Aren't automatic firearms illegal here?
Also, there are standard firearm terms such as double-action and single-action to express functions accurately. One would think on a 2A forum people would use the proper terminology.
DA/SA (both Double- and Single-action): firearm can fire a round either by pulling the trigger while uncocked (DA) or can be cocked then fired (SA). Most semi-autos are DA/SA that are hammer-fired. If uncocked, the first trigger pull is DA (pulls hammer back, then fires). Subsequent shots are SA (slide cocks the hammer when fired making following shots SA).
A 1911 by standard design is SA only -- you can't pull the trigger and fire if the hammer is not cocled.
More modern pistols, like my SIG SAUER P226, can be fired with a round in the chamber and uncocked. First trigger pull is DA (cocks hammer and fires). All following trigger pulls are SA (hammer cocked as spent casing is ejected and next live round loaded).
Some carry a 1911 cocked and locked so they only have to release the manual safety to fire. Others carry with the hammer down which can be easily cocked with the thumb -- not much more effort than releasing a manual safety lever. Others still may carry with an empty chamber, in which case the safety and hammer will be ready to fire upon the first racking of the slide to load a round.
It really comes down to how comfortable you are with the safeties that allow you to carry a round chambered and still avoid an ND.
If you think about it, the only real difference between a DA/SA revolver and some DA/SA or SA semi-autos is the revolver lacks a manual safety, and the amount of trigger pull needed to fire it in DA is usually a little heavier than a Semi -- which of course can be made lighter with custom parts.
People have been known to have ND's with revolvers. Just ask Deputy Fife!
