Pro Tips: Choosing an Action Pistol

by
posted on December 5, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fullsizerender.jpg
Julie GolobAction Pistol Champion
I prefer firearms that do not have finger grooves since they are just someone else’s idea of a perfect grip. Grip size is critical for me because I have small hands. Easily reached controls are another priority for me. I started on 1911’s so I am partial to that grip angle. Not having to have to carry a full tool box to disassemble a gun is also a perk. I am not a fan of polymer magazines because where the notch sits for magazine release can get buggered and cause issues.

Bruce Piatt—Conventional/Action Pistol Champion
For iron sighted guns, the main things I watch for include: accuracy; trigger weight at or just over legal weight, reach, and feel—either a clean break after a roll or two-stage; consistency; balance—too much weight in the rear tends to cause front end shake; sight radius—the longer the radius with iron sights, the easier to detect sighting errors; sight picture—white outlines and 3-dot combat sights aren’t very practical for competition; and adjustability—must have. Lastly, the grip purchase must give the shooter control during recoil.

Latest

Hillsdalecollegeart 1
Hillsdalecollegeart 1

Art and the Sporting Tradition Takes Center Stage at Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College’s Nimrod Education Center hosted Art and the Sporting Tradition, a two-day program exploring wildlife art, decoys and conservation.

Kiersten Sales Wins Main Event Lady Champion Title at 2026 Jack Link’s Cup

Kiersten Sales claims Main Event Lady Champion and three more titles as Team Krieghoff posts multiple podium finishes at 2026 Jack Link’s Cup.

New: Real Avid Smart-Torq and X3 Driver System

Real Avid’s Smart-Torq and X3 Driver System is now shipping in five kits with torque limiters and ratcheting drivers.

Milan Cortina 2026: U.S. Women Close Olympic Biathlon Campaign With 18th Place in 4x6 km Relay

Team USA women take 18th place in biathlon 4x6 km relay at Milan Cortina 2026, closing out their Olympic campaign at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena.

A Year of Classic Battles: 1988 National Matches

Wind and comebacks defined the 1988 National Matches, where Lenardson, Wigger, Weaver and Tubb each claimed titles in dramatic fashion.

Metal Madness Easy Up Makes Indiana Debut at Red Brush Rifle Range

Metal Madness brings its Easy Up system to Indiana for the first time, with a match set for Feb. 28.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.