Feedback on 4-digit DAO models, please..

VictorLouis · May 22, 2010

I've recently fondled a few of these at an area shop. The earlier ones have the slide lengthened at the rear, so as to shield the hammer. They also seem to have better triggers. The pull appears to begin from somewhat of a half-cock position?

The aesthetics of the TSW guns are much nicer without the elongated slide. Plus, a factory expert said the latter gen can be modded to accept the decocking lever for its function as a safety. But, the stroke seems to have longer travel. That sound right?

Lastly, is the TSW 'pattern' available w/o the extra cost of the TSW markings?

Thanks, all.

Scotter260 · May 22, 2010

I'd say you've got it figured out.

Old style w/ more frame and slide at the rear = shorter, "half-cock" trigger.

TSW style w/ standard frame and slide = longer trigger.

I'm going to say that the TSW "pattern" is not available without the marking although if you don't want them the lasered markings can be removed with green Scotchbrite pads.

Either way, the DAO Smiths are absolute joys to shoot, IMHO, so buy 'em up buttercup!

I'll post a photo for your perusal because a thread just isn't a thread without pictures, just make sure you post yours when you get one.

Melonite 5946 w/ integral rail, 5944, and 5946TSW:

Cruiser RN · May 22, 2010

I had my CS9 converted to DAO with a trigger job and it is a joy to shoot.I guess mine is equivalent to the old style because the hammer is always @ the half cocked position.I like the hammer where it is because of the looks I get when people draw thier own conclusions and don't ask why...God Bless....Mike

mlk18 · May 22, 2010

I love the Smith DAO's and have a number of them myself as the trigger is one of the best I have ever found. You can't go wrong with a S&W DAO.

Fastbolt · May 22, 2010

The original DAO pistols used different triggers, hammers & sears. For simplicity sake they're usually just referred to as machined parts (versus newer MIM parts).

The hammers were 'located' (staged) farther rearward in the original design, which resulted in a shorter trigger stroke. Also, there were apparently some models which received slightly lighter weight main springs.

When MIM parts were being introduced they redesigned the DAO parts to work in guns with shorter slides. This necessitated the DAO hammer not being located (staged) as far to the rear, since it was no longer covered to same extent as when the longer slides were used, which meant a longer trigger stroke was now needed to fire the newer DAO guns.

Machined & MIM parts can NOT be mixed. MIM hammers MUST be used with MIM sears. Machined hammers MUST be used with machined sears. Otherwise the contact areas of the hammer & sear will not match up properly.

Here's a DAO hammer.

DAO hammer and drawbar when the hammer is at rest, the gun not charged. The sear doesn't locate the hammer to the rear and the drawbar doesn't engage the throw notch on the bottom of the hammer.

Here's the hammer, sear & drawbar relationship when the gun is charged and the hammer has been located to the rear by the sear, which allows the throw notch to rotate forward and engage the drawbar.

DAO hammers & sears from original (machined) and newer (MIM). The picture doesn't display the 'tub shaped' depression in the MIM hammer as well as it might, but it's there, and not flat-sided like the machined hammers.

Note the improper contact area between the mismatched machined & MIM hammer/sear combinations.

Fastbolt · May 22, 2010

Here's a comparison of the TDA parts (top) and the DAO parts (bottom; machined parts). This can allow you to see a difference in the triggers, as well as the difference between the sear release lever and the lever used only as a spacer in the DAO guns which have frames machined to accept a second lever to the right of the hammer.

While we're at it, this discusses the 'spring rule' when it comes to DAO frames.

In the newer DAO conversions the standard manual safety/decocker assembly may be used instead of the DAO firing pin retainer.

BTW, for those folks who have the knowledge and experience to properly disassemble the frames, the frame assembly steps for the DAO conversions vary from the TDA guns in that the disconnector must be installed BEFORE the drawbar is connected (pinned) to the trigger.

I've never handled a CSD series, so I don't know how they differ and the regular armorer manual doesn't discuss the CS DAO models in that respect. I'd call the factory and ask what was needed to repair/replace DAO parts in one if it was needed, or if someone wanted a conversion in a CS gun.

Grinder · May 22, 2010

Super post FastBolt

mlk18 · May 22, 2010

Super post FastBolt

I second that!

Fastbolt · May 22, 2010

You're welcome.

I wasn't sure how many folks may have an idea of how the S&W DAO guns operate. I thought a few pictures might help some folks have a little better idea how the S&W DAO design functions.

VictorLouis · May 23, 2010

INDEED, outstanding!

andyo5 · May 24, 2010

I have a 4583TSW, and installed a 16lb Wolff mainspring. It functions 100% and is a joy to shoot.

Feedback on 4-digit DAO models, please..

VictorLouis

Scotter260

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Cruiser RN

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mlk18

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Fastbolt

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Fastbolt

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Grinder

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mlk18

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Fastbolt

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VictorLouis

andyo5

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