3953 vs. 6946

[toasterburn]

I'm looking to buy my first 3rd gen S&W for open carry. I want a DAO Compact 9mm, which narrows the search (I think) to a 3953/3954 or a 6946.

These are my questions:

What is the weight difference between these two models?

Which is more comfortable in the hand, the single stack or double?

Are there any other DAO Compact 9mm models?

How drop safe are the DAO models?


Thanks!

 

[oldman10mm]

6944 is also DAO.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'm not a DAO fan but do have a number of 39xx and 69xx guns. I've carry both concealed since the early 90s...................with no issues.

Weight difference of the guns empty is only about an ounce...... loaded add about 2 oz for the extra 4 rounds.

Open carry I'd favor the 6906..... why not have 4 extra rounds!!!!!!!!!

Oh ya.....
my "back up/extra" magazine is a full size 15 round 59xx mag with a +2 adapter... so 27+1 GTG

my 3913/14s wear hogue checkered wood grips for a better; more hand filling, grip IMO

my 6906 and PC Shorty9 grips are stippled for a "gripper" grip.



If I was going to open carry I'd just go with my 915 with Mec-gar 17 and 18 round mags.

 

[TTSH]

I'm looking to buy my first 3rd gen S&W for open carry. I want a DAO Compact 9mm, which narrows the search (I think) to a 3953/3954 or a 6946.

Hard to go wrong with either. Unfortunately, both are fairly rare in my area (took me years to find a decent 3953 and I still don't have a 6946).

It really depends on whether you prefer the slim feel of the 3953 or the chunkier feel of the 6946. I can only compare right now using one of my 6906 pistols, but I do prefer the double stack feel and extra capacity.

 

[toasterburn]

Does anyone know if these are drop safe with a round in the chamber?

I've read that the DA/SA versions only are while the safety is engaged, which makes me wonder about the DAO versions.

 

[JohnHL]

Does anyone know if these are drop safe with a round in the chamber?

I've read that the DA/SA versions only are while the safety is engaged, which makes me wonder about the DAO versions.

ALL S&W 2nd and 3rd gen pistols, both DA/SA and DAO have firing pin safeties which lock the firing pin unless the trigger is depressed, so are "drop safe".

John

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Which is more comfortable in the hand, the single stack or double?

Of course only your hand can say which is more comfortable.

A double stack, with the factory grips, feel is very close to a single stack with Hogue grips feel, IMO.

.

6906 vs 3914

(b)

.