DAO

[HYPURR]

I had never really paid any attention to these. In the day LE DAO seemed "too restrictive" and not an option I'd ever consider owning. Seems these are alittle more desired and rarer in some of their unique configurations as 3rd Gen's are highly prized, collected, etc.

What are some opinions on this from a standpoint of collectability vs the same of our more favorite DA/SA models?

Thanks for your thoughts. Dave

 

[kaveman]

I personally love the gen3 DAO guns. I've always had a dislike for TDA and consequently avoided the S&W autos(I made exceptions for TDA pistols that could be carried cocked and locked as long as the safety was NOT situated on the slide,.....CZ75, early Beretta M92, etc). Until I learned about the gen3 DAO I didn't expect that I'd ever own a S&W auto. Now I have about two dozen.

I have branched out a little and have picked up a few non-DAO Smiths but only for range toys. Found a deal on some cheap imported 39-2's and bought three of them along with a 915. At least these are single sided and I don't need to worry about carrying them. They seem OK. Conversely, I picked up a 5906 just yesterday and it reminded me again just how much I dislike the TDA and how in-the-way the ambi safety is. I think I almost hate that gun. I know I would never carry it,..............but again,...............it was cheap. I just plan to keep it around in case someone more comfortable with TDA needs it. In my opinion, the smooth exterior, simple manual of arms, and consistent trigger of the DAO trumps any advantage the TDA could hope to offer.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Funny! I have always like TDA. I have a 5903 SSV that is NIB that I put away a long time ago, but I'm happy to shoot my CS-45 or my recently acquired 6906. Not to mention any other "brands".

But I think I would like a DAO pistol just as well. I have never acquired one but I think I'd be happy to own it and carry it - I love the 3rd Gen guns and now I'll think about a DAO if I see one for sale!

***GRJ***

 

[Fishinfool]

Can't speak to values on the DA guns vs the DA/SA models. But I do know they made the transition for cops going from revolvers to auto's easier.

Personally, I really like the DA auto as a defensive / duty weapon. People talk about quick tactical trigger resets, crisp trigger pulls, etc., but I know of a lot of serious DA only shooters who smoke a combat course with their weapons. Just takes practice. Remember, all those fine motor skills that allow you to take advantage of things like a quick trigger re-set on the range, go out the window in a real situation.

Larry

 

[ColbyBruce]

The S&W 3953 is my favorite CCW. I like the DAO system, but do wish the gun had a repeat trigger pull.

My first S&W DAO was a 5946. It was heavier than I cared to tote, but was a fine pistol otherwise.

The S&W DAO pistols are not popular in my area and I would not tie up a lot of money in one.

I have three Sig pistols that are DAO that do have repeat trigger pulls that I like.

 

[Ascension]

I own a 4043 and at first was not so big on the DAO but now after getting used to it I love it. I carry the 4043 more than any other pistol I own right now.
On the range it took a little time getting the feel for the DAO trigger (which on mine with a 16 lb hammer spring measures out at 9 lbs) but once I did I think it has made me a better shooter. The smooth long DAO trigger has forced me to really work on my trigger control and follow through. I now shoot very well and constantly with the 4043 and am really glad I bought it.

 

[S&W1006]

I can't speak to the collectability of the DAO 3rd gens. I know they are harder to come by so someday that might translate to higher value due to lower production numbers. I used to wonder why anybody would want a DAO but after discovering revolvers I prefer a DAO. I love the short reset of the 3rd gens I can do double taps as fast as I can with a single action trigger.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

 

[Kadonny]

Love my 3rd gen DAOs, I have 3 of them. My favorite carry of them is my 6946, my favorite to ogle over is my 5943TSW.

 

[rwsmith]

This goes for me, too.

Can't speak to values on the DA guns vs the DA/SA models. But I do know they made the transition for cops going from revolvers to auto's easier.

Personally, I really like the DA auto as a defensive / duty weapon. People talk about quick tactical trigger resets, crisp trigger pulls, etc., but I know of a lot of serious DA only shooters who smoke a combat course with their weapons. Just takes practice. Remember, all those fine motor skills that allow you to take advantage of things like a quick trigger re-set on the range, go out the window in a real situation.

Larry

For defense, a pistol you pick up and pull the trigger to shoot works for me as well. I'll learn a manual of arms thoroughly for a more complex pistol but I can't make my family do the same and be confident. DA revolver to DA pistol. That's the first consideration.

 

[GKC]

I don't care for the DAO variants, personally. I much prefer the traditional DA/SA action on these guns, as well as SIGs, and other similar guns.

I do like M&Ps and similar polymer pistols, but they aren't DAO actions.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I loathe DAO handguns with a deep abiding passion.

There was a time when DAO was scarce on the ground, being only found on the Smith & Wesson Centennial model revolvers and that odd H&K VP 70.

When DAO became popular it took the handgun world by storm, both law enforcement agencies and individual shooters embracing it. Despite the fact that it's the popular thing to do now, I don't have to like it. The rifles and shotguns enjoyed around here don't have triggers with a designed-in impediment to overcome in order to shoot well.

DAO triggers are a particular flavor of "yuck."

 

[BLUEDOT37]

DAO collectability

I don't know about collectability on DAOs either but I suspect it's just like the opinions expressed here. People who love them collect them, while the others don't.

I've been a revolver guy since day one but I never got into shooting them DA. I was always a plinker or target shooter & SA worked for me best so DAO autos don't have a special draw (no punk intended) for me. I do like the smoothness of their triggers, compared to the DA of a TDA. Besides the lack of a repeat pull feature, what I don't like about DAOs, when I'm target shooting, is after you squeeze off a round & you slowly release/reset the trigger, you have to wait until the second click to be able to fire again. On TDAs the first click is just a short travel forward of the stop to fire again. Once you get used to that, & then try to shoot a DAO the same way, you'll quickly get annoyed because the first click gets you nothing in a DAO. If I shoot a DAO enough I become less prone to the issue, but again, it's not my first nature.

I do agree that they are good for anyone who's been shooting revolvers DA, or, for a novice/casual shooter as they are simplier than a TDA, not having a blocker/decocker to think about, & a long trigger pull to reduce accidental discharges. Might that be their collectability attraction?

 

[Kadonny]

The rifles and shotguns enjoyed around here don't have triggers with a designed-in impediment to overcome in order to shoot well.

DAO triggers are a particular flavor of "yuck."

Not sure I get your point about rifles and shotguns. It's not primarily about shooting the DAO well, it's more about carrying, for duty use or personal use, with a trigger that is consistent, reliable and safe while not employing a safety. I think the DAO makes perfect sense.

 

[18DAI]

I only own two DAO guns. One revolver and one semi auto.

My preference is TDA guns. I've never had a problem with the much ballyhooed on the internet "double to single action transition".

I simply roll my trigger and control it. And I practice too.

I think that DAO triggers led us to these lousy triggers on all those striker fired guns. I'm sure Apex Tactical is happy about that. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

 

[nocents]

as usual "18" is on point with his observations....in my opinion....I too never understood all the hub bub about the transition on TDA......but then I practice using TDA....A LOT....and the only time I use the decocker is as a decocker and the argument about the lack of decock levers makes for a slimmer profile....ok true....is that really an issue for most of us that are probably packn' a little extra around the middle anyway.....but anyone that is more comfortable with DAO....thank you......that leaves more TDA guns for the rest of us

 

[bmcgilvray]

Not sure I get your point about rifles and shotguns. It's not primarily about shooting the DAO well, it's more about carrying, for duty use or personal use, with a trigger that is consistent, reliable and safe while not employing a safety. I think the DAO makes perfect sense.

I'm really not trying to offend but when one backs off and looks at it, the DAO pistol really looks like one of the dumber ideas of our time.

I suppose my point is that we wouldn't abide a trigger with DAO characteristics on our long guns so why would we do a switch-er-roo and laud the wretched things on our handguns?

Another point to make is that I want to carry a handgun that has the same fine trigger capabilities as my rifles have rather than one that impedes with a consistently long, heavy pull. I don't mind safeties and simply don't want to deal with DAO pistols. I'm not required to use them and don't enjoy using their triggers. When it comes to the safety of the DAO trigger I'm unconcerned as I more about shooting than carrying, and other designs with nice triggers may be safely carried with perfect satisfaction. Thankfully, there are different strokes for different folks and they make handguns like the one below for folks like me. With the flip of a simple switch, a fine trigger is made available for every purpose.


Actually, I've been warming up to the notion of the TDA guns that 18DAI and others mention, a trigger concept that's looking more sensible lately as a reasonable alternative to the single-action-only designs.

 

[SMSgt]

As long as it goes bang when I pull it, I don't care what action you call it.

 

[VictorLouis]

How many of you recall the Mossberg 500/590 pattern that they set up with DAO a few years back? IIRC, it was in the catalog one year, gone the next.

Seriously though, I cut my teeth on a 659 as my first gun at 19yo. I had NO trouble with transition, and I worked at it. This was before the advent of current safety-holster technology of today, and I carried it on-safe. Time came when I had to draw down on a miscreant off-duty, and the 'click' of the safety HAD TO HAVE SOUNDED like the cocking of a hammer to him, LOL.

 

[Ascension]

It's not primarily about shooting the DAO well, it's more about carrying, for duty use or personal use, with a trigger that is consistent, reliable and safe while not employing a safety. I think the DAO makes perfect sense.

I agree on the consistent reliable and safe carry without a safety being a big +. However for me as a shooter picking up the 4043 has been a blessing. It's a long story how I got her and normally would not have bought the pistol because it was a DAO.
I own now a 1066 and a Browning High Power + a little Taurus TCP .380 which is DAO. The Taurus has a trigger that is fantastic and was MUCH better than the Glocks I have owned and it was that pistol in the end that convinced me to try the 4043.
At first it had a heavy pull and I was pulling low consistently with it but lightened the pull with a 16lb hammer spring and a little internal slicking up. Now after some practice on my trigger control I find I shoot the 4043 as well as I do the SAO High Power i have owned over 20 years. The practice I put into trigger control with the 4043 dry firing it with a snap cap has also payed off in my SAO shooting with my other pistols.
The DAO may not be for every one but owning this one has sure helped me as a shooter. That 4043 today is the pistol on my side as I type and the one I carry out more often that any other I own.
Don't know if I will buy another S&W 2 or 3 gen DAO in the future but I'm keeping the 4043 that's for certain!

 

[Kadonny]

I'm really not trying to offend but when one backs off and looks at it, the DAO pistol really looks like one of the dumber ideas of our time.

I suppose my point is that we wouldn't abide a trigger with DAO characteristics on our long guns so why would we do a switch-er-roo and laud the wretched things on our handguns?

Another point to make is that I want to carry a handgun that has the same fine trigger capabilities as my rifles have rather than one that impedes with a consistently long, heavy pull. I don't mind safeties and simply don't want to deal with DAO pistols. I'm not required to use them and don't enjoy using their triggers. When it comes to the safety of the DAO trigger I'm unconcerned as I more about shooting than carrying, and other designs with nice triggers may be safely carried with perfect satisfaction. Thankfully, there are different strokes for different folks and they make handguns like the one below for folks like me. With the flip of a simple switch, a fine trigger is made available for every purpose.

Actually, I've been warming up to the notion of the TDA guns that 18DAI and others mention, a trigger concept that's looking more sensible lately as a reasonable alternative to the single-action-only designs.

I don't mean to offend either, but you comparing an apple to a hamburger. How can you even think of comparing a long gun to a pistol that you carry around all day strapped to your body and handle multiple times a day fully loaded, you can't.

The reasons the DAO was produced are well documented and obviously the DAO is effective in what it is meant to accomplish, just look at the popularity. A ton of DAO guns have been made and continue to be made for a reason, and continue to be used by LEOs for a reason. Just because you like the traditional SA and don't mind a safety does not mean it is the best option practicality wise on the streets.