# 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:** 5
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/81 "2026-01-23T20:41:28Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > As for CCW - eh, I have to decide in another 20 months or so if I’m renewing mine I’ve had an Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL) for a couple decades. Ohio passed Constitutional Carry in 2022, which means a (non-prohibited) person can now carry without a CHL. Because of that, I thought about not renewing my CHL last year, but I went ahead and did it anyway for a couple reason: 1) I can legally carry in a number of other states, and 2) I can legally carry within 1000 feet of a school. Apparently the latter is a federal law. Not sure how many (otherwise law-abiding) gun owners have been arrested or convicted for it - I’m thinking not many - but I don’t want to chance it. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/82 "2026-01-23T20:43:59Z")
Yeah I donno @Crafter_Man . Neither one of us want to carry. But would like to be able to. I could slap a gun on my hip in Colorado as long as it’s visible. It’s very strange. ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/83 "2026-01-23T20:46:29Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Right. You have to train. It cannot be painful to do so. That’s why on Monday, we are going to rent a .38 for my wife. I will have my .357 . I’ll let her feel the difference. > > A small .38 though is still gonna have a lot of bark to it. I’d lend you ours, but you’re still too far away to justify that drive! @Crafter_Man, Colorado has been stepping up it’s requirements which, actually, I agree with mostly. I’d renew if it was just the usual $75 and paperwork, but adding a $90+ class when I haven’t carried in over a decade? Hard to decide. It’s current through the end of September 2027 - we’ll see how bad things get by next spring and then decide. And I have a very low opinion of open carry. I don’t want to make people around me feel uncomfortable if nothing else. But again, that’s another thread. ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/84 "2026-01-23T20:49:51Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Neither one of us want to carry. But would like to be able to. I’m not following you here. You don’t want to carry, but you want to carry? Again, my advice for semi-auto is to try out some 9 mm guns as a benchmark / starting point. If you don’t like them for some reason, try a smaller caliber. For revolvers - and I think more people should choose revolvers over semi-autos - try an actual .38 revolver. Yes, .38 rounds will fit in a .357, but a .357 is kinda big and heavy. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/85 "2026-01-23T20:52:41Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > And my advice has always been this: if you do _not_ plan on going to the range and training on a regular basis, get a revolver. It takes a lot less “muscle memory” to effectively use a revolver vs. a semi-auto. That is excellent advice. ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/86 "2026-01-23T20:54:22Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > I’d renew if it was just the usual $75 and paperwork, but adding a $90+ class when I haven’t carried in over a decade? One loophole that a lot of people have exploited is obtaining a Florida CHL. Apparently it’s fairly cheap and easy to get. Only makes sense if your state honors it, though. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/87 "2026-01-23T21:01:38Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I’m not following you here. You don’t want to carry, but you want to carry? I want the option, that’s all. 9mm is fine, but again not something I want to drag around. It’s probably too much for my wife. So a .380, while bassically a 9mm short that can handle 10 rounds will get someones attention. For sure. My Wife is actually quite a competitive person. She’s an IronMan. We Play chess and darts every night. We think ‘Going to the range’ will be another thing to do. I started shooting when I was 9 years old. This will be a new experience for my wife. The thing I cannot stress enough is that if you are carrying around a weapon, you CANNOT forget that. Doesn’t matter if you are cleaning it or out target shooting. You cannot forget what you are carrying. ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/88 "2026-01-23T21:17:39Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > One loophole that a lot of people have exploited is obtaining a Florida CHL. Apparently it’s fairly cheap and easy to get. Only makes sense if your state honors it, though. I’m not looking to exploit the loophole, heck, I supported the new legislation. It’s just that the extra bit of time and money (and it’s not that expensive considering the long-term renewal) is making me reconsider my needs. Like I said, the next year is going to determine a lot about what may or may not be needed considering the state of the nation. @enipla, back to the original points of the thread, during the rental and practice time, it’ll be a good idea to have your wife try a couple of the different safety feature combinations, to see what she feels comfortable with between safety and access. I don’t want our opinions on what is best (or maybe even _your_ opinions on what is best) to override her concerns, though it could/should inform her based on the extra years of experience! The practice is also going to give both of you a chance to figure out your tolerances for how much weight you’re comfortable carrying and HOW you’re going to carry. Because speaking from personal experience, if it’s too uncomfortable to do so, then you’re going to find excuses not too. I have a decent IWB holster for the carry pistol, which worked-more-or-less comfortably for me at around 4-5 o’clock position (strong side). Which is great for smaller, concealable lower profile guns. Not ideal for a revolver though! I do have a dedicated “fanny pack” style holster (yes, built to purpose, not a repurposed fanny pack) that’s a lot more comfortable, but less secure, and a LOT easier to be careless about - though as a plus, so many people have small packs/crossbody bags these days it doesn’t scream CCW anymore! Or for your wife, a purpose built carry purse if she normally uses one. But gun form will to a degree inform your carry style, and the more options she tries will help you both find firearms that fit your comfort, safety, and carry needs. All of which ties back to your point: > [@enipla](#): > > The thing I cannot stress enough is that if you are carrying around a weapon, you CANNOT forget that. Doesn’t matter if you are cleaning it or out target shooting. You cannot forget what you are carrying. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/89 "2026-01-23T21:33:14Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > But gun form will to a degree inform your carry style, and the more options she tries will help you both find firearms that fit your comfort, safety, and carry needs. Ok, I have to share this story. Small town liquor store that I frequented also owned a gun store next door. I asked if they had any LadySmiths there. The woman at the liquor store said no, but she had one in her purse. Ummm… OK. And then she hands me the gun. She pulled it out of her purse and handed it to me. Now, I’m on the wrong side of the counter in a liquor store holding a gun (she did have the forthought to unload it). Ummm… NO! This is not a good look. I drop it on the counter and back up. It still shakes me up. That was decades ago. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/90 "2026-01-23T21:35:03Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > This is a factor in why my wife prefers the revolver - she _did_ have a hard time with the slide on my 9mm and .40 S&W, though of course there are ways to make it more comfortable. Yep, some definitely have trouble with it, sounds like you’ve done the homework. I think one technique with slides is that you’re not _just_ pulling it with your nondominant hand, you’re also pushing with the dominant at the same time. > [@enipla](#): > > So a .380, while bassically a 9mm short that can handle 10 rounds will get someones attention. For sure. In the past 15 years or so, there have been _tons_ of new 9mm models that are basically the size of a traditional .380, while the latter hasn’t changed much in size. Even old tiny .380 such as Kel-tec P3AT has been discontinued because they suck to shoot. In other words, I’d still consider 9mm because the ammo is much more available, more effective, and especially cheaper. But again do try both. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/91 "2026-01-23T21:36:53Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > It still shakes me up. That was decades ago. That is a messed-up story and would shake me up too. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/92 "2026-01-23T21:38:53Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > That is a messed-up story and would shake me up too. Yup, holding a gun in your hand one either side of the counter is NOT a good look. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/93 "2026-01-23T21:39:15Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Neither one of us want to carry. But would like to be able to. I could slap a gun on my hip in Colorado as long as it’s visible. I have no idea what the laws are in Colorado. Here in Pennsylvania, we don’t have a “concealed” carry permit, but instead have what we call a “license to carry firearms” (LTCF), which permits you to carry concealed. Like Colorado, we can open carry without a permit. The LTCF also allows you to carry a loaded weapon in your car. Without an LTCF, you have to unload the weapon and keep the weapon and ammunition separate while you are in the vehicle. So at least around here, there’s a benefit to getting the license even if you don’t intend to carry concealed on a regular basis. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/94 "2026-01-23T21:39:57Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > One loophole that a lot of people have exploited is obtaining a Florida CHL. Apparently it’s fairly cheap and easy to get. Only makes sense if your state honors it, though. Colorado does not, like many states. It looks like only NV, NM, NC, VA, DE, WI honor non-resident Florida, plus the ones that don’t need a permit. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/95 "2026-01-23T21:46:08Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > So at least around here, there’s a benefit to getting the license even if you don’t intend to carry concealed on a regular basis. Better to have and not need. Then to need and not have. That is our approach to this. Including the firearm itself. And we might like going to the range. I kill her on the chess board. Oh wait a minute… ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/96 "2026-01-23T22:47:41Z")
A few comments: I had a S&W 380 EZ for a while and it was very easy to rack the slide, and load the magazines. It’s one you should definitely try. I am told that the Ruger Security 380 is comparatively soft shooting. You might want to try that one too, if possible. If you shoot .38s through a .357 revolver very much you will have to clean your cylinders thoroughly to remove any powder fouling that will build up in the cylinders between where the .38 case ends and the ‘step’ in the cylinder. (I used to shoot at a small indoor range and was asked to only shoot .38s from my GP100 because .357s were too noisy inside.) If she decides she wants a revolver, you might try something in .327 Federal magnum or .32 H&R magnum. The ammo is more expensive but the recoil will be more manageable and a revolver chambered in 327 magnum can also shoot 32 H&R magnum and S&W 32 long for even less felt recoil. ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/97 "2026-01-23T23:07:50Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > In the past 15 years or so, there have been _tons_ of new 9mm models that are basically the size of a traditional .380, while Diamondback DB9 is the same size as most 380’s but carries 6+1 rounds of 9. We’ve sold several and have no complaints. I own one myself and have put thousands of rounds through it with no problems. It does have a kick to it, however. Even 9 will kick in such a tiny pistol. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/98 "2026-01-23T23:08:59Z")
Thanks for the info. The GP 100 puts out a massive amount of noise. But I’m sure all .357s do. Heh, I had to scare a bear off my property last winter. I later called my neighbor that was in his house to tell him there where bears about. And that I shot to scare them. Neighbor is 1/4 mile away, in his house. He heard that shot. It ain’t the movies folks. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/99 "2026-01-23T23:11:39Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > It does have a kick to it, however. Even 9 will kick in such a tiny pistol. I’m sure. Sort of thinking about a heavier revolver for my wife that will shoot .357 , but load it with .38’s . That should aliviate some of that kick. ---
**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:** [January 23, 2026, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939/100 "2026-01-23T23:24:49Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Sort of thinking about a heavier revolver for my wife that will shoot .357 , but load it with .38’s . That should aliviate some of that kick Have you considered a 9mm revolver? Stopping power about equal to a .38, but less recoil. Also can be reloaded with moon clips which are faster and easier than speed loaders. Several manufacturers make them. Smith, Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, Charter, Rock Island, etc.. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-trigger-set-up-on-semi-auto-pistols/1026939.md?page=6)