# What's with the double trigger set up on semi-auto pistols **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 22, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939 "2026-01-22T21:57:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/261 "2026-03-13T20:51:52Z")
Yea, I had no idea what I was doing, so I’m guessing I installed the “softest” spring I could find. Dumb. Probably would have been O.K. if I installed one that was just a little bit softer. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/262 "2026-03-13T20:58:59Z")
Of course, I’m not implying that I’ve done “trigger” jobs that all worked as well. I rebuilt an older (1960s) FN High Power and that was a mess. The Taurus 85CH has a bobbed hammer that is pretty light in weight and so it needs a decent hammer spring. Fortunately, the Galloway spring worked just fine. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/263 "2026-03-14T03:21:59Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I’m very close to buying her a Smith & Wesson Shield EZ .380. Very ‘EZ’ to rack. Also load assist tabs on the magazines. I think it would be a better fit for her than the .38 spl. Outside of the ammo feed problem, she’s very comfortable with my Walther. Well, you know the old saw about someone agreeing with you… > [@ParallelLines](#): > > As for the firearm, if you want a .380 semi-auto, I’ve heard very good things about the M&P Shield EZ models, which are specifically made for those who are less able to handle a stiff slide. > > Of course, I won’t claim to be unbiased on model preference, but it’s a specific option to address that concern, and it’s a good gun at a reasonable price at MSRP $469 with manual thumb safety (see, was paying attention!). So I’m going to be over here, melting into my smug and getting to whisper (loudly) “First!”. But seriously, as I said upthread, it’s the gun of choice for a good friend with arthritis, though my sympathies for your wife and her multiple hand issues! I’m not sure how I feel about Taurus. I know 10ish years ago, they started working on overcoming their verifiable quality and build issues, and heard they’d come a long way, but build issues happen, even with QC. 🤷‍♂️ As for Wolf, my FiL _loathes_ it, because it’s really dirty (and he’s already lazy about cleaning) plus he’s a reloader so a double nope for him. Most other people I’ve talked too have similar concerns, but generally expect it to _perform_. Personally, I’ll spend a bit more, and buy some cheap and cheerful Blazer Brass which hasn’t ever given me a problem, while still being pretty cheap. I have used Fiocchi (got a container on a steep sale once) and it worked just fine (for the 100 rounds I bought) but I didn’t notice anything over the limited usage that made it worth the normal premium in price. Whatever firearm she ends up with (even yours!) make sure (not that you needed reminding) to check that it works with your chosen JHP defensive round as well as FMJ, even if it means going through a couple of wincingly expensive, tiny boxes of quality ammo. And you mentioned this yourself, but under a default assumption, I’d push for your wife at least trying the 9mm because of the wider availability and price of ammunition, but given her reported issues, I think the .380 is going to be a sweet spot for controllability for her. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/264 "2026-03-14T03:44:25Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I think the concern is a steel bullet. Or a copper cased steel projectile They think those might have started a small fire at an outdoor range not too far away. They arent supposed to be used. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/265 "2026-03-14T10:54:18Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > And you mentioned this yourself, but under a default assumption, I’d push for your wife at least trying the 9mm because of the wider availability and price of ammunition, but given her reported issues, I think the .380 is going to be a sweet spot for controllability for her. Yeah. That she might occasionally carry, say on a hike, the .380 would be a little nicer than the 9mm. But I agree about price and availability. Neither gun will stop a grizzly bear, but we don’t run into those. The person that cuts her hair took the woman’s only CCW class and liked it very much. She very rarely actually carries though. This helped put my wife at ease about the class. I loaded up six mags with different ammo for her, today is gonna be gun cleaning ‘class’. > [@DrDeth](#): > > They think those might have started a small fire at an outdoor range not too far away. They arent supposed to be used. Good point. This is an indoor range but perhaps it’s just protocal. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/266 "2026-03-14T14:15:41Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > though my sympathies for your wife and her multiple hand issues! Thank you. The first time was at the end of an IronMan race. So running. Exhausted. The paramedics and other support vehicles turned on all their lights ALL OF THEM as the runners where finishing at 11pm. They blinded everyone and she fell breaking fingers. This ain’t the pit so I will withhold my comments about that. So an easy, yet capable gun is right for her. So .38 spl, or .380. It will be her choice. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/267 "2026-03-14T17:08:52Z")
One more comment, if I may: If she wants a revolver but .38 spl is too much for her, you might see if you can find one chambered in .32. 327, 32 H&R magnum, and .32 long are all the same diameter, just different length cases, and any revolver chambered in 327 can fire the other 2 calibers. 32 H&R magnum can fire .32 long, and so on. The revolvers are harder to find and may be expensive, and the ammo is more expensive than .38 spl, and some people will tell you that .32 anything is useless for self defense, but it’s actually a viable option. Of course, if you fire a round with a shorter case length than the revolver was originally built for you will have to be very careful when cleaning the chambers in the cylinder, but that’s another, long, subject. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/268 "2026-03-14T18:30:15Z")
I’ve been trying to explain that .357, is the same diameter as .38 spl. But the .38s will foul the cylinder in my .357. But I shoot .38s in it regularly. It’s fine, might need more attention is all. We cleaned the .357 and the .380 today. My wife needs to know this stuff if she’s gonna shoot. I think a good understanding of the weapon is a basis for safety. She may stick with her .38 spl, or chose a .380. That is up to her. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/269 "2026-03-14T18:58:58Z")
Cleaning the chambers regularly with a brass brush will solve any fouling problems. .38 SP is perfectly fine to use in a .357 magnum revolver. When I was young, my brother and I had a bolt-action Winchester .22 LR rifle for plinking. My father would sternly tell us, “Don’t ever shoot .22 shorts in it because it will foul the chamber and you won’t ever be able to use .22 LR again!” We would respond, “Dad, you may never clean YOUR rifles, but we do.” ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/270 "2026-03-14T23:15:36Z")
> [@Bumbazine](#): > > The revolvers are harder to find Ruger makes an LCR model in .327 Federal Magnum. It’s an excellent choice for carry if one wants a revolver. Having multiple calibre choices in one gun is a real plus. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/271 "2026-03-14T23:24:16Z")
.327? I think you mean .357. We chose against the ability for it to shoot .357 (my wife really isn’t strong enough, I have a .357). And went for a 3" barrel in a .38. The 3" barrel gives it better balance and accuracy for Mrs. Bond. Well we hope because the thing broke after 10 rounds. She did not like my .357 even shooting .38s. Too heavy, though it has a 6 " barrel. It is a heavy gun. Ruger GP 100 with that big lug under the barrel. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/272 "2026-03-14T23:31:40Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > .327? I think you mean .357. I bet he doesn’t. > **[.327 Federal Magnum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.327_Federal_Magnum)** > > The .327 Federal Magnum is a cartridge introduced by Federal Premium Ammunition and also sold by Sturm, Ruger & Co. It is intended to provide the power of a .357 Magnum in six-shot, compact revolvers, whose cylinders would otherwise only hold five rounds. The .327 has also been used in full-sized revolvers with a capacity of seven rounds or more. The .327 Federal Mag is an example of a "super magnum", because it is a magnum of a magnum, the .32 H&R Magnum. > Introduced by the Federal Cartridge c... ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2026, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/273 "2026-03-14T23:38:16Z")
Huh, interesting. Never heard of it. I’ll look. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/274 "2026-03-15T00:37:03Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > But the .38s will foul the cylinder in my .357. But I shoot .38s in it regularly. It’s fine, might need more attention is all. I shot a lot of .38s through my S&W .357 (I reloaded a lot through my Dillon press). I cleaned often and it took a minute or so to run the bore brush through the cylinders. No issues. Same for my Taurus titanium that I carried for awhile in bear country (I’m now firmly in spray country unless I’m heading to AK). I should edit to add: I was shooting massive amounts of .38 through my S&W. I competed in steel matches with it for a couple of years. This isn’t your normal go to the range and shoot 50 rounds. Fouling of the cylinder is fake hysteria. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/275 "2026-03-15T00:39:02Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > .327? I think you mean .357 Nope. And it can fire 327, 32 H&R magnum, and .32 long. Ruger currently makes one. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/276 "2026-03-15T10:08:15Z")
Yes, I found them online. Interesting caliber. I wonder how hard they are to find in your average gun store. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/277 "2026-03-15T17:47:00Z")
Yes, I did mean .327. I’ve read a lot about them, but I’ve never seen one in the wild, so to speak. I’ve occasionally thought about hunting one down as I’ve had a number of .32acp pistols in the past, still have a couple, and I enjoy them a lot. I think I would enjoy .327. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/278 "2026-03-15T17:50:05Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I wonder how hard they are to find in your average gun store. I’ve had them in my store from time to time. If you just want to look at one you may have to call around or go to a large gun show. If there is a gun you’re sure you want to buy and the dealer doesn’t have it they can order it for you from their distributor. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/279 "2026-03-15T19:26:37Z")
Thanks. I’m thinking the .38spl (6 round) or a .380 would be a good fit. Leaning to the .380 with 8-10 rounds. The capacity is a big deal in a defiance situation. My wife is currently, right now, in her CCW class with my .380 that I think is the right gun for her (it’s sort of why I bought it). She has shot it 4 times at the range. She is getting comfortable with it. Her .38spl is still in the shop. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2026, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/280 "2026-03-15T22:46:55Z")
OK, my thread I guess, but more questions. The Range we have gone to has an air-lock door. So I guess they are evacuating the gases from fired rounds. It’s negative pressure in the range to get rid of the gasses from the fired rounds, correct? Also, before you go through the air-lock, there is so sort of shiny sticky pad that you step on in each direction. I guess to get rid of gun powder residue on shoes? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939.md?page=15)