Hi,
I have owned a SW 915 for years, don't shoot much any more, carry it now and then but mostly carry my SW640. I have always been uncomfortable with the DA/SA action on the SW915. I wish it was DA only. I bought the pistol because I want more bullets than a 5 shot revolver but I also want the "safety" of a double action. Please share experience and knowledge of the difference between the action on the two guns.
Thank you,
BH

I've owned both there's no comparison. I much prefer the consistency of the M&P trigger

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Retired Career Security Guard

If you are looking for a carry gun with a long/heavy pull for safety reasons, like your 640 or the DA pull on your 915, the M & P semiauto trigger action 'may' not be for you. It has a small amount of takeup and a short relatively light pull after this. If consistency and lightness compared to a DA pull are OK the M & P should work for you. Trying one out at a rental range may help here.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

What exactly do you find unsafe about the DA/SA. Can't get much more safer than that without carrying an empty gun

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Some just don't appreciate what a DA/SA trigger system offers.

And they can't be taught any different.

I only own DA/SA guns. No striker fire will ever be owned by me.

I own both and I'm fine with both. Brand names aside, if I like the trigger pull and it's accurate in my hands ....that's all I care about. It's just that this is the first time I ever heard of someone thinking a DA/SA gun is unsafe. I thought maybe it was that spacific gun

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As a carry semi I like the long DA.. and it's also good if you draw and don't shoot, you can ride up on the trigger and be shaking from adrenaline and not set it off.

I used to carry a 1911 but the safety and single action can be a hindrance in certain situations. Now they are my range guns. Due to a controlled environment and accuracy can't be beat.

I also like the revolvers for the DA pull.

So as to the OP I'd be looking for a nice DAO, better trigger for carry than striker IMHO.

I appreciate the feed back. Good to note the trigger action on the M&P might be too light. Yeah the adrenaline thing was real apparent to me about 4 years ago. I don't think the sw915 is unsafe, I think all SW guns are great...I think the sw915 DA/SA combo is not good for me. I am looking for a longer trigger pull, high capacity 9mm. As noted above, the M&P might be too lite. Any suggestions? How about the SD 9VE?

Thanks everyone,
BH

S&W has made many DAO 3rd gen variations. Single stack and double stack. I've never warmed up to double stack Smiths.

Other manufacturers offer DAO. Start the search something will come home with you. I'm sure.

Maybe a SIG P250 might be something you would be interested in - long DAO trigger pull but one that is not too heavy.

The long DA pull on the 915 is on the first shot......the shot where you committing to the shoot.....

after that......

the 2nd to the 15th are single action..... aka the "follow-up shots"..............giving you the best of both worlds!!!!!

I really like the trigger on my 915, it is smooth and easy. My M&P 9 is a little rougher and a slightly less accurate gun. Either will do the job. I consider the 915 to be the most underrated 9mm in the S&W stable, so I have a bias.

The 2nd through 17th shot on my 915 are single action. I've got all 17 round MecGar mags for it. I think the 915 has a fairly smooth double action pull, but in my opinion it really shines on how fast the reset is in single action. Most of my pistols are M&Ps, however I enjoy my 915 and it would be perfectly adequate to fight with if necessary. Just treat that safety like a decocker and rock on.

I was trained on the DA/SA 645 when my Sheriff's Office changed from revolvers. Since that time almost every pistol I own is DA/SA. There are two exceptions, the model 622 and the Ruger Custom LCP I just bought to carry around the farm. I prefer DA/SA pistols and feel quite comfortable with them. We had excellent training on these types of firearms.

Been shooting Beretta 92 s for years because I liked that long pull for the first shot thinking about that noise in the middle of the night. But I got a M&P9 compact 4-5 months ago. I thought the trigger was a little light for me as a carry gun so I got an Apex duty/carry trigger spring. That made the pre-travel just fine but the final pull to fire the gun was a bit too heavy. Did the home polishing stuff and now it is fine. I am happy enough w/ the M&P that now I am wondering about my 92s. But I am 68 yrs old and have six 92s so they will stay w/ us.

Your not completely clear to me, but it seems your going through a similar evolution to the one I've gone through. I've only owned guns and carried for a couple of years, and needed to learn what I was comfortable with by trying every type of carry.

Started with revolvers, but didn't like small framed one's and larger one's were tough to conceal.
Got 1911 style, but was never confident of my abilities with SA cocked and locked in an emergency.
Got striker fired with a safety, but once again didn't like that extra step to engage.
Carried it with the safety off, but felt the trigger was too lite to be safe.
Tried DAO but the reset was too long and sometimes messed up fast follow-up shots.
Got DA/SA, but was never comfortable manually lowering the hammer on a chambered round.
Finally discovered DA/SA with a de-cocker and no safety. Firm, medium length first pull, short reset and easier pull for fast follow-up shots. And no additional thought or action required by having a safety that might get in the way.

To me, this configuration combines what I like best about revolvers and 1911's. I wound up with a CZ PCR. The Walther P99C was a plastic striker fired second choice, but I went with hammer fired and alloy frame.

The PCR de-cocks to what I would call a half-cock hammer position. For me this attains a perfect first shot pull weight and length. A slightly longer and heavier pull is attainable by completely lowering the hammer manually.

Just my two cents.

Good information, gentlemen. Thank you. I love the SW915 but am worried that in a shooting situation I will be more apt to accidentally discharge the weapon whilst in SA position....but I guess that's where training comes in....and I don't train. But all this has gotten me to get back to the range and shoot. I really like the info on the difference in trigger action options and experience. Yes, the decocker on the SW915 is a great option.

The SD9VE has a long and heavier trigger pull than the M&P's. In fact, it's heavier (8lbs) than I like on my defensive handguns. Apex makes an inexpensive kit that replaces the trigger and lowers the pull to around 6lbs.

I have my carry M&P's (Shield 9 and a 9c) set to 6lbs. i've never felt either pull was too light.

Don't sell that 915 man, they're getting hard to find

__________________
Retired Career Security Guard

If the guns in the SA position you've already discharged it.


Unscrew that problem and everything else will resolve itself

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Retired Career Security Guard

Key! I just tried a SD9VE and like the steady, consistent trigger pull. They offered my $175 for a trade on my 915 but the guy at the store says he loves his 915 and that I should shoot once a month (at least 50 rounds) to keep in training, which I will do before making a decision.

Thanks!

That's why I like the first pull in DA.. I meant to do it.

After the first I'll access and flick my finger a few more times if needed.

Then decock and evaluate.

I don't have a DAO and prefer the DA/SA..Decoker..

After a couple of sessions on this forum, I spent some time with the 915, dry firing and took it up to the range I forgotten about the take up in the SA position, which I like, and as pointed out by others, training is always a good thing The 915 is wonderful, ordered a new IWB holster for it yesterday.

Thanks Arik and all for your input.


BH