Lov'n my DAO only Smiths

[Redcoat3340]

Just added a 3953 to the "Brinks" 4046 and I'm really liking DAO. Put a 17lb hammer spring on the 3953 and pull is about 8 smoooth pounds. (Also replaced the recoil spring "just in case.")

So now, maybe, another DAO? What do folks like/recommend? Gotta be either 9mm full or .45 as I don't need anything in .40 (have Sig 250 in .22, 9 and 40 so that handles the .40 flavor.)

Also put (as I mentioned before) a 3913 slide the 3953. It's still DAO but offers a safety. Anyone see any physical safety issues (like a Kaboom!) with the shorter slide on the back end? Works fine with snap caps but haven't had it to the range yet.

[stansdds]

I really like my Model 6946. Twelve rounds of 9x19 in the mag plus one in the chamber. Mine has MIM fire control parts, so that contributes to its very smooth trigger pull. It carries very well IWB or OWB. I've considered going to Glock or an M&P, but so far I don't see that such a change would be of great benefit.


A Kaboom with the metal frame S&W's can occur in one of two ways. Either a very overcharged round and the case head ruptures or it fires out of battery. As long as the trigger stays disconnected until the barrel is fully cammed up into the slide and the slide is just a few thousandths of an inch from being fully forward, I don't see how it could kaboom.

[kbm6893]

I carried a 5946 years ago as a duty gun. Solid gun, but back then I was not into DAO models. I’ve had easily 25-30 3rd gen guns over the years. I bought a PD 5946 a few years ago, mostly for nostalgia, and I really appreciated the slick slide. I now own 2 5946’s, a 6946, and a 3953. I still have a 5906 and a 4566, but as you can see, the DAO outnumber the TDA 2 to 1.

[Baxter6551]

My second career was with an armored car company and my issued gun was a 3953 which now resides with me in retirement. Picked up a nice Alesi holster off the forum last year. My only experience with S&W autos as we carried Sigs on police department. Prior to that was model 65s which we were allowed to purchase for $100.

[otis24]

Not familiar with these models. I don’t mind DAO pistols. Do these models have an external hammer that is cocked and released with each pull? I’m familiar with the Beretta 92D that fires DAO. This, to me, is the perfect solution for law enforcement agencies that want safety and capacity. I might invest in a DAO pistol some day. Is there a list of S&W pistols that are DAO?

[stansdds]

Originally Posted by otis24

Not familiar with these models. I don’t mind DAO pistols. Do these models have an external hammer that is cocked and released with each pull? I’m familiar with the Beretta 92D that fires DAO. This, to me, is the perfect solution for law enforcement agencies that want safety and capacity. I might invest in a DAO pistol some day. Is there a list of S&W pistols that are DAO?

The original versions of the S&W DAO has a slide and receiver that are longer in the back end than those of the standard, DA/SA pistols. The hammer in these DAO pistol have a rounded top and the longer slide conceals the fact that the hammer is partially cocked. The partially cocked hammer slightly shortens the trigger pull, but eliminates the possibility of a second strike should a primer fail to ignite.


The later production TSW DAO pistols have the standard DA/SA slides and receivers, but no thumb safety and the hammer follows the slide as it goes forward and does not remain partially cocked. This gives the TSW DAO pistols a slightly longer trigger pull, pretty much the same as firing the first shot from a DA/SA model, but adds second strike capabilities.

[JohnHL]

Originally Posted by stansdds

The original versions of the S&W DAO has a slide and receiver that are longer in the back end than those of the standard, DA/SA pistols. The hammer in these DAO pistol have a rounded top and the longer slide conceals the fact that the hammer is partially cocked. The partially cocked hammer slightly shortens the trigger pull, but eliminates the possibility of a second strike should a primer fail to ignite.

All correct!

The later production TSW DAO pistols have the standard DA/SA slides and receivers, but no thumb safety and the hammer follows the slide as it goes forward and does not remain partially cocked. This gives the TSW DAO pistols a slightly longer trigger pull, pretty much the same as firing the first shot from a DA/SA model, but adds second strike capabilities.

Um...No.

TSW DAO models have the same operation and manual of arms as the earlier models with no second strike capabilities.

The hammers on the TSW models are partially cocked just like the earlier models.

Due to the shorter frames and slides on the TSW models (S&W designed them that way so that they could be converted to DA/SA and vice-versa on the armorer level to meet the whims of shifting politics) the hammers are not as partially cocked as the earlier models, but are still partially cocked with no second strike capability.

Only the Chiefs Specials D models and the 3914DAO models have the second strike capability.

John

[Redcoat3340]

JohnHL -- so that means for the shortest (smoothest??) double action trigger pull the non-TSW gun might be preferred; and for the one to convert to DA/SA (as was done to my 5946TSW) go for the TSW model.

That's a big help. I have sufficient (?) DA/SA Smiths, so now will be focusing to add a non-TSW DAO (or two?) to the accumulation. Thanks.

[JohnHL]

Originally Posted by Redcoat3340

JohnHL -- so that means for the shortest (smoothest??) double action trigger pull the non-TSW gun might be preferred; and for the one to convert to DA/SA (as was done to my 5946TSW) go for the TSW model.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

That's a big help. I have sufficient (?) DA/SA Smiths, so now will be focusing to add a non-TSW DAO (or two?) to the accumulation. Thanks.

You're welcome.

John

[stansdds]

Originally Posted by JohnHL

All correct!




Um...No.

TSW DAO models have the same operation and manual of arms as the earlier models with no second strike capabilities.

The hammers on the TSW models are partially cocked just like the earlier models.

Due to the shorter frames and slides on the TSW models (S&W designed them that way so that they could be converted to DA/SA and vice-versa on the armorer level to meet the whims of shifting politics) the hammers are not as partially cocked as the earlier models, but are still partially cocked with no second strike capability.

Only the Chiefs Specials D models and the 3914DAO models have the second strike capability.

John

I stand corrected.

[URIT]

I'd be looking for a S&W 5943 in 9mm. It has a 4 inch barrel and weighs 30 ounces. It was a fine LE duty weapon for many.

[BigMuddy]

Is the 4546 considered the most rare of the DAO semi-autos?

Dan

[lhump1961]

Can't go wrong with any of them but I'll second the 6946 if you want more capacity.

[Redcoat3340]

Well, I found a 6946 on the big auction site and went for it. $440 seemed kinda okay, not a bargain but I don't think I'm overpaying too much. (Of course shipping, FFL, and tax in WA state adds a bunch.)
Looked in good shape and I've got my mag from my 6906 so the one it comes with will suffice.
I' m really liking my 3953 and I like the added capacity of the 69 series.

It'll take a week+ for me to get it on my hands, so a report after that.

[skjos]

Originally Posted by BigMuddy

Is the 4546 considered the most rare of the DAO semi-autos?

Probably a 5th place tie with the 4556, only around 500 made, but there are a lot of DAO's that production numbers are unknown at this time.

5946 Melonite with integral rail (5?)
3913DAO (10)
1046 (151)
4054 (154)
4556 (548)

[skjos]

Originally Posted by JohnHL

Only the Chiefs Specials D models and the 3914DAO models have the second strike capability.

Some of the 457D were double-strike capable and I'm assuming the (10) 3913DAO's were also double-strike capable being the cousin of the 3914DAO.

[JohnHL]

Originally Posted by skjos

Some of the 457D were double-strike capable and I'm assuming the (10) 3913DAO's were also double-strike capable being the cousin of the 3914DAO.

You're probably right, but I wanted to leave the "unicorns" and the "a friend of a friend told me so" models out and stick to the "available" editions.

John

[GaryS]

The 3913DAO guns were prototype and T&E guns according to posts here and there on the forum. IIRC, the officers who tested them were allowed to keep them.

The SCSW says that they had the magazine disconnect removed, but that's not clear as the production 3914DAO guns have a magazine safety.

As you note, some of the 457D guns had second strike capability, but some didn't. From pictures posted in the for sale forum, some of them had the hump backed hammer which was partially precocked.

I did screen grabs of those from the WTS add. Here is a good view of the "true" DAO hammer.

Originally Posted by skjos

Some of the 457D were double-strike capable and I'm assuming the (10) 3913DAO's were also double-strike capable being the cousin of the 3914DAO.

[HOUSTON RICK]

I am a bad person ro ask, because I like almost all of the third gens.