Pistol action

Question
Hi Doug, I want to buy a semi auto and am looking at the Glock 23 for personal protection. It's my first pistol. I know I don't want a DAO but is a double single my only other option? What's the deal with a concealed hammers? And what is the safety/decocking feature I have heard about?
Thank you very much

Answer
Gabe,

Lots of questions here, but let's take them one at a time.  

First, the Glock 23 is an excellent pistol for personal protection.  The .40 caliber S&W cartridge provides a combination of higher velocity and a larger bullet which makes for excellent stopping power.  There is a reason that the FBI and US Marshals both like the Glock 23.  The Glock 23 also is small enough to conceal effectively while being large enough to get a good firing grip easily.

Regarding the action, Glock uses what is called a 'safe action' trigger.  There is no external safety on the Glock.  The small tab in the trigger assembly must be pressed (along with the trigger) to cause the gun to fire.  Also, as you noted, the Glock has no external hammer.  This is really not a big deal one way or the other, but it is one less thing to get hung up on as you draw a pistol from concealment.

The primary advantages of the Glock are:

1.  Utter reliability - you can do nearly anything to the gun and it will still shoot.

2.  Consistent trigger pull - it is the same trigger pull every time.  This is an advantage for people that are not going to practice all that much.  Double / Single action guns require that you 'educate' your trigger finger to make two different pulls.  I have a friend who cannot figure out his H&K P2000's trigger.  His single action shots are fine, but he has a problem with accuracy on the double action.  He likes his Glock much better.

3.  Universal availability of accessories - you can get Glock holsters and mags nearly anywhere.

4.  Ease of maintenance - all you need to do is field strip and occasionally clean a Glock.  They are not especially finicky about being cleaned like some types of pistols can be.

Regarding action options, there are double action only, double / single actions, and single action only.  From the standpoint of concealed carry, if you are going to practice a lot and become proficient with your gun, action type is personal preference.  

If you AREN'T going to practice a lot and really get familiar with your gun, DAO is a good choice.  The trigger pull will be consistent and you will get an extra margin of safety from the heavier trigger pull.

Regarding safety / decocking features, different guns have different approaches to safeties.  

1.  A single action 1911 type pistol has two safeties (thumb and grip) but no decocker.  

2.  My H&K USP Compact has a thumb safety and decocker.  Flip the safety lever to the top, safety is on.  Flip it down, safety is off.  Press the safety lever all the way down and it decocks the pistol putting it back in double action mode.

3.  SIG's and some other pistols have no safety, but have decockers.  The first shot is fired in double action, with subsequent shots in single action.  Before returning the gun to the holster, the pistol's decocking lever is depressed, dropping the hammer and returning the pistol to double action mode.

The type of action is really up to you...but make sure you are willing to invest the time to learn to shoot the gun properly if you go with something other than a DAO.

Honestly, for a first pistol, the Glock is not a bad choice.  I think you would be well served by it.

Hope this helps you out...

Regards,

Doug