What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes double action firing from single action firing in handguns?

The primary characteristic that distinguishes double action firing from single action firing in handguns is that double action involves a continuous trigger motion. In double action mode, pulling the trigger both cocks and drops the hammer in a single motion. This means that as you pull the trigger, the handgun performs not only the release of the hammer but also the necessary cocking action, providing a smoother, albeit usually longer, trigger pull.

In contrast, single action firing requires the hammer to be cocked manually (either through a hammer or by cycling the action) before the trigger can be pulled to fire the round. This distinction highlights the continuous and often more complex trigger pull associated with double action compared to the firing method in single action setups, where the action is simpler and more direct. Understanding this fundamental difference is key for proper handling and operation of handguns in various conditions.