Which statement correctly describes the M9 pistol?

Which statement correctly describes the M9 pistol?

• A. Bolt-action
• B. Double-action only
• C. Semi-automatic with double-action
• D. Single-action only

Answer: (C)

The M9 operates as a semi-automatic pistol with a double-action/single-action trigger system. On the first trigger pull, the hammer is cocked and released in one long, heavy motion (double-action). After the slide cycles, the hammer remains cocked, so subsequent shots fire with a lighter, shorter single-action trigger pull. It’s not bolt-action, and it’s not limited to double-action only—nor is it single-action only—because the first shot uses double-action while later shots are single-action. This DA/SA behavior is what makes the description “semi-automatic with double-action” the best fit.

The M9 operates as a semi-automatic pistol with a double-action/single-action trigger system. On the first trigger pull, the hammer is cocked and released in one long, heavy motion (double-action). After the slide cycles, the hammer remains cocked, so subsequent shots fire with a lighter, shorter single-action trigger pull. It’s not bolt-action, and it’s not limited to double-action only—nor is it single-action only—because the first shot uses double-action while later shots are single-action. This DA/SA behavior is what makes the description “semi-automatic with double-action” the best fit.