The Double tap vs. The Hammer

[eddyfinster]

Im probably just naive but I have never heard of the hammer. Its supposed to be very similiar to a double tap. Recently I have been practicing my double taps and Im just plain terrible with them. This may be because I am new to the xd but probably Im just bad at it. Does anyone have any tips, ie do I change my trigger finger position higher or lower. I know thats sounds kinda of dumb but Im looking for any tips that may help. Also is there anyone out there that knows what performing the hammer means, is it just somethting that applies to 1911s or other handguns with a hammer.

[fivehourfrenzy]

A double tap is when you fire two shots rapidly, but confirm sight alignment before the second shot. A hammer is when you fire two shots rapidly, but do not confirm sight alignment before the second shot.

With a double tap, you aim, shoot, aim, shoot. The second aim isn't as deliberate as the first, but you do aim for the second shot. With a hammer, you aim, shoot, shoot.

[Loves2Shoot]

A "Double tap" is commonly 1 sight picture 2 pulls of the trigger. A "Hammer" is commonly known as 2 pulls of the trigger with 1 sight picture. A "Split Hammer" is 2 sight pictures done very quickly.

Quote from Brian Enos

"I had a discussion with Robbie on this and we concluded that a "double tap" was two trigger pulls from one sight picture. Whereas the "split hammer" was actually two sight pictures, done "very quickly." So I guess just shooting properly is a "split hammer.""

In my opinion double taps are a waste of ammo. On the fastest splits I've ever had I've seen all the shots. I know you can see sight pictures in .12-13 splits with irons, and that is 7 shots per second.

If you focus on seeing all your shots, you will be a better shooter faster.

This is a good thread:
Double Tap - Brian's Forums... Maku mozo!

[Loves2Shoot]

Originally Posted by fivehourfrenzy

A double tap is when you fire two shots rapidly, but confirm sight alignment before the second shot.

That is a split hammer but that is up for debate.

Most every new shooters I ask what does a double tap mean tend to think it is just yanking the trigger twice.

[Delija]

Originally Posted by eddyfinster

Im just plain terrible with them. This may be because I am new to the xd but probably Im just bad at it.

Every gun has a different feel, a different trigger, grip, size, weight, felt recoil, etc.....

You say you are "new to the XD", so being "bad" is probably partly expecting too much of yourself and mostly the fact that it takes practice with any gun to be proficient in it's use. If you carry a gun, practice self defense shooting with that gun (as opposed to target shooting, plinking, whatever).

Personally, I practice with my carry gun not using the sights at all and using a silhouette target at realistic self defense distances ...20 feet at the most. It's hard for me to imagine being under the stress of a life or death situation and being composed enough to line up the sights and take aim. So I practice just point and shoot. Takes a while and definitely is very different with different guns. Took me quite a bit longer than I expected to adjust from one gun to another - being able to be consistently COM not using the sights. If I have the need and opportunity to use the sights, of course I would rather do that ....


Target shooting is a sport and self defense shooting is a discipline IMO..... different skills.

Peace,
D.

[Loves2Shoot]

http://www.springerprecision.com/vids/5plates.wmv

10" plates at more that 20 feet.

Putting bullets accurately on a target is a skill that might help in a self defense situation, especially if there are people around that don't need to be shot and some that do.

[KEVWYO]

Are double taps and hammers taught? I have a friend who is a member of the Oregon State Police SWAT team who mentioned that they are taught to shoot controlled pairs.

[Delija]

One of the techniques common in combat pistol disciplines is the requirement that two shots be placed on each target. This reflects a common practice in police and military training, where it is assumed that a single shot might not disable an opponent. Since a repeated shot on the same target takes very little time, two shots are fired in rapid succession to increase the chances of causing a disabling wound. This technique is called a "double tap" or a "hammer"; these terms are often used interchangeably, but ......

From here:Combat pistol shooting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Peace,
D.

[jnclement]

Originally Posted by KEVWYO

Are double taps and hammers taught? I have a friend who is a member of the Oregon State Police SWAT team who mentioned that they are taught to shoot controlled pairs.

Just find an IDPA group, and start shooting.

[Loves2Shoot]

Originally Posted by KEVWYO

Are double taps and hammers taught? I have a friend who is a member of the Oregon State Police SWAT team who mentioned that they are taught to shoot controlled pairs.

Yes, I the term "double tap" got hijacked by the media and movies and "controlled pairs" more accurately describe what you really want to do. I think that is why it is a term that a lot of instructors use as to emphasize the aiming of both shots instead of just pointing.