Looking to see what are you guys are actually choosing in a carry handgun.

Question:
What is your preferred action for a carry weapon?

Choices:
Single Action Auto (i.e. 1911, Hi Power...etc)
Traditional Double Action (DA/SA)
Double Action Only Hammer semi auto
Striker Action
Revolver

 

Given the choice, I like DA/SA. The long DA pull provides a greater margin for error when working in and out of a holster, but a good DA trigger can still be very smooth and easy to shoot. It also negates any need for a manual safety. Follow-up shots are also easier with a trigger pull that tends to be better than most striker-fired guns, and a short reset eliminates any chance of short-stroking. IMO it's a compromise, but one that works.

I don’t know that it matters as much as it once did.

I prefer DA/SA overall but I am perfectly fine with most strikers as well. I don’t care for single actions or DAO/LEM/LDA etc. setups.

I love revolvers and while I certainly wouldn’t feel unarmed with one they are not my preference for defensive duty.

The only one on the list I don’t like is DAO semi, mostly because I do not have much trigger time. I guess I’m in the camp that thinks it doesn’t matter as much as it once did.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
I don’t know that it matters as much as it once did.

I agree. Between training both in person and online, and drop-in parts kits for pistols that don't already come with good triggers, it's a different situation than it was even ten years ago.

I own both a SIG 229 DA/SA and a Walther PPK, and I really like them both, except for the DA/SA trigger. I wish they were 1911-style SA. Of course, I also have a Glock trigger on two of my guns and am no fan of them, distrusting the "safety" trigger.

My favorite gun of all was a Colt 1911 Mk4/Series 70 in .45ACP that I shot competition with many years ago until it was stolen.

Jeff Cooper called DA/SA "an overly-complicated solution to a non-existent problem" and I still agree with him, just have to compromise occasionally to get the benefits of the newer designs.

Speaking of newer designs, it just occurred to me that my Great-Uncle carried a 1911 in WWI, and my Father and a couple Uncles carried 1911A1's in WWII. It's amazing that the 1911-style pistol is still manufactured by several major and minor companies, to this day! If it weren't for the benefits of greater magazine capacity, lighter weight, and slimmer design (NOT the 229!) the 1911 would still be my carry choice.

Aside from a dalliance or two with some hammered solution that ultimately failed, it's been striker for the past 33+ years. Unless some epiphany happens to contradict this thinking, I'm more than good with sticking with strikers well into the future (at least my future, that is).

I voted single-action / 1911, but also carry DA revolvers. I’m not Glock-averse, I just don’t carry one as often these days.

1911 became my favorite after years of Sig DA/SA. Glock has a place but trigger doesn't compare favorably.

DA/SA for overall safe administrative handling combined with being quick into action if needed. SA 1911 is second most common carry.
I am hopelessly fossilized.

DA/SA is my preferred action. I am working my P229s into my carry routine. After that, I would have to say the safe action glock.

For my first three years, it was a Single Action (Browning Hi Power)
Then during the next 16 years it was DA/SA (primarily SIGs)
Since 2005 - striker fired (primarily a Glock 19).

I only buy and shoot striker guns now due to pain /maybe arthritis in my hands/fingers, making it hard to shoot da/sa guns, which is a shame as I used to have a nice collection of them.

So, I’m a total mixed bag. Let me explain.

At the immediate moment, I primarily carry a G48, and have been a regular Glock user for a decade. Despite that, I’ve been a solid Beretta fan since “day one” (my first pistol was a Beretta 96) and have started carrying them more often with plans to make them what I carry most often. In addition, I’ve always admired the Classic P-Series despite not currently having any (a fact I need to change!). I also recently got a P250 that I put into a WC grip module that I’m really liking. It, too, will be added to my carry rotation. So I cover striker, DA/SA, and DAO. I do have a custom 1911, but have no plans to carry it.

Of those listed though, I most favor the DA/SA action system, hence my transition to it. Thus, that’s the option I voted for.

While I prefer the DA/SA, I've been carrying a P250 (DAO) for over 5 years.

Thinking about switching to a SP2340 in .357 SIG.

I rather carry a DA/SA but my P365 is a better size and weight so I am carrying a striker fired instead.

quote:

Originally posted by sig2392:
I rather carry a DA/SA but my P365 is a better size and weight so I am carrying a striker fired instead.

This^^^

I'd like to carry a DA/SA, but until a magician designs something as competitively small, lightweight, and at least 10+1 capacity in 9mm, then I'm going w/ striker.

The S&W CSX came close, but it's SAO.

SAO in both .45 and 9mm Legions
I speak Sig.

I voted single action only because I mainly shoot 1911s or HKs. Either one SAO. I carry the HKs cocked and locked.