3914LS versus 3953

[Redcoat3340]

Wondering which folks "prefer" between two cousins -- the DA/SA 3914 LadySmith and DAO 3953.
Both the same size, mag capacity, reliability, and ease of carry.

But the 3953 has a noticeably better DA trigger (at least mine does) than the DA on the LadySmith. Of course the SA on the LS "beats" the 3953, but there are many who don't like the transition between the DA first shot and subsequent follow-up shots so go DAP or striker fired pistols.

(Of course I could, and should, have the trigger on the LadySmith worked on to lower the DA weight and make it as smooth as the 3914...but let's just consider stock guns without any improvement.


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[Heymatt]

My choice would be the 3953. A touch slimmer without the safety. The stainless finish being more durable than the blued finish.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Make mine a 3913NL my most carried gun since 1990.

The DA SA issue isn't an issue; especially to folks who started out on revolvers.

 

[Heinz]

I do not have a problem with the difference in pull between double and single action. I feel that disengaging the safety and the long pull on the first shot is a good "thinking" stage that you are about to apply deadly force. After that first shot I want the light, crisp, single action trigger that made Smiths famous.
Everybody gets their own opinion, that is mine.

 

[rwt1405]

3953 for me.

Purchased my 3953 in 1990 or 1991, to replace a 669, as my CCW.

Carried it (3953) for 30 years, until 2020, when I started carrying a Shield.

For me, the trigger pull on the 3rd Gen DAO's were near perfect (again, for me), as I have never cared for the SA/DA triggers.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I do not have a problem with the difference in pull between double and single action. I feel that disengaging the safety and the long pull on the first shot is a good "thinking" stage that you are about to apply deadly force. After that first shot I want the light, crisp, single action trigger that made Smiths famous.
Everybody gets their own opinion, that is mine.

My thoughts on long DA first shot also!

Thou I carry decocked safety off............. My preference is decocker only when it's an option.

 

[URIT]

My EDC is a model 3953. I own a 3913LS and NL, but prefer the DAO trigger vs the TDA for my concealed carry weapon.

The manual of arms with the 3953 is a no-brainer and that's important to me when the $hit hits the fan. I don't want to think about a safety switch position at a critical moment, and I'm not willing to spend the time and money conditioning myself to TDA.

 

[clang444]

I prefer the DA/SA or Traditional Double Action over DAO. My favorite is the 3913TSW with short grip and no rail:

 

[LVSteve]

3953 for me. Nothing to snag and the same pull every time. Still kicking myself for not getting one at $300 when CDNN had a load of them.

 

[Engine49guy]

While I don't own a 3913 I have a 6906 and a 3953,
Imo with the longer slide at the rear the of the 3953 makes it look ugly where the 3913 Ladysmith is very cool looking and unique.

Some like the 3953 trigger, it is a little better than the 3913/6906 because it is essentially pre cocked but I prefer the da/sa triggers.

Btw the 3953 has no second strike if you pull the trigger and it doesn't go bang.

 

[SmithNut]

..........DAO..........

 

[rosewood]

I have the 4053 also and it is a pain to dry fire on sofa while watching TV. Trigger isn't bad though. Haven't decided to go 10 with it yet though.

I converted a 4013 to 1013 and rotate between it and my 3913 for EDC. I like the SA/DA for carry.

Rosewood

 

[GaryS]

That is my normal carry piece when I'm carrying IWB. For pocket carry I have a CS9S with a Left side only safety. Actually, my 3913TSW also have a Left side only safety.

Just a bit thinner and thinner is better IMO.

I prefer the DA/SA or Traditional Double Action over DAO. My favorite is the 3913TSW with short grip and no rail:

 

[JohnHL]

That is my normal carry piece when I'm carrying IWB. For pocket carry I have a CS9S with a Left side only safety. Actually, my 3913TSW also have a Left side only safety.

Just a bit thinner and thinner is better IMO.

Did someone say, "Thinner is better"?

Slenderizing the Slim. A 3914 story (with pictures)

John

 

[TAROMAN]

3953 all the way for me.
Ditched the TDA model soon after.
Sleek and slender with no protuberances.
I think of it as being an 8-shot 9mm revolver,

 

[Engine49guy]

Looking at the 3953 (since the dao slides are unique to the DAO models) it would have made them alot less of an eyesore if the factory woukd have eliminated the safety decocker hole in the frame instead of just filling it with a plug and since the slide is much longer at the rear ( to shroud the hammer) is they should have milled the rear site much further back giving it a better sight radius.

On a side note IMO the cream of the crop in the compact 3rd gens are the Performance Center 9mms and 40's.

 

[GaryS]

The later TSW guns used the same slide IIRC. Plus that plug is the firing pin retainer so needs to be there or the firing pin wouldn't stay put.

It needs to be removable in order to remove the firing pin and firing pin spring. In the SA/DA guns it also functions as the decocker/safety.

The reason that the retainer is so oddly shaped on the later slides is that converted between DAO and SA/DA by changing a few parts.

Looking at the 3953 (since the dao slides are unique to the DAO models) it would have made them alot less of an eyesore if the factory woukd have eliminated the safety decocker hole in the frame instead of just filling it with a plug and since the slide is much longer at the rear ( to shroud the hammer) is they should have milled the rear site much further back giving it a better sight radius.

On a side note IMO the cream of the crop in the compact 3rd gens are the Performance Center 9mms and 40's.

 

[Redcoat3340]

A bit of a confession -- I put a spare 3913 slide I had on top of the 3953 so I could put a safety on the DA, and yes, I really do wear a belt and suspenders.
Even though the slide is a bit shorter and the hammer sort of hangs out a bit, the gun functions perfectly and I have the option of using the safety (which doesn't get in my way, I don't mind it being there) if I want it. It's still DA only; and yes, there's no second strike capability, but I've yet to have a misfire on any of my carry ammo.

There's a real mystery about these two guns and one other.

I have a Beretta PX4compact in 9m that's the same height and length, just a bit fatter in the grip to accommodate 15 or so rounds...and I had it slicked up by Langdon so the trigger is near-perfect.
Logic says it should be my #1 carry gun...lots of bullets, wears super comfortable IWB, has a laser if I want to use it, great trigger

And yet I keep going to my two Smiths when I go out 'round the neighborhood and I can't figure out why. I just like those guns better (plus my other Gen 3 carry guns). Go figure.