Model 3954: only 1000 produced?

[BAM-BAM]

Don't get me started on revolvers.......... I have quit a few doubles..... often a shooter and a collectible....... even have three 3 inch 66s.

Revolvers are worse than autos..... with different barrel lengths on the same model, often X2 with round butts and square butts.........

 

[TTSH]

Don't get me started on revolvers.......... I have quit a few doubles..... often a shooter and a collectible....... even have three 3 inch 66s.

Revolvers are worse than autos..... with different barrel lengths on the same model, often X2 with round butts and square butts.........

No, no, no Bam. I'm talking identical duplicates, triplicates and so on. In my senile old mind, revolvers with different butts, different finishes and/or different barrel lengths are not to be considered identical guns even if they start with the same model number.

Now, I recognize that S&W has changed it's model name/numbering approach over time and that confuses the comparison. And I also get that the "shooter plus collectible" thing can make for a lot of duplicates (or near duplicates) for almost any gun. But I contend that my thesis still holds: S&W semi-auto collectors... and 3rd Gen collectors in particular... tend to buy/own more same model multiples than S&W revolver collectors.

Agree or not?

 

[BAM-BAM]

I don't know I seen pictures here with dozens of 10s, 19s and 27s lined up.....all with the same barrel length and butts......granted they may have different dash numbers.....

In autos we have fewer dash guns in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen guns... 39s we only had 3 dashs (no,-1 and-2) made for what 30 years. Many 3rd gen blue or single stack guns were only made for a year or two. Finally they still tend to be bring less $s than classic revolvers..... in fact they are often to 'cheap" to leave behind. The last explains why I have three 3913NL and two 3914s and a bunch of 69xx guns.

 

[lhump1961]

It seems the DAO pistols have a smaller appeal. Probably the DA pull scares some folks away who don't want to spend the time with it. I love my DAO pistols one of which is a 3954 and find they are super slim and shoot very nice groups with a smooth pull. As for value I can imagine that while the low production numbers drive the price of a 3954 up the smaller group of buyers brings it back a bit.

I don't have the box for mine but it is in excellent condition and am glad to have it. Good luck on your search...you'll find one.

edit: I also think that for those who have never shot a DAO designed 3rd gen may think the trigger pull is like the DA pull on a TDA...it is not. The pull is shorter and a bit lighter on the DAO's. The DAO 3914 is not the same as the 3953/3954. There is also no second strike capability with a 3953/3954 but that is the case with most semi autos including the fantastic plastics and the beloved 1911.

 

[18DAI]

I had a NIB 3954. I kept reading how the DAO trigger was "revolver like". I have shot revolvers double action my whole life. I didn't see it with the 3954. I didn't like the trigger. So I sold it to a member here.

I may try one of the 3914DAOs if I ever come across an early one for a decent price. But I already have enough DA/SA 3rd gen 9mms to last me. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

 

[JohnHL]

18, if you want to know how the 3914DAO trigger feels, just take one of your DA/SA Smiths to the range, fire it double action, and de-cock after each shot!

John

 

[TTSH]

I don't know I seen pictures here with dozens of 10s, 19s and 27s lined up.....all with the same barrel length and butts......granted they may have different dash numbers.....

In autos we have fewer dash guns in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen guns... 39s we only had 3 dashes (no,-1 and-2) made for what 30 years. Many 3rd gen blue or single stack guns were only made for a year or two. Finally they still tend to be bring less $s than classic revolvers..... in fact they are often too 'cheap" to leave behind. The last explains why I have three 3913NL and two 3914s and a bunch of 69xx guns.

You're making my point Bam. One would think that with the wide variety of 3rd Gens available, a serious/diligent collector could keep going for a very long time and never buy the same gun twice... ... but no, we buy duplicates of the most desirable ones (in each of our own personal opinions)... and yes, in large part due to the relatively low cost for the value received.

 

[TTSH]

I had a NIB 3954. I kept reading how the DAO trigger was "revolver like". I have shot revolvers double action my whole life. I didn't see it with the 3954. I didn't like the trigger. So I sold it to a member here.

I fell in love with the first Model 3953 that I ever came across. The trigger was outstanding on it. Impressed the heck out of me. Must have been worked or something... who knows? Unfortunately, the frame was cosmetically damaged and that was a deal killer for me even given its low price.

I now own two near-new 3953's and one new (unfired) 3954... and none of them have a trigger anywhere near as nice as that first damaged one. Nonetheless, I wouldn't give them up for anything. I like slender and nothing beats a DAO 3rd Gen compact unless maybe its a DAO Chief's Special.

 

[firescout]

Oh well. It looks like I'll just be content to only have my 908. The 3953 guns are difficult to find in Calif, and my other wish-gun is a Model 639, which is also on the rare/pricey list here.

 

[mochahooligan]

Ok time to resurrect this thread. I work for a village, we are in concrete season right now. We pulled 12 squares from in front a a house. Owner comes out we discuss what the village does how we do it etc.
get on the subject of guns. Well mostly I steer it that way. He is a retired officer and I am a part time officer. We discuss guns etc. he asks if a LEO store we both go to buys used guns. I said no but I'm always looking ��
He asks if I want to see 2 guns he wants to sell I say sure.
He comes back out with a S&W cardboard box. It has a very nice looking very little wear on the slide by the muzzle 3954! 2 mags and a Se Santiago pancake holster. Also he has a Seecamp 32 in the box IWB holster and the spare mag still in plastic in the box never opened.
I look them both over ask what are you looking to get.
He says at least $400 each. I said let me think about it I'll talk to him tomorrow. Well after seeing that there was just under 1000 made I'll be bringing some cash to work tomorrow and seeing him at lunchtime to do the transfer! Pics will go up when I get time this week.

 

[GaryS]

Very rare model indeed. The last one I saw I listed was lifted at about $700. If you can get it in that condition for 400 definitely grab it.

Just remember you're required to post pictures once you have it in your possession I think that's in the rules.

Ok time to resurrect this thread. I work for a village, we are in concrete season right now. We pulled 12 squares from in front a a house. Owner comes out we discuss what the village does how we do it etc.
get on the subject of guns. Well mostly I steer it that way. He is a retired officer and I am a part time officer. We discuss guns etc. he asks if a LEO store we both go to buys used guns. I said no but I'm always looking ��
He asks if I want to see 2 guns he wants to sell I say sure.
He comes back out with a S&W cardboard box. It has a very nice looking very little wear on the slide by the muzzle 3954! 2 mags and a Se Santiago pancake holster. Also he has a Seecamp 32 in the box IWB holster and the spare mag still in plastic in the box never opened.
I look them both over ask what are you looking to get.
He says at least $400 each. I said let me think about it I'll talk to him tomorrow. Well after seeing that there was just under 1000 made I'll be bringing some cash to work tomorrow and seeing him at lunchtime to do the transfer! Pics will go up when I get time this week.

 

[mochahooligan]

Very rare model indeed. The last one I saw I listed was lifted at about $700. If you can get it in that condition for 400 definitely grab it.

Just remember you're required to post pictures once you have it in your possession I think that's in the rules.

Like I said I'm bringing cash and gonna do paperwork for a lunchtime exchange. And yes I think it is in the rules!

 

[pmosley]

These 2 TJA prefix serial numbers are just 456 numbers apart - among my favorites of my 3rd generations

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