single action

"Single action" means that the act of pulling the trigger only performs one function: releasing the hammer or striker, which strikes the firing pin or lever against the shell casing.

You'd have to cock the hammer of a revolver, or pull and cock the slide of a semiauto pistol for the trigger to function as single action.

Guns which cock and fire with one pull of the trigger are called double action.

"Who keep the fully-auto verses single action ideal?
Yeah, Hiero - oh they straight, culture merchants we kill"
- Opio, Heiroglyphics, "Mind, Body and Soul"

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double action

"Double action" guns are much more common than single action - most semi-auto pistols are double-action, at least for the first shot.

That means that pulling back the slide on your semiauto pistol only chambers the round - it doesn't "cock back" the striker pin. Only when the trigger is pulled beyond "first stage" (halfway back) does the hammer/striker become cocked.

After that first shot, all other shots from the gun (until it is decocked, safety is activated, or you cycle through the rest of your ammo) are "single action," since the blowback from the previous shot provides the force to re-cock the weapon.

"My raps are double action, run the track from the back end" - Poppa Wu, "New Improved"

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pound

“Pounds” are the amount of resistance ("pull") required to release a firearm's hammer or firing pin, which fires the weapon. Also known as “pull weight”.

Most pistols are three pound or four pound trigger assemblies.

"Pound" is NOT related to caliber, style, size or type of firearm, as anyone who is familiar with firearms can tell you.

A two or three pound trigger pull is common for single action handguns, while four or five pounds is the standard for double action pistols.

Most combat rifles, semi or automatic, usually come standard with a 4-7 pound pull weight, although any trigger weight can be adjusted by altering the spring(s) in the trigger assembly.

As far as accuracy goes, a lighter pull weight requires less flexing of the hand on the trigger and grip, which usually means a more accurate shot. When you pull hard on a resistant trigger, your hand will naturally tend to pull the nose of the gun upward, which sends your round off the mark. That means you need a few less “pounds” of resistance. Rifle triggers are usually tougher to pull back, since you’re holding the weapon with both hands at two different points and muzzle jump is obviously less of a problem for accuracy.

A trigger with one to two pounds of pull is known as a “hare-trigger,” meaning the gun is fairly “jumpy” (like a rabbit or hare) and requires very little pressure to fire.

"Who's tryin who's crying who's poppin with a four pound iron
Peace sells but who's buying" - Ill Bill, "Peace Sells"

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