These discharges are because idiots can't keep their finger off the trigger.

That being said - a DA/SA gun - with a heavier 1st short pull (like your PX4) is probably less likely to have an AD than a Glock. But - it's still the error of the shooter.

U can get a Walther P99 A/S - it is a DA/SA with a striker.

In the world of modern poly auto's, the manner of cartridge ignition does not have any bearing on safety. The only way they will go off is if you pull the trigger (this is to be expected).

One needs to learn how their particular pistol operates, and learn it well. The presence or absence of a hammer should not be relied upon to make a difference in how you handle a pistol.

PhilR.

So thus far it is just a personal prefrence?

Lets say you met someone who had never even heard of a pistol, and knew nothing of firearms.

You had an endless supply to whatever pistol you wanted to give him. You hand him a __________ semi auto?

I agree with all of the above. It's not a matter of whether an individual knew anything about firearms, rather whether or not the individual has the sense to keep their finger off the trigger unless he/she has the intent to fire off a shot. As long as the person has basic knowledge of handgun safety (take a class...), then the design of the gun should not, and does not matter in my opinion.

-Jeff-

I can agree.

I guess I will take him to the range, have him rent a glock, and then shoot my px4.

Thanks for the input, classes are always a good idea. I was raised around firearms, but I have not recieved any class time.

Have good links to find classes?

Thx

Jake

Originally Posted by Navy Jake

I can agree.

I guess I will take him to the range, have him rent a glock, and then shoot my px4.

Thanks for the input, classes are always a good idea. I was raised around firearms, but I have not recieved any class time.

Have good links to find classes?

Thx

Jake

For basic firearms training most ranges offer NRA certified instruction. Check here for one in your area:

http://www.nra.org/nralocal.aspx

For more advanced/intensive training:

Gunsite: http://www.gunsite.com/

Front Sight: http://www.frontsight.com/

Originally Posted by Navy Jake

So thus far it is just a personal prefrence?

Lets say you met someone who had never even heard of a pistol, and knew nothing of firearms.

You had an endless supply to whatever pistol you wanted to give him. You hand him a __________ semi auto?

For me and my many shooting friends, it really is a matter of personal preference. We all have both types of auto's anyway, but I can also tell you that most of our daily carries are hammerless striker-fired handguns. Mostly I think because there are many smaller strikers that make excellent carry weapons.

As for your fill-in-the-blank -- I would give him a Browning Buckmark. Easy to learn on, reliable and accurate, and cheap to shoot. Once he gets some shooting/range experience and learns more about handgun types and calibers, he can then get his own handgun.....

PhilR.

This thread appears to be straying from the original point in regards to gun safety so I'll just reaffirm what you already know...

I know it would all depend on the competence of the individual.

The Rules of Gun Safety

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4. Always be sure of your target.

—Jeff Cooper

Learn them, live by them.

Whether it's a DAO, a DA/SA, a DA revolver, or a striker fired gun...

Put your finger in the trigger guard and pull to the rear... it's going off!!!

Choose the format that you shoot best.
Treat it like it's loaded at ALL times.
Keep yer booger hook off the bang switch until your ready to destroy something...

JW

In my opinion the best working safety is the one between the shooters ears..If that doesn't work no mechanical device will ether..

My first simi auto was a Ruger P345 that is DA/SA. I treated it a lot like a revolver because of the DA first shot. I now carry a cocked and locked 1911 clone. I handle the 1911 in a much safer manner because of it's state of readiness.I know it shouldn't be that way because both pistols are nearly equal in readiness and deadliness. That long heavier first trigger pull of the Ruger kind of gave me a false sense of security. There is no doubt that the DA/SA pistols out there appeal to newbies because of that revolver type first shot ready state. In the hands of a newbie gun owner this isn't a bad thing but it can foester bad habbits. What ever he chooses make sure he learns how it works, how to field strip it, and how to safely handle it and any other fire arm. Any gun is only as safe as the person who is handling it!

cool thanks for all adivce guys take a little bit from all.

/post


Jake

Typical internet forum LOL. Instead of giving the guy a simple answer everyone preaches at him about gun safety. I tend to assume the worst in people so I would say if you dont think the guy is going to be the most responsible gun owner and whether you recomend him a gun or not he IS going to buy one. THEN I would recomend a gun with a hammer they are for all intents and purposes SAFER. simple answer!!!! NOW I CAN SAY make sure you tell your friend that

1. ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
2. IF YOU DONT WANT IT DEAD OR DESTROYED DONT POINT YOUR WEAPON AT IT
3.DONT COVER THE TRIGGER UNTILL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE
4.MAKE SURE YOU ARE AIMING AT WHAT YOU INTEND TO SHOOT

Safety speaking they both have the same issue. A finger on a trigger can make the gin file. Striker guns like a Glock have a little button to keep the trigger safe unless there is a finger on it. A hammer gun might have one or more safeties but it is just as dangerous with a finger on a trigger.

So it all boils down to no gun is any more safe than another really. They are all equally as dangerous and as shooter we have to believe that way. Seeing every gun for what it is and taking for granted that it is loaded and could possibly stop a life we take precautions to ensure both the shooters as well as anyone that could possibly get in the way of a fired round. I've known a couple people that have been shot by unloaded, safe pistols. One with a hammer and one without. Both had someone that forgot that every gun us loaded and has no safety more important then the one ya between your ears.

Read the FAQ for new shooters:

FAQ for New Shooters

Lots of info for your buddy to digest.

Also highly recommend renting over buying a gun while still learning. Much cheaper than spending hundreds on a gun that you might have to trade in because it doesn't fit you.

Back to your original question. I've only see 2 kinds of "Accidental discharges." Neither had anything to do with the ignition mechanism. In fact, both of these could have been avoided with a little foresight.

I observed a Gympy cook off after sustained continous fire. This could have been avoided by a quick barrel change or firing limited bursts or allowing for cool down periods.

I've also seen a number of unintentional discharges of handguns with modified triggers. Obviously bad trigger jobs.

Only you know your friend in this discussion, but the subject of safety is top of mind to you. Has your friend considered coming into this sport with a SAO gun? There's a lot to be said about all the various things occurring simulatenously in a semi auto, which could easily be overlooked by veteran shooters.....kinda like the debate about learning to reload on a single stage press vs a progressive. There's a good point in this. Your friend needs to learn the basics withouit a mishap. A SAO could do that for him. Once there's a high level of familiarity....read confidence...your friend could sell the SAO and replace it with whatever semi auto suits his fancy....or just be like the rest of us and start the inevitably endless collection of great firearms....

Originally Posted by barnstormer

....or just be like the rest of us and start the inevitably endless collection of great firearms....

Just one more..After this one I'll stop..No! It is NOT an addiction!!