Not sure if this is the right forum. Can a 5946 DAO be converted to a traditional SA/DA? If so, what parts are required? Thanks in advance.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Not sure if the conversion is possible, might be easier to trade the 5946 for a 5906.


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Newer 3rd generation DAOs use the same slides and frames as traditional DA/SA pistols. They can be converted to traditional DA/SA by swapping factory parts. S&W used to offer that service. Newer DAOs can be spotted by the kidney shaped filler in their safety/decocker cutout. Older DAOs used different frames and slides than traditional DA/SA pistols. The manufacturing change occurred sometime around 1997. The slides of earlier DAOs can be spotted two ways. They and the frame are longer behind the rear sight than traditional DA/SA pistols. Also the ends of their safety barrel that show on both sides of the slide are round.

This is the right forum.

The only DAO models that can be "easily" converted (just four parts) are the TSW models.

The earliest DAO models were produced with a frame that was machined to accommodate only a firing pin safety lever on the right side and therefore would require complicated machine work.

The later DAO frames did have room for the sear release lever on the right side and the frame could then be converted to SA/DA. (Three parts: trigger, hammer, sear release lever.)

That leaves the slide.

The slides were not machined to accept a manual safety so the only way to utilize that DAO frame we just converted would be to substitute a SA/DA slide assembly.

It would work but the slide would be approx. 3/8" shorter in the rear than the frame.

So the simple answer is: Probably not what you would want.

John

Much easier to sell your 5946 and buy a 5906.

Honestly, it's probably easiest to just hold on to the 5946 and pick up a used, trade-in 5906, then you've got 2 guns.

Sort of sounds like justification to keep the 5946 and buy a 5906.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer