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Old 04-20-2018, 08:55 AM
Eric375 Eric375 is offline
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I have had a 3953 DA only for about 35 years. Bought used in excellent condition. Only thing done to it is replace the factory sights with Novak night sights. Enjoy shooting this gun and always impressed with it's performance. I have it in my carry rotation and have confidence in it's ability to function and hit where it's pointed. Indoor range yesterday with a 25 yard timed and rapid fire target at 30 feet. Geco, Aguilla, and Winchester Forged 115 grain FMJ. Sights at 6 O'clock and shot a ragged hole from the bottom of the X to the Mid 9 ring dead centered. It's a real shooter! Trigger is very smooth and feels lighter than it probably is. Consistent pull and is just like a good DA revolver. Easy to shoot well and places the rounds on the front sight. Feeds anything I've run thru it and is a favorite gun of mine. So question is , Why no Love for a 3953?
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Old 04-20-2018, 04:49 PM
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I like my 3953 and it shoots great. I like to use 2"X1.5" post-its as targets at 7 yards and this DAO kills them. Maybe, the owners of 3953s keep quiet about these gems because they love them.
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Old 04-20-2018, 05:00 PM
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Curious about what sights you replaced? I have never heard of a 3953 with anything other than the original sights -- Novak fixed. What did yours have?
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Old 04-20-2018, 05:22 PM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
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I have owned two 908 and two 3913 pistols. I have had a 3953 for four or five years and consider it to be superior to the 908 and 3953. DAO guns are not popular in my area and are difficult to sell or trade unless one is willing to give it away. I also have a Seecamp and a few Sigs that are DAO. I like the system.

Here is my S&W 3953 on top of my HK P7 PSP.
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Old 04-20-2018, 05:46 PM
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If I could find one at a sensible price I would love it.
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Old 04-20-2018, 05:49 PM
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There are more than a few people here who like them. I think that in general terms, there were far fewer DAO 3rd Gen guns made than TDA.

About a year ago, S&W released some NIB 3953TSW and 5946TSWs to the market. They went pretty fast and if I could have, I would have brought one into my state.

As a consolation prize, I have a pre rail 3953TSW that I bought NIB. Lovely gun.
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Old 04-20-2018, 07:35 PM
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My DAOs' are 5946,6946,4053,and 3953.
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Old 04-20-2018, 09:43 PM
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We’re out here lurking.
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Old 04-20-2018, 09:59 PM
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I come to the forum every day and check the classifieds to see if one is for sale. I carry appendix and I want a hammer fired gun for safety. I’m also handcuffed by my department to DAO guns. So what’s more logical or nicer than a 3953 for my purpose?
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Old 04-20-2018, 10:01 PM
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Ladder 13, that’s what I’m talking about!!!
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Old 04-21-2018, 09:10 AM
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It's funny. I carry a 3913, but have a 3953 in the safe. I have always been more about the SA, but I'm warming up to DA.

I took my Colt Detective snubbie to the range yesterday. I started in SA. I couldn't see the front site well, or hit worth a damn. Not sure if my eyes adjusted or what, but I got dialed in well at 10 yards. I decided to shoot it DA and damn if the groups weren't just as good. The let off took some getting used to, but I was shocked. My plan:

1 - raid the wife's nail polish drawer for Flyers orange and take care of the Colt Detective sight.

2 - break out that DA 3953 and see what's what.
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Old 04-21-2018, 10:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric375 View Post
Why no Love for a 3953?
I think there is plenty of love for the Model 3953... and that's just from me alone! Took me quite a while to find one in decent shape and I will never sell it. I'm always on the lookout for another one.

I also love the Model 6946, the double-stack version of the Model 3953. They are just as hard to find if not harder. Finally found one last month and am sniffing out another one as we speak.
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Old 04-21-2018, 11:39 AM
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Plenty of 3953 respect...especially here. Love my 3913 and would really like a 3953. Will run across a really nice one someday and it will be mine.
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Old 04-21-2018, 03:24 PM
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Just bought a 3953 at auction that i was after this specific gun fir more the i months. Super rare hwre in south africa as bittwr few would have been imported and sold here ..
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Old 04-21-2018, 04:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric375 View Post
I have had a 3953 DA only for about 35 years. Bought used in excellent condition. Only thing done to it is replace the factory sights with Novak night sights. Enjoy shooting this gun and always impressed with it's performance. I have it in my carry rotation and have confidence in it's ability to function and hit where it's pointed. Indoor range yesterday with a 25 yard timed and rapid fire target at 30 feet. Geco, Aguilla, and Winchester Forged 115 grain FMJ. Sights at 6 O'clock and shot a ragged hole from the bottom of the X to the Mid 9 ring dead centered. It's a real shooter! Trigger is very smooth and feels lighter than it probably is. Consistent pull and is just like a good DA revolver. Easy to shoot well and places the rounds on the front sight. Feeds anything I've run thru it and is a favorite gun of mine. So question is , Why no Love for a 3953?
Just some corrections,

1. The 3953 is DAO not DA

2. I purchased my 3953 new in 1991 and as I remember that was either the first or second year, but I am positive they have NOT been around 35 years.

Lot's of love for the 3953 here, as it is my carry weapon of choice.

Sorry for the interruption, carry on.
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Old 04-21-2018, 05:10 PM
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3953 9 Tactical TSW with a 3914 DAO...
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Old 04-21-2018, 05:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwt1405 View Post
Just some corrections,

1. The 3953 is DAO not DA
Ahhh, but read again carefully what the OP wrote:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric375 View Post
I have had a 3953 DA only for about 35 years.
DA + only = DAO

OP had it right. Well, except for the years.
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:10 PM
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Sorry...no 3953. How about a 3954? 6946? 4053?
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:37 PM
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Have you seen this video tribute to the 3953 put up by Lucky Gunner? Taking mine to the range adds a special challenge for me with the DAO trigger and I consider myself fortunate to have picked up one of the NPD marked pistols when they were cheap.

Take a look. This guy is a fan, too:

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/sw-3953/
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Old 04-23-2018, 05:24 AM
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Have you seen this video tribute to the 3953 put up by Lucky Gunner? Taking mine to the range adds a special challenge for me with the DAO trigger and I consider myself fortunate to have picked up one of the NPD marked pistols when they were cheap.

Take a look. This guy is a fan, too:

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/sw-3953/
Interesting video. I had not seen it before. Not a review of the gun, but a justification and reasoning behind carrying an "obsolete" all-metal DAO pistol. Lord knows I don't carry mine because I'm pretty much limited to pocket carrying micro-mini-plastic these days. But I can certainly appreciate everything he says about the need and desire to practice with your carry piece if you want to be truly effective with it.
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Old 04-23-2018, 06:04 AM
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I stupidly did not buy one last month that had its original box and three factory magazines. It was listed at $299! Looked almost brand new. Even the box looked nearly perfect. I was picking up my Ruger 9MM Carbine and didn’t want to spend another $300 that day.

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Old 04-23-2018, 06:18 AM
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I stupidly did not buy one last month that had its original box and three factory magazines. It was listed at $299! Looked almost brand new. Even the box looked nearly perfect. I was picking up my Ruger 9MM Carbine and didn’t want to spend another $300 that day.
Oh Lordy. Another fantastic Pennsylvania giveaway deal. I would have snapped that up so fast, my wallet would have suffering a friction burn!
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:04 AM
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$299 wow. And it looked great? WITH 3 mags!?!
I'd ask where it was or tell you to go back, but know full well it was gone shortly after you saw it, Kbm.
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:11 AM
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I'd have dislocated a shoulder reaching for my wallet on that deal. That's even with the 3953TSW that I already have. There's just no way I'd leave that in the display case.

If nothing else, I could likely flip that pretty easy.

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Oh Lordy. Another fantastic Pennsylvania giveaway deal. I would have snapped that up so fast, my wallet would have suffering a friction burn!
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:18 AM
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As a longtime revolver shooter, I prefer DAO for the carry mission.
#1 is my 3953:

Just an old LEO turn-in.
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Old 04-23-2018, 01:26 PM
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I think they get no love is because there aren't that many out there. I would love to find one, the NYPD just dumped a bunch 3rd gen smiths on the used market, but they must be gone, I havent seen any?
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Old 04-23-2018, 01:37 PM
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Is it really NYPD dumping guns on the market? They'd maybe trade them in, but more likely melt them down as a policy statement.

What have been showing up are some never used guns that were authorized for off duty use (3914DAO), but never bought by officers.

Either way, we very unlikely to see them in MA.

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I think they get no love is because there aren't that many out there. I would love to find one, the NYPD just dumped a bunch 3rd gen smiths on the used market, but they must be gone, I havent seen any?
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Old 04-23-2018, 04:01 PM
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$299 wow. And it looked great? WITH 3 mags!?!
I'd ask where it was or tell you to go back, but know full well it was gone shortly after you saw it, Kbm.
Thanks for rubbing it in, guys! Yes, it was gone two days later. I remember thinking I could always flip it but I knew I wouldn’t. I had just spend nearly $600 on the rifle and a couple of mags. I just couldn’t justify spending an extra $300.

I thought about not picking up the rifle. Gun shop owner would have. Even fine with that as there was a long waiting list for that rifle. But I already have a bunch of 9MM handguns. No pistol caliber Carbine so I went with that one.

But I do wish I had grabbed it.
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Old 04-23-2018, 04:03 PM
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Quote:
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Is it really NYPD dumping guns on the market? They'd maybe trade them in, but more likely melt them down as a policy statement.

What have been showing up are some never used guns that were authorized for off duty use (3914DAO), but never bought by officers.

Either way, we very unlikely to see them in MA.
The nypd doesn’t dump guns. They’re owned by the officers. I remember the 3953 became authorized in 1995 or so as off duty guns, so guys who bought them are retiring and they’re selling them.
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Old 04-23-2018, 04:19 PM
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Lots of people have no love for DAOs no matter who manufactured it.
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Old 04-24-2018, 07:11 AM
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I have a 6946 and I really like the fact that it has no safety to fumble and each pull of the trigger is the same and requires deliberate effort. I feel it is a very simple, yet safe firearm for personal defense. Would I love to have a 3953? Probably yes! The only issue with these DAO pistols is finding holsters that have a thumb break strap that will actually fit over the elongated slide. My 6946 does properly fit an old Gould & Goodrich pancake holster for the 59xx series as well as a Biancho Scorpio holster for the Beretta 92.
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Old 04-24-2018, 12:30 PM
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I was a U.S. Customs Special Agent and assigned to a task force. One of the local officers was carrying a 3953. I had owned a 3913 before and liked it, but I'm not a huge fan of the DA/SA action pistols. On one of the range days, he let me shoot it, and I was hooked. I started looking around to buy one, and I called our district range officer in Los Angeles, to see if he knew anyone stocking them. He informed me he had several in the armory to issue. The next day I received a FedEx package from L.A. with my unissued 3953. I immediately took it to the range, and ran about 500 rounds of duty JHP ammo through it. Zero malfunctions, so the next two years it was my EDC pistol. Unfortunately two years later the agency went to Glocks nationwide, and I had to give up my beloved 3953.

About a year ago, I found one advertised here locally in Las Vegas. It didn't have the original box, but it did have six factory magazines with it. It test fired perfectly, and goes in my EDC rotation now. You WILL have to pry it from my cold dead hands!! LOL
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Old 04-24-2018, 12:45 PM
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A friend here is a retired Customs officer who shares your regard for the 3953.
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Old 04-24-2018, 01:31 PM
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About 20 or so years ago I got to do some range time with agents from the local FBI office. I was there for medical support, but I did get some range time.

Something that really impressed me was that they used duty ammo for range qualifications. It was one of the few times I felt I got my tax dollars worth from the federal government.

You guys are making me want to grab my pre rail 3953TSW and head to the range!

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Originally Posted by vegasgunhand View Post
I was a U.S. Customs Special Agent and assigned to a task force. One of the local officers was carrying a 3953. I had owned a 3913 before and liked it, but I'm not a huge fan of the DA/SA action pistols. On one of the range days, he let me shoot it, and I was hooked. I started looking around to buy one, and I called our district range officer in Los Angeles, to see if he knew anyone stocking them. He informed me he had several in the armory to issue. The next day I received a FedEx package from L.A. with my unissued 3953. I immediately took it to the range, and ran about 500 rounds of duty JHP ammo through it. Zero malfunctions, so the next two years it was my EDC pistol. Unfortunately two years later the agency went to Glocks nationwide, and I had to give up my beloved 3953.

About a year ago, I found one advertised here locally in Las Vegas. It didn't have the original box, but it did have six factory magazines with it. It test fired perfectly, and goes in my EDC rotation now. You WILL have to pry it from my cold dead hands!! LOL
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Old 04-25-2018, 02:21 AM
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By now it is clear that on this Forum there's plenty of love for 3953s in particular and DAO in general.

To be honest, my delicate aesthetic sensibilities were offended whence first the DAO models debuted.
I was put off by the unexpected slide and frame extension to shroud the partially cocked hammer.
I also couldn't bear the loss of that fine SA trigger and its short reset.

But with age came an epiphany.

While I have never failed to de-cock before reholstering, it occurred to me that I just might forget (under stress) as I find myself not being as quick to remember things as I once was.

With that being said, I have warmed up to DAO (both pre-cocked and second-strike) and am likely as not to be carrying a pistol with that action on the limited number of excursions when such is warranted.

I still love my TDA pistols, but have added some DAO models including a railed 3953TSW, which affords me the versatility to configure it as a pre-cocked DAO, a second strike DAO, a TDA with safety/decocker , or a TDA with decocker only.

Who doesn't love the 3953?

John

Last edited by JohnHL; 04-25-2018 at 05:44 AM.
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Old 04-25-2018, 12:30 PM
vegasgunhand vegasgunhand is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryS View Post
About 20 or so years ago I got to do some range time with agents from the local FBI office. I was there for medical support, but I did get some range time.

Something that really impressed me was that they used duty ammo for range qualifications. It was one of the few times I felt I got my tax dollars worth from the federal government.

You guys are making me want to grab my pre rail 3953TSW and head to the range!
I was the U.S. Customs Service, and DHS policy to only train and qualify with the rounds we carry on duty. As a firearms instructor, I whole heartedly agree!!
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Old 04-25-2018, 08:17 PM
firescout firescout is offline
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If I could find one at a sensible price I would love it.
Same here.
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Old 04-26-2018, 10:36 AM
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StephenWhoDat StephenWhoDat is offline
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I own multiple 3953s and this one (pictures attached) with night sights and the black cerakoted frame is my EDC. In my opinion, the 3953 is the most perfect carry pistol ever made. Now, I realize I probably don't need to own 4 of the same pistol, but every time I see one for sale locally at a decent price, I snatch it up. I can't help myself!
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Old 04-29-2018, 12:27 AM
automan71 automan71 is offline
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Just picked up a 3953! Plenty love here! I shoot revolvers better DA than any other pistols, so it was a natural for me. Gave my 3913NL to my dad.

Now, if I could find a good AIWB holster I’d be set!
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Old 05-09-2018, 10:13 PM
BigDaddy7972 BigDaddy7972 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StephenWhoDat View Post
I own multiple 3953s and this one (pictures attached) with night sights and the black cerakoted frame is my EDC. In my opinion, the 3953 is the most perfect carry pistol ever made. Now, I realize I probably don't need to own 4 of the same pistol, but every time I see one for sale locally at a decent price, I snatch it up. I can't help myself!
Holy smokes, that's my gun, lol. I did the same thing. Black frame as I hate that putrid gray frame it came with.
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  #41  
Old 05-10-2018, 12:02 AM
stormyone stormyone is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StephenWhoDat View Post
I own multiple 3953s and this one (pictures attached) with night sights and the black cerakoted frame is my EDC. In my opinion, the 3953 is the most perfect carry pistol ever made. Now, I realize I probably don't need to own 4 of the same pistol, but every time I see one for sale locally at a decent price, I snatch it up. I can't help myself!
Looks good. Mine has a rail. I’d like to get that rail taken off and the holes filled. Not sure who to have do the work though.
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  #42  
Old 05-10-2018, 12:54 AM
JumpinJack JumpinJack is offline
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I've owned a 3914, 3913 NL , Chief Special 9mm and they all lead me to the 3953. I now have a 3953 and a 3953 tactical; all the others were sold.
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  #43  
Old 06-12-2018, 04:51 PM
mochahooligan mochahooligan is offline
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I owned a 3953 back about 20 years ago. Picked it up used night sights and 4 mags. I added the Hogue grip panels notbthe slip on. **** her for a few years and my now ex wife said we need money for the mortgage. I sold it un happily for a profit. So sad I did was a great shooter. And I paid a whopping 150.00 for it.
Fast forward to this past Saturday. I work at an FFL didn’t see it in the used case till the end of the day. A used 3953 with a box and 6 mags! No night sights. Well this Saturday I will be picking her up sending the slide out to trijicon for sights have the Hogue grips ordered. Just have to find a nice pancake holster and see how she shoots. Pics to come when I get her out of hock!
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  #44  
Old 06-24-2018, 11:21 PM
NDFRC NDFRC is offline
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I love my DA only’s, the deliberate, smooth trigger, the smooth sides. I have 3-9’s and 2-45’s; 3954, 5943 ssv, my carry a 3914DAO, the 45’s are 4553TSW and 4576
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Old 06-25-2018, 05:11 PM
mochahooligan mochahooligan is offline
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Who with a gen 3 smith DAO has disconnected the magazine disconnect safety? I am thinking aqbout doing this to the one I just picked up.
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Old 06-25-2018, 06:40 PM
mochahooligan mochahooligan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevens View Post
Curious about what sights you replaced? I have never heard of a 3953 with anything other than the original sights -- Novak fixed. What did yours have?
I sent mine to Trijicon and am having them replace the factory Novaks with Novak s fitted with Trijicon sights. About $125.00 which is not bad at all.
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