All About Actions: Single-Action 1911 Pistol

Roy Huntington, editor of American Handgunner Magazine, explains the single-action mechanism of the classic 1911 pistol. He clarifies that pulling the trigger performs only one function: firing the gun. This contrasts with double-action or striker-fired systems. While acknowledging variations like the P.A.R. Ordinance LDA trigger, Huntington emphasizes that most classic 1911s operate solely as single-action firearms.

Quick Summary

The classic 1911 pistol is a single-action firearm. This means that pulling the trigger performs only one function: releasing the hammer to fire the gun. The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. While most 1911s are single-action, some manufacturers offer variants with double-action triggers.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction by Roy Huntington
  2. 00:10Topic: Handgun Actions - 1911
  3. 00:16Is the 1911 Single-Action?
  4. 00:26Example: Colt 1911
  5. 00:45Safety Check: Clearing the Firearm
  6. 00:55Carrying Condition: Hammer Cocked, Safety On
  7. 01:00Testing the Trigger (Safety On)
  8. 01:04Testing the Trigger (Safety Off)
  9. 01:10Recocking the Hammer
  10. 01:17Defining Single-Action
  11. 01:30Other Firearm Actions
  12. 01:42Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of action does a classic 1911 pistol have?

A classic 1911 pistol operates on a single-action mechanism. This means that pulling the trigger performs only one function: releasing the hammer to fire the gun. The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot.

How does a single-action trigger differ from a double-action trigger?

In a single-action firearm, the trigger only releases the hammer. In a double-action firearm, the trigger performs two actions: it cocks the hammer and then releases it to fire the weapon with a single pull.

Are there any 1911 variants with double-action triggers?

While most classic 1911s are strictly single-action, some manufacturers have introduced variations. For example, P.A.R. Ordinance offers a model with an LDA (Light Double Action) trigger, which deviates from the traditional single-action design.

What is a striker-fired action in firearms?

A striker-fired action uses a spring-loaded striker to ignite the primer. The striker is typically cocked when the slide is cycled. Pulling the trigger then releases the striker to fire the round, similar to a single-action trigger's function but without an external hammer.

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