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Single action

Or single action only mechanisms are for doing the single-action motion of the hammer or striker in a weapon every time the trigger is pulled. For pistols, this action requires the hammer to be cocked for the first bullet, though many guns have the cocking of the hammer as part of the loading process. After the first shot, the movement of the slide cocks the hammer for the rest of the bullets. For single action revolvers, the hammer must be manually cocked before every shot.

Double action

Or Double action only mechanisms are used to perform two processes during a trigger pull,

  • 1. Cock the hammer.
  • 2. Then releasing the hammer to fire the weapon.

In revolvers, this action also spins the cylinder.

Traditional Double Action

Also known as Double Action/Single Action, this combines both technical aspects of the trigger systems. This term has been stated as "almost exclusive" to semi-auto handguns. For revolvers, it acts the same as a Double Action revolver. In firing the weapon, the firearm automatically cocks the hammer after the weapon is fired. This system will cock and release the hammer if it is in the down position when fired, but the gun will act as a single action after that. The Beretta 92 pistols are a good example. They also offer a decocker on some guns including the Beretta.

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