After owning a few over the years, I believe the early, the better. It seems the newer the gun, the heavier and longer the trigger pull.

I would love to find an older 6946 or 5943 for uniform use.

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I miss my 4546 the most.

Yes, for duty carry the DAO only guns are probably the best, in my opinion. Trouble is I cut my eye teeth on the Traditional SA (read da/sa) S&Ws. Hard to shake early experiences.
S&W 45 Colt (Mike)

I bough a great like new 5944 years ago. Indy gun show $375 w/2-3 mags. Great DAO IMO for SW .

When MIM parts and TSWs were introduced the 3rd generation DAO design was changed to a longer trigger pull as a consequence of using the same slides for both DA/SA and DAO autos. Early DAO slides have longer rear ends to enclose the front portion of their hammers with the hammers held further back in their ready to fire position. As far as I know the pull weight should be the same except for variations in the springs and smoothness of parts in individual autos. My DAOs all predate the change so I'm predisposed to favor the older ones. To help you shop for an older one, compare how close the rear sight is to the end of the slide on both types. The rear sights are all positioned to retain the plungers making the older slides longer rear ends obvious.

Gil

The early ones have a noticeably shorter trigger pull, which most prefer. The TSW models seem to be a good fit for those with longer fingers. Sort of the old short/long trigger debate with 1911's.

The newer TSW models have a much tighter lock-up, and a few other enhancements. However, I have an old 4546 that locks up just as tight, so not all early ones rattle.

The earlier guns had forged parts which gave a better trigger pull than the MIM parts. The silver hammer and trigger indicate forged, black parts are MIM. The MIM parts guns have a noticeably mushier feeling pull.

The black parts used on the early blued pistols, as well as the 1994-97 stainless models, are all forged. Only the post 1998 black parts are MIM.

My 4546 was by far the best, next was a mid 90s 4586, then a mid 90s 3953 followed by the 4583TSW which was the worst when it cam to weight and length.


I've seen a few of the first DAOs for sale, but they have the hooked trigger guard which would make holster selection slightly harder without having it rounded.


Oh well, just my thoughts and ramblings.

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I miss my 4546 the most.

Yes, yes they are. It's hard to find a better DAO then the early Smith versions. I personally think the 5943 is one of the best guns S&W ever made.

I remember reading that the TSW models were 50% pre-cocked and the earlier models were 75% pre-cocked, thus a lighter trigger pull.
I've owned 2 3rd gen S&W's, my 1086 that had an excellent trigger and a 4586 TSW. The TSW did have a heavier pull though it was still smooth which is most important.

But, dang, I miss that 1086. I really want another 1086 or 4586 or best, a 1046 (unlikely) or 4546 (more likely, but not much). I prefer the pre-TSW. I hate the fat Hogue grips and really like the original factory Delrins - but those aren't available anymore are they? I looked at a high priced beaten up 1086 last week, but it had Hogues on it so I didn't make an offer.

Only a shorter trigger pull, not a lighter one. The spring weights are the same. The perceived difference, however, is significant.

I was out of shooting for a bit so I missed the S&W 3rd gens... I did however, find a 4053 as a trade in at CDNN a few years back. If I had only known they were like this,I would have picked up a 3953 quick... maybe two. I really enjoy the 4053 and it was the first I had ever tried in the .40 cal. I am well impressed at what it is and will do. I would really like to stumble in on a 3953 or two though!!! If it were anything like the one I have but in 9mm instead of the .40... it would have a place in my heart quick...