I carry a 40 as a woods load gun. I like a pistol no heavier than 36 ounces loaded and stick to a 4 inch barrel. I am pushing 200 gr hard cast at 1140 fps out of my G23 that is sprung properly and uses a recoil reduction/frame protection system. I am however wanting to change over to a 3rd gen smith and I am in the r/d phase. I have a 4013 single stack and a 4013tsw but was hoping to find a 4003 to throw in the mix. I have found a couple of beat up 4013tsw pistols and a couple of super nice like new 411's. Now I have stumbled across a 4043 LNIB for a good price. I remove all the right side safety's off my 3rd gen guns so the 411 seems like a good option if I want to stay SA/DA.

Thinking about the 4043 I would have a thinner profile, no safety to worry about or snag and the same trigger for each shot. Does anyone have any pros or cons on the DA only for a woods gun. Not interested in revolvers, or more powerful rounds. My 200 grain hardcast works well and I can manage multiple hits on target. Just asking about the DA versus DaSA

My problem is short strokes. I don't consistently reset the trigger in double action when I do stress training.

Like bigwheelzip said, you just have to get used to backing off the trigger to the second click before you start your next shot.

I think it'd be something you'd personally have to practice with to see how you liked it. I'm a revolver guy that never (hardly ever) shoots them DA & naturally didn't think I'd like any of the 3rd Gens in DAO variations. However I've become very fond of them & can shoot them to my satisfaction now.

DAO have their pluses, some of which you mentioned. Play with it & see for yourself. (Did you already buy the 4043?)

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Waiting for the break of day

Don't ask US, how do YOU like/ shoot a true DAO semiautomatic? They fill a narrow niche, but the people who like them , like them a lot.

No I have not bought it yet. Not sure I want to drop 400.00 to test fire it. But the 4003 supply seems to be very short.

Also I have a Milt Sparks holster 55BN (brand new) for a 4006 and I know the 4043 or the 4003 will fit fine. Not sure if the 411 and 4003TSW (rail removed) will work ok in it since the frame on those two are machined a little wider. Probably would with a little break in period.

First of all with a "good" belt/holster pretty much any gun will be easier to carry. I shoot my revolvers in DA mode & have yet to find a DAO semi that comes close to the trigger on them, not to mention using snake shot. That said, I feel most comfortable for (most well armed/comfortable/safe) woods carry with my Sig P220 stainless 45 acp (DA/SA), that or Ruger security 6 snub. If I have a rifle/shotgun with me already, the handgun might be a 22. The DAO Kahr I found not bad. With enough practice you could be proficient enough for woods carry with most anything I suppose. I get a faster/more accurate follow up shot with the 45 vs the 40, both Sig/stainless DAO. TEHO.

have you thought of a 4046? they are all steel and used ones run around $300-350 range. A little heavier than the 4043 but very durable. I like DAO 3rd gen smiths.

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God save the SOUTH

I just now bought a new 4043 in the original box with all paperwork and two mags for 336.00 shipped. I will give the DAO version a try and see how I like it. I do like the fact there will be no exposed hammer or safety levers to catch on clothing or pack straps etc. I will keep looking for a 4003 as well. I do not want a steel framed pistol as I want to stay right at 33-35 punces loaded.

Not a .40 but when I'm not carrying my 3913 in the Burbs of the Burgh...... I really like the 915 for size, weight, single sided safety and capacity....... so 411 in .40???

Edit: I like a single action option on a woods gun.......longer shots on varmints.....think sick animal/rabies! Adds some distance to the target.

gotcha the 4046 is a tank. I had a 4043 and it shot real good .

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God save the SOUTH

The 4043 sounds like just what you are looking for. The trigger pull be different from your G23, different in a longer pull and no "wall" in the travel.

I think the 4043 has a lot to offer towards my "wants" for this pistol. I am going to shoot it and see what I think.

4043 arrived yesterday. I am pretty sure S&W designed this pistol specifically to fit my hand. I really like the shorter reach to the trigger and the DAO trill pull is as smooth as any DA pistol I have ever shot if not better. Nice and thin with no de-cock levers is a huge plus. I have not shot it yet but will get to load development after the first of August. This week I am busy getting packed and ready for a 2 week canoe trip in Canada with my bride.

Having been one who cut his teeth on revolvers, I found the transition to the DAO semi-auto pretty smooth. I like being able to deploy it without worrying about a safety. After retirement, I carried the S&W 642 DAO for a number of years. I now carry the Kahr CM-9. You could say I have a soft spot for DAO's.

I like the 3rd Gun Smiths in DAO for simplicity and similarity to a revolver in defensive situations. Pull and press, no possibility of the weapon not being ready when you are.

The DAO variants have a shorter and smoother pull than the TDA versions as an added bonus. For stopping a bear attack many (myself included) would recommend a 10mm, but even a 9mm with good shot placement is capable of killing a bear:



As you roll your own, you should be able to push the .40 S&W to be an effective defense against bears.

My own choice for a woods/hunting gun is the Model 69 in .44 Magnum:



For lighter weight and easier carry (especially concealed) I have just acquired a 4013 converted to 10mm, it will be backup to my .44 when in the woods.



digiroc

The fishing guide that killed the bear with his 3953 was using Buffalo Bore ammo. 7 shots with one round travelling across the chest cavity from side to side. I tried a 1013 conversion a few years ago and was never able to get 100 percent reliability from it using Double Tap 220 grain hardcast. I am shooting a 200 gr hardcast at 1140 ish fps from my glock 23 with no issues and am hoping for the same or better from the 4043. Karl Sokol currently has the barrel for a recrown and some chamber work to be able to chamber the big nosed bullet.

Nodrama43, Welcome to Canada and I hope you really have a great time in our wild Canadian North. Congrats on your marriage as well.

My 4013 converted to 10mm is lightweight and concealable but recoil is heavy and muzzle blast alone might scare the bear away.

The 1086 pictured above is bigger and heavier but much softer shooting. A bit more velocity out of the longer barrel is also a plus along with one more round in the magazine.

Either one would be comforting to have in bear country.

digiroc