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Safari West

Top ways to experience Safari West and nearby attractions

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Safari West - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.39 mi) Safari West
• (5.51 mi) Chateau de Vie
• (6.68 mi) The Francis House
• (6.79 mi) Embrace Calistoga
• (5.67 mi) Meadowlark Country House & Resort
• (9.74 mi) Guiso Latin Fusion
• (8.10 mi) Ca'Bianca Restaurant
• (7.20 mi) Willi's Wine Bar
• (9.76 mi) Baci Cafe & Wine Bar
• (8.57 mi) Dierks Parkside Cafe
• (6.42 mi) Up & Away Ballooning
• (9.07 mi) Gracianna Winery
• (7.99 mi) Electric bike Self-Guided rental
• (8.16 mi) Max Napa Tours
• (8.13 mi) Alexander Valley Vineyards

A safari experience like no other

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Get ready for an experience you’ll always remember!

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife, sit back and relax, or tackle a challenging adventure? Choose your safari!

Butterfly Jungle Safari

• $15 per person

Visit Butterfly Jungle in an all new way! Learn about the butterfly life cycle on your way into the Hidden Jungle aviary, then become immersed in the wonder of colorful, fluttering butterflies.

Wildlife Safari

• Ages 3 & up
• $92 & up per person

Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our expansive savanna habitats, with an expert guide.  

Behind-the-Scenes Safari

These Safaris are guaranteed to thrill and amaze! Your guide will escort you to a variety of locations around the Park to see animals up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation.  

Cart Safaris

• $60 & up per person

Sit back in the comfort of a Safari cart, as you enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Park’s spacious African or Asian savanna habitats, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. 

Sun Up Cheetah Safari

• $90 & up per person

Come join us at the Safari Park to see what happens before we open our gates to visitors, including watching a cheetah run at top speed!  

Ultimate Safari

• $710 & up per person

Enjoy a custom safari experience of a lifetime! The Ultimate Safari is your key to exclusive areas, wildlife interactions, and the very best in personalized service.

Roar & Snore Safaris

• $160 & up per person

Pack up your “trunk” for a sleepover adventure at the Safari Park! Choose from several age-appropriate sleepover categories with their own themes.  

Flightline Safari

• Ages 8 & up
• $81 & up per person

Soar as high as 130 feet above the ground, with a spectacular bird’s-eye view of rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife in the savanna habitats below you.

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Top Things to See and Do in Santa Clara

Home to 130,000 people, the city of Santa Clara is Silicon Valley with soul. It’s got parks, it’s got art. You’ll find ancient history (Egyptian, no less) and 21st-century theme-park thrills. Tuck in to aromatic Korean cooking and inhale the perfume of manicured flower gardens. What’s more, since it’s home to one of the top universities in the USA, you can be sure of a young-and-up-for-it buzz. Here are the unmissable things to do in Santa Clara, California.

1. 49ers museum.

Flash 80. The Comeback Kid. If you’re already replaying highlights in your head, then your vacation needs to run a slant to the 49ers Museum. Located in Levi’s Stadium, this museum is the ultimate fan experience. Walk among the life-size Hall of Fame statues of the greats, or step into augmented reality to see yourself standing beside your favorite players. Be sure to take on the interactive Gridiron Challenge, too, to see how you stack up to the team.

2. Central Park

No, not that Central Park – but with so many things to do in Santa Clara’s central green space, you’ll see why this 52-acre (21ha) oasis is so popular. A picnic area with grills and a play area for children together create a family-friendly space for you and your clan. You can stroll around the fountains and garden or get a little more active with a game of lawn bowling, softball, tennis, or basketball. You might like a splash in the International Swim Center, but note that your idle doggie paddle might look a little out of place among the keen beans training for the Olympics.

3. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Bet you never thought the ancient Egyptians made it all the way to California. Well, they did – or rather, magnificent finds from the civilization of the Nile were brought here to create the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America today. There are 4,000 wonders, great and small, to behold here, from 27th-Dynasty funerary papyrus dating back to 500BCE, to a ring belonging to Tutankhamun from 1,323BCE.

5. Santa Clara University Gallery

Santa Clara University’s de Saisset Museum has grown from a small collection of paintings to a stunning historical showcase ranging from the Renaissance to today. Even if you only have a couple of hours, the collected art (which originated with 100 paintings by Ernest de Saisset himself) is an immensely rewarding experience. Take time to admire the decorative glass, ceramics, and furniture, and be sure not to miss the photography by Ansel Adams and Judy Dater, as well as amazing works by Andy Warhol.

6. California’s Great America Theme Park

Amusement Park

Looking for some cool things to do in the Central Cali heat? Get your thrills and spills (and the wind in your hair) at California’s Great America theme park. Leave your stomach in the parking lot and hit the Drop Tower, Flight Deck, Demon, and Delirium. Haven’t tossed your cookies yet? The Psycho Mouse will change that. Another heat-beater here is the South Bay Shores Waterpark: see if you can keep your cool while plunging 45ft (14m) near-vertically down the Mission Falls waterslide, which involves a negative g-force hill.

7. Triton Museum of Art Sculpture Garden

8. Ulistac Natural Area

Natural Feature

If you need respite from Santa Clara’s urban shove, head out for lungfuls of fresh air and photogenic nature at the Ulistac Natural Area. This riverside park is the sole dedicated natural space in the city which explains why its 40 acres (16ha) of untouched land draw healthy numbers of joggers and cyclists. There’s animal magic too: have your camera at the ready to take snaps of the many birds, lizards, butterflies, gophers, and jackrabbits that call this green space home.

9. Shop at Santana Row

Market, Shopping Mall

10. Municipal Rose Garden

Botanical Garden, Park

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Things to Do in Santa Clara (CA)

15 Things to Do in Santa Clara (CA)

Santa Clara is a city of nearly 125,000 residents that’s located in Santa Clara County, about 75 kilometers south of San Francisco .

The city was founded more than 200 years ago as a Spanish Mission. Now, it’s most well-known for its booming tech industry that’s commonly referred to around the world as Silicon Valley.

Though it’s common knowledge to most football fans, it’s a surprise to many to discover that the relatively small city is also the home of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers.

Visitors to Santa Clara have abundant activity options at their fingertips without venturing outside city limits, so staying engaged and entertained shouldn’t be an issue.

1. Levi’s Stadium

With a capacity of nearly 70,000, Levi’s Stadium on Marie P. DeBartolo Way in Santa Clara is one of the country’s premier professional football stadiums.

The 49ers play their home games here, and during the off-season, the stadium hosts a variety of annual events, including concerts featuring big names in the music industry.

Taking a family to a football game isn’t the least expensive activity option in the area, but for those who’ve never taken in a pro game, it’s an exhilarating experience that may be worth the cost.

Guided tours are also regularly available, and the bars and restaurants around the stadium are fun to visit year-round.

2. Ulistac Natural Area

Despite its large population and the overall hustle and bustle, the Bay Area features plenty of urban parks and natural areas that are convenient options for those interested in enjoying the great outdoors.

The Ulistac Natural Area is located on Lick Mill Road in Santa Clara. It is comprised of more than 40 acres that include a variety of distinct environments.

The natural area straddles the Guadalupe River and is home to an array of plants and animals that are well-suited to its riparian habitat.

A particularly popular attraction for bird watchers, it features a number of well-marked nature trails dotted with interpretive signs.

3. Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

Californians take their art and wine seriously, and there’s no better way to combine the two than by visiting the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.

The event is held in the city’s Central Park and features nearly 200 vendors from across the country selling fine art and crafts, gourmet food, and a vast selection of California’s best wines.

Proceeds are donated to worthwhile causes that benefit residents in need. It all takes place in the early fall when the central California weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Other highlights include live entertainment and lots of art-related activities for kids.

4. The de Saisset Museum

Though he’s not exactly a household name for those who don’t typically travel in West Coast art circles, Ernest de Saisset was one of the Bay Area’s most prominent artists in the 19th century.

Saisset was a French immigrant who enrolled in Santa Clara University and studied painting as a young man.

The museum that now bears his name is located on the university’s campus. It includes a collection of more than 100 of his most impressive works.

It’s as much a historical attraction as it is an art one, and it also has other works from European and American artists dating back hundreds of years.

5. Intel Museum

Intel is one of the titans of the tech world. Over the years, it has been responsible for some of the most significant technological leaps forward in computer hardware.

The Intel Museum is located on the campus of the company’s world headquarters in Santa Clara, and it’s regularly open to the public.

Even for those who don’t fall into the tech-savvy category, it’s a fascinating place that’s definitely worth an hour or two of time.

Though it may sound dry to technophobes, it’s packed with interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages, so it’s great for kids with short attention spans too.

6. Santa Clara Farmers’ Market

There’s really no better way to rub elbows with locals, enjoy pleasant weather, and have access to tons of great products you won’t find elsewhere than by visiting a farmers’ market.

The Santa Clara Farmers’ Market is open year-round and features a little bit of everything – from seasonal produce and fresh baked goods to health and body products and prepared food items.

Held on Jackson Street near the downtown area, it’s common to find different items each time you go.

Spending a few bucks is a great way to support local farmers and entrepreneurs, and don’t be shy about asking them for suggestions for things to see and do while in town.

7. California’s Great America

There’s no shortage of theme parks in the Golden State, but there’s one clear choice for those visiting Santa Clara.

California’s Great America is located on Great America Parkway just outside of town. It features tons of rides, dining options, kid’s activities, and a water park that’s a huge draw during the hot summer months.

Though Great America can really draw a crowd during peak times when kids are enjoying their summer vacations, previous guests have noted that wait times for rides weren’t overly long.

Many families choose to spend an entire day on-site to avoid wasting valuable recreational time in the car.

8. Mission Santa Clara

Mission Santa Clara is one of the city’s premier historic sites, and it’s now conveniently located on the campus of Santa Clara University.

The mission was established by Franciscans in the 1770s to spread Christianity to the area’s Native American population.

Sadly, things didn’t go according to plan; due to several natural disasters, the mission was forced to move from its original site to where it is now.

Over the years, it was also run by the Jesuits. Though it’s no longer functioning in its original role, it now doubles as a museum and chapel that are open to visitors.

9. The Triton Museum of Art

Though guests tend to visit the Triton Museum of Art for the works in its collection, its stunning contemporary architecture usually makes a big impression as well.

The museum’s collection includes works from all over the country, but its emphasis is on pieces created by Bay Area artists using local people and scenery as inspiration.

The grounds also include a sprawling outdoor sculpture garden spread over nearly seven acres, and a home from the mid-1860s that’s among the most well-preserved examples of historic American architecture in the area.

The museum is located on Warburton Avenue, and most visitors spend a few hours on-site.

10. Santa Clara Players

The Santa Clara Players traces its roots all the way back to the early ‘60s, when a group of local performers began putting on small shows for the community.

Now nearly seven decades later, they’re still going strong. Their annual performances run the gamut from dramatic theater and mystery to satire and humor.

The players are part of a community theater group staffed by talented volunteers dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly entertainment at a reasonable cost.

They’re located on Don Avenue in Santa Clara and offer lots of volunteer opportunities for budding actors and stagehands.

11. Central Park

Featuring lots of wide-open spaces and massive swimming and community rec centers, Santa Clara’s Central Park is a go-to destination for activity minded visitors looking to make the most of their limited vacation time without traveling to more distant attractions.

The park is centrally located on Keily Boulevard, has ample parking, and features lots of outdoor amenities and recreational activity options.

From tennis and basketball to softball, lawn bowling, and a big playground, there’s really no excuse for getting bored while on-site. For those looking to spend a relaxing afternoon, there are a lake, built-in BBQs, and public restrooms.

12. The 49ers Museum

Even for those who won’t be in Santa Clara during the regular season, the 49ers stadium and museum are fun attractions worth visiting for sports-minded visitors.

The museum is located inside Levi’s Stadium and features nearly a dozen distinct galleries that are open to the public year-round.

It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to football, its exhibits touch on science, technology, and art in a way that engages and entertains young and old minds alike.

Most guests check out the introductory video in the visitor’s center before showing themselves through the impressive collection of trophies, balls, and Super Bowl memorabilia on display.

13. The Santa Clara Fire Museum

The Santa Clara Fire Department’s roots run all the way back to the 1850s when it was founded.

The museum is now located on Walsh Avenue in an unused training center behind the city’s new fire station.

It sports an impressive collection of equipment and historical memorabilia that give visitors unique insights into the lives of fire and rescue personnel in years past.

The museum’s highlights include a fully restored Model-T fire truck that served for two decades, beginning in the 1920s.

The knowledgeable local volunteer staff also offer regular programs geared at educating the public about fire safety and prevention issues.

14. Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History

The Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History is run by a local historical society. It is housed in the depot of a now-defunct railroad on Railroad Avenue in Santa Clara.

Like many local historical attractions, the museum is staffed by local volunteers who love answering questions and showing first-time visitors around.

The museum’s exhibits include a variety of railroad equipment and memorabilia, including signals, safety equipment, and historical photographs dating back over 100 years.

The museum is regularly open to the public. It maintains an extensive library of books relating to railroad development and local history as well.

15. Voyager Coffee

Though it has only been around since 2016, Voyager Coffee’s owner and staff are dedicated to the noble pursuit of making their customers happy.

They do this largely by providing world-class coffee, but also by offering a comfortable space in which guests have opportunities to build relationships with like-minded customers.

Many of their coffees sport internationally influenced flavors, and they’re often infused with things like orange essence and cherry blossom water.

Don’t worry if you prefer your coffee straight-up, because they’ve got more traditional brews as well.

They offer fresh pastry and baked goods, tea, and other non-coffee drinks too.

15 Things to Do in Santa Clara (CA):

• Levi's Stadium
• Ulistac Natural Area
• Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
• The de Saisset Museum
• Intel Museum
• Santa Clara Farmers’ Market
• California's Great America
• Mission Santa Clara
• The Triton Museum of Art
• Santa Clara Players
• Central Park
• The 49ers Museum
• The Santa Clara Fire Museum
• Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History
• Voyager Coffee

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Everything to Know About The History and Visiting Santa Clara de Asís

The historic Santa Clara de Asis Mission is a standout site that preserves the Spanish colonial era architecture in Silicon Valley.

November 15, 2023

Santa Clara de Asís, a gem nestled in the heart of California's Silicon Valley , offers a unique blend of rich history and serene beauty. This mission, part of the historic California Mission Trail, is not only a testament to the state's early Spanish colonial history but also a living educational resource and a place of spiritual solace.

The Historical Journey of Santa Clara de Asís

Established in 1777, Santa Clara de Asís is the eighth of the 21 California missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans. Named after Saint Clare of Assisi, the mission was initially built in the process of colonization. Over the years, it played a pivotal role in shaping the social, agricultural, and economic landscape of the region.

The mission has seen its share of challenges, including multiple reconstructions due to earthquakes and fires. Despite these setbacks, it has stood the test of time, evolving from a humble adobe structure to the striking edifice we see today.

Visiting Santa Clara de Asís Today

Visiting Santa Clara de Asís is a journey through history. The mission’s architecture, with its distinct Spanish colonial style, is a visual treat. The church, with its ornate altar, beautifully painted walls, and wooden pews, transports visitors to a bygone era.

The mission rose garden is off-limits, but you can still see some of the beautiful plants and honor the history of the location there. The mission museum houses artifacts and exhibits that narrate the mission's history and its impact on the local indigenous populations.

Educational and Cultural Significance

Santa Clara de Asís is more than a historical monument; it's a center for education and cultural preservation. The mission is on the campus of Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution that values its historical roots. The university and mission together host various cultural and educational events, alongside it being a regular spiritual center for the college.

Tips for Visitors

• Timing : The mission is open to visitors year-round, but it's wise to check the schedule before planning a visit, especially during university events or religious services.
• Guided Tours : There are  NOT  guided tours available. However, visitors can grab a self-guided walking tour pamphlet that will help guide them through exploring the mission.
• Visit the Museum: Stop by the de Saisset Museum that's next to the mission. The California History Exhibit is notable for its showcase of Mission-era artifacts.

Santa Clara de Asís is not just a historical site; it's a living chapter of California's history. Its blend of spiritual, educational, and cultural elements makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the state's rich heritage. Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a tranquil spot in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara de Asís promises an enriching and memorable experience.

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Single Action Triggers vs. Double Action: What’s the Difference?

Single action vs double action — it’s a basic handgun distinction, perhaps second only to semi-auto or revolver. Trigger function is important, and your choice between the two can be driven by your gun’s purpose, your skill level, your comfort zone, or, more likely, some combination of those.

So, let’s look briefly at single and double action, what each means, and the roles each can fill. We’ll also cover handguns whose triggers offer single and double action capability.

Both single and double action triggers have their pros and cons. Each shooter must decide which is best for them in each handgun purchase.

Trigger function doesn’t drive every handgun purchase. People often want a particular firearm, fully understanding its trigger. Functionality usually comes into play when selecting a defensive, competition, or hunting handgun.

You should also be aware of these abbreviations referring to trigger function:

• SA: Single Action
• DA: Double Action
• SA/DA: Single Action/Double Action
• SAO: Single Action Only
• DAO: Double Action Only

What Is Single Action ?

Single Action means that the trigger cannot be actuated until the gun is manually cocked. The two most prominent examples are single action revolvers like the Colt Peacemaker and semiautomatic pistols like the Colt 1911 and Browning Hi-Power.

Single Action Revolvers

Revolvers like the Peacemaker, Ruger Blackhawk, and others require the shooter to pull the hammer back before each shot. The trigger only releases the hammer and does not cock it, hence the term “single action.” Cocking the hammer also rotates the cylinder.

Single action revolvers are also loaded differently from their double action counterparts. Single action cylinders don’t swing out from the frame. Rather, they have a loading gate that exposes only one chamber at a time. The shooter must turn the cylinder to load each chamber.

Slow firing and loading speeds make single action revolvers poor self-defense weapons unless you happened to live in the 1870s. But because these triggers only release the hammer, they tend to be light and crisp, yielding a pleasant trigger pull for a more accurate shot.

The pull is also very consistent, making fundamentals easily repeatable. SA revolvers are inherently safe since they require manual cocking. So, single action revolvers are great range guns thanks to their crisp triggers, and they often accompany hunters as a sidearm.

SAO Semiautomatic Pistols

The term “single action only” is often applied to certain semiautomatic pistols to differentiate them from single/double action pistols, even though SA revolvers are also single action only.

The Colt 1911 pistol is easily the most prominent example. The 1911’s single action trigger is famous for its light, crisp, consistent pull. The Colt’s light trigger results from its not having to cock the hammer. It merely releases the hammer after the shooter cocks it for the first time. The 1911 fires much faster than an SA revolver because its semiautomatic action recocks the hammer after every shot. So, the 1911’s trigger remains consistently excellent.

But SAO semiautomatic pistols have a downside. Their first shot requires manual cocking, so anyone carrying a 1911 or Browning Hi-Power must do so with the gun uncocked or “cocked and locked.”

Going uncocked requires the shooter to quickly cock the gun before firing, which is less than ideal in a self-defense situation. “Cocked and locked” means the gun’s hammer is cocked, but the manual safety is engaged. That requires the shooter to thumb the safety down before shooting. Many people consider that extra action a deal breaker for a self-defense pistol, though proper training can mitigate that extra step’s impact.

Despite those concerns, thousands of people carry 1911 pistols every day. Only you can decide if that type of SAO pistol is right for your situation.

SAO Semiautomatic Pistols Part 2

Modern striker-fired pistols are usually classified as Single Action Only, while others are Double Action Only, with an occasional SA/DA thrown in for good measure.

Let’s start with the Glock, since it’s easily the most popular handgun in this category. Glock triggers are just okay. They tend to be mushy and somewhat long compared to some competitors. The shooter must initially cock the guns manually, and the trigger’s only function is to release the striker, firing the weapon. The gun’s reciprocating action recocks it after every shot. That is clearly a single action trigger.

But the longer pull can be reminiscent of a double action trigger. Frankly, that’s more of a safety issue since Glocks and similar pistols are primarily self-defense guns. Many people don’t want a light, 1911-style trigger on a gun with no manual safety. Plus, the Glock was built to Austrian military specifications, requiring a slightly longer trigger pull. But it’s not so heavy as to preclude quick and efficient use. So, Glocks are generally classified as SAO pistols.

Some guns, like the Walther PPQ and H&K VP9, have much more responsive triggers than the Glock while maintaining the same functionality, further reinforcing the SAO tag. We’ll get to the SA/DA and DAO models shortly.

What is a Double Action trigger?

 Double action triggers have two basic functions: cocking the gun and releasing the hammer or striker. DA revolver triggers also rotate the gun’s cylinder. The extra work means that DA trigger pulls are necessarily longer and heavier. There’s simply more going on. Cocking a hammer requires pulling against the hammer spring, some of which are heavier than others.

DA is obviously a little more complicated than SA, so we’ll break it down for you. Note that double action and double action/single action often refer to pretty much the same thing, though the latter term is usually reserved for semiautomatic pistols. Double action only guns will get their own section below.

Double Action Revolvers

DA revolver triggers, as noted, have three functions: cocking the hammer, rotating the cylinder, and ultimately releasing the hammer. There’s a lot happening there, requiring a longer and heavier pull, so a DA revolver can be more difficult to shoot accurately than a single action wheel gun. Note that I said can be .

That’s because DA revolvers also have some advantages that make them superior to their single action cousins. Practice and training can mitigate that long trigger pull. To be fair, a longer, heavier pull is a safety feature on DA guns. But DA revolvers also have single action capability. You can manually cock the hammer each time if you choose, giving yourself a much nicer single action pull. The DA capability makes all your shots faster if need be. This capability makes DA revolvers viable and efficient self-defense choices.

Double action revolvers also offer easier and faster reloads thanks to their swing-out cylinders. Speedloaders and moon clips can speed up reloads even more.

Double Action Semiautomatic Pistols

Double action semiautomatics mimic revolvers in that their triggers cock the gun and release the hammer. The longer, heavier initial pull is again doing more work. There’s no cylinder to rotate, but hammer springs can vary, making some DA triggers downright awful.

My son has a surplus Polish Radom P64 semiautomatic with a 27 lb. DA pull. You pretty much have to be the Incredible Hulk to pull that thing. Like DA revolvers, the heavier pull is a safety feature, though I’d argue the P64’s DA pull is not, since getting that first shot off in DA is all but impossible. But the good outweighs the bad. Training can mitigate the DA pull.

We also mentioned that DA and SA/DA are often the same thing. We saw that similarity with DA revolvers, but you usually only see the SA/DA tag applied to semiautomatic.

As the designation implies, most DA semiautomatics are also SA-capable. The Beretta 92FS, Sig Sauer P220 series, and CZ-75-style guns are great examples. Most SA/DA semiautomatics are hammer-fired, so the shooter can manually cock the hammer and fire an initial SA shot. I can even do it with that old P64.

Many SA/DA guns feature decockers. The Beretta 92FS again comes to mind. The Beretta’s decocker doubles as a safety, which many shooters don’t like. I initially carried my Beretta decocked, but with the safety off. That gave me the longer DA trigger pull without having to manipulate the safety lever to shoot. I later swapped out the decocker/safety for a 92G decocker-only mechanism.

The Walther P99 is an interesting outlier here. The P99 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol in the Glock tradition, but it also has a decocker, making it an SA/DA pistol, despite not having a hammer. The P99 AS even features the “Anti-Stress” trigger, allowing the shooter to cock the pistol for carry, but providing a longer, two-stage trigger pull. It’s a cool, kind of hybrid, design.

But carrying most SA/DA guns in SA mode with the hammer back isn’t a great idea. They usually have manual safeties, but safety catches can be inadvertently disengaged. If you choose to carry an SA/DA pistol, do it in DA mode. My P99 is the only one of these I carry pre-cocked, thanks to the AS trigger.

What is D ouble Action Only?

Double action only triggers are dictated by firearm design choices or end-user specifications. DAO revolvers have their place. But, in my opinion, there’s no good reason to have a DAO semiautomatic unless your employer mandates it. So, let’s look at why these guns exist.

DAO Revolvers

DAO revolvers are almost always small, dedicated concealed-carry guns. Small revolvers are great deep concealment guns because they can be fired from inside a pocket or bag without hanging up on the surrounding material. But that functionality requires a key design feature. Top reliability in those conditions requires either a bobbed or internal hammer. A traditional hammer can easily snag on clothing as it’s drawn or fired.

Concealed revolver carriers sometimes have their hammers bobbed or shaved to eliminate the distinctive spur. This, of course, takes away the ability to manually cock the hammer, making the gun DAO by default. Pro tip: don’t bob the hammer of an SA revolver. You’ll quickly find yourself with an expensive paperweight. Not that any of you would actually do that, of course. But you know how some people are…

Some revolvers, however, are specifically designed with an internal hammer, such as Smith & Wesson’s J-Frame series or the Ruger LCR. Shrouding the hammer within the frame eliminates the snagging problem right from the factory. And just like the bobbed hammer revolvers, these guns must be double action only.

DAO Semiautomatics

Honestly, double action only semiautomatics aren’t very prominent. You have to really want a DAO for whatever reason to justify these things. Again, that’s my opinion, but I’d bet that most shooters share it. DAO Sig P226s and Beretta 92s are available. They have long, gritty trigger pulls and no safety. That’s the trade-off. The heavier trigger supposedly makes up for not having a safety catch.

The New York City Police Department famously required Glock to increase the trigger pull on NYPD service weapons to 12 lbs. from the gun’s normal 5.5 lbs. That’s been an NYPD standard for over a century, and definitely qualifies as DAO. The department saw it as a safety measure against negligent discharges. But it also contributed to poor marksmanship, which has been a recent NYPD staple. Street cops reportedly hated it. But starting in 2021, the NYPD issued standard-trigger Glocks to new recruits after tests revealed the recruits shot them more accurately. Imagine that.

It’s Your Choice

Only you can decide what kind of trigger you want. Everyone has different comfort levels and, fortunately, you have lots of choices. Your choice will also be guided by the gun’s style and role. Even casual gun owners may own examples of each. I’m a little more than casual, but I own single action and double action revolvers, as well as SAO and SA/DA semiautomatic pistols.

I like variety, so I give myself choices based on what I want to do on a given day. And sometimes I just want cool stuff. I carried a single action only striker-fired pistol for years, and still do most days, but I’d always wanted a Beretta 92 because they are just too sexy. So, I bought one and taught myself to use it effectively. I don’t carry it often, but I can if I want.

The trick is understanding how different guns work and the pros and cons of each. Firearms always involve trade-offs, whether it’s recoil and weight, or a safer trigger versus a lighter, crisper trigger. Educate yourself to make those choices, train accordingly, and you’ll end up with the right gun for you.

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