SIG SAUER P229 - Manual (Page 82)

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Appendix A: Trigger Systems
There are three trigger systems common to all four models, double action only
(DAO), double action Kellerman (DAK), and double action/ single action (DA/SA). A
fourth system, single action only (SAO) is available in the P220 only.
DA refers to a system in which pulling the trigger accomplishes two actions,
cocking the hammer and releasing it.
SA refers to a system in which the trigger only releases the hammer. Cocking is
accomplished manually or by the motion of the slide during firing.
The DA/SA system has attributes of both. When loaded, and a round is
chambered, the hammer remains cocked by the sear. The pistol may be fired by a
short, light single action trigger pull or decocked by pressing the decocking lever
down and releasing it. Once decocked, the pistol may be fired by a longer, heavier
double action trigger pull. As the trigger is pulled, the hammer is moved back by
a connecting link called the trigger bar. At a position near the cocked position,
the trigger bar releases the hammer. The advantages of DA/SA are the long,
deliberate trigger pull required to fire the first shot, which minimizes the chance
of an accidental discharge, and the short, light trigger pull on subsequent shots,
which promotes more accurate fire.
The DAO trigger pull is exactly the same for every shot. These pistols are double-
strike capable. There is no decocking lever on DAO pistols.
The DAK is an improved DAO system named after its inventor, a SIG SAUER
engineer. The DAK has a light double action pull, which allows for firing with the
trigger in the fully released position or the alternate intermediate position. The
DAK system is double-strike capable.
The fourth system, SAO is unique to the P220 category of pistols. Its advantage is
more accurate fire through a light, short trigger pull. The hammer is cocked by the
movement of the slide. An ambidextrous thumb safety is located on the frame.
It positively blocks trigger and hammer motion to allow safe carry and handling
when cocked. The safety may be engaged with the hammer cocked or uncocked.
The safety does not block the slide when engaged, which allows loading and
unloading with the safety on.
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