single-action

American  

[sing-guhl-ak-shuhn] / ˈsɪŋ gəlˈæk ʃən /

adjective

1. (of a firearm) requiring the cocking of the hammer before firing each shot.

   a single-action revolver.

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single-action British  

noun

1. (modifier) (of a firearm) requiring the hammer to be cocked by hand before firing

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Etymology

Origin of single-action

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The “Rust” weapons and ammunition provider, Seth Kenney, testified during a deposition last year that the gun — an Italian-made pistol designed to look like a vintage 1873 single-action revolver — was fully functional when he sent it to the production.

From Los Angeles Times

“Upon reassembly, the evidence revolver was found to function properly and in accordance with the operational design of original Colt 1873 single-action revolvers,” wrote Haag, who owns Arizona-based Forensic Science Services Inc.

From Los Angeles Times

An FBI ballistics expert also tested the weapon — a replica of a vintage .45 Colt single-action revolver made by weapons manufacturer Pietta.

From Los Angeles Times

A single-action gun works by pulling back the hammer until it clicks in place and then squeezing the trigger to release the hammer.

From Slate

A recent FBI report found that the 45 Long Colt caliber F.LLI Pietta single-action revolver used by Mr. Baldwin on set would not and cannot fire without the trigger being pulled.

From Washington Times