The Best 1911 Handguns for Home Defense

// Concealed Carry and Self Defense, Home Defense, 1911 Pistols, Guide

10mm Buyer's Guide: Which RIA 10mm Model is Right for You?

The 10mm auto ammo delivers more velocity, penetration and energy than 9mm and .45 ACP, without giving up much magazine capacity. Rock Island Armory builds one of the industry's deepest 10mm lineups, so the real question isn't whether 10mm is powerful. It's which model fits how you shoot. 

This 10mm buyer's guide walks through the tradeoffs, the ballistics and the Rock Island 10mm options built to handle them.

Check out Rock Island Armory's 10mm Lineup.

// Revolvers, 1911 Pistols, Guide

Single Action vs. Double Action: What the Terms Actually Mean

Let’s break down firearm trigger actions.

Single action only (SAO) requires cocking the hammer before the trigger works. Double action/single action (DA/SA) has a long first pull that cocks the hammer, then lighter pulls after. Double action only (DAO) has no manual cocking; every pull is the same weight.

These terms describe hammer-fired guns specifically, a separate question from striker-fired vs. hammer-fired. Here's what each one means, with real examples from the Rock Island Armory and RIA-USA lineups.

// Revolvers, 1911 Pistols, Guide

Striker-Fired vs. Hammer-Fired: Which Pistol is Best

Ask ten shooters whether they prefer a striker-fired pistol or a hammer-fired pistol, and you will get ten confident answers.

What’s actually the difference between the two firing types?

A striker-fired pistol uses an internal, spring-loaded striker to hit the primer of ammunition. A hammer-fired pistol uses a pivoting hammer that falls onto the firing pin, igniting the primer. The practical difference shows up in trigger feel, how ready the gun is to break the first shot, and firearm maintenance needs.

This choice is one of the first forks in the road when choosing a handgun, right up there with caliber and size. There is no universal winner in the striker-fired vs. hammer-fired debate, only the choice that fits how you shoot. Learn more with John McClain from Team Armscor.