First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your opinions and experiences with us.
While reading your blog, I noticed that you recommended two pistols, the SIG Sauer P226 and the Glock 17, both of which have completely different actions. I would like to hear your opinion on the pros and cons of each system.
Also, there’s been a lot of negativity regarding the DA/SA pistols on the internet in regards to being too hard to learn/master the transition between the two pulls. Do you think that a DA/SA pistol is as much of a hindrance as people make it out to be? Personally, I do not have a problem with the DA/SA trigger (SIGs) since it is what I have trained with and carried at work for years.
Obviously you have had extensive time using DA/SA pistols during training and operationally while in NSW. Can you share some tips and drills that would help new shooters learn the DA/SA action, or drills that can help people maintain their proficiency with it?
I shot a Sig for over 12 years but switched while at BW because I realized how obsolete a DA/SA gun is. I do love a Sig for ergos and the fact that it’s one of the most accurate out-of-the-box pistols ever, but at some point you have to come on over for the big win (striker fired guns).
To me, there is just no good reason to shoot a pistol with a hammer anymore. We don’t have different trigger pulls on carbines, so why have them on a pistol? Additionally, a striker fired pistol, like a Glock, has a very close trigger weight to that of a carbine- so there’s less difference in the platforms on the trigger control level.
All that said, I learned to shoot a Sig proficiently. I actually preferred the DA during slow fire at 25 yds! How I got there was a lot of practice prepping the trigger as I was presenting to the target. A good measuring scale is if you can pull the trigger to the rear and stop halfway on demand, almost putting into a half cock position.
The new SRT (short reset trigger) is a good bet too, to reduce how much slack a Sig naturally has during reset. To see yourself, just look how much the trigger moves when you cock it.
Also keep in mind that during fast shooting, like a bill drill, you are basically doing a controlled slap of the trigger on a gun like a Sig.
I don’t buy the whole “no one can shoot a DA as good as a striker” argument. Remember that Ernest Langdon won worlds one year, beating Rob Leathem at the same time, shooting a Sig P226!!!
I appreciate the 1911’s innovations 100 years ago. Without it we would not have the modern semis we have. But seriously, 7 shots? mediocre performance without heavy expensive mods? and a caliber that still is not proved is better than 9mm? - not for me.