Double Action vs Single Action: What’s the Difference & Which is Right for You?

One thing the Canik community always raves about is their triggers. They're crisp, have a short reset, and fire fast—that clean single action feel. But does that mean single action is always better than double action?

Welcome to the double action vs single action debate. Both styles have their fans, and both bring different benefits to the field.

The difference between single and double action comes down to gun mechanics—specifically, what happens when you pull the trigger. A single action trigger does one job: it fires the round. A double action trigger does two: it cocks the hammer (or striker) and fires the round in one pull.

Quite simple, right? But that one detail changes how a pistol feels, how fast you can shoot, and even how accurate your shots are.

If you’re trying to decide between a double action pistol and a single action pistol, this is the simple explanation you need. We’ll compare the two in plain English, so you can choose which one’s right for you.

What is Double Action?

As the name says, a double action trigger does two jobs in one pull. It first cocks the hammer (or striker), then releases it to fire the round.

We covered double action when comparing revolvers to pistols. Still, with all the gear available today, there are some solid semi-automatic double action pistols out there.

What makes double action different? It usually comes with a longer, heavier trigger pull. That’s because all that movement is doing double duty: cocking the hammer and firing the round, all in one press.

And that’s where things split: some shooters see that heavier pull as a pro, others as a con.

On the plus side, the longer pull can feel safer. It’s less likely to go off accidentally, and many DA pistols come with manual decocking levers or extra safeties. That’s why a lot of folks trust double action for carry or hunting.

On the downside, if you’re aiming for speed and accuracy, the heavier pull takes some practice. But with training, it’s absolutely doable.

Back in the revolver days, double action made shooting simpler. Cocking the hammer for every single shot is really challenging. But hey, it’s 2025. Times have changed. So let’s see what a single action trigger can offer.

What is Single Action?

A single action trigger does just one thing: fires the round. This means the hammer or striker has to be cocked first, either manually or by the slide.

Because the trigger doesn’t have to do the cocking, the pull is lighter and shorter. That makes it easier to shoot tight groups and land fast follow-up shots.

Whether that’s a benefit or a drawback depends on where you’re coming from. Single action pistols are big in competition and tactical use, where accuracy and speed are key.

Other shooters may feel that the lighter trigger pull is less safe—especially when carrying. And with older revolvers, single action means you need to manually cock the hammer every time, which can slow things down.

But the old days are behind us. In modern handguns, single action triggers are extremely popular. And before we get into striker-fired pistols, let’s take a quick side-by-side look at how single action vs double action really compares.

Double Action vs Single Action: Key Differences 

This simple chart shows how single action and double action, each  changes the shooting experience.

But what about the guns that don’t quite fit neatly into either box? Let’s take a look at options that deliver the best from both action types.

Striker Fired Semiautomatic Pistols

Semiautomatic pistols are among the most popular handguns in the U.S. today. You’ll find them in both single action and double action styles.

What really makes a semiautomatic stand out is how it reloads. After each shot, the gun cycles the slide and chambers the next round. All fast and ready.

Now, striker-fired semiautomatics brought single action triggers back to the center of attention. Mechanically, they’re different from hammer-fired pistols. But when it comes to trigger feel, they lean heavily toward single action.

If you’re a Canik guy like us, you already know most Canik pistols use a striker-fired system with an internal firing pin; no external hammer in sight. Some of the best examples of that clean single action trigger feel are Canik models like the TP9 SFX, SF Elite, and Mete SFT.

But if you prefer a double action trigger, the TP9 DA is your go-to.

Here’s the trick behind that signature Canik single action feel:

In a striker-fired system, the trigger just releases the striker. The re-cocking is handled by the slide when it cycles after a shot. That’s why most Caniks are considered single action, even without a hammer.

And that’s also why Canik triggers are so popular. The result is a lighter, shorter, and cleaner break, perfect for quick and accurate shooting.

Which One Should You Choose? 

Does this mean single action is better? Not necessarily. It really comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use the firearm for.

The real question is: what feels right in your hand?

Some shooters prefer double action because of the heavier trigger pull. It feels safer to many. We've even heard shooters say double action helps build better trigger control, since you really have to commit when you pull all the way through. That’s why double action is often favored for self-defense or home defense.

On the other hand, most competitive and tactical shooters lean toward single action pistols. With today’s semi-automatics, they get fast follow-up shots and a crisp trigger pull. Speed, precision, and control—it all matters when the clock is ticking.

Still, you can shoot accurately and consistently with both—single action and double action. It just might take a bit more practice with double action to tighten up those groups.

All that said, we’ve got one more ultimate hack for getting the most out of your trigger.

How To Shoot Faster and More Accurate

So, both single action and double action work well, and both can be mastered. Each one has a place in your range bag or holster, depending on what you need.

But if you’re chasing speed, control, and tight groupings, you’ll probably lean toward a single action pistol. Especially if you're after a clean, light trigger, a Canik pistol is definitely worth a try.

Most Caniks feature a striker-fired single action trigger that breaks clean and resets fast. That’s why they’ve become a favorite among competitive shooters, trainers, and even tactical teams.

Still, remember that Canik also has some great double action models.

Can it get even better? Absolutely. Just pair your Canik with a 45 Blast compensator, and you’ll feel the difference right away: less recoil, with faster, more accurate follow-up shots.

Our comps are built to help shooters get the most out of their trigger. If you're ready for the ultimate shooting experience, swing by our e-shop and check out all the premium compensators we’ve got in stock.

So next time you pull the trigger at the range, you’ll feel that crisp break, and see those tight groupings land just where you want them.