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Single action only pistols are frequently lauded for their precision and crisp trigger pulls, making them ideal for competition shooting as well as personal protection. These are the five best single action handguns that you definitely need in your collection.
The key distinction between Single Action Only (SAO) pistols and other handguns is the trigger, which performs only one action - releasing the hammer to strike the firing pin and ignite the primer. In semi-auto platforms, a single action mechanism relies on the cycling of the slide to manually actuate the hammer after each round is fired.
Should the shooter experience a light primer strike or other ammo-related malfunction, they would need to thumb back the hammer before attempting to fire again. The vast majority of these pistols are designed to be carried with the hammer back and the manual safety engaged in what is known as the "cocked and locked" condition.
Carrying with the hammer down is generally not advisable as it requires dropping the hammer on a chambered round and even with the proper safety precautions in place, this may result in an unintended discharge - something to be avoided at all costs.
Because the trigger simply releases the hammer and does not re-stage it in any way, most SAO pistols have a light trigger pull with a short reset. This translates to better accuracy and faster follow-up shots, a major factor for shooters who prefer a SAO platform for competition or EDC.
For our list, we're looking at hammer-fired semi-autos that are designed to be carried cocked and locked. Each pistol must have a sturdy thumb safety that can be easily and reliably manipulated while drawing / re-holstering the firearm.
This single-action variant of the iconic P226 pistol blends superior ergonomics with outstanding capacity and a crisp flat-face trigger. As a bonus, the Legion SAO features an optics-ready slide so shooters can mount their favorite red dot and go to work right out of the box.
A favorite of competitive shooters, the CZ Shadow 2 SA is an incredibly well-balanced pistol that is as dependable as it is precise. It boasts one of the best trigger pulls on the market, making it ideal for target shooting at the range.
The Browning Hi-Power is one of the most sought-after pistols for firearms enthusiasts. Renowned for its exceptional accuracy and ergonomics, this pistol has endured nearly as long as John Moses Browning's other iconic design, the 1911, and will stand out in any collection.
Famously deployed by the U.S. Navy Seals and later wielded by the phenomenal actor Benicio Del Toro in Sicario to devastating effect, the Mark 23 is a behemoth of a pistol. It is chambered in .45 ACP and was specifically designed for combat shooting with a suppressor. They are hard to find and often pricey, but the Mark 23 is well worth the effort and cost in our opinion.
The 1911A1 is without a doubt the most iconic pistol ever made and has a rich history of service with military and law enforcement personnel around the world. Setting the gold standard for all other SAO pistols to follow, the 1911A1 holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans and every shooter should try one at least once in their lifetime.
As incredible as SAO pistols are to shoot, there are also many double / single action pistols worthy of your consideration. Be sure to watch our Top 5 Fight with Clint & Kaya discussing their picks for the best hammer fired guns on the market.
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