Single Action vs Double Action Revolvers: The Differences Explained

In the single action vs double action revolver question, the difference is what the trigger does. On a single action revolver, you cock the hammer by hand for every shot, which also turns the cylinder, and the trigger only drops the hammer. On a double action revolver, a long trigger pull cocks the hammer, turns the cylinder and fires, and most can also be cocked by hand for a lighter single action shot. For self-defense and concealed carry, pick a double action. For hunting with heavy magnums, cowboy action shooting or simple, accurate plinking, a single action is a great choice. Our best defensive revolvers guide covers double action carry guns in depth.

Single Action vs Double Action Revolvers at a Glance

• Single action (SA): cock the hammer by hand for each shot. The trigger only releases the hammer, so it is light and crisp.
• Double action (DA): the trigger cocks and releases the hammer in one long pull. Most DA revolvers can also be fired single action by cocking the hammer first.
• Double action only (DAO): hammerless or bobbed-hammer revolvers that fire only with the long double action pull.
• Loading: most SA revolvers load one chamber at a time through a loading gate and eject with a rod. Most DA revolvers have a swing-out cylinder that works with speed loaders and speed strips.
• Best for SA: hunting with magnums, cowboy action shooting, plinking and teaching new shooters.
• Best for DA: self-defense, concealed carry and home defense.

What Is a Single Action Revolver?

Single action describes how many jobs the trigger does: one. Pulling the trigger releases the hammer and fires the gun, and that is all. To get ready to fire, you cock the hammer with your thumb. Cocking the hammer also rotates the cylinder and lines up a fresh chamber with the barrel. After each shot, you cock it again.

Because the trigger does so little, a good single action trigger is light and crisp, and many shooters consider it the best trigger on any revolver. Classic examples include the Colt Single Action Army and its many clones, the Ruger Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk, the Ruger Wrangler and the Heritage Rough Rider.

What Is a Double Action Revolver?

A double action trigger does two jobs. As you pull, it cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder, then releases the hammer at the end of the stroke. The pull is longer and heavier than a single action pull, but you do not have to touch the hammer between shots.

Most double action revolvers still have an exposed hammer, so you can cock it by hand and fire with a short, light single action pull when you have time for a precise shot. Examples include Smith & Wesson J-frames and the TRR8, the Ruger SP101 and Redhawk, the Colt Python and Taurus revolvers.

What About Double Action Only?

Double action only revolvers have no exposed hammer spur, either because the hammer is enclosed, as on the Smith & Wesson 642 and 442, or bobbed, as on some Charter Arms models. They cannot be cocked by hand, so every shot uses the long double action pull. The tradeoff is a snag-free gun that draws cleanly from a pocket or holster.

Benefits of a Single Action Revolver

The Best Revolver Trigger

A light, crisp single action trigger makes it easier to put rounds exactly where you want them. Between two quality guns, a single action trigger generally beats the single action pull of a double action revolver.

Recoil Control With Magnums

Single action revolvers handle recoil differently, depending on the grip. The plow handle grip, perfected on the Colt Single Action Army, lets the gun roll up in recoil. That means more muzzle rise but less punishment to the wrist with heavy loads. The Bisley grip, popular on big Ruger magnums like the Super Blackhawk Bisley, rolls less and gives more control, sending more energy straight into the hand.

Strong, Simple Frames

Single action revolvers have fewer parts, and most use a solid frame with no swing-out crane. That makes them strong, often lighter than a double action gun of similar caliber, and able to handle a lifetime of magnum loads. It is why so many handgun hunters carry them.

Cowboy Action Shooting and Teaching

Single actions are the heart of Single Action Shooting Society matches, and a rimfire single action is a great teaching gun. The small grip and light trigger are easy for new shooters, the gun’s condition is easy to see, and having to cock the hammer for every shot slows an excited beginner down.

Benefits of a Double Action Revolver

Speed

Not having to cock the hammer means you can fire as fast as you can pull the trigger and stay on target. A skilled shooter can draw and put six rounds into a target’s A zone at 7 yards far faster than anyone can with a single action. If a round fails to fire, you simply pull the trigger again.

Fast Reloads

Modern double action revolvers have a cylinder that swings out to the left. Push the ejector rod to clear all the empties at once, then reload with a speed loader or speed strip. Most single action revolvers load and unload one chamber at a time through a loading gate.

One Hand Shooting

Since you do not have to cock the hammer, a double action revolver is easy to shoot with one hand. You can fire a single action one-handed, but every shot requires shifting your grip to reach the hammer.

The Choice of Trigger

With an exposed hammer, a double action revolver gives you two triggers: the long double action pull for speed, or a cocked, light single action pull for a careful shot.

Safety Notes for Both Types

Many traditional single action revolvers, including original Colt Single Action Army designs and most clones without a transfer bar, should be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. On those guns, the firing pin rests on the primer when the hammer is down, and a blow to the hammer can fire the round. That includes Ruger’s own pre-1973 “old model” Single-Six, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk and Bearcat, and Ruger still offers a free factory transfer bar conversion for those guns. Ruger’s current New Model Blackhawk manual says the New Model may be carried with all chambers loaded, because with the hammer and trigger fully forward the transfer bar drops out of the way and the hammer rests on the frame, not the firing pin. Ruger’s advice for any older single action, regardless of maker, is to carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Read your manual to know which you have.

With heavy magnums in any revolver, a weak grip or stance can let recoil drive the gun back toward your face. Get proper instruction before handing anyone a big-bore revolver, and start new shooters on rimfire or .38 Special.

Single Action vs Double Action: Which Is for You?

Choose a single action if you want the best trigger, plan to hunt with powerful magnum cartridges, shoot cowboy action matches, or want a simple, fun rimfire for plinking and teaching.

Choose a double action if the gun is for self-defense, concealed carry or home defense. The faster rate of fire, quick reloads and one-hand shooting give it a clear defensive edge, and DA revolvers come in every size from pocket J-frames to optics-ready eight-shooters like the S&W; TRR8.

For specific guns, see our guides to the best snub nose revolvers, best .22 revolvers, best Ruger revolvers, best Colt revolvers, best Smith & Wesson revolvers and top cowboy action revolvers. Our reviews of the 2.5 inch Colt Python, the S&W; 940, the Ruger Super Wrangler the Henry Big Boy revolver and the Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery SAA, plus our J-frame carry test, show both types in action, and our history of the Webley revolver covers a classic break-open double action.

Single Action vs Double Action Revolver FAQ

What is the main difference between single action and double action revolvers?

A single action trigger only releases the hammer, so you cock the hammer by hand before each shot. A double action trigger cocks and releases the hammer in one pull.

Can a double action revolver be fired single action?

Most can. If the revolver has an exposed hammer, you can cock it by hand and fire with a lighter single action pull. Double action only revolvers cannot.

Is a single action revolver good for self-defense?

It can work, but a double action is the better choice. It fires faster, reloads faster and is easier to shoot with one hand.

Why do hunters like single action revolvers?

They have light, crisp triggers, strong solid frames that handle heavy magnum loads, and grips that manage recoil well.

Should I carry a single action revolver with a round under the hammer?

Only if it has a transfer bar or similar safety. Traditional single actions without one should be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Check your manual.

What does DAO mean on a revolver?

DAO means double action only. The hammer is enclosed or bobbed, so the gun fires only with the long double action pull.