Best DA/SA Pistols Every Gun Owner Needs
DA/SA doesn't win popularity contests, but the solid design has earned plenty of fans. Which are our favorite DA/SA models? Come find out.
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If you've seen double-action/single-action pistols 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 carry gun for you, and which guns you might consider adding to your collection.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
The Quick List
- Best for Competition: CZ Shadow 2 ORJump to Details ↓
- Editor's Pick: Sig Sauer P226 LegionJump to Details ↓
- Best Striker-Fired DA/SA : Walther P99 AS Final EditionJump to Details ↓
- Best for Suppressing: Beretta M9A4 CenturionJump to Details ↓
- Most Durable: HK USPJump to Details ↓
- Best Compact DA/SA: Beretta PX4 Storm CompactJump to Details ↓
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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
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!
Readers’ Ratings
5.00/5 (670 Votes)
Your Rating
2. Sig Sauer P226 - Editor's Pick
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 decockers 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!
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3. Walther P99 - Best Striker-Fired DA/SA
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
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
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.
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6. Beretta PX4 Storm Compact - Best Compact DA/SA
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.