Local chain has a S&W 6946 under glass w/ 3 mags, worth it for $360? Thoughts on the DAO vs DA/SA models?

[Jboogie]

Hey all,

My local large chain you'll probably recognize has a Smith & Wesson 6946 for sale for $379.99, but with my veteran discount I can get it 5% off (at least). Comes with 3 mags and rubber grips.

I have no S&W wonder-nines, my S&W collection is currently limited to pinned and recessed 357/38spl wheelguns, but these old heavy autoloaders seem interesting to me. I've also pondered the same shop's Ruger P89 for a similar price but ultimately walked. Curious what you all think of this specimen for the price.

I know its DAO, but have heard that its more like 1.5x a typical SA pull because of the design of the trigger mechanism. Curious again if you all have experience with this model and how you'd compare it to a DA/SA. I'm a big fan of DA/SA guns but am open to trying something new, but not if the consensus is these are a step-down from DA/SA doublestack models, in which case I might continue to keep my eyes peeled for one of those. Any insight or advice is appreciated, thanks all!

 

[GaryS]

I would take a closer look at it. That's not a bad price at all, especially with three magazines and box. If it was shipped with three magazines, there's a good chance it was originally sold to a police officer or agency.

I would also look at what's printed on the front of the slide. I can't quite make it out.

The 69xx guns are not that heavy as they have aluminum alloy frames.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

It probably says "Caution , able to be fired without the magazine inserted ." I was never into DAO Smiths , even though I own some . Finally took a couple out and I was surprised , really not bad triggers . Now I mostly shoot my PC guns , so I was ready for some ho hum triggers , but they really aren't bad after you get used to them . And they make great carry guns , no safeties . My favourite is my 3953 , thanks to Guzzitaco . I bought it and sent it straight to him . Then I got another slide and barrel and he did it up and blued it and put an LPA adjustable on it . Anyways , I say buy it , or let us know where it is so one of us can buy it .

 

[KurtC]

I have been qualifying with and carrying only Smith and Wesson DAO and Beretta D models since 1991. Primarily in 45acp.

Last week I qualified with a 4546 and a 4556.

They are the perfect defensive pistols. Every pull of the trigger is the same. DA/SA are for those that can't qualify DA and can't be trusted to carry SA.

 

[M29since14]

You may have to try one to form your own preference. Over the years I have had several friends who were capable of precision shooting with guns that had awful triggers. I'm not one of those types and you may not be either.

At the price shown, and it appears to be an unusually clean gun, it's probably worth a chance if the gun appeals to you otherwise. I like the 69-series guns, generally speaking, so my view may be slightly skewed in that direction.

If you can get the slide off and check for unusual or excessive wear, it would be a good idea.

 

[GaryS]

That was my guess, but it seems to say "Caution: Wear", but I can't make out the third word on that line. The next line says "Gun Parts Must, and I think the last word is "match."

There may be something on the left side of the slide, but that's just a guess.

It probably says "Caution , able to be fired without the magazine inserted ." I was never into DAO Smiths , even though I own some . Finally took a couple out and I was surprised , really not bad triggers . Now I mostly shoot my PC guns , so I was ready for some ho hum triggers , but they really aren't bad after you get used to them . And they make great carry guns , no safeties . My favourite is my 3953 , thanks to Guzzitaco . I bought it and sent it straight to him . Then I got another slide and barrel and he did it up and blued it and put an LPA adjustable on it . Anyways , I say buy it , or let us know where it is so one of us can buy it .

 

[-dW]

6946's are fantastic guns for CCW. Once you get the swing of that trigger you'll rock n' roll with it. That's a great price especially with 3 mags and a box (some people are more thrilled about that than I am, but it's definitely a value-add)

 

[malph]

If you have experience shooting DA revolvers, you will take to it like a duck to water.

If you don't, you might struggle a bit until you get used to it.

 

[ACEd]

The 6946 comes in at least 3 vintages - the first with D shaped trigger guard and 6946 on left of slide with "... Parts must match Model..." on right of slide; the second has curved trigger guard and same slide markings; the third and final (circa 1991-2000) has no "Parts must match..." on slide.

It appears you are looking at the mid vintage (which is the one I like best because they were the shortest production run circa mid 1990). If its in good condition, grab it quick at that price especially with 3 SW mags. (Try to make sure they are SW mags - post some pictures incl mags after you buy it). SW mags are out there but not cheap - Aftermarket (ProMags) are generally not recommended.

The DAOs are designed to feel like the revolvers they were replacing - it wont be the same pull as the 3rd gen TDA variants, but I like them.

If you can look at it closely and remove slide, check innerds for wear especially in the ramp (lug) area of the frame where the barrel is forced down on recoil. This is a potential issue with hot loads and weak recoil springs same as all the 3rd gen Aluminum framed pistols. Otherwise, with normal loads and maintenance they are pretty robust.

Plan on changing recoil spring and possibly mag springs (both readily available). Factory grips are also available.

 

[Phenix]

It probably says "Caution , able to be fired without the magazine inserted ." I was never into DAO Smiths , even though I own some . Finally took a couple out and I was surprised , really not bad triggers . Now I mostly shoot my PC guns , so I was ready for some ho hum triggers , but they really aren't bad after you get used to them . And they make great carry guns , no safeties . My favourite is my 3953 , thanks to Guzzitaco . I bought it and sent it straight to him . Then I got another slide and barrel and he did it up and blued it and put an LPA adjustable on it . Anyways , I say buy it , or let us know where it is so one of us can buy it .

Heck the 3 magazines by themselve are probably worth half the price ofthe gun.
GRAB IT.