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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

single-action

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 ● Jan. 27, 2023

In the report acquired by ABC News, accidental discharge testing showed that the gun used, a .45 Long Colt caliber F.LLI Pietta single-action revolver, would not and cannot fire without the trigger being pulled.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 13, 2022

If the single-action revolver was operating properly, it shouldn’t have fired without the trigger being pulled, said Harris, who is familiar with the type of weapon involved.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2021

"A single-action weapon needs to be cocked and fired. So what kind of idiots do you take us for?"

From Fox News ● Dec. 2, 2021

According to the newspapers, the Remington single-action is the gunslinger’s pistol of choice, which makes it even more ace.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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