms are good (not better) but good is because of "deliberate trigger engagement" during a deadly force encounter. And what I mean by that is you point your gun when justified and squeeze the trigger in that split second where it all changes and you decide "not to fire" that can be accomplished easier with a Traditional double action as you can both feel and see that hammer start to go back slowly vs a striker fired take up then instant click. And that is a thing folks. I have experienced it at work without going into details. The next reason I support Traditional Double Action and have even considered carrying that way again off duty more often is accuracy. John was on here saying striker fired firearms may be more accurate and many of you on here in the comments have said the same thing because of the consistency of the trigger vs heavy then light that exist on a traditional double action and I say not true. The reason I say that is simple to me. The very first shot most people including myself fire when shooting is dead on no matter if there is a long trigger or a short crisp trigger your best shot period will be your first shot. So think about it , if what I say is true then the single action follow up shots both for speed and accuracy will vastly improve because as all of us know nothing is faster and more accurate on a handgun than a single action trigger pull and that is exacdtly what you get with a traditional action....IMHO
My Sig P220 Carry is my go to EDC. But, also like my G30. Yes, I'm a 45ACP fan boy.
Hey, it works right?
Active Self Protection Extra 10-4.
I'm not ashamed of a fine cartridge....in one platform or another, a .45 ACP has filled my holster since 1977...Colt, Sig Sauer, and Smith and Wesson.
A short history lesson from an old LE fart: Before striker-fired guns became popular in the 1980s, there were very few "accidental shootings" by law enforcement and civilians due to the long trigger press of the typical "double action revolver". When law enforcement agencies started using the popular striker-fired pistols, such as Glock, the rate of accidental shootings by police went through the roof!
Due to the fact municipalities were paying out hundreds of millions of dollars to civilians accidentally shot by police, a lawyer (not a law enforcement officer or firearms instructor) working for a large county, got the bright idea of having their deputies extend their trigger-finger along the slide until they were ready to discharge their weapon. They also passed the idea along to P.O.S.T. Needless to say the idea swept the country overnight, and the payouts to shooting victims (suspects & civilians) were reduced substantially.
The lawyer's idea was to reduce the "money" paid out to victims by cities and counties. It had NOTHING to do with gun safety. With few exceptions, and not knowing the reasoning behind it, most firearms instructors bought into the procedure and the rest is history.
Once upon a time, my boss tasks me with an assignment of traveling the nation reviewing shootings involving federal agents as well as local LE. Among other stats I soon discovered, agencies having the lowest number of accidental shootings were those still using revolvers or hammer-fired double/single action pistols.
Off Topic - Food for thought: Let's not forget today's stats. Unlike the 1960s and 70s, studies now indicate the average municipal law enforcement officer (in combat situations - not on the range) miss their suspects almost 60% of the time (shootings between 6 feet and 21 ft.) and 77% of the time (shootings 21+ ft.). Additionally, unlike these days, local law enforcement were required to "qualify" EVERY MONTH...... NOT quarterly, semi-yearly or annually!
Due to the fact retired peace officers no longer have the legal protection afforded by a governmental agency when involved in a shooting, it is my humble opinion for self-defense, you may want to consider carrying a revolver or hammer-fired double/single action pistol. You non-prior LE civilians ought to think about it too. Enough of my ranting. Stay safe out there!
Eh, I think you're glossing over quite a bit here.
I've never really cared if a gun was Hammer fired or Stryker fired. Its never effected my decision when buying a handgun. The only thing a Gun needs is to be reliable and durable, everything else can be mitigated with proper training.
Sure, but we have limited training time right?
We may different on this opinion. But I believe you shouldn't have a favorite weapon. I believe it is best if people in general became proficient with any weapon.
That is something I personally strive for. This way if anything happens, no matter to situation. I will have a basic understanding on how to fight with whatever I may have. Doesn't matter if its a Knife, revolver, Glock, AR15, AK, Bolt action rifle or a broken piece of glass.
I want to be able to understand each and every weapon. Learn its strengths and how to mitigate its weaknesses.
@@Front-Toward-Enemy that sounds good, and you should understand many platforms, but when it comes to your EDC, I subscribe to the idea that you shouldn't rotate a lot of guns in and out of your carry system because that can bite you... I'd stick with one and get good with it
David Benkendorf of course and I agree. It can bite you in the arse. If you are used to carrying a Glock and one day switch to a Shield that has a safety on it. Well this could be fatal because while you may be able to shoot the s&w shield effectively, you may not be so good at disengaging the safety under pressure because the Glock you carry and train with doesn’t have one.
I never particularly cared either, have carried both. Started with hammer-fired, then striker-fired, now back to hammer-fired, and it's not because I prefer having a hammer (although I kinda do)... I just got the gun I liked and it happened to be.
The firsts pistol I ever shot were a 1911 and a variety of revolvers (I also shot many hunting rifles and shotguns, and even shot in youth skeet tournaments). That was throughout my youth. As I got older I went many years without shooting anything. Then sometime in the late 90s I got back into shooting a variety of platforms. I got up to speed on the new polymer striker fired designs. I got into old and new rifle and battle rifle platforms. I trained for defensive shotgun use, etc... Then I got into a lot of the import surplus stuff that was available.
My firearms proficiency came back much easier than I thought it would. But even still I put in as much time as I could afford, making sure I touched a lot of the bases, on as many things as I could...and spent significant time on the things I would most likely use defensively.
All was going well... Then I bought a 1911. Its a series 70 platform, with a decent set of factory enhancements... An enhanced skeletal trigger system, a more pronounced beaver-tail grip safety, Novak sights, Stainless hammered steel barrel, Commander style hammer, all forged steel...nothing is cast, front slide serrations, a beveled mag well, a beveled ejection port, and one or two more things I'm probably forgetting.
I worked up my skill set on the 1911, and Im making similar times, and having far better accuracy... than I am having with my polymer striker fired guns. I never upgrade or change anything on any firearm. I always train to it in an "out of the box" condition. And I am just doing better with the 1911. I simply run the platforms I have, time myself, and check for accuracy... The 1911 is either equalling or besting the results from other firearms. I was quite surprised myself. And I didnt necessarily have to run through thousands of rounds to achieve that. It came pretty quickly. And to be honest I am more comfortable with the "cocked and locked" mode of carry for the 1911, than I am with striker fired platforms. My muscle memory just tends to gravitate to that mindset for some reason. So I am now switching to carrying a 1911...and I sometimes carry a small Italian Walther PPK knock-off... which operates similarly to the 1911.
Why didn't you mention the benefits of having a second-strike capability in a DA/SA pistol? That's an important factor to consider when juxtaposing the two weapon systems.
It is, I have just not seen it come into play in a defensive gunfight.
Some newer striker fired guns have that double strike feature too. Taurus G2 for example.
What is the second strike capability?
@@uttamjeetsingh7451 One of the failures which can happen when firing a pistol is that the round doesn't go off when the firing pin hits the primer. This can be because the firing pin is slightly too short or the primer is pressed in a little too deep into the cartridge. Either way, it will usually fire the second time it is struck because the first one pre-deforms the metal, making it easier for the impact to deform it further on the next strike. Double-action (whether DA/SA or DAO) pistols will always strike again if you pull the trigger a second time. An SAO or striker-fired needs the extra step of racking the slide (or for SAO, at least pulling the hammer back).
I have had striker fired pistol since the early 80s, a HKP7M13, loved it, squeeze cocker, as safe as it gets, I now carry a Ruger LC9, striker fired with a EXTERIOR safety. I used to carry a kimber but it became too heavy at the end of the day. In my mind, carry what you find comfortable in your safety zone.
I prefer a double action only such as Sig P250. The trigger pull is like a revolver. I feel these gun as safer with a less change of a accidental discharge.
Purvis 1993 love my Sig P-250 👍
Purvis 1993 If you follow the 4 rules and have common sense an ND is impossible.
Hammer fired guns will light the hard primers that some striker fired pistols will choke on. If ammo availability/quality is an issue, the hammer fired guns have a little bit of a reliability advantage.
Love my VP9 ♥️
I'm 70. In my 30's and 40's I shot alot, ran and organized pistol matches and even taught some safety classes. Then I got into bows and hunting and stopped playing with handguns. After bows, I was called out of the woods to Church. Now years later I realize I Have to train back alot of what has gotten stale, and also realize age has crept into many aspects of life and my body. I don't want to risk not remembering to disengage or engage safeties or decockers. I don't want to have to worry that I might take up some tension on a striker fired trigger under extreme circumstances when fine motor skills have severly diminished, combined with older reflexes making for a dangerous possibility of a nd. I may train back to where I am comfortable with a striker fired weapon but until then I found a wonderfully smooth Sig P250 DAOsc with a small comfortable grip on a double stack 9 that is for me, a perfect carry gun. What a shame Sig discontinued this fine weapon that has a small but very loyal following. As a fellow Pastor I really enjoy and am learning from your videos. Thank you.
I love the SIG P320 compact🔥🔥
@John Doe guess you clearly not into guns and dont know anything about guns. Not gonna waste time with inbreds like you.
@John Doe lmao what? your bitchass got roasted and you're surprised? lol
Good explanation. What it really boils down to is a word you said a few times, training. There’s no bad gun to carry as long as you train with it and are comfortable shooting it. If you trust it when it counts, carry it.
The long trigger pull only matters to those that choose not to practice; and care more about punching holes in paper, than self-defense. During a high stress, use of force encounter; adrenaline will make that first pull seem as light as a feather.
But "seem" and "are" are not the same.
I live in an agricultural area and had a wild dog(pit bull) attack a goat. When I came to the corral the dog took off running and I was able to hit it on the run form about 20 yards out (using sig 226 in 357sig) so I tend to agree at that moment I didn’t notice the double action pull at all if anything it gave me time to aim and squeeze of the shot more accurately
All true, but I still love my SW 5906, 6906 and Walther PPK. Admittedly somewhat because I think they are cool old school and I like the idea of having to train to the different trigger pulls between double and single action.
Mike Renfro Agree. Some are lazy trainers
I like both. Hammer fired guns usually look cooler. Imo.
I agree...look more cool. Allow for dramatic hammer cocking before smoking bad guy in movie, lol
You're right, it does take some training to get that trigger transition down. I didn't realize it until I started really training but I did notice a difference.
I constantly hear, "safeties will get you killed". Guy who just said that proceeds to holster his Glock in an active retention holster. The ones that require a release to deploy their weapon? Yeah, that makes sense. Like you said, to each his own. I like a safety. I'm no gunslinger, but in my 55 years of shooting I don't recall ever forgetting whether my safety was engaged or not.
Had to comment. It's just an adage invented in recent years that has no merit. Had one idiot tell me If I "needed" a safety I should sell all my guns. My reply. "If you panic so easily that a safety is more than you can handle maybe you should sell your guns". Is what it is. BTW. I don't own a proper 1911, I have a Ruger P90 which I enjoy, but it's not a 1911. That will be my next purchase.
Come to class. We'll put you on a timer and under stress and see what happens. :)
And if you're openly carrying you need active retention on your gun whether it has a manual safety or not.
Apologize if you think I was picking a fight. I wasn't. I'm a senior citizen, you could time me with a sun dial. My point was that my guns safety is not an issue. It's not even a passing thought. If it's deployed, it's ready to fire, safety or not. Peace from Ahwatukee.
Active Self Protection Extra Hmmm. Like your channel, but pretty presumptuous of you and perhaps even a bit condescending! albeit with a smiley face. :_) I would venture to guess that most of us carrying 1911's train a lot. Based on a recent video you made about your training schedule, I will have many more hours training this year than you will. We do use a timer and other ways of creating stress. And I have never not taken my safety off. I've carried and shot DA/SA. It's fine. Striker isn't my preference, but I'm fine with it being yours.
My CZ 75D compact decocker puts the hammer at half-cocked. Great for carry. Just enough resistance to avoid accidental discharge yet short enough travel to make first shot quick and accurate.
John, this question is not related to the video but just came up out of curiosity while viewing it. Is there any real potential dangers/real inconveniences that can come in the future for someone posting videos/pics online of your gun and revealing it's serial number? Or is it just like a car's VIN. Maybe a good topic for future video. Thanks for what you do.
I don’t think there’s any danger personally.
I agree with almost all of what you said John. Except for the part about needing less training for a striker fired gun. It requires less initial training, but with little training comes the opportunity for "Glock Leg" or a negligent discharge. If you are like me, try to avoid going to dangerous places, and try to stay at least code yellow while out and about, I'm more worried about a negligent discharge than having to defend myself. For my striker fired gun, I love my xds;; having the grip safety gives me a little more comfort with respects to safety. Reholstering, reloading, etc., I make sure I don't depress the grip safety as my backup. With revolver, SA, or SA/DA pistol, I have my thumb on the hammer when doing similar.
No matter what you choose, train, train, train if you are going to carry. Otherwise you might be the one taking the ambulance ride, or looking at a jury of 12. I dig your video's, keep em up!
Sometimes I feel like the only millennial with an obsession for 1911s and single action semi autos. Especially 10mm. Is there something wrong with me?
Yeah, probably :P But you like guns, so its glossed over.
LMAO.. Nothing wrong so carry on!
What American doesn’t like a 1911? Lol :)
The 1911 is a great choice. Have owned and used them for decades.
ahhh thank god another 10mm fan. i got rid of all my 9mm handguns for 10mm glocks. only 9mm i have recently purchased was a str 9 mm cuz it was cheap
I have both and just have to say I like them both. I don't prefer one over the other. I train with both so I'm comfortable with both. It's all about training and becoming comfortable with your firearms.
That Bersa is a DA/SA. A true DA pistol would be the Beretta 92D
I've never fired a striker fired gun, but I also drive a manual transmission.
I didn't know the difference between single and double action before. Thanks!
No...id say that hammer fired is better. Especially double action because you have the second strike capabilities.
?
i know man all that pesky center-fire ammo not going off when i pull the trigger
Craigx71 The Glock that had issues... How does it do with factory ammo? If any real issue with the gun, I'm betting you need to clean the firing pin.
Craigx71
Glocks are too easy to limpwrist. Major problem in my opinion. Watch the video of the guy in the Toyota who kills a cop with an akm after his glock malfunctions.
Why would you waste time pulling the trigger again when you should be tap-racking?
That Bersa rocks. I had one as a "walking to work" piece
The one I own is quite reliable. Kinda big for what it provides, but runs well.
Personally... I prefer a hammer...
I carry a company issue Sig Sauer SP 2202 rather than the Glock 19 which the company also provides
Suppose I'm old school lol😎😎
This is one of the most reasoned explanations of single/double-single/striker actions I've come across. For me, after trying all sorts of actions, every pistol I carry consistently is single action. The exception is a Ruger LC9S. But they all have external safeties and they all have exceptional triggers. I'm referring to Ruger 1911's in .45 and 9mm and a Springfield 911 in .380. Why? The trigger. When I pull my firearm out of pocket or holster for real, I'm really needing to hit the bad guy quickly. Now this is just for me... but for me, I know I can hit what I'm looking at, even if it's moving, with the sort of short, light, quick, positive trigger pulls my carry guns have. Flicking the safety down as I pull it from concealment has become instinctive.
I like my hammer fired guns more than striker, something about being able to cock the hammer i love! Probly why I've always liked and had a revolver!! Can't go wrong with a 4" 357!!
Yes a 4” Smith 686 or Ruger GP100 in 357 Mag is where it’s at. HK P30 is what I carry.
Training is the most important aspect. That said, love my CZ P10F.
You forgot to mention the second strike capability of DA pistols
That's true, but it's both a blessing and a curse.
Active Self Protection Extra yeah I guess I never thought about it, if I got a click and no bang it could have never picked up another round. Btw you should do a vid on quality mags vs cheap mags for carry
Yes, 2nd strike only good for bad primers in cheaply made ammo or if you have only one round left to try again. Or, for novice user who will not know how to cycle. Otherwise, tap-rack-smoke'em if ya got em.
When I was a puppy, I cut my teeth on double action revolvers. Carried a single action 1911 in the Army. Now it is a DA/SA 9mm. You are absolutely correct that you can train your muscle memory to remember, first shot 12pound double action, shift finger, subsequent shots 5pound SA. In a stressful, life or death situation, you will revert to your training. Thumbs up for another good video.
Great job, John. The best one you can have is the one you'll carry when you need it. Doesn't matter which. One thing that I read is that it takes an average of seventeen seconds for a non proprietary user to figure out a mechanical safety when taking someone's gun.( Gun Digest- Concealed carry, Ayoob.
I prefer double action hammer fired for my inside the pocket conceal carry. I like a striker fired if I’m wearing a holster. They are both great. Just depends on the environment you carrying in.
Jake C no my hammer is flush with the slide I cc a LCP or LC9 depending on my attire. It’s a safety thing for me. I don’t like having a striker fired with no safety inside my pocket.
I've been shooting for some 40 plus years , growing up ,unless it was a true double action or a single action revolver, guns had safties. It was just accepted, not something most of us even thought about. We didn't need to train with it to remember there was a safety, we trained to be better shooters. I have striker fired guns with safties and without, double action only, double / single action etc. I never forget the safety , or where the mag release is. It's my weapon and I know how it works. Honestly, I never heard anything about having to train to remember using the safety until the striker fired pistols came along and especially until youtube came along. Glocks with no safties were all the rage and then other gun manufacturers followed suit. I think this created a new generation of shooters who shoot almost exclusively non thumb safety pistols and they kind of freak out a little when you put something other than that in their hands. I do understand getting used to various types of triggers , but thats just part of shooting. One thing that do find humorous is how so many shooters today say things like, you don't need a safety, those will get you killed when using a striker fired gun, but when carrying a single action semi auto, they have no problem with it having a safety.
I think that discounts the M9 and decockers, but I get what you're saying. We never worried about safeties with revolvers, but when semi-autos came on the scene things changed. So as times change, needs change.
@Active Self Protection Extra not even really when semi autos came along, semi autos have been around since even before 1911, bit to be fair not until around 1911 did the people start carrying semi autos. As you are aware decockers simply put a pistol back into double action. Again though, it was just another gun system if people liked it and wanted to carry it with a decocker and in double action. It was simply done for "safety " reasons . All I'm saying is, growing up ( in my case) from about 10 years old shooting , if the gun had a thumb safety we used it. It was just part of owning a gun and no training was required to learn to engage the safety if we used one with a decocker and carried it double action on the first pull, then we didn't have to think about that or train either. By the way ,I don't ever remember anyone getting shot or killed when I was a kid because they used a safety and forgot to disengage it. I enjoyed this video, because it is clearly educational.
Neither are better. It's all about your personal preference. Huge fan of your show!
Why would we move from hammer to striker fired?
Before you say the answer, I'm gonna take a guess. Is it because it closes up the trigger and firing pin mechanisms and protects them more from the elements and trauma to the firearm?
Close... enough.
Lol.
Meaning people are to lazy to properly maintain their weapon . it will take longer for the striker fired to keel over but not that much longer
8aleph you are short selling yourself if you only think about maintenance... guns get knocked around dropped and beat up during fights... junk can get into exposed open hammers and fowl them up unlike closed strikers or clothes can get tangled up in an exposed hammer it your grappling
Matthew Brown it’s because it allows using a polymer(plastic) frame. There are only one or two polymer framed guns with hammers, probably the stress involved with mounting a pivoting hammer into plastic that is also slammed backwards when the slide recoils is too much for a plastic frame. With a striker there is almost no real torsional stress on the frame. That’s my theory anyway.
Vincent Lok there are a number of hammer fired polymer framed pistols. Beretta px4, FN FNX, CZ p07/p09, Sig sp2022, and maybe one or two others I'm not thinking of. Obviously few compared to striker fired.
Striker fired guns are not new, my 1920 H&R self-loader is striker fired. The big advantage of striker fired guns is that they are simpler and cheaper. I am not really convinced about the ‘trigger on the trigger’ safety. It just keeps the gun from firing unless you pull the trigger. I thought that was the job of the trigger. Iver Johnson dropped that system after a few years because everyone just looked at it as a gimmick. With a hammer, you can put your thumb on the hammer when reholstering and tell there is a problem before you shoot yourself in the leg.
Striker fired guns suck if you use military surplus ammo, military ammo has hard primers that a striker fired gun will not fire ( some of the time)
Hammer fired is the way to go.
That's not really true. I have a whole bunch of ZQI NATO primed 9mm that my VP9 eats reliably. Some Glocks had problems with it, though.
What I like about striker fired pistols is that every shot have to be consciously fired. On DA pistols the second trigger pull is often very light, creating a possible follow up shot without conscious will to fire it. And I do this alot with a competition level DA/SA pistol. Though, more often than not it's necessary and hits the target spot on, so it's not a problem in a competition. In a defensive situations I imagine I wouldn't want to shoot any unwanted shots and therefore striker fired pistols can be a safer option in order to avoid unwanted holes where you do not want them or if your legislation looks down on you if you shoot the perp one too many times.
Rule #2 exists for a reason. Finger off the trigger until you've made the conscious decision to fire.
how many officers have been saved because the perp did not know how to turn off the safety? buy and train.
I was a civilian worker for a Big Sheriffs Dept. The Deputies got to practice once a quarter. At one time they were talking about once every three months. The deputies that were shooters were complaining that this was not near enough.
They were using the Berettas.
As a 10 year police officer, I would say that a gun safety should never be viewed as a defense against a suspect using your weapon against you. You train to avoid disarmament at all costs.
Other advantages of striker fired pistols:
1) Striker fired pistols typically have a lower bore axis than hammer fired pistols, generally meaning less muzzle flip and slightly faster split times.
2) Striker fired pistols for the most part have between 40% to 50% fewer parts than traditional double action handguns such as the Beretta 92 or Sig P226 for example. Few parts means fewer things to go wrong or break, so from a maintenance standpoint Striker fired pistols are usually slightly easier to repair.
Disadvantages of striker fired pistols:
1) No second strike capability.
Hammer-fired pistols typically weigh a bit more and have a better trigger in single action, meaning less felt recoil, less muzzle flip, better accuracy and faster follow-ups (although my Steyr is a great example of what you're saying, low axis and great trigger... and sights, at least to me). A very cursory check showed a Beretta 92 has 69 parts, a 1911 has 58, and a Glock has 34, so you're right about that. But you just mentioned two hammer-fired pistols that are among the most renowned for their reliability. I know some would throw Glock into that company, but it is not in the same league in terms of quality and I have seen the most reliability issues with them. Granted, maybe it is because they are so prevalent, or because it was user-induced in one way or another, and when I personally put a lot of rounds through one, I had no problems, but that's still my experience and I have to go with that. Anything will fail if you don't maintain it properly. BTW, I carry a 92FS.
Second strike capability depends, as I said somewhere else up above. It's faster, but only if the second try is successful, and I wouldn't bet on that. Nice if it works, but you're that much behind the person who went right into their tap-rack-bang drill if it doesn't.
If you shoot a glock with a 1911 it would break it, if you shoot a 1911 with a glock it would only scratch it, The 1911 is like the superman of handguns
Good video with many comments and opinions. Many of us learned and trained with the 1911, Baretta, or SIG P226. Now many of us are switching to some striker fire models such as Springfield XD, M&P 9, M&P Shield, or Glock models. To each their own, no wrong answer. But regardless, training and competence are not up to par based on some surveys done on ASP. Therefore buy what you like and shoot a lot (dry fire too) to build confidence and competence and it will not matter which style you prefer if you are proficient and safe.
Im just not a fan of unnecessary hammers, decockers and safety switches, just more things to go wrong
Ian Cornell don’t buy cheap guns and don’t repeat James Yeager 😝
MikhailBarracuda91 do you think he's the only person who's not a fan of safety's, hammers and decockers? Sold my Kimber for a Glock back in 2007. Glock was cheaper, functions much better.
Ian Cornell just yanking your chain buddy I’d take a Glock over a kimber any day
I'm an M&P guy myself, and I agree about the switches.
If I'm ever in a bad situation, I just want to pull my weapon and go to work.
GREAT video and explanation of all three.
For me, give ma a 1911 or a SA/DA Revolver.
Anyone who thinks a striker fired gun is better is my enemy 🔫🔫🔫
Jose Rodriguez oh boy
Mongoose Viper hahahahaha
In that case I'll keep u closer than my friends LOL
Rummy's World smart move! What do y’all carry?
Howard Rourke completely agree 😂🤣
Yep I prefer my 2 Walther P99 gen 1's in 9 mm !!! I so use to that single action pull and listen for that reset every time and baam it goes with just a slight pull and yes that first double action pull acts as a safety but also I love that decocker on it for when wanting to holster the pistol as well which sends the pistol back to double action or safety mode as I call it !!!!
I used to own Sigs that were da/sa but sold them, not my cup of tea. I now own a striker for my daily cc and a SAO for matches and home defense. That’s what I like best but not saying anyone is better.
My 24/7 taurus G2 striker fired is DA/SA, with decocker. After first shot can put safety On in S/A, and carry S/A. On a 1911A1 you have to either pull the slide to chamber round to get hammer back, or pull hammer back to shoot, or deactivate safety. My friend shot himself in leg trying to Decock his 1911. Owning a piano doesn't make you Chopin, like owning firearm make you Dirty Harry. You get out what you put in. My advice to the Novice, Revolver.
Good summary of the differences. I hear a lot of people hate on DA/SA guns and I think a lot of that hate stems from not understanding the purpose behind that heavy DA trigger stroke. I tried for quite awhile to train on a single action pistol, but I could never get to where I disengaged the safety absolutely 100% of the time. The DA trigger is not as hard for me to manage. Obviously striker fired guns simplify things, but I like the extra margin of safety provided by a DA/SA, plus it's what I have to use for duty.
If it's what you have to use for duty you are very wise to use it for off duty as well.
Striker-fired semiautomatic handguns have been around for well over 100 years. The world's first mass-produced semiautomatic pistol, the Borchardt C-93 (1893), was striker fired, as was the Luger (developed in 1898, issued beginning in 1900), and the Browning FN M1905 (1905), to name just a few.
Thanks for the objective treatment of this subject. I personally prefer a da/sa hammer fired pistol, but I practice at the range almost every week to be sure that first heavy pull is on target. I just got the MantisX (thanks for that recommendation!) and am using it to help eliminate the difference in my handling of the da vs sa.
My main carry is a s&w 6906. It has a bobbed hammer. I didn't like it at first, especially since my first gun was a beretta 92, but now I love it. But i will also carry a smaller striker fired shield from time to time. But it took some time to be able to get the training and mindset to carry both
Until recently, I only owned stuker fired, but I was recently lucky enough to purchase a brand new P226 for one heck a good price. Even when I am carrying my EDC, I want to be holding that P226. But it does take some training to remember to decock that. I personally think everyone who wants be truly proficient should learn to operate a hammer-fired system.
I love both my striker fire sig P365 and my good old trusty hammer fire makarov. I’ll carry one or the other depending on what I wear. I won’t ever get rid of either and shoot accurately at appropriate distance with both. I’ll say that the Sig has way better sites though.
If I pocket carry the only choice for me is the Taurus curve. Those 3 guns are a few of the guns that I will never sell.
I JUST FOUND THIS 2nd CHANNEL of yours!! What have I been missing my whole life!!
If you get a hard primer a second pull of the trigger is faster than ejecting the round & in the 2 hard primers I’ve had in 30 years the 2nd hammer strike has never failed to make the cartridge fire.
Two quick points that were missed. First, an exposed hammer in double action offers feedback for trigger position upon reholstering. Second, there are a few striker fired guns on the market with traditional double action, such as the Walther P99.
Very good rundown of what to look for in a CCW, and you're absolutely right that shot placement is by far, more important (and by default, training) than the actual calibre. However, I would add that, IMHO, that .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .357 Mag, and .40 S&W are the most appropriate, just due to size of the weapon, and round capacity. Anything of a higher calibre, is just overkill (no pun intended), and will, perhaps, lead to over shooting, and injuring innocent bystanders.
Good video. It's really a mistake to even think about "striker vs. hammer" though. The reason I say that is because a pistol with the same operating characteristics can be designed with either ignition system. The LCP 2 is an example of a hammer fired gun that acts just like a "modern striker fired gun". And there are striker fired guns with long heavy trigger pulls.
It really comes down to the following:
1. short/light trigger pull vs. long heavy pull
2. Some means of switching the gun off (i.e. safety switch)
3. Some means of preventing the pistol from firing should something go wrong during re-holstering. (thumb on a hammer or "gadget" striker control device)
These characteristics can be achieved regardless of action type. We would be better served addressing them than using words like "striker", "hammer", "double action", or "single action."
For me it depends on the gun. For example, I like how the Glocks are striker fire, but I like how my FNX 45 is hammer fire. One thing I like about the hammers is that during a draw, you can place your thumb on the back of that hammer, which acts as another method of safety to prevent the trigger from getting pulled accidentally. Then once my sights are on target, I move my thumb off the hammer and pull the double action trigger.
I think the training makes all the difference. I've been firing double action on my FNX 45 for the first shot of every mag for a while now. When I shoot single action on my first shot, it actually kind of throws me off, because I'm so used that that double action and I know exactly how it is supposed to feel. So in a way, neither is better like you said. You just gotta know what you're using and you'll get really good with it.
I like both, but when i started shooting revolvers where the thing, thus i learned DA and SA on them. Mainly the S&W 19 and 686. So my pistol of choice to cc is a CZ 75d, i just love it! And i love my MP5 too, so I’m a old school Cold War kind of guy! Not really surprising my kid years are the 60’s and 70’s....