What type of pistol requires manual cocking for the first round to fire double action while subsequent rounds fire in single action?

The type of pistol that requires manual cocking for the first round to fire in double action, while allowing subsequent rounds to fire in single action, is indeed classified as a double/single action pistol.

In this design, the shooter needs to manually cock the hammer for the first shot, thereby engaging the double action mechanism, which typically has a heavier trigger pull. This initial action allows the firearm to carry the hammer back, compress the mainspring, and release the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. For subsequent shots, the cycling of the slide automatically cocks the hammer, allowing those rounds to be fired in single action mode, typically resulting in a lighter, shorter trigger pull.

This specific combination of actions offers a beneficial balance, providing the shooter with a safer first shot under circumstances where a manual cocking action may be preferable, while enabling quicker follow-up shots with reduced trigger resistance. Understanding this functionality is essential for proper firearm handling and ensuring safety during operation.