A "real" How do you decock your DA/SA pistol? thread

[android]

So, My pistol is DA/SA with a decocker.

I have verified at the range that I can press the decocker and let the hammer fall on a loaded round and the weapon will not fire. But I suppose I could also thumb the hammer and ease it down also. Anybody care to share methods and reasons?

Thanks,
Andy

[KFP]

I'd use the decocking lever and keep my thumb out of the way of the slide if it did somehow happen to fire.

[Liberty]

But if it you look at at the design of many of these guns, they really cant go off go off the firing pin is moved out of the way and the trigger firing pin blocks either the hammer or the pin from slamming home., I do find it unnerving though even at the range.
With these gun never cock the hammer on these guns unless you are ready to shoot it. ( one exception to this is after cleaning when I'm checking the gun out before I load)
Always follow the 4 rules.
Always follow the 4 rules.
Always follow the 4 rules.
Always follow the 4 rules.
Always follow the 4 rules.

[snorri]

Using the decocker dingus is safer than using the trigger to decock. IMHO.

[Liberty]

Using the decocker dingus is safer than using the trigger to decock. IMHO.

The decocker is designed to safely put the gun into double action mode. The trigger is designed to shoot the gun.
A slip using the trigger will cause the gun to fire.

[joe817]

I never use anything but the "decocker" on the side of the slide on my Ruger. Dropping the hammer method with your thumb is just to dangerous with a round in the chamber. I use it every time without exception, with 100% confidence.

[The Annoyed Man]

So, My pistol is DA/SA with a decocker.

I have verified at the range that I can press the decocker and let the hammer fall on a loaded round and the weapon will not fire. But I suppose I could also thumb the hammer and ease it down also. Anybody care to share methods and reasons?

Thanks,
Andy

When you ease the hammer down slowly, are you pulling the trigger just a little bit to release the hammer? On a loaded chamber? Not too smart. When you pull the trigger, even just a little bit, you may also be deactivating any transfer bar mechanism which keeps the hammer from striking the pin. Conversely, decockers are designed to leave the transfer bar in place as the hammer is dropped.

I have a DA/SA USP Compact, and when lowering the hammer, I always use the decocker — even when I know the chamber is empty and there is no magazine in the gun. I figure that if I just do it one way only, then there is no possibility of a negligent discharge from lowering the hammer. Who cares if it makes a loud "Clack!" Nobody is listening except me, and I'm only doing it at home. Besides, that's the way the gun is engineered and it is hard to believe that the manufacturers would engineer a feature into the gun which is bad for the system.

Just something to think about...

[WildBill]

So, My pistol is DA/SA with a decocker.

I have verified at the range that I can press the decocker and let the hammer fall on a loaded round and the weapon will not fire. But I suppose I could also thumb the hammer and ease it down also. Anybody care to share methods and reasons?

Thanks,
Andy

Always use the decocker. The reason is that is what it was designed to do. The method, as Liberty states, is to always follow the four rules of gun safety.

[android]

So, My pistol is DA/SA with a decocker.

I have verified at the range that I can press the decocker and let the hammer fall on a loaded round and the weapon will not fire. But I suppose I could also thumb the hammer and ease it down also. Anybody care to share methods and reasons?

Thanks,
Andy

When you ease the hammer down slowly, are you pulling the trigger just a little bit to release the hammer? On a loaded chamber? Not too smart.

Of course not. No, the choice are either just press the decocker and let the hammer fall or press the decocker and thumb the hammer down. Why in the world would I put my finger on the trigger if I'm not planning on shooting something?

[Liberty]

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I let it fall unless for some particular reason I'm trying to be real quiet.

[Big Tuna]

When you ease the hammer down slowly, are you pulling the trigger just a little bit to release the hammer? On a loaded chamber? Not too smart.

Of course not. No, the choice are either just press the decocker and let the hammer fall or press the decocker and thumb the hammer down. Why in the world would I put my finger on the trigger if I'm not planning on shooting something?

Some people decock a semiautomatic that way because it's how they were taught to decock a revolver. From your original question it sounded like you were asking if you should use the revolver method or trust the decock lever. I say trust the decock lever but if you thumb the hammer down, on some guns you have to keep the lever pressed down to block the firing pin.

[hirundo82]

The only guns I currently have with decockers are 2 Sig-Sauers. I always make sure the decocker works correctly by engaging it while pointing it down range during a range trip.

Still, when at home I always point it in a safe direction when engaging the decocker--towards an exterior wall with no other dwellings in that direction. After all mechanical devices can and do fail.

[Rawb77]

Easy for me, I dont have to. (go go S&W 642 DA only)

[USA1]

Easy for me, I dont have to. (go go S&W 642 DA only)

you say that now , but you're still young .

you might develop a "semi-auto" itch one day .

[Rawb77]

I already have one. I told you about my local death shop having a Walther P99 .40 cal in stock that I want.

Wish i had the $750 bucks after tax to afford it. Else I'd have to pick it up. Can't say I'd add it to my collection because my collection is only 2 guns atm. My Concealed carry and an SKS.