SA/DA or Striker for learning

DaSquariusGreen · October 2, 2016, 08:23 PM

I am just about to get my first handgun. I did shoot a bit when I was younger, with my father, but only rifles and shotguns for target and skeet. I am looking for a pistol that I can shoot a lot, and build fundamentals/good skills that will later be transferrable to any handgun. I've heard some anecdotes each way: Simpler and more consistent/ better for beginners - Striker. More reliable/"if you master this everything else is easy"/striker habits are hard to break - SA/DA. Any consensus here?

FWIW I've tried a few different kinds of range rental, and none of them jumped out at me (of course this was not after any kind of long term use)

TXAZ · October 2, 2016, 08:30 PM

Welcome. Keep trying guns for the grip and feel / balance first.
They're all different but often similar.
SA / DA gives you more flexibility as some see it.
But SA / DA vs striker is less important than what feels right.

Go to a range, talk to people, many will let you squeeze a few off.

Snyper · October 2, 2016, 08:50 PM

Try as many different types as possible and go with the one that feels right to you.

There are no practical advantages of one over the other, no matter what people will say.

With practice and time you will be able to shoot them all equally well.

Radny97 · October 2, 2016, 09:32 PM

I like the SA/DA for learning better because you can dry fire practice at home. Not so much with striker fired.

Roland Thunder · October 3, 2016, 07:20 AM

I personally can shoot a striker fired double action gun better than a SA/DA. In fact, I sold my Sig 626 for that reason, I never could shoot it very well. I've tried other DA/SA guns with the same result.

That's just me personally, others may have different results.

g.willikers · October 3, 2016, 08:07 AM

It seems most everyone wants to start with a conversation about "what should I buy."
They would be better off if they start with where they could learn to shoot a pistol.
Kind of like when you learned to drive a car or ride a motorcycle.
First learn how, then buy something.
The better you know how to shoot, the less the type of gun really matters.

straightshooterjake · October 3, 2016, 09:13 AM

All firearms involve tradeoffs. Striker fired handguns and DA/SA handguns are both widely popular, and many people find one or both of these designs very favorable. But to make a recommendation for you, I would need to know more about your intended uses for the pistol. Will this gun be for range use, carry, or home defense?

Generally, I recommend striker fired guns to most people for most purposes. But the best choice for you will really depend on your specific needs.

The advice to choose a gun that fits you well is also good advice.

K_Mac · October 3, 2016, 09:26 AM

I don't think it matters. As g.willikers said, learn how to shoot, get a little experience with both types, and then decide.

Quote:

I like the SA/DA for learning better because you can dry fire practice at home. Not so much with striker fired.

This is simply not true. I have dry fired my EDC striker fired pistol thousands of times. I think dry firing is a fine way of learning and maintaining trigger skills. Buy what you like best.

TheGunGeek · October 3, 2016, 07:21 PM

If you start with and master a DA/SA pistol, it's easy to then transition to another platform should you choose to do so in the future. This will really teach you good trigger discipline, hence it's my recommendation.

Darkstar888 · October 3, 2016, 09:30 PM

I agree more can be gained learning a DA/SA in general. But the striker fired system is simpler to learn with its consistent trigger pull and simplicity of operation.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Radny97 · October 3, 2016, 11:37 PM

K_Mac maybe I should have stated it more clearly. Striker fired dry fire practice entails racking the slide, re-attain your grip, one click, release grip, rack slide, re-grip, one click, etc. -- Not very effective practice.
SA/DA you draw and set your grip. And begin clicking away at various targets, all the while pulling through the DA trigger pull for each. WAY better dry fire practice.
So yes I suppose you can dry fire practice a striker fired gun but you won't learn as quickly and might develop some bad habits too.
DA/SA dry fire gets you much more valuable dry fire practice.

jaytothekizzay · October 3, 2016, 11:50 PM

Try out a CZ 75... thank me later

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

g.willikers · October 4, 2016, 09:25 AM

^^^
The CZ 75 and other similar models are an excellent choice.
They can be used DA/SA or SA only, cocked and locked, which gives a trigger more like a striker.
Kind of the best of both in one gun.
They also have an excellent shape and point-ability.
Even 1911 gurus give them high marks.

deadcoyote · October 4, 2016, 11:45 AM

I will preface this by saying this is a heavily subjective opinion: I started out in LE when we all used .357 magnum revolvers. I am of the opinion if you learn to shoot well with the heavy DA trigger of a revolver it is pretty easy to transition to any other platform of handgun. I recognize this is specific to my history, and I also acknowledge that a lot of young recruits today have also never handled firearms, so that's a big factor too.

T. O'Heir · October 4, 2016, 12:18 PM

The CZ 75 doesn't fit short hands. Been crying about that for 30 some years. They were in Canada long before they got Stateside.
As mentioned, the thing fitting your hand is more important than how it works.
However, the difference between types is kind of like the difference between a proper standard transmission and a girly automatic. Same thing but different. You have to adjust to how you make that particular type work. Otherwise, it doesn't make a lot of difference what you start with. Go try a bunch on for size and buy the one that speaks to you.
"...recruits today have also never handled firearms..." Most have never seen a real firearm prior to training. Lot of 'em don't like firearms and never practice either.

Radny97 · October 4, 2016, 09:38 PM

deadcoyote has it right in my experience

K_Mac · October 4, 2016, 10:12 PM

I see no real benefit of learning with a double action trigger if you don't like the long, heavier pull. If after trying DA/SA and striker fired, you decide to go with a strker fired pistol there is no need to deal with DA. Sure, there is merit in being proficient with both, but use what you like.

DeusComedis · October 5, 2016, 12:23 AM

Thanks for the advice. Just out of curiosity, is a pure SA hammer fired considered a bad option for this (having to flip the safety on an eventual self-defense guns being a liability). I'm not just talking 1911s, I've seen P226s, M9/92s, CZs, etc in SAO.

Snyper · October 5, 2016, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Thanks for the advice. Just out of curiosity, is a pure SA hammer fired considered a bad option for this (having to flip the safety on an eventual self-defense guns being a liability). I'm not just talking 1911s, I've seen P226s, M9/92s, CZs, etc in SAO.

Many still carry single actions.
They just aren't as popular as they once were.

Having to use a safety isn't a "liability" once you learn to do it without thinking about it.

K_Mac · October 5, 2016, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Thanks for the advice. Just out of curiosity, is a pure SA hammer fired considered a bad option for this (having to flip the safety on an eventual self-defense guns being a liability). I'm not just talking 1911s, I've seen P226s, M9/92s, CZs, etc in SAO.

It is not a bad option, with training, practice, and experience. Which is exactly the same answer I would give for DAO or striker fired guns.

Darkstar888 · October 5, 2016, 01:38 PM

How bout both at the same time. The Walther P99 and P99c are a unique DA/SA striker fired design with a decocker. What an amazing firearm that is. Great trigger!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don P · October 5, 2016, 03:30 PM

As stated, striker fired consistent trigger pull time after time. DA/SA will give you a long trigger pull on the first round and then shortened up after that and you can dry fire both types of guns

Cosmodragoon · October 6, 2016, 06:09 AM

Quote:

If you start with and master a DA/SA pistol, it's easy to then transition to another platform should you choose to do so in the future. This will really teach you good trigger discipline, hence it's my recommendation.

^ This. The DA/SA might be "more complicated" but that's because it involves more than one mode. Getting good with it means getting good with more than one mode. It also means getting fluent between modes. That could certainly lend itself to versatility and could help you to prepare for a wider selection of guns in the future.

briandg · October 6, 2016, 10:03 AM

Offhand, I'd suggest that you choose what you intend to use and start there.

Personally, I think that starting with a DA trigger is a good idea, and it can't hurt to work with a DA handgun forever. You can probably get a striker fired for a little less than a similar quality DA.

October 2, 2016, 08:23 PM	#1
DaSquariusGreen Junior Member Join Date: October 1, 2016 Posts: 2	SA/DA or Striker for learning I am just about to get my first handgun. I did shoot a bit when I was younger, with my father, but only rifles and shotguns for target and skeet. I am looking for a pistol that I can shoot a lot, and build fundamentals/good skills that will later be transferrable to any handgun. I've heard some anecdotes each way: Simpler and more consistent/ better for beginners - Striker. More reliable/"if you master this everything else is easy"/striker habits are hard to break - SA/DA. Any consensus here? FWIW I've tried a few different kinds of range rental, and none of them jumped out at me (of course this was not after any kind of long term use)

October 2, 2016, 08:30 PM	#2
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	Welcome. Keep trying guns for the grip and feel / balance first. They're all different but often similar. SA / DA gives you more flexibility as some see it. But SA / DA vs striker is less important than what feels right. Go to a range, talk to people, many will let you squeeze a few off. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

October 2, 2016, 08:50 PM	#3
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	Try as many different types as possible and go with the one that feels right to you. There are no practical advantages of one over the other, no matter what people will say. With practice and time you will be able to shoot them all equally well. __________________ One shot, one kill

October 3, 2016, 07:20 AM	#5
Roland Thunder Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Gwinnett County Georgia Posts: 1,136	I personally can shoot a striker fired double action gun better than a SA/DA. In fact, I sold my Sig 626 for that reason, I never could shoot it very well. I've tried other DA/SA guns with the same result. That's just me personally, others may have different results. __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead, go, instead where there is no path and leave a trail - Ralph Waldo Emerson

October 3, 2016, 08:07 AM	#6
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	It seems most everyone wants to start with a conversation about "what should I buy." They would be better off if they start with where they could learn to shoot a pistol. Kind of like when you learned to drive a car or ride a motorcycle. First learn how, then buy something. The better you know how to shoot, the less the type of gun really matters. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 2, 2016, 09:32 PM	#4
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	I like the SA/DA for learning better because you can dry fire practice at home. Not so much with striker fired.

October 3, 2016, 09:13 AM	#7
straightshooterjake Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2016 Posts: 122	All firearms involve tradeoffs. Striker fired handguns and DA/SA handguns are both widely popular, and many people find one or both of these designs very favorable. But to make a recommendation for you, I would need to know more about your intended uses for the pistol. Will this gun be for range use, carry, or home defense? Generally, I recommend striker fired guns to most people for most purposes. But the best choice for you will really depend on your specific needs. The advice to choose a gun that fits you well is also good advice. __________________ My blog: http://straightshooterjake.blogspot.com/

October 3, 2016, 07:21 PM	#9
TheGunGeek Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 182	If you start with and master a DA/SA pistol, it's easy to then transition to another platform should you choose to do so in the future. This will really teach you good trigger discipline, hence it's my recommendation.

October 3, 2016, 09:30 PM	#10
Darkstar888 Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2016 Posts: 113	I agree more can be gained learning a DA/SA in general. But the striker fired system is simpler to learn with its consistent trigger pull and simplicity of operation. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

October 3, 2016, 11:37 PM	#11
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	K_Mac maybe I should have stated it more clearly. Striker fired dry fire practice entails racking the slide, re-attain your grip, one click, release grip, rack slide, re-grip, one click, etc. -- Not very effective practice. SA/DA you draw and set your grip. And begin clicking away at various targets, all the while pulling through the DA trigger pull for each. WAY better dry fire practice. So yes I suppose you can dry fire practice a striker fired gun but you won't learn as quickly and might develop some bad habits too. DA/SA dry fire gets you much more valuable dry fire practice.

October 3, 2016, 11:50 PM	#12
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	Try out a CZ 75... thank me later Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

October 4, 2016, 09:25 AM	#13
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	^^^ The CZ 75 and other similar models are an excellent choice. They can be used DA/SA or SA only, cocked and locked, which gives a trigger more like a striker. Kind of the best of both in one gun. They also have an excellent shape and point-ability. Even 1911 gurus give them high marks. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 4, 2016, 11:45 AM	#14
deadcoyote Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: northern CA Posts: 674	I will preface this by saying this is a heavily subjective opinion: I started out in LE when we all used .357 magnum revolvers. I am of the opinion if you learn to shoot well with the heavy DA trigger of a revolver it is pretty easy to transition to any other platform of handgun. I recognize this is specific to my history, and I also acknowledge that a lot of young recruits today have also never handled firearms, so that's a big factor too.

October 4, 2016, 12:18 PM	#15
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	The CZ 75 doesn't fit short hands. Been crying about that for 30 some years. They were in Canada long before they got Stateside. As mentioned, the thing fitting your hand is more important than how it works. However, the difference between types is kind of like the difference between a proper standard transmission and a girly automatic. Same thing but different. You have to adjust to how you make that particular type work. Otherwise, it doesn't make a lot of difference what you start with. Go try a bunch on for size and buy the one that speaks to you. "...recruits today have also never handled firearms..." Most have never seen a real firearm prior to training. Lot of 'em don't like firearms and never practice either. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

October 4, 2016, 09:38 PM	#16
Radny97 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2015 Posts: 1,021	deadcoyote has it right in my experience

October 4, 2016, 10:12 PM	#17
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	I see no real benefit of learning with a double action trigger if you don't like the long, heavier pull. If after trying DA/SA and striker fired, you decide to go with a strker fired pistol there is no need to deal with DA. Sure, there is merit in being proficient with both, but use what you like. __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

October 5, 2016, 12:23 AM	#18
DeusComedis Junior Member Join Date: August 27, 2016 Posts: 14	Thanks for the advice. Just out of curiosity, is a pure SA hammer fired considered a bad option for this (having to flip the safety on an eventual self-defense guns being a liability). I'm not just talking 1911s, I've seen P226s, M9/92s, CZs, etc in SAO.

October 5, 2016, 01:38 PM	#21
Darkstar888 Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2016 Posts: 113	How bout both at the same time. The Walther P99 and P99c are a unique DA/SA striker fired design with a decocker. What an amazing firearm that is. Great trigger! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

October 5, 2016, 03:30 PM	#22
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	As stated, striker fired consistent trigger pull time after time. DA/SA will give you a long trigger pull on the first round and then shortened up after that and you can dry fire both types of guns __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

October 6, 2016, 10:03 AM	#24
briandg Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5,468	Offhand, I'd suggest that you choose what you intend to use and start there. Personally, I think that starting with a DA trigger is a good idea, and it can't hurt to work with a DA handgun forever. You can probably get a striker fired for a little less than a similar quality DA. __________________ None.