How to Shoot Double Action ~ A Police Expert Explains

Learn to properly control the double action trigger of your D.A. revolver, and discover how you may become very fast, while maintaining precise accuracy. I taught hundreds of working city police officers over a period spanning two decades how to become highly efficient and accurate with their duty revolvers, using these same elements that you can use with the same effectiveness. D.A. trigger control is not difficult; it is only improperly understood by many shooters. With this knowledge, you can practice with many hours of dry firing, combined with live shooting, and rise to the top ranks of handgunning.

[@danielreid3476]

I've been a revolver shooter for years, and this was an excellent refresher. Your video presentations are first rate. We are all so lucky to have you as a resource!

[@zayacz123]

It’s comforting to see this, knowing you’re OK. God bless!

[@mimip154]

I've shot revolvers for over 30 years. Certified expert marksman with 2" model 15 in the AF and just learned alot from you. Keep up dispensing your knowledge! And thank you!

[@mauer594]

Out of curiosity, what does/did pistol qualification look like?

[@GunBlue490]

@@mauer594 I found your question 11 months late, but I'll answer anyway. Most advanced departments began formal revolver training during the 1970s, some a bit earlier. The vast majority used what was known as the 25 yard standardized PPC, Practical Pistol Course developed by the NRA, though some added 50 yard stages of fire, especially in formal competition. All firing was done double action from the secured, snapped holster, typically over a 60 round course, with stages at 7, 15, and 25, or 50 yards. At the 7 yard line, shooters on line drew when the target turned toward them, or at the blast of a whistle, firing six, reloading, then another six, all in 20 seconds. The sequence was repeated at the 15 yard line, in 30 seconds. At the 25 yard line, shooters fired with the strong hand from behind a barricade, then from the weak hand, opposite barricade, then kneeling, then prone. Departments with NRA certified police firearms instructors could obtain NRA sanctioned rankings and badges for Marksmen, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Distinguished Expert. In order to obtain and wear the Distinguished Expert badge, the shooter was required to fire three nearly perfect scores out of a possible 600 for official record on an NRA silhouette, witnessed and attested to by the NRA instructor. Most departments gradually moved away from the PPC course as various other "Hogans Alley" style courses were developed in the latter 80s and 90s, involving running and shooter movement, and challenging "Shoot, Don't Shoot" exercises. Other scenarios were developed for auto pistols involving dummy rounds for gun stoppage correction. The history of police firearms training development was very involved, to provide officers with the finest skills.

[@craigfinley2507]

​@@GunBlue490 is it ok to use hair clipper oil to oil my revolver

[@heroinmom153]

​@@GunBlue490 My dad joined the police after Vietnam in 1970. He was a master with the .357, which was their duty gun at the time. I still cherish, shoot, and EDC carry his police S&W 13-2 that he left to me to this day.

[@warrenbeard4546]

When I was young I used to use a revolver for work back in the "dump pouch days :) " I had an exercise that I used on in which I would place a penny on the frame just ahead of the rear sight (making sure the revolver was unloaded first !!) Then practice drawing the trigger straight back while keeping the gun on target without tipping the penny off. I used to be fairly proficient with a revolver and I think this exercise helped . Worked with model 10s, 19s, security 6s, GP 100s etc.

[@markr5132]

These video's should be considered National Treasures. They hand down many bits of information derived from years of study, helping us Americans maximize our gun experiences, fun and safety. After years learning about guns, I am always pleasantly surprised how much I don't know regardless of how seemigly simple the topic of particular video is. "The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get." quote comes to mind after I watch GB video's I'm reminded of the profound Mark Twain quote "I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years."--Mark Twain. ... Thanks Again GunBlue.

[@mikec7478]

I was just going to write that this man is a national treasure. I couldn't agree with your comments more.

[@ronfox5519]

Agreed. I just discovered this channel, and am very glad I did.

[@borisgorin1170]

Completely agree ! This man is a master and the information he chose to share is priceless love his videos

[@cjr4286]

I was amazed at how still that revolver stayed when GunBlue demonstrated the trigger pull. Watching closely, the only wobble I perceived came from his arm, not from the trigger pull. That's how you know GunBlue truly knows what he is talking about!

[@markr5132]

And he does it one handed! Maybe not impressive until you try yourself and get big time humbled!

[@jc.1191]

@@markr5132 in real life self defense, it's very likely you will have one hand to use. That's why I practice it, and don't carry something silly like 44 magnum that I can't control.

[@craigfinley2507]

Recoil will make it jump a little he didn't mention that

[@evocati6523]

​@@craigfinley2507the gun moving after the bullet has left the barrel is not important to accuracy

[@markr5132]

GunBlue is not kidding; I used to shoot in a league and if you practice double action a few weeks for 1/2 hour or so, you will be amazed at how you can get the sights to stop jumping around as you pull threw the double action.

[@mushtaqali537]

I learnt a couple of things even after 30 years of shooting. Thanks from France 🙏🏼

[@endutubecensorship]

France, the land of excellent Manurhin revolvers

[@robertchichitano3209]

I love listening to and learning from the Masters.

[@CranfordPark]

"God's studio" Love it, using that.

[@authormikemontie250]

I was trained to shoot a revolver in the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy in 1987. Although at the time I thought my training was very good, I was not trained in the different trigger pull and thumb grip, (single vs double action), that you have presented here. As my police career evolved, I ended up with a Glock 19, I even became a firearms instructor. This was the best revolver training presentation I have seen. I really enjoy your videos. You have a tremendous amount of knowledge, thank you for sharing it.

[@petermccuskey1832]

I love your presentation. I am retired instructor from the age that you are . We can still keep people safe.

[@markb6407]

What great timing sir! I was shooting a nice .357 S&W revolver with my dad this morning (quality quarantine time). I discussed how I needed to study the technique of shooting double action! Blessings from Texas to you and yours during these trying times my friend!

[@rationalmind6362]

My wife Carrie's a S&W 15 - 2. Always practives double action. Her form and accuracy amazes everyone that sees her shoot. Incredible, I couldn't be prouder. 🙂🙂🙂

[@EastboundDwn]

I'm sure the anti dry fire guys are having high anxiety watching this video. Lol.. Thank you for another great learning experience 👍

[@01100101011100100111]

Made even worse by the fact that when the mic picks up that "snap", it seems to almost mute his voice. Making the dry-firing almost the ONLY thing you can hear.

[@69xxmiiikexx86]

No hammer nose on it tho

[@deadpresident78]

maybe it was said along time ago when the hammer had the fir pin attached to it. My model 64 has one but it is removable..... That helps solve that. lol. Most handguns do not have the pin attached to the hammer anymore. That saying is old and no good. Maybe in the 60's it was relevant.

[@EastboundDwn]

@@deadpresident78 That would be the beek.. and your correct, they are no longer attached to the hammer.

[@jc.1191]

Dummy rounds, or dry fire is ok? Wouldn't want to damage my expensive gun. New Ruger gp100.

[@drizler]

I learned to “stage” the trigger shooting the SW CS1 with US Customs in the late 80s. I came to appreciate that subtle click right before it went off. With my snubby 642 today I can still hit a 1x1’ steel plate continually at 100’.

[@The_John_Galt]

You and Paul Harrell must be related. Great content!!!

[@thetoecutter13]

Gunblue and Paul are the only two gun subscriptions I have, the Godfather of guns and the Gandfather of guns. The others are pretty much clowns and wannabes in my opinion.

[@jerryroberts631]

Funny you mentioned these two icons. I've thought many times on what a great collaboration video they could provide. Anyone care to wager a guess at the view and "like" numbers that video would generate?

[@nathanlambshead4778]

Totally agree.

[@craigbenz4835]

@@thetoecutter13 : I've added a third into the mix. HRFunk He is as good as these two.

[@thetoecutter13]

@@craigbenz4835 thanks for the suggestion, I watched some of his LE Qualification course vids and I like his personality, if there's one thing that turns me off immediately is arrogance or the tough guy act. In my experience, tough guys don't have to act tough.

[@jamesmasters1381]

Re: Double action trigger control. I’ve been a fan for quite a while, have watched many of your videos, and usually I am in complete agreement. “Howsomever”- Back in the glory days of the wheel gun, I was a member of the largest sheriff’s department in the world. Their issue gun was the S&W model 15 (I think that was the number) Combat Masterpiece. The way they taught us to shoot double-action was exactly the way you described as a defect. One learned to lock up the cylinder in the heavier first part of the double action pull,steady the gun, then complete the final squeeze, which was similar to single action. With practice, you could do that all day long. So, they must’ve had thousands of defective guns, huh? Unfortunately, for me, that didn’t work, as I favored the Colt; and you can’t do that with the Colt.

[@LoboAzul56]

Great video……..but……..I agree. Being able to “stage” a double action trigger, like I can easily and effortlessly do with my GP100, does not mean the gun is defective. Far from it. It gives me three options, single double, and “staged” double, which comes in handy from time to time…

[@tdrnkr]

Pull, pull, pull. You did well number 41.

[@GunBlue490]

Good movie.

[@onpsxmember]

What's the title?

[@wayneparker9331]

I always love watching your videos. Even after serving in the USMC and shooting for the last 37 years, I find I always learn something new from you. And it's great to see you healthy and happy.

[@robleogre5250]

This is my favorite time of year - the smell that permeates the air, of the melting snow, conifers and the feel of new life imminent. You and Benny stay well, and God Bless. Fantastic and informative as always.

[@CyborgZeta]

I'm 33, and got into shooting revolvers when I got into shooting back in 2017. As someone still learning, your video is very helpful. Thank you.

[@richardkorwek9781]

One of the best instructional videos I have seen. Very easy to understand.

[@rdaniels8681]

Best gun channel on KZbin

[@johnthom3342]

Best explanation of trigger pull I’ve ever seen. Thanks

[@jerryroberts631]

You are the "Bob Ross" of firearms. Calming, yet motivating me to be better at something that I'll never be as good at as you are. Good job as always and be safe in these difficult times Sir. God bless.

[@OldManMontgomery]

I read "The Secrets of Double Action Shooting" by Bob Nichols (written in 1950) in 1971 when I was much younger. I found it fascinating. Then in 1974 or so I fell amongst a group of gentlemen who shot combat pistol matches using double action revolvers in double action mode. In those days I shot a Government Model and secretly felt superior. They cleaned my clock. I did have the sense to realize they knew something I didn't. There followed a long - it seems - period of developing the technique. Actually, it was faster than I thought. You bring up a very good and valid point. Do it one handed. I shoot two handed, and at the same time am aware that the 'other' hand is often busy. The quest goes on. By the way, the 'sideways verses square on' discussion was going on the days of dueling and duelists.

[@WilhelmDerMann]

An analogy to "Ben Hur"? I love it! Excellent instruction!

[@tedclutter7326]

Don't get into a gunfight with this guy! Another excellent video - thanks.

[@markkeyser]

Thanks for the tips. I appreciate them! I grew up in a veteran's housing project after the war. About 1955 - 56 Jack Ennis, our neighbor (a Marine Corps veteran), showed me how he fired his .45 service automatic: Jack was right-handed and he used his the middle finger on his right hand as his trigger finger. It seems to me (although I might be suffering from the faulty memory of a 6 year-old kid) that he used his index finger to point down along the slide at the target. In any event, that's the way that Jack felt comfortable shooting. Now that I'm pushing 70 years old and I've got a tremendous amount of arthritis in the fingers of my right hand (and I am right handed), I shoot my DAO revolver with my left hand. I had made the mistake of shooting using the fingertip. Pulling the trigger using the joint is a much for comfortable way to go.

[@onpsxmember]

I just tried this with the middle finger. Good to know about this option. Very steady, lots of control on the pull.

[@butchyboy69]

This is the best tutorial about DA firing that I have seen. I can hardly wait to get to a range with my Model 10 Heavy Barrel. Butchyboy 69. Thank you, Mr. 490!

[@kingbertie]

I did my firearm training as UK police officer about twenty seven years ago and I've learned things about trigger pull from your video today. On my initial course I had assumed that all the people training me were firearm experts, and some of them obviously were, but some of them were only an 'Instructor's' course away from where I was. Lots of arrogance but not a lot of knowledge. That became apparent with the difficulty for some to answer simple questions regarding things like 'position of finger on trigger', 'how to remedy common trigger pull issues like pulling and pushing shots', and not being able to explain the reason for the different sized apertures on the rotating rear sight on an MP5. I suppose it's what happens sometimes when a certain type of person thinks the job is about looking good while wearing sunglasses and chewing gum. One thing that nobody seems to mention when talking about single and double action, is that the trigger pull is heavier with DA because pulling the trigger has to rotate the cylinder to the next round as well as cocking the hammer, and in SA the main effort is the thumb cocking of the trigger, which also rotates the cylinder, leaving the trigger only needing a much reduced 'pulling' effort to fire. Anyway, good video, now I've a lot of 'back issues' to go through to catch up.

[@daveaver2804]

I’ve been shooting my beloved S&W 586 wrong for years (double action). Thank you.

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

About to purchase my first. Very much appreciate this video as always. A man I can trust.

[@jefftanner832]

whitewater rafting (rowing) and revolver trigger pull. sweet! guess what I am doing now with my sp101? cool instructions to practice. I was watching reloading powder choices and wondering how I got here. I subscribed because of so much cool information from a gifted teacher! Thanks!

[@classicgunstoday1972]

I like how you typically use one hand to shoot. This is actually how my dad taught me and I typically stick with it 80% of the time. I do practice with a variation or another of weaver or isosceles somewhat regular but typically my practice is one hand and focus is one hand. “Handgun not a Handsgun” is EXACTLY the point me made.

[@phantasmorama8997]

There is a fella here on KZbin named Buffalo who amazes me with his double action shooting. He has a series of videos called "a man's got to know his limitations" that is very entertaining. He always shoots the target multiple times to show that it's not just a one off shot like a trick shot or something. He shows consistency. If you can get past his hillbilly accent (I have no problem with it because I sound a lot like him) he makes some enjoyable content.

[@mikeseier4449]

Yeah, Buffalo outdoors is his channel... The man is amazing with his revolvers,... They are precise weapons when you take the time to learn how to shoot them..

[@borisbuliak3626]

So glad you covered the isosceles. Can’t tell you how many ppl practice just like that and are done. Never mind just shooting with one hand it’s very seldom I see ppl practicing shooting with their weak hand, kudos to them. Keep them coming GB you are very knowledgeable. God bless your for family.

[@lienlawmaven7967]

Thanks for another great class. This old soldier keeps on listening and learning.

[@personalfunfest]

Boy this was nice. This was like a fireside chat with Franklin Roosevelt... but about revolvers... very much appreciated... love from California 👍🏽🇺🇸🥇

[@petehawkesrealestate618]

Great info!

[@kbkesq]

Laser grip on my 327PC 8 shot helped when I decided to do 50 dry fire pulls a day for a week. Got way more accurate.

[@paulmicrons8416]

Thank you, I appreciate that you pass along this information .

[@JuanDeSoCal]

Fascinating instruction. Thank you!

[@Joe2010M]

So much good info in this presentation. Thank you!

[@payres48]

Glad to hear Benny is doing well sir. Thank you again for your wisdom. Best wishes from Australia.

[@Graymanone]

I first carried a Ruger Security Six and after years returned to a revolver be that a snubby 38 special, Good review of the basic of how to improve using a revolver. " Wheel guns are real guns"

[@gusloader123]

Bingo! "Wheel guns are real guns!" Sometimes carried a Semi-Auto in the military, but I have never purchased one.

[@gregoryl869]

I have watched this several times and it's just outstanding. Thank you!

[@erikjensen6503]

Thank you great information. Stay safe!

[@nuancolar7304]

It's interesting to see old films of police and FBI handgun training and seeing men one-handing their weapons on a shooting range. I'don't know when they realized that grasping the weapon with both hands was preferable, but I'm guessing a lot of shots were missed in the old days.

[@Rustebadge]

Have been shooting revolvers (and others of course) for almost 50 years, including having taught several thousand police officers/professionals. Shooting and fighting with a handgun are certainly not the same things but are often confused. I find most students do not train for natural movement under stress. Defensive and natural trigger use was well explained in a book I read titled "Beyond the Muzzle: The Firearm and Shooter Development Guide". I enjoy your videos. Good verbal descriptions.

[@brianblackburn-author7531]

Great analogies from a great man.

[@captains5182]

Great teaching. Thank you!

[@capt.mike73ahoy14]

Thanks for the good tips; revolvers are still my favorite handguns for recreational shooting. Glad to hear Benny is enjoying the outdoors with you.

[@LibertyGarden]

Thank you. Glad Benny is doing good.

[@Deerpoo22]

Thanks blue. Hope you and yours and very much Benny are healthy and stay healthy in these trying times. God bless

[@lloydask]

So glad I just found you. I learnt so much. Thank you. Now in to watch your other videos

[@Robnord1]

And may God bless and watch over you, family, and of course Benny. Thank you for another informative video sir. Your work here is greatly appreciated.

[@VPitisci]

Thank you for all your valuable insight. You have helped me a lot!

[@markr5132]

I am sure I'm speaking for many of your friends and followers in wishing you are your family a Happy Easter! It's times like these when we "count our blessings" and thank the lord that we have fellow Americans that help us along the way in being better people, better protectors of or family etc... so thank you for the big part you play in spreading your fact based information that helps us in so many ways! p.s. Give Benny a big hug and an extra table scrap for us!!

[@miketabback2635]

I subscribe to many You Tub gun friendly sites. You are my favorite by far and I look forward to each new video you put out. Thank you from a real fan. Mike T from NJ

[@lens7859]

That looked like a beautiful double action pull. Very smooth.

[@martinscharf3902]

Thanks for this great Video! Greetings to you, your family and Benny! Stay healthy! God bless you!

[@Browneye2566]

Great lesson. Very well described. The rowing analogy is particularly helpful.

[@hillbilly5b72]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless 🙏

[@lj.7311]

Thanks for another great video. I’ve been shooting DA exclusively the past few trips to the range using your suggestions and I’m getting better. Blessings sir.

[@edwardsdeacon]

An excellent instructional video.

[@jamesbell8730]

Big thanks, you have answered so many questions, every video has quality information.

[@grinningfool34]

You are a fount of knowledge. Thanks for the excellent lesson.

[@chefboy2160]

Thank you sir and god bless you for sharing with us your years of experience!

[@papashvily]

Eating this stuff up, thank you!

[@drivesideways6550]

New subscriber, I enjoy your videos and wisdom. Now I've got another favorite KZbin shooting channel! Great teacher.

[@Paladin1873]

That was an excellent overview. I especially appreciate you describing the different triggers S&W has fielded over the years. I remember when I bought my Model 19 back in the 1980s that it came with a wide grooved "target" trigger and "target" hammer (wide spur). I had my gunsmith replace both parts with a narrow smooth trigger and standard hammer (narrow spur). He also polished the action to make it silky smooth, but still reliable. To this day it remains my favorite revolver to shoot, and the one I use to judge the action of all other revolvers. While I start all students out shooting single action, I advance them to double action once they have mastered the fundamentals. I emphasize the same points you made, but add one more. If you have already discharged one or more rounds, thumb cocking a revolver potentially places you at a tactical disadvantage if you don't subsequently fire it because you won't be able to use that live round without cycling past the discharged rounds. This means if you have fired two shots, then cock and subsequently uncock the hammer, you only have three immediate shots left instead of four when using a typical six round revolver. I have not tried teaching single hand or weak hand shooting with introductory training. Do you recommend using this technique at the start of any training, or reserving it until later in the course?

[@GunBlue490]

My firearms course consisted of three full weeks. The first day was classroom introduction to firearms, and the opportunity to see and handle all manner of guns, which was for most their first experience. The second day was devoted to safety, gun care, conduct, and other principles. The third day was an in-depth classroom presentation on the single action precision shooting techniques that I covered in my recent series. We then retired to the range and they spent two hours, paired together with a buddy, with dry fire exercises in single action precision shooting with S&W 22LR Combat Masterpiece revolvers. When I determined that they were on track, we commenced live fire with those guns, finishing up the first week. Lots of ball and dummy practice was done with their partner facing them, learning to assess faults and coach their buddy. The follow week was a return to the line, shooting without a buddy. If they were ready, we assigned their issued 38s to them after lunch, and we returned to buddy shooting for the remainder of the day with target wadcutters on bullseye targets at 50 feet. Usually, they were ready by Wednesday to advance to double action on silhouettes, upon which I gave them this same instruction. They spent at least 2 hours dry firing before loading up. After that, they simply spent hundreds of rounds in daily practice, and did lots of stress firing, where they sprinted up an down three flights of stairs in full gear and ballistic vests, immediately preceding a full qualification course, shooting 7, 15 & 25 yards PPC. At the end of 3 weeks, all had advanced to very strong shooting in all levels of NRA competitive scoring, and were ready for the State Academy. Of course, those they joined had not yet begun shooting, and so, it was a cake walk with all trophies being awarded to my people.

[@elifoust7664]

Great finger control class.

[@chrismills4213]

Just love your teaching...the best on youtube! God bless

[@brianreif7305]

Excellent video. I’ve carried a Sig p220 since i came on the job. I still see tremendous value in a double action trigger in a duty handgun. Thank you for posting.

[@Chief2Moon]

You've earned yet another salute&vote of appreciation, not to omit many thanks for many helpful tips

[@sipzter]

Thank you for another great video. This one really reminds me of my training days in the early 80's. We were issued SW mod 66 4" and taught the Weaver stance. We were told that out weak side forearm would "block" incoming rounds diverting them from our core. At any rate, I really appreciate the thought and the work you put into all your videos. Thank you. Stay safe yourself! Paul

[@terrysewell9531]

I am grateful for someone so experienced sharing your knowledge. It’s priceless. God bless you and Benny

[@copbass]

Thank you sir. This is my treasure

[@jackieeastom8758]

Thank you for your service and sharing your knowledge

[@thenarrowpathoftruth9443]

1st rate video. Thanks for creating it.

[@jc.1191]

This was helpful information the first time I watched it. And was excellent review material over a year later to stay in shape. Great as always bud.

[@billybigtime7749]

Thanks so much! Take care!

[@patricktoohey8310]

Thanks Blue, another great video. I learn a lot from your videos and your appreciation of classic weapons and their usage is contagious.

[@wayne8276]

Every time I watch. I learn . Thank you Sir . . Glad you finish up with a Benny update. Way to go .

[@cristianespinal9917]

I finished binging your series on precision handgun shooting and just got to try out your techniques with dry-fire. I immediately noticed a big difference in my stability while practicing. Everything feels much more solid and steady yet at the same time, more relaxed. I can't wait to try your lessons out on the range.

[@BrassicaRappa]

Hello from Western Maine! Sincere thanks for the tips. Most of my DAO development has been trial and error at this point, so this gives me something to focus on!

[@michaelfinney2160]

Glad you guys are doing well ! Very informative video ! Stay safe and God Bless !

[@whomagoose6897]

First time shooting any kind of handgun, It was the M-1911a1, .45-acp. when I started shooting revolvers that double action was a booger bear. The 1911 is a SAO gun. Had to rethink every technique I knew when shooting DA-SA guns. And a revolver always resets in a double action mode. It's been a long process. But, I am enjoying the journey.

[@positivelyportugal]

Thank you! I need to bookmark this.

[@stefanfful]

Thank you ,sir. Hope you are well.

[@dowdawg]

Well I have some things to work on!! That gun didn’t move!! Very impressive and nicely done!!!

[@vincewoolley6774]

Glad you and Benny are doing well. Very good information, all my Military training was with 1911 or M9. I have recently developed a Revolve love. Thanks again, I'll apply the finger placement. Stay safe.

[@ely336]

Always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.Good to be outside and so,glad to hear Bennie is doing so well. Proof that God loves you in a very special way. Take care and always look forward to your videos. Hope you and your family stays safe and happy.👍🐶🇺🇸

[@TheAlf61]

Beautifully explained. I think the two stage double action applies more to old Colt Pythons.

[@DOUGLASLASH-xy4ct]

thank you sir!

[@jackdaniel.2546]

I bought a new model 19 last fall and the single action pull is super light. A lot like my Ruger 1911. Always great advice. 👍

[@davidwhendricks6979]

Love to you and Bennie. God bless.

[@jorgebrieniv7]

Thanks, I really like your personality and your manner of instruction. As kids our our first handgun lessons were on a da revolver and we had to master it before we could move on to the coveted 1911. It was frustrating but ever since then every trigger I meet is my friend. I trained my daughters up the same way.