What is what does it mean for a revolver to be double action?

A double-action (DA) revolver refers to a type of firearm mechanism where a single pull of the trigger performs two actions: it rotates the cylinder to bring a fresh cartridge into alignment with the barrel, and then it cocks and releases the hammer to fire the cartridge. This contrasts with a single-action (SA) revolver, where the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot.

Here are the key characteristics of a double-action revolver:

• Trigger Pull: The trigger pull in DA revolvers is typically longer and heavier compared to SA revolvers. This is because the trigger is responsible for both rotating the cylinder and cocking/releasing the hammer.

• Faster Firing Rate: DA revolvers generally allow for a faster rate of fire compared to SA revolvers, as the user doesn't need to manually cock the hammer between shots.

• Versatility: Many revolvers are double-action/single-action (DA/SA). This means they can be fired in double-action mode, or the hammer can be manually cocked for a lighter, single-action trigger pull for more precise shooting.

• Mechanism: The complexity of the internal%20mechanism is higher than single action designs.