DAO vs ...

[jeffsmith]

I have owned & shot a 3rd generation DA/SA 3914 for several years

Lately, after shooting my new (to me) SW9M and a few DAO pistols rented at the range
(including an M&P9C)

What I've found is I actually prefer DAO

Anyone else have a similar (or different) experience?

Advantages vs Disadvantages of DAO ?

 

[jeffsmith]

I have owned & shot a 3rd generation DA/SA 3914 for several years

Lately, after shooting my new (to me) SW9M and a few DAO pistols rented at the range
(including an M&P9C)

What I've found is I actually prefer DAO

Anyone else have a similar (or different) experience?

Advantages vs Disadvantages of DAO ?

 

[vanya]

Greetings,
I feel the same way. It started for me with the ourchase of my Keltec P11. Then a SW9ve. It's hard to explain but perhaps the diberate trigger pull is part of it. Once adpated to that it just feels like I have more control. I don't shoot in any kind of competition or anything but the triggers on both are quite good. Maybe I'm just used to it and yes I have done the fluff and buff, more on the P11. I keep them both clean and lubed.

 

[Beemerguy53]

I've never been able to get used to DA/SA pistols...I've owned a few of them and sold them all.

I like a consistent trigger pull from shot to shot. I have a number of single-action pistols, (1911s and Browning High Powers) a striker-fired pistol (Kahr K9), and two Beretta DAO pistols, a 92D Centurian and a 96D Centurian. Though they all have very different feels to their triggers, I like them all, because they are consistent.

IMHO, DAO pistols are the best-kept secret in handgunning.

 

[Spotteddog]

FWIW,
The only autoloader I fired for the first 40 years was a 1911'. So much so in fact, that I automatically "sweep" the safety off, even in a D/A revolver? But, I am becoming a convert to a full DAO type bottom feeder action. The TDA's are a big PITA to me. I want something consistent each and every time. And there are few things safer than a full length DAO pull.
I still carry 1911's from time to time, but my next will be a hi-cap 9 or .40 with DAO and no thumb lever.

 

[KurtC]

I tried a TDA pistol back in 1983, when the army was getting ready to replace the 1911. I found the idea of shooting a double tap with two different trigger pulls to be the stupidest handgun idea anyone ever came up with.

I stuck with the 1911 pattern until 1990, when S&W came out with their DAO .45's. I will also use Beretta "D" models.

 

[Golddog]

I find both TDA's and DAO's dangerous - they're so hard to shoot well that they could get you killed. I much prefer SA's or good striker-fired guns like Glocks and M&P's.

 

[Spotteddog]

Golddog,
In my limited vocabulary of understanding of so called "modern" semi-auto actions, I usually refer to the striker fired types as DAO. But it's not because of any deep understanding of them. Rather, it's due to the distance the trigger moves in order to fire initially. That's the way my ancient reptile brain needs to sort out D/A vs. S/A? I understand that the speed is in the much shorter reset distance. Sorry for the inaccurate description?

 

[Golddog]

Spotteddog: I'm all thumbs, so I stay out of the internals of firearms, and I won't pass myself off as knowledgeable about the mechanics of various trigger systems. However, in my experience, Glocks and M&P's have decent trigger pulls compared to, say, a DAO like the S&W 3953/4 (the WORST pull I've ever found on any quality firearm) or the initial pull on a Beretta 92F or S&W 3913 TDA.

There are crappy striker triggers, such as the Sigma, mediocre ones (Kahr CW9), or really easy to use types, as on my Glock 26. My Glock is as good as it gets this side of a 1911 or a nice CZ. Because it's so sweet, it requires careful attention during holstering, but I'd rather worry about that than about where my first shot would be going in an emergency with standard DA's.

 

[Old Navy]

Having recently come back to revolvers and never owning a DAO auto before buying a M&P 45 about year and a half ago. It had what seem like an ok trigger but nothing to compare with my 1911's I have had in the past.

My 1086 however I would carry anyday over my G29 if I was working the street, if I were going to the sand box I would take the Glock. I do like the safety of no safety and just pulling the trigger. A rather long pull by Dan Wesson revolver standards, but smooth and always the same. But most of all no sudden forgetting to thumb the safety

 

[rollback88]

DAO is ok since it is consistent. DA/SA is horrible. The striker systems like M&P are ideal, IMHO for a defensive gun. A reasonable pull with clean break on the first shot (safe - make sure the first shot is intentional) and light, crisp pops after that.

--jcd

 

[Pioneer461]

Originally posted by rollback88:
DAO is ok since it is consistent. DA/SA is horrible. --jcd

Training, training, training. I prefer DA/SA, but then I'm old school.

 

[Golddog]

I don't follow the "training, training" argument. If some guns are easier to shoot well without lengthy, expensive (ammo) training, why go to much less user-friendly DA triggers, aside from alleged safety reasons?

 

[Bullman]

I must admit that I shoot my Glock's better than my DA/SA Smiths. I have wanted to acquire one of the DAO Smiths to see what it was like, but haven't been able to do it, the used market is pretty dry around these parts, I would probably have to go to Roanoke.

 

[bmcgilvray]

In automatics I like cocked and locked. I loathe DAO triggers.

 

[varoadking]

What I've found is I actually prefer DAO

Anyone else have a similar (or different) experience?

Yes, indeed...DAO's represent the highest percentage of my modest collection, with 9 S&W's currently a part of that.

My experience is quite different from golddog...my Smith DAO actions are like butter. That said, I do shoot targets somewhat more accurately with my custom 1911's and SiG SRT's.

I like Glock's, and the SiG DAK as well...and the Kahr Elite trigger is second to none...but for a total package - Smith's top my list...

 

[Frizzman]

I carried revolvers, M10 and M64, during my time as a LEO. I always shot those DAO. So, the long, heavy trigger pull is comfortable to me. A major issue as a LEO was that there were numerous instances where one would draw and point the gun at a subject but not need to shoot. Despite the training to the contrary, it is really easy to put your finger on the trigger when excited. A light trigger pull could make the difference between a hairy situation that ended in an arrest and a LOT of problems. I don't know how much that applies to the civilian world but I still prefer a long, smooth, consistant and heavier trigger because of that...

 

[smith10]

I have used and preferred TDA autos. Double taps have never been a problem for me.

 

[kbm6893]

TDA for me. I like the option of a SA shot. Striker fired guns TO ME are more dangerous then any other gun. No hammer to rest youyr thumb on when holstering to further prevent ND. No safety. I used to carry a 5946 when still on the job, and I MUCH prefer the 5906 to it.

 

[Old Navy]

Best DAO automatic ever made, bar none.

Edited to add "automatic".