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

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

“When enough pressure was applied to the trigger, each of these safety positions were overcome and the hammer fell. This is consistent with normal operation for a single-action revolver of this design.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2022

"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

There is no “hatch” or “drum” on a Colt Peacemaker or any other single-action revolver.

From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2021

“It’s a single-action revolver. You got to pull the hammer back.”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols