Semi-automatic handguns are probably the most recommended option for everyday carry and self-defense. There are multiple categories of semi-auto handguns, each with a different set of pros and cons, depending on the user’s needs. Let’s take a look at how semi-automatics work as well as some of their major features.

How Semi-autos work

Semi-automatics are gas-operated pistols - this means that when the gun is fired, some of the energy exerted is used to cycle the gun, ejecting the spent shell casing and chambering the next round.

This process is roughly the same in all modern semi-automatic handguns, but how the gun is fired is one of the major differences. Semi-automatics are divided into two major groups: hammer fired and striker fired.

Let’s start with the earliest developed method.

Hammer fired

Hammer fire is one of the earliest firing methods, having originated on revolvers. As pistol technology developed, these methods of actuation were applied to semi-automatics. These fall into three categories: Single-Action (SA), Double-Action (DAO or Double-Action-Only), and Single-Action/Double-Action (DA/SA or Triple Action).

Single-Action (S/A)

Single-Action pistols have triggers that only release the hammer to fire the gun - this means the hammer has to be manually pulled back before firing. After the first shot, the hammer is reset automatically by the cycling of the gun.

Because of the single function of the trigger in a Single-Action gun, the trigger pull tends to be lighter and more forgiving than other designs. An example of a purely single-action semi-automatic is the classic 1911.

Colt 1911 Classic .45 cal Pistol - M1911 Government Model 45ACP

One benefit of a Single-Action semi-automatic is that the gun will fire faster than the shooter can flinch. Many shooters will move the gun slightly while firing, which negatively affects their accuracy. Single-Action guns in general operate faster than this flinch, which makes them very forgiving guns for less-experienced shooters.

Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA)

While single-action semi-automatics were being developed, there was already effort being put into making a platform that was both DA and SA. This essentially took the benefits and refinements of the Triple Action revolver and applied them to a semi-automatic.

DA/SA guns were being developed from the 1950s onwards, however we really saw the development of many classic designs in the 1970s and 1980s, a time that became known as the “Wonder Nine” years. Some of these designs include the SIG Sauer P226, the Beretta M9, and the Glock series of pistols.

But how does DA/SA differ from Single-action? The Double-Action aspect of the gun enables it to be fired with the hammer down - pulling the trigger both cocks and fires the gun, eliminating a separate hammer cocking motion before the trigger pull.

Obviously, the Double-Action trigger pull on a DA/SA gun is heavier than the Single-Action pull. This creates another level of safety, especially in a use of force situation, as pulling the trigger takes more conscious effort when compared to a much lighter Single-Action trigger.

After the first shot, the Single-Action aspects of the gun activate providing a light trigger for quick follow-up shots. This raises the question if a consistent trigger pull is more beneficial than a variable trigger pull. The answer is that with consistent training, both can be handled effectively.

A DA/SA gun offers the best of both worlds in terms of how the gun fires, but it can seem overly complex to someone new to guns, a reason why some trainers avoid recommending these types of semi-automatics to newer shooters.

A modern example of a DA/SA gun would be the Beretta M9A4.

Beretta M9A4 Full Size Military RDO Pistol in FDE - 10, 15, 18 rounds

Double-Action-Only (DAO)

Double-Action-Only is a simplified version of the DA/SA system that does not include a Single-Action option and only features the Double-Action function. This is usually a specific modification on some gun models so they have a consistent trigger pull and work similar to striker-fired guns but with an external hammer.

Examples of these types of pistols can be found among the SIG or Beretta lineups.

Heckler Koch HK VP9 9mm Pistol - Tritium Night Sights 17 rnd

Striker Fired

Striker-fired guns use an internal firing pin powered by a set of springs within the gun. They are exclusively DAO, with the trigger cocking the striker and releasing it with a single pull of the trigger.

Most modern handgun designs are striker-fired due to their very simple system that requires minimal effort to maintain by the end-user. Striker fire designs become popular with the “Wonder Nine” years and began to be the system of choice for military and police contracts.

Glock G19X 9mm pistol FDE military compact crossover Gen 5 - 17 rnds

Safeties: External vs Internal

As semi-automatics began to be developed, safeties for guns were also developed. Safeties on firearms help prevent negligent discharges and other firearms accidents. They are generally divided into two categories: internal and external.

External Safeties

External safeties are perhaps the most familiar - external controls that have to be deactivated in order for the pistol to fire. While activated, the pistol will not be able to fire.

Grip safeties, like those found on 1911s, help ensure that the pistol is not fired without a preferred grip. However, this could be problematic in a self-defense scenario if you’re unable to quickly get the proper grip on your pistol.

More commonly, you will encounter a manual safety on a handgun. These are usually deactivated with the thumb and prevent the gun from firing by blocking the firing pin.

On DA/SA guns, the safety can also serve a secondary purpose - that of a decocker. This means that if a DA/SA gun is in Single-Action mode, the decocker can drop the hammer safely, without firing the gun. This is significant as most DA/SA guns need to be carried with the hammer down for the safeties to be fully engaged.

Sometimes the decocker is a separate lever from the safety while other models integrate both into one lever - this will depend on the individual model.

Internal Safeties

These can be found on both hammer-fired and striker-fired guns. These are safeties that are built into the gun itself and help prevent accidental discharges when the gun is dropped or in similar situations where the trigger has not been pulled.

Internal safeties have proven extremely reliable and as such, many modern semi-automatics that have them do not feature external safeties.

Examples of guns with internal safeties (and no external) would be the Glock 19X and the FN 509 series.

FN 509 Tactical 9mm pistol, 24+1 and 17+1, FDE

Magazine Styles

The next major difference between semi-automatics is magazine design, both single stack and double stack.

As one would guess, single-stack magazines have the rounds stacked on top of each other in a single line and tend to have lower round capacity while being comparatively thin.

The thinness can aid in concealment since the grip of the gun does not need to be as wide to accept a single stack magazine and spare magazines will not take up much space. A system that uses single stack magazines could also be a solution for areas with magazine capacity restrictions, preventing the need to buy specially modified versions of double stack magazines.

Double stack magazines offer higher round capacity by staggering rounds within the magazine. They often have double or triple the capacity of their single stack counterparts in the same length - unless they are specifically designed to carry fewer rounds than standard or are for smaller form guns.

Concealed Carry

Semi-automatic handguns are the obvious choice for a concealed carry weapon however there are still a few considerations to make when selecting which specific option will work best for you.

Ease of conceal-ability is clearly an important aspect. Full-sized pistols (like a Glock 17) will be harder to conceal than compact or subcompact handguns (like an HK VP9SK Subcompact 9mm) just because of their overall size. Proper holster choice can make even a larger gun more manageable in this regard however. Your holster should securely retain the pistol and fully cover the trigger guard - if it doesn’t do both of these, you probably shouldn’t be using it. Fortunately, there is a great variety of options and styles that take care of these minimum requirements.

A good carry pistol will balance weight, capacity, and size. A striker-fired, compact 9mm with a polymer frame is a good starting point for a concealed carry weapon (a perfect example would be the venerable Glock 19). The ability to mount a flashlight and red dot sight would also be desirable, allowing you to add accessories later as you refine your needs and wants for concealed carry.

If your preferred model of gun doesn’t accept a red dot, it’s not a deal breaker, however, it can severely limit your pistol’s potential. If it can’t accept light or, you prefer not to have a weapon-mounted light, a quality handheld light can be substituted. Honestly, having a handheld light in addition to a weapon-mounted light would be a good rule of thumb for an EDC.

Your Modern Carry Gun

Most modern semi-auto designs follow a similar pattern; they have polymer frames, are striker-fired, come in 9mm, and come in multiple size categories to fit your preferences. If you’re unsure of which to choose, something like a Glock 19 is a good starting point. Perhaps the vanilla option of the concealed carry world, it boasts an impressive track record of reliability and comes with maybe the largest aftermarket support and accessory options of any handgun on the market.

If you have a chance, go to a gun store and get a feel for the different options, maybe even renting specific models to test fire at the range. Ultimately, the best-concealed carry weapon will be the one that you build confidence through training to use well under pressure.

Check out Charlie's Selection of Pistols