What is a double action pistol?

A double action pistol is a type of handgun that can be fired in two ways - either by pulling the trigger to both cock the hammer and release it (double action mode) or by manually cocking the hammer before pulling the trigger (single action mode).

Double action pistols are popular among law enforcement and military personnel because they offer a quick and easy way to fire the weapon without having to manually cock the hammer before each shot. This makes them ideal for situations where quick and accurate shooting is necessary.

Some advantages of double action pistols include greater safety as they typically have heavier trigger pulls which reduces the likelihood of accidental discharge, as well as versatility in shooting modes for different situations.

Examples of double action pistols include the Beretta 92, SIG Sauer P226, and Glock 19.