If you’ve seen DA/SA floating around but are still scratching your head in confusion or wondering what the advantages of this system are…fret not; we’ve got you covered.
We’re going to walk you through what a DA/SA handgun even is, why DA/SA might be a good option for you, and which guns you should consider adding to your collection.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Loading…
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best for Competition
-
Editor’s Pick
-
Best Striker-Fired DA/SA
-
Best for Suppressing
-
Most Durable
-
Best Compact DA/SA
How We Tested & Chose the Best DA/SA Handguns
We’ve shot thousands of rounds and spent hundreds of hours with a variety of handguns, including DA/SA models, between our hands-on reviews, shooting events, and guns from our own personal collections.
All hands-on gun reviews, which are linked under each product section, adhere to a strict testing protocol which includes 500 rounds through every review gun.
For each gun we hands-on review, we test with both FMJ and JHP ammunition and a couple of magazines to evaluate accuracy and reliability with different types of ammo and magazines. We shoot 5-round groups and 5 and 7 yards and use a pistol rest for at least one round of fire to eliminate shooter error.
All DA/SA handguns are evaluated based on their hits on target, ability to fire reliably, ergonomics, and overall value.
What is a DA/SA Handgun?
DA/SA, or double-action/single-action, handguns use a unique trigger system in which the first pull of the trigger both cocks and fires the weapon.
Subsequent shots revert the gun into single-action mode, meaning the trigger only has to release the hammer to fire the gun. In the case of a striker-fire gun, the trigger releases the striker, causing a bang.
Pros & Cons of DA/SA Handguns
Though I carry a traditional striker-fired pistol daily, the bulk of my collection is primarily DA/SA pistols. But why do I hold a lot of affection for the system that Jeff Cooper said “is a problem looking for a solution?”
The double-action/single-action trigger system offers an awesome advantage that can benefit any gun owner.
That first trigger pull is very long and deliberate, but follow-up shots are short and light.
While firearms safety, training, and knowledge are the most valuable safety protocols, a longer trigger helps reduce accidents. Longer triggers are excellent in adrenaline-fueled, high-stakes, high-stress situations.
The following single-action trigger pull is often very light — lighter than most striker-fired triggers. Having a 1911-like trigger works well if you need to make a longer second shot.
Lastly, the double-action design ensures that you can squeeze the trigger again if the gun goes click instead of bang.
Everything Has a Downside
Training for two trigger pulls isn’t always easy. Mastering the long double-action trigger and overcoming its faults takes time.
DA/SA fans put in plenty of time to learn the trigger through both live and dry fire.
(Spoiler alert: more practice means more ammo.)
This level of practice and dedication isn’t for everyone. All that said, for those of us who’ve seen the light, it’s hard to go back to a traditional trigger system.
Best DA/SA Handguns
1. CZ Shadow 2 – Best for Competition
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Great accuracy
- Low recoil
- Excellent trigger
Cons
- Smaller slide can be harder to manipulate
Specs
- Action: DA/SA, hammer-fired
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17
- Barrel Length: 4.89″
- Weight: 46.5 oz
I’m a declared tactical hipster; therefore, I have to find a way to include a CZ on every list I write.
The CZ 75 series of handguns has one of the longest and most successful lineages of any DA/SA design, dating back all the way to 1975. So when it came time for the list, I naturally had to pick one of the best CZ 75 variants — the Shadow 2.
This gun completely changed the landscape of USPSA and other shooting competitions by giving shooters a much more affordable pistol that was still capable of hanging with the big dogs.
Gone were the days of having to have a $3000 custom pistol to be competitive. The Shadow 2 brought speed to the masses.
These are heavy, extremely flat shooting, and mild-recoiling pistols. The double-action is light and very smooth, and the single-action is amazing with its clean break and short reset.
CZ offers a few variants of the Shadow 2, including both iron sight-only and optics-ready models. They also have some higher-end models featuring some accuracy and trigger improvements if you want to push the performance even further.
You will get an instant boost of confidence the first time you pick one up and start shooting. On top of that, Shadow 2 prices are the lowest they have ever been!
Check out our video on Shadow 2 below or our full review!
What do you think of the CZ Shadow 2? Rate it below!
2. Sig Sauer P226 – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Durable, combat-proven design
- Accurate
- Multiple variants available
Cons
- High bore axis
- Slide lock can get in the way
Specs
- Action: DA/SA, hammer-fired
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15
- Barrel Length: 4.4″
- Weight: 32 oz – 33 oz
Though the P220 might have been the first example of a modern Sig pistol, the P226 stood out from the “P” pack. From elite forces like the Navy SEALs to countless police departments, the Sig P226 has been around the block a time or two.
This behemoth of a pistol helped kick off the wonder nine craze but also saw action in .40 S&W and .357 Sig.
Equipped with, arguably, one of the best de-cockers on the planet, it is perfectly located for quick and easy access. It’s impossible to miss.
With dozens of variants, a modern P226 with a rail and weapon light is one of the most robust and reliable weapons out there.
The P226 is also a massive, alloy-framed beast of all-metal construction that eats recoil like I eat tacos.
Despite its size, ergonomically, it’s sound. The only downside for me is that ole slide lock. It’s small but also sits right where my thumb goes. However, the upgraded Legion model fixes this by reducing the size of the slide lock and partially shrouding it with the grip panel.
The P226 series still has a lot of life left to live, and it’s most certainly out there living its best life.
We have a full review of the Sig Sauer P226, so you can learn more!
3. Walther P99 – Best Striker-Fired DA/SA
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ambidextrous mag release
- Accurate
Cons
- Grip texture is too smooth
- Anti-Stress trigger mechanism can take getting used to
Specs
- Action: DA/SA, hammer-fired
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Weight: 24 oz
Here is an oddball that is underrated yet has been cloned numerous times. A DA/SA design that is striker-fired? Yep. This combo makes the Walther P99 a rarity in the gun world. It may be a weird one, but the trigger is amazing.
The Walther P99 is a polymer-framed pistol with an ultra-modern vibe. While it served for a short period in the hands of James Bond, it never really caught on. That said, Magnum Research (MR9) and Smith & Wesson (SW99) both cloned the gun. The ultra-popular Canik TP9 series is also heavily derived from the P99.
The Walther P99 incorporates a button de-cocker sitting at the top of the slide, which gives you a big chunkin’ noise when de-cocked. At the rear of the gun rests a protruding striker tip, letting you know whether it is cocked.
The trigger is superbly light with an ultra-short pull in single action. The double action is a long trigger pull but incredibly smooth and consistent. Its grip is outstanding and easily one of the most ergonomic guns out there. Admittedly, the paddle-style magazine release can be divisive, but I love it.
Unfortunately, Walther is closing the door on the P99 soon. However, they are giving it a proper farewell with their Final Edition P99, which is still available at this time of writing.
Want more? We got full deets over in our Walther P99 review.
4. Beretta M9A4 – Best for Suppressing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Threaded barrel
- Easy to suppress
- Accurate
- Soft recoil
Cons
- Slide-mounted safety/decocker can get in the way
- Optics mounting system isn’t the best
Specs
- Action: DA/SA, hammer-fired
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 18
- Barrel Length: 5.12″
- Weight: 33.4 oz
I’m a big Beretta fan, carrying a Beretta M9 during my cool-guy days as a Marine. I developed a real affection for this pistol.
Beretta’s M9A4 took everything I loved about the 92FS and effectively made it better.
Furthermore, the A4 tackled many of the concerns and issues Beretta fans had with the 92 series.
A thinner Vertec style grip addresses my biggest complaint, while a Picatinny rail, threaded barrel, removable front sight, front slide serrations, optics cut, improved trigger, and beveled magazine well top off the features.
The M9A4 retains the reliability of the 92FS, as well as the soft-shooting nature of the gun. Shooting the A4 is an absolute dream. It is set up in the “G” configuration, which ditches the safety for a lever that acts as a de-cocker only.
This heavy metal gun is one of the last holdouts in the DA/SA realm that hasn’t gone full polymer.
5. HK USP – Most Durable
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Extremely rugged and durable
- Ambidextrous mag release
- Great safety/decocker combo
Cons
- Boxy ergonomics
- Mediocre trigger
Specs
- Action: DA/SA, hammer-fired
- Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
- Capacity: 15 (9mm), 13 (.40 S&W), 12 (.45 ACP)
- Barrel Length: 4.25″ – 4.41″
- Weight: 27.2 – 31.2 oz
The HK USP, especially the Compact 9mm model, is one of my favorite guns of all time. (Mostly because I have a major crush on Jack Bauer.) Celebrity crushes aside, the USP is an excellent gun.
A happy little side effect of the Offensive Handgun Weapon System trials, the HK USP was designed with the American market in mind.
Leading the charge, the USP 40 sprang to life when the .40 S&W became the cartridge of choice for law enforcement.
In fact, the USP was built around the .40 S&W cartridge — a different take than most companies who just adapted their 9mm guns to .40 S&W.
It was one of the most robust .40 S&W firearms at a time when the .40 S&W was cracking polymer frames. The USP also used a built-in mechanical recoil reduction system that tamed recoil very efficiently.
Soon after its introduction, HK began to offer the USP in both .45 ACP and 9mm to cater to a wider market.
Being built for .40 S&W and featuring some neat recoil-mitigating features means that the full-sized USP in 9mm shoots like an absolute kitten. Even the compact models are reasonably pleasant shooters with mild recoil.
Like all HK guns, the USP is built to last. Law enforcement trade-ins in .40 S&W variants continue to pop up from time to time at reasonable price points.
These trade-ins are usually still in excellent working condition and will keep on keeping on, regardless of the decades of use they’ve seen.
6. Beretta PX4 Storm Compact – Best Compact DA/SA
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Reliable
- Soft recoil
- Easy to rack
Cons
- Grip texture is too smooth
- Barrel length is short relative to the size of the gun
Specs
- Action: DA/SA, hammer-fired
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15
- Barrel Length: 3.27″
- Weight: 27.2 oz
The Beretta PX4 Storm has made quite the comeback recently. It seems that many of our readers have either hopped on the PX4 train or have come out of hiding to voice their support for these awesome guns.
A large chunk of modern pistols use John Moses Browning‘s tilting barrel design. But the PX4 does things a bit differently by using a barrel that rotates along the Z-axis. The rotating action means the barrel doesn’t tilt up, thus reducing muzzle flip.
This also helps soak up some of the recoil. The rearward motion of the slide is what rotates the barrel; this means that the barrel movement itself absorbs some of the slide energy.
As far as DA/SA triggers go, it isn’t too bad. The double-action clocks in around 9-10 pounds, and the single-action comes in near 5.5 pounds.
However, upgrading the trigger is insanely easy, thanks to the modular design of the PX4. You can snag an LTT Trigger Job in a Bag and have it installed in under 5 minutes. This will get you a smooth 5.5-6 pound DA pull and a light 3.5-4 pound SA pull.
The stock grip texture is a bit lacking, but a set of $20 talon grips fixes this.
Accuracy on these guns is excellent; you can expect 2-3-inch groups out to 25 yards. These guns are also crazy reliable. You will routinely read about PX4s going thousands of rounds between stoppages.
We like the compact version — it feels just like the right size. You can get PX4 with a safety/decocker combo or a decocker-only model.
All of these qualities have helped this gun claw its way back from the path of obscurity. Check out our full review of the pre-upgraded Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry.
Is DA/SA Dead?
Alas, even CZ has succumbed to the striker-fired madness that currently controls the handgun market.
However, I don’t believe the DA/SA life is over just yet. While strikers are a favorite of duty guns, the DA/SA continues to live on.
Despite a downturn in the production of new DA/SA guns, we still have the old classics.
Many shooters prefer these for things like concealed carry, home defense, and even competition. I have no doubt DA/SA guns will linger for a very long time.
Why You Should Trust Us
Travis Pike is a Pew Pew Tactical author and gun writer, but, most importantly, he’s a DA/SA guy at heart. Travis has spent thousands of hours at the range testing and evaluating gear as well as researching the best models available on the market. His experience as a Marine Corps machine gunner, NRA-certified instructor, concealed carry trainer, and competitor gives him unique insight into a wide variety of guns.
Editing and adding to this article is Wyatt Sloan, Jr. Editor. Wyatt is an NRA-certified handgun instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales — including extensive experience with DA/SA guns. He has used his experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of gun reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.
Final Thoughts
Though not as popular as the striker-fired crowd, the DA/SA design is a great addition to any gun safe. Thanks to their unique trigger system that both cocks and fires the weapon on the first pull, DA/SA guns ensure follow-up shots are a lot lighter and smoother.
What are your favorite DA/SA guns? Sound off in the comments below. For even more pistols that skirt the polymer trend, check out our guide on the Best Not a Glock Pistols!
Latest Updates
October 2024: Removed CZ 75 SP-01. Added CZ Shadow 2, Beretta PX4 Storm Compact.
84 Leave a Reply
Ruger P 97DC. Absolutely love it. Best. DA/SA I’ve ever owned. It’s a heavy tank, but feels like it was made for my hand.
I’m trying to love my CZ Nocturne. Bit just doesn’t compare to the Ruger.
Our editor, Wyatt, had some difficulties with his personal Nocturne as well. Ended up sending it back for RMA. He was totally bummed it didn't perform as well as he'd hoped.
I had an HK USP .45acp in Expert mode. It was an incredible pistol, but not for competitive shooting, which is why I sold it. I suppose I could’ve kept it for Limited 10, which to be honest I don’t even know exists anymore with advent of “limited optics” (?) or optics limited (ug). Anyway, it had a funky rubber band (ok, it was an O ring) around the end of the barrel that was supposed to make it more accurate, which it did! I would take on shots from a farther (further?) distance (position/station) than other competitors just because I could shoot match sticks (alright, bowling pins) from 25 yards and beyond. It was 13 rounds of .45 acp goodness with no mag extensions, etc. Adjustable sights insured success with any load. Ambi safeties, ambi mag release, ambi decockers, the list goes on. It shot .45 acp like a .22 (ok, a 9 mil). No, I’m not sorry I sold it. I’m not in a position to be a “collector”, but it was an awesome firearm.
You are correct. Grand Power makes some seriously high-quality handguns and are hardly ever covered by the gun press. I would add the FN FNX, especially when compared to the Sig. It has a smoother DA trigger, is lighter weight, soft recoil for a polymer frame, and comes with a threaded barrel. But the best feature is that it has a safety that allows you to carry cocked-n-locked so that you can start off with an SA trigger out of the holster. Decockers are OK for LEOs and military. Serious pistoleros like other options.
Nice list and of course you can't cover every pistol on the planet, yet there is one I'd like the shine some light on, and possibly get a solid review from PewPew...the entire line of Grand Power pistols. Incredibly accurate, solid build & competitively priced. Now if your site is a paid for play for reviews, I won't expect to see it here. If Grand Power advertised as much as S&W, Sig etc. it would easily be at the top of the handgun food chain.
The cz shadow 2 video was spot on ! Specially like the mention ,if the safety, being a real pain in butt ,I upgrade mine ! But it has not been easy to find one for my cz shadow 2 compact !! Still looking ,I as well have dealers looking ! Can you guys find one for me ? Left hand ,side because am a right hand shooter ,great and accurate review you guys are the best
DA/SA is my preferred design. DA is an inherently safe way to carry when the gun is loaded - the hammer is forward, so there is no way the gun can inadvertently go off - this is the first built-in safety feature. To shoot it, all you have to do is pull the trigger. However, the first pull is heavier and longer than all subsequent pulls, which is the second built-in safety feature.
I was glad to see that you included the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact in this review.
Beretta missed a great opportunity with the PX4 Storm Subcompact. If they had made it thinner (a single stack) and decock-only (model G), and marketed it as a micro compact, not as the little brother in the PX4 Storm line, I believe they would have sold a lot more. Alas, they have cancelled production of the PX4 Storm Subcompact.
Agreed. If I have to use deadly force...I want it to be as much of a shock as possible to the threat.
Good to see CZ covered with the Shadow. However I have carried the CZ-75 Compact (with the trigger upgrade) for years its a bit heavy but with the proper grips blends perfectly IWB at the 5 o'clock position
The 226 is IMHO the GOD of DA/SA. Coming from the era of Wheel guns, the 226 was an easy transition. Granted it is a Boat Anchor in weight...but you can drive nails with it....Literally I used mine to nail a warrant to a door.
Now finally and sadly NOT included is the HK P30 both the full size and the SK compact. A bit wide but the SK with the LEM trigger is just incredible. I have maybe 500 rounds down the pipe but have easily completed the qualification shoot at 25 yards with amazing accuracy.
One of the great things about the DA option is a quick refire with a hard primer or other problem. Practice with a laser trainer makes the DA pull easy.
LOL my first qualification shoot with the 75 compact the instructor did the usual "fan boy" comments while wielding the Glock 19 (The best compact you can own if you remember to replace every part). When I maxed the shoot his only retort was "yeah those CZs hit everything you aim at.
The idea that the “cocking” noise of a hammer being set will scare off someone intent on doing you harm is absolute fuddlore stuff. The same as the "sound of a pump shotgun in the night" will scare off a burglar. Don't rely on sound as a deterrent. You're not going to be staring someone down from 50ft away in a Mexican standoff and cock the hammer. That's fantasy stuff. Also, best not to generalize what is assault and isn't, every state has different laws.
Shadow2 and 226 are too heavy. There are plenty of fine polymer, hammer operated pistols. My Sig 2022 is great. The Taurus full size TH-9 just needed a deep cleaning to take the grit out of the trigger. For accuracy, My CZ P-09 has a long slide and corresponding sight radius. Polymer frames have thin butts and no way to fasten thicker grips. The H&K P30L vol 3 solves that problem, has a long slide, and a novel decocker. A decocked pistol with one in the chamber does not have to be pointed at a potential adversary (criminal assault) but can make a distinctive cocking sound (thumb hammer back) while unholstered but still pointed at the ground.
John, we are hoping to get a review of the P-09C Nocturne out soon. I have high hopes for that gun, as the P-07 has been a solid contender. I also agree on the SP2022, amazing gun, I just wish they didn't bump the price up on them. But I have to slightly disagree on the P30L, though. I have a P30L V3 and it has one of the worst DA/SA triggers of any gun to come out in the last 20 years that I have messed with. Mine also had a break-in period to be able to run 115-grain ammo reliably, which greatly disappointed me. I wish they would have used the USP Match trigger in the P30 instead.
If the CZ Shadow is "Best Competition" wouldn't it follow that the CZ P01 or CZ 75 Compact would be "Best Compact" for the same reasons (low bore axis, near identical grip, controls, and trigger)?
Great question. I have a Cajunized CZ PCR that has been in my carry rotation for some years now. Excellent gun and worthy of the list if we could make it longer. But like many others, I have had trigger return spring issues in my PCR after higher round counts. Since most compact guns are carry-oriented, the PX4 wins out for us due to the reliability it has while still being relatively low recoil due to the rotating barrel.
I just had a Cajun Gun Works trigger system installed in my CZ Shadow 2 that I purchased a few months ago from Battlehawk Armory. It brought the OEM SA trigger pull down to 2 - 2 1/2 lbs and the DA pull down to around 4 1/2 pounds, maybe lower. It is absolutely amazing. The CZ Shadow 2 is by far the most accurate 9mm pistol that I own. My H&K VP9 equipped with a Holosun red dot optics comes in a distant second - and it’s a really good gun. I can’t say enough good things about the CZ Shadow 2. If you are into accurate bullseye shooting at the range (or shoot competitively, which I don’t), you owe it to yourself to get one of these pistols. And for another $450-$500, you can have a gunsmith swap out the OEM trigger system for one from Cajun Gun Works, which essentially converts the Shadow 2 into one of CZ’s higher-end 75 platform pistols. Believe me, it’s worth it!
John, awesome shoutout for Cajun Gun Works. Those folks make some amazing products - I love my Cajunized CZ PCR.
I’ve loved the USP since ‘97 when I got my 1st one. I believed it to be the first one with a light rail and light-albeit dim compared to today’s 500-1000 lumen wonders. I wanted a better trigger so auditioned the Tact 45 vs the Exp( which I got for competition). I decided against the P220 as that would bump up mastering 3 different manual of arms- a Glock, 1911 then the Sig. Its forte was excellent accuracy, magazine reliability and capacity ( 17 round with +5 base pads) with a smaller grip than the G21.
The USP is definitely a workhorse of a gun. I'd trust both my USP 45 and Mark 23 with my life.
Granted this is all a matter of opinion. Where would you say the IWI Jericho 941 and the Masadas would fall on this list?
Great question. I am not a huge fan of the Masada, as I think there are better striker guns with more support around the same price range or even cheaper. Now the Jericho, sheesh... that is gun I am in love with. It is so simple and basic, but the all-steel frame (I pretend the polymer models don't exist) and ergonomics make those things such sweet shooters. I have three older pre-rail Jerichos, and they are some of my most cherished handguns. If you are crazy enough to want to hear more of my thoughts on the Jericho, you can check out my full review here.
My DA/SAs include:
* S&W 910
* S&W 3914
* SIG SP2022
* SIG P239
* HK USP9
* Walther P5
That is a great list. I have love for most of the guns on those list. Those older S&W autos are a vibe; I have a 4516, but have been dying to get my hands on a 3rd gen 9mm Smith sometime soon.
I appreciate that the S&W auto is mentioned, and could have been in the article. The S&W was entered into the 1954 Army Pistol Trials as a replacement for the 1911, and it went into production shortly thereafter.
It's the pistol that changed LEO carry in America, from the revolver to the modern era. It could have been the pistol to become the M9, but politics with NATO got us the Beretta - and that dates how far back things have been compromised about Made In The USA for acquisitions. Having been issued a Chinese made beret to wear on deployment was another highlight.
The S&W met the contract standards in 1954 for a lighter, shorter barreled hand gun to replace the abused 1911's. Command at the time wanted something based on the Walther P38, and in the 1980's that is what we got, 30 years later - the M9, a Walther based design. The huge number of 1911's and millions of rounds of overproduced .45ACP in bunkers told the tale in 1954, tho, the bean counters couldn't spare the money. Sadly, Clinton took care of that, and destroyed over a million 1911's in armories to keep them out of the public's hands.
I discovered all this just before the CMP started selling the remaining guns, and when push came to shove, a Texas LEO 4566TSW for $450 was a much better buy than than a clapped out mixmaster 1911 in "trench" grade. BTW, did you know if you punch a new mag release hole in a .45 mag it fits and works in the S&W? It wouldn't take anything to make new ones, the market is just ignoring us.
I bought my S&Ws from Robertson'Firearms in Henderson, TN late last Spring. They are both in 90%/NRA VG condition. I've done business with them since I was in college in the early 1980s. Great folks.
No PX4 Storm inclusion makes this article … incomplete. IMHO. Still a good article though.
I carry a pistol. I tried the PX4, but found it a little too blocky. Same with the P30SK. Both great pistols, just not what I was looking for. I own a 92FS with 18 rd mags for home defense--it's not a carry pistol. I've had two Sig 229s. My first was an M11 A-1, so really a 228. My second is a 229 pro elite model. Great gun, everything I was looking for. Short enough to carry appendix and just the right amount of grip sticks up over my belt for a firm draw. It's a Sig, so it's accurate, reliable and durable. And the aesthetics are pure German/Swiss. Everything in the pistol is to make it work better, and that makes it look better (not as good as the 92FS, but the Italians are a different breed).
When I decided to concealed carry, I settled on the Beretta PX4 compact in .40 S&W, a DA/SA gun. After a few IDPA competitions, I got on board with 9mm due to ammo costs. But shooting my Beretta 92 compact, I was erratic in competition. Then I found the CZ. Transitioning from Beretta to CZ was easy and the CZ's ran like a tackdriver. I could carry the P-01, compete with the SP-01 & 97BD, customize the 75BD and have all metal, DA/SA, decocker guns. That's what sold me on DA/SA guns. That being said, I did just buy the Beretta M9A4 from this article because I wanted another military pistol besides my 1911's, which is what they still used when I was in the Marine Corps.
I’m quite fond of my old S&W model 59 (and my 5906 and 915). Good for CCW? No, not really but excellent house guns. And, at the range they won’t wear you out during prolonged shooting sessions. I’ve noticed that an LGS near here has police trade in’s of these S&W pistols for sale. CZ 75 was also discussed in the article. I know CZ has a stellar reputation but I’ve also got a CZ 2075 Rami that I want to love but I’ve deemed it unreliable for defensive purposes. Frequent failure to feeds, no matter the brand/ type of ammo or any of several magazines as well as adequate cleaning/lubing. I’ve even sent it back once to CZ, they had it for a couple of weeks, and sent it back. I don’t know what they did, maybe polished the feed ramp, but it continues to jam. Maybe I just need to keep trying to run it as it, perhaps, has a 1,000 round break in.
I have company here in liking my PX4 SA/DA. But at this writing, I am alone in the comments shouting out for the PPK/S.
I completely agree that the DA/SA are exceptional. They make up the bulk of my collection. I have a CZ-75 SP-01 Phantom (9mm), as well as the SIG P229 (9mm) and the SIG P227 (.45 ACP double stack). The SIG's are not the Legion variant. The Legion variant seems overpriced to me. The CZ was a great starter pistol. The SIG's are even better. My EDC is the SIG P365XL which is striker fired. That's only because I can't find another pistol that has a 17 round capacity in a profile that small. My P227 is set up for a suppressor, but it'll be a while before the paperwork is done and I can comment on how it handles suppressed.
What about the CZ P07? A very durable gun with a well pronounced front serration and 2 sizes.
So how come FNX didn't make the list? I have the FNX-40. It is the most ergonomic handgun I own (including SIG).
The CZ 75 was created on the basis of a secret Soviet patent. I fundamentally disagree with that, see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ_75 Aside from the mandatory Soviet ammunition calibers, weapons were one of the few things the Soviets gave the Czechs a free hand in.
I love my Wilson Combat 92G. The trigger feels like a custom tuned double action revolver. The pistol is extremely accurate as well. Additional magazines and accessories are abundant. Buy one. You won't be disappointed. No, I don't work for Wilson Combat, but I do love their products.
Great article, Travis. I'm only about 20 years older than you, but I trained with and shot DA/SA guns for 30 years before I ever picked up a striker-fired pistol, so your reference to a "traditional striker-fired pistol" made me feel suddenly old. For me, DA/SAs are "traditional," while striker-fired pistols are "popular." Granted, the latter are easier to learn to shoot well, but once you master DA/SA, it's a pretty simple transition to striker-fired; the reverse, however, is not true. Truth be told, I like the feel of a metal gun, whether steel or aluminum frame, and I associate metal with DA/SA.
Unless I missed it, you didn't mention another safety advantage of the DA/SA pistol: when I re-holster the pistol in my appendix rig and it is pointing straight at my junk, I am comforted by the feel of the hammer against my thumb.
Love our H&K USP!
We have taken several people to the range who have never shot a gun before, shot several of our guns but they shoot bullseyes with the H&K!
Did he mention his large hand size in this article? I did not read the entire piece but if he kept true to form then he did. What is the obsession with his hands?
Hey Travis,
Nice piece on DA/SA pistols. My personal gun is my H&K P30 in 9mm. Like the USP in your article, it's a rugged firearm that I trust will last a lifetime. It's accurate, soft shooting with great ergonomics.
Didn't mention the 229 but it is essentially the 226 with a shorter barrel so good on the 226. yay.
Always been a fan of Beretta M9’s and Ruger P Series because of the DA/SA. Reliable, robust and all have eaten everything I’ve ever fed them.
The Ruger P-89 is one of my favorite pistols in the safe. Like you said, it shoots anything I load in the magazine, and does it quite accurately as well. And I love how it's built like a tank. If I run out of ammo, I can bludgeon them with it. LOL
I have they SIG P226 SAO model, which has the same manual of arms as the 1911. I learned by shooting a DA/SA that the difference between DA and SA ws so geat that I never could get the first shot to go where it needed to go.
I sure like my Sig SP2022. First pistol and very happy with it. Good economical option IMHO.
The major issue with DA/SA pistols is their size. Unless hands are large, proper placement on the pistol can result in bad positioning on the trigger. The finger should be placed on the joint. Smaller hands often place the trigger finger on the pad, resulting in using more strength to move the trigger rearward. The hand becomes fatigued quickly. If the smaller hand places the finger on the trigger, the pistol is then gripped more sideways, resulting in less recoil control. I use the example of holding a 2 X 4 and comparing that with a 4 X 4. The bigger the pistol, the smaller the hand, results in more recoil. Hand size must be factored in when choosing the pistol.
Yes , guns have gotten more expensive . The question however is what would you buy to insure you have the best when you or someone else’s life is on the line ? The same pertains to cars . You get what you pay for . I have witnessed in the gun shops I worked at in the past I have had customers that buy expensive clothing and then complain when their cheap gun would jam . We carried all price ranges in guns . We told the folks what was good and what was bad . But, At the end of the day what you put your money on is still your choice !
GOD I HOPE MY LADY NEVER ask who i love more her or my plump Israel beauty (Jericho) shes heavy she shows off in a crowd cus she refuses man in grey she must be seen but if i need her i know she will preform i know she will not waver (no recoil) and i know her fury will be known (as accurate as a rifle) i love her and if im not buried with her she will keep mine safe when i can not i love my big Jewish girl
Affordable? Keep your eyes open for Ruger P-series. Especially P94/95s.
I respect the choices laid out here, but I was looking for affordable choices, and these are not affordable FOR ME.
The name of the article is "Best DA/SA Pistols", not "budget shit because I wanna cheap out on something that can save my life"
In your pea brain, I suppose, everybody can afford whatever and we're just holding out because we're cheap.
Honestly, if you can't shoot straight, it won't matter what you paid for the gun, and if you can shoot straight, it won't matter what you paid for the gun.
And you don't know what was in the email that I received which brought me to this article. Do you?
In my vastly experienced opinion, you are just a troll.
Go ahead, knock yourself out. Troll.
Really? Gucci gear is the only way to go? I assume you drive a tank since you are more likely to have a car accident than use your pistol to defend yourself in your home.
I’d much rather have the sig p229 or the HK p30sk.. I find it crazy neither of those are mention for ccw purposes on this list. The cz rami bd is another really nice firearm for ccw mainly lacking on the trigger
Sadly, the RAMI was discontinued.
I agree on the p229. Fairly compact and it carries that wonderful de-cocker like the 226. Let's just agree that the Sig folks have it right when it comes to DA/SA pistols. I love the compact nature of my p229.
Sig P225-A1 , love the weight and feel of an all metal handgun. My daily carry.
Our Dept. likes us to carry Glocks 19,17,26. when on duty i guess its easier to hand off mags to your brother officer however I still carry my PX-4 storm, my 92 LTT, amd my Ruger sp-101 when off duty. I guess i will always be a DA/SA person. Nothing against striker fired like them to just my preference. However its good to try both if you are a new shooter. Stay safe yall and carry responsibly, and please don't leave your weapons in your vehicle
I shoot plastic striker guns but would never carry one. Heavy, metal da sa guns are my love. I have confidence in them, like an old revolver.
ok but what gun has:
da/sa hammer fired
Alloy frame
fixed barrel three safeties
D Cocker.
concealed carryable
accepts Crimson trace grips
lifetime warranty ??
Bersa Thunder .380
Why wasnt this frame made in 9mm ?
Bersa TPR9?
Check out TPR9C. Not blowback operated (fixed barrel) but ticks all the other boxes.
Bersa makes some great DA/SA gun, my Thunder has shot everything fed it. Fits hand good, accurate. Ruger SR22 for fun
The Grand Powers are fully ambidextrous and as a lefty I appreciate that. My favorite is my HK P30SK, with Grayguns trigger kit. But honestly while I prefer DA/SA these guns are just too large or heavy to carry concealed for me at least. If I could find one the size of a S&W Bodyguard in DA/SA with ambi safety, that would be perfection. As you might suspect my EDC is the Bodyguard.
Ruger SR 22 and Bersa Thunder are 2 fine, low priced sa/da pistols i like.
amen to Bersa
da/sa hammer fired
Alloy frame
fixed barrel three safeties
D Cocker.
Crimson trace grips
lifetime warranty
that frame should have been adapted to 9mm
The Beretta 92A3 is either a 92A1 or M9A3...
Springfield XDe. SA/DA, external hammer, decocker. I don't see or feel love for it. That was the last pistol I purchased. Love to carry it.
And now it's discontinued. My current carry in 45acp.
I am under the impression that the article only addresses guns still in production.
The XDE is an excellent gun, and fulfills a very unique niche, singe stack DA/SA. There is a small market for both of those these day, but a fantastic firearm it is.
I have a Beretta PX4 Storm Compact in .40SW, I absolutely love this gun. I've added the competition trigger and night sights as well as the low profile decocker which makes it a little slimmer.
I Ave one in 9mm and it has quickly become my favorite at the range
That picture of the lady drawing with the gun pointed at her femoral artery with her finger on the trigger makes me sick to my stomach.
Nice list! I do find the inclusion of the Walther P99 a bit of a stretch, as it is a striker-fired pistol. For me, at least, a true DA/SA pistol includes an external hammer. And stay off my lawn. :)
"Upgrade to a P226 Legion" with a picture of a P320 Legion......
Might want to take a closer look, that is definitely a 226 Legion. Note the decocker, the rounded magazine release, and the fact that it says "P226" on the slide.
The bersa tpr9c and the tpr9. Full ambi. Controls all metal gun. Nice trigger with a very very short reset. Had the bersa tpr9. Sold it and pick up the ruger American compact. now I'm going back to bersa. I love hammer fire.
I'm impressed and extremely happy with my Canik T9DA/SA (in Burnt Bronze). Have you checked it out? Polymer frame, striker fired.
Langdon Beretta Elite 92. The Beretta 92 series is a nice platform but after Langdon gets through with it, it becomes incredible
Grail gun on my list is a Langdon.
To leave out the FNH_FNP is a sad mistake !!! Best gun in the world I have fnp9 & fnp 45 they are great
I currently own an FEG P9R (action tuned by an ooold Browning Hi-Power smith...so nice), and an Arcus 98Da. I'm used to it, works great for me. I also own a SIG P250, and a Walther PPX, both DAO and very nice. I shoot them enough so I don't loose the muscle memory of the transtion, or long DAO pull. Having shot revolvers since a kid, it was a short learning curve. Don't be leery of the long initial trigger pull- properly trained with it your accuracy will improve.
Owning CZ75 SP 01 Shadow Orange and CZ97 ... both great shooters and fun at the range.
For carry, I'm thinking anout 2075 RAMI d, but until I decide, I'm happy with carrying 1911 3"Officer size from Kimber ... or Ruger LCR 357 ... depending on the mood and dress ;)
Had a p226 for a while, loved everything about it except the reach to the trigger. The reach in double action was too long, the single action reach was perfect. I installed a factory short trigger, now the double action trigger reach was perfect, the single action reach was too short. I hated to part with the gun but it never fit me correctly. Without a doubt one of the nicest shooting, most accurate handguns I've ever owned.
Beretta Px4 Storm
Yep ...another vote for the Px4 platform ...