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3953 DAO
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Doug M.
Member
I personally think that DAO is the way to fly with the 3rd generation guns; just my bias, based on my distaste for the slide mounted safety/decocker.
FWIW, that is not pre-striker fired; the G17 came around several years before that and I did my academy with one in 1989.
FWIW, that is not pre-striker fired; the G17 came around several years before that and I did my academy with one in 1989.
Damn straight!
That is one awfully clean & purdy 3953. 
The OP says he'll never trade it... but maybe he would consider selling it outright?
There is a pistol that is live on a -big- auction site right now that I really wish I could link this discussion to, but the rules are the rules are the rules and I am prohibited from doing that.
I'm not selling it, I don't wish to own it, but it's an oddball 3rd Gen and if it has been discussed around here, I missed the discussion.
It's recent manufacture and shows a Houlton, Maine production stamped on the left side of the slide and the left side of the frame also. The model number calls it a "3914DAO", and it's not like the DAO 3rd Gen pistols we know, it's not the true DAO that S&W engineered for the 3rd Gen variants like the one that is the subject of this thread.
Instead, this pistol appears to be a regular DA/SA 3rd Gen but S&W took the single action hook off the hammer so that it only runs in double action mode. Unlike the pre-cocked DAO 3rd Gens we are familiar with, this one appears to be a long double action only, with "restrike capability."
Not sure why S&W decided to make these unless it was some specific directive by some LE organization that demanded this odd setup.
It has a UCS-prefix serial number and also unlike every 3rd Gen I have ever seen, the serial number is NOT found on the left side of the pistol. It's on the right side of the frame -- odd and lonely, the ONLY thing stamped or written on the right side of the pistol.
Sorry for any thread drift. I suppose I figured that if I started a new thread, it would simply be deleted immediately due to the rules.
For 3rd Gen fans, this is an interesting item. Sorry that I don't see any box or end label with it, to throw out a six digit product code.
I'm not selling it, I don't wish to own it, but it's an oddball 3rd Gen and if it has been discussed around here, I missed the discussion.
It's recent manufacture and shows a Houlton, Maine production stamped on the left side of the slide and the left side of the frame also. The model number calls it a "3914DAO", and it's not like the DAO 3rd Gen pistols we know, it's not the true DAO that S&W engineered for the 3rd Gen variants like the one that is the subject of this thread.
Instead, this pistol appears to be a regular DA/SA 3rd Gen but S&W took the single action hook off the hammer so that it only runs in double action mode. Unlike the pre-cocked DAO 3rd Gens we are familiar with, this one appears to be a long double action only, with "restrike capability."
Not sure why S&W decided to make these unless it was some specific directive by some LE organization that demanded this odd setup.
It has a UCS-prefix serial number and also unlike every 3rd Gen I have ever seen, the serial number is NOT found on the left side of the pistol. It's on the right side of the frame -- odd and lonely, the ONLY thing stamped or written on the right side of the pistol.
Sorry for any thread drift. I suppose I figured that if I started a new thread, it would simply be deleted immediately due to the rules.
For 3rd Gen fans, this is an interesting item. Sorry that I don't see any box or end label with it, to throw out a six digit product code.
I'm surprised that you don't know about this, as you're very 3rd Gen knowledgeable and it's been covered many times.
The 3914DAO was built for the NYPD as an off duty option for officers. It's covered as much as possible in the current SCSW. I forget the production dates, but they are no longer authorized for purchase by NYPD officers. I think that's why we're seeing some show up on various auction sites.
The main difference operationally between the 3953 and 3914 is that the 3914 offers "second trigger pull" in the case that the round doesn't fire. The 3953 and all other "standard" DAO 3rd Gens require the slide to be cycled if the round doesn't fire on the first trigger pull.
I have no idea why the serial number is on the right side other than "NYPD" and the police, fire, and EMS in the Big Apple have unique (and sometimes weird) special requirements for their equipment and vehicles.
This is one of the 3rd Gen variants I'd buy if it showed up for sale in MA, or if I'm fortunate enough to move out before I run out of "good years" by the Bam Bam definition.
The 3914DAO was built for the NYPD as an off duty option for officers. It's covered as much as possible in the current SCSW. I forget the production dates, but they are no longer authorized for purchase by NYPD officers. I think that's why we're seeing some show up on various auction sites.
The main difference operationally between the 3953 and 3914 is that the 3914 offers "second trigger pull" in the case that the round doesn't fire. The 3953 and all other "standard" DAO 3rd Gens require the slide to be cycled if the round doesn't fire on the first trigger pull.
I have no idea why the serial number is on the right side other than "NYPD" and the police, fire, and EMS in the Big Apple have unique (and sometimes weird) special requirements for their equipment and vehicles.
This is one of the 3rd Gen variants I'd buy if it showed up for sale in MA, or if I'm fortunate enough to move out before I run out of "good years" by the Bam Bam definition.
Oh haha, well don't be surprised at my lack of knowledge! 
I pursue facts and information to great detail in the guns that interest me highly... which mostly excludes smaller handguns. I actually knew precious little about my own Model 469 until after I got it.
I had a CS-9 for a short time... long enough to soak in a little nostalgia, take it on one range trip and forward it onward to someone that might enjoy it. It was without a doubt the smallest center fire handgun I have ever owned and I just don't have use for small handguns.
I onced owned a 3" J-frame, it was the only sub-4" revolver and also only J-frame I have ever had. Certainly I see the utility... just not for me.
As to the odd placement of the serial number, I would bet that it's a by-product of different manufacturing done in Houlton, ME.
Sorry for my silly thread drift.
I pursue facts and information to great detail in the guns that interest me highly... which mostly excludes smaller handguns. I actually knew precious little about my own Model 469 until after I got it.I had a CS-9 for a short time... long enough to soak in a little nostalgia, take it on one range trip and forward it onward to someone that might enjoy it. It was without a doubt the smallest center fire handgun I have ever owned and I just don't have use for small handguns.
I onced owned a 3" J-frame, it was the only sub-4" revolver and also only J-frame I have ever had. Certainly I see the utility... just not for me.
As to the odd placement of the serial number, I would bet that it's a by-product of different manufacturing done in Houlton, ME.
Sorry for my silly thread drift.
It's not really thread drift since the two are somewhat related.
I too had a CS9, which I sold when I bought a pre rail 3913TSW. The CS9 was nice, but the 3913TSW is better.
I also have a 3" Model 36 which is going to be part of my carry rotation. Along with the 3" Model 13.
I also like my two Model 10 4" revolvers, but don't carry them.
I too had a CS9, which I sold when I bought a pre rail 3913TSW. The CS9 was nice, but the 3913TSW is better.
I also have a 3" Model 36 which is going to be part of my carry rotation. Along with the 3" Model 13.
I also like my two Model 10 4" revolvers, but don't carry them.
Oh haha, well don't be surprised at my lack of knowledge!
I had a CS-9 for a short time... long enough to soak in a little nostalgia, take it on one range trip and forward it onward to someone that might enjoy it. It was without a doubt the smallest center fire handgun I have ever owned and I just don't have use for small handguns.
I onced owned a 3" J-frame, it was the only sub-4" revolver and also only J-frame I have ever had. Certainly I see the utility... just not for me.
As to the odd placement of the serial number, I would bet that it's a by-product of different manufacturing done in Houlton, ME.
Sorry for my silly thread drift.
I have a 3913 with the bobbed hammer, replaced it with a full size one. It is marked "Cobb County Sheriff".
Nice little gun.
Nice little gun.
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lhump1961
US Veteran
Maybe it's just me but I would rather have a 3954 than a 3914DAO. Now, bear in mind I've never handled a 3914DAO but if it's the same pull as the DA pull on a TDA then I don't see the attraction. Double strike capability? Ok...if that is a must for someone then I guess, but the actual need for a second strike is rare and it seems to me that the TDA pull isn't worth the trade off. Now a TDA that has that sweet SA and quick re-set follow ups is a package that delivers a nice gun with solid arguments for the platform. I've been lucky enough to find the parts to convert a few of my TDA's to single sided safeties.
For those who like the 3914DAO I say good for you and enjoy, but I'll go 3954 every time...until a 3914DAO shows up locally then I may have to recant.
For those who like the 3914DAO I say good for you and enjoy, but I'll go 3954 every time...until a 3914DAO shows up locally then I may have to recant.
Attachments
It's funny, but I think the DA pull on my pre rail 3953TSW is longer than the DA first round pull on my pre rail 3913TSW. Maybe it's just me and I need to put more rounds through the 3953TSW to get used to it.
Maybe it's just me but I would rather have a 3954 than a 3914DAO. Now, bear in mind I've never handled a 3914DAO but if it's the same pull as the DA pull on a TDA then I don't see the attraction. Double strike capability? Ok...if that is a must for someone then I guess, but the actual need for a second strike is rare and it seems to me that the TDA pull isn't worth the trade off. Now a TDA that has that sweet SA and quick re-set follow ups is a package that delivers a nice gun with solid arguments for the platform. I've been lucky enough to find the parts to convert a few of my TDA's to single sided safeties.
For those who like the 3914DAO I say good for you and enjoy, but I'll go 3954 every time...until a 3914DAO shows up locally then I may have to recant.
lhump1961
US Veteran
I should clarify that I think the TDA DA pull is just fine and no problem, just a bit longer and heavier than the DAO pull. I have a pre-rail 3913TSW but only a 3954 to compare.
Considering the 3914DAO do we now need to say TDAO?
Considering the 3914DAO do we now need to say TDAO?
mjr
Member
FWIW, there's hardly a pistol ever sold in America that is "pre-striker fired." The Luger pistol, first marketed in the U.S. in 1900 (117 years ago) was striker fired. And since then, there have been many other striker fired designs, chiefly pocket pistols, like the Browning FN model of 1910.
Cal44
Member
Very nice. I just got my first 3RD gen -- a 3913LS.
It's the DA/SA variant.
It's the DA/SA variant.
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I posted this some years back regarding my 3953:
I have a NIB 3953 with night sights that has a great backstory…
In 1992, my best friend’s father received a 3953 as a retirement gift from his commander after 30-years on the force. Growing up I had an interest in firearms and my friend’s dad knew it (my buddy didn’t care for them much). On occasion he would bring out his department issued model 10, his backup model 36 (which is the one I remember him having with him as his constant companion on his right hip), and the 3953. He kept the pistol on a shelf in his closet in the box always wrapped in the S&W wax paper and never once shot it (he was a revolver guy).
Sadly, he passed away late summer 2012 – he was truly a neat person with unending stories about his time in the department. He had told my buddy that if he did not want the firearms to make sure they went to me. Well, I was beyond surprised and honored when I was given ALL three of his handguns!!!
I take them all out on occasion to the range (I am of the mind that firearms should be fired). The 3953 is a great single-stack 9mm. It is very accurate and its slim design makes it an easily concealed carry pistol. I carry it on occasion in my rotation, and when I do it always brings back fond memories of younger days at my friend’s house hanging out with his dad!
I have a NIB 3953 with night sights that has a great backstory…
In 1992, my best friend’s father received a 3953 as a retirement gift from his commander after 30-years on the force. Growing up I had an interest in firearms and my friend’s dad knew it (my buddy didn’t care for them much). On occasion he would bring out his department issued model 10, his backup model 36 (which is the one I remember him having with him as his constant companion on his right hip), and the 3953. He kept the pistol on a shelf in his closet in the box always wrapped in the S&W wax paper and never once shot it (he was a revolver guy).
Sadly, he passed away late summer 2012 – he was truly a neat person with unending stories about his time in the department. He had told my buddy that if he did not want the firearms to make sure they went to me. Well, I was beyond surprised and honored when I was given ALL three of his handguns!!!
I take them all out on occasion to the range (I am of the mind that firearms should be fired). The 3953 is a great single-stack 9mm. It is very accurate and its slim design makes it an easily concealed carry pistol. I carry it on occasion in my rotation, and when I do it always brings back fond memories of younger days at my friend’s house hanging out with his dad!
