Smith & Wesson Model 4053 DAO

[vladret13]

The New Jersey Bureau of Parole started issuing us the S&W Model 4053 DAO around 1994. I carried it from August 1996 until I retired on May 1, 1998. As I recall , It had a 9 Round Magazine which we loaded with Remington Golden Saber Hollow Points. I carried at least two spare magazines on my support side. At the time, I felt well armed, mainly because of the hollow point
ammunition and the ballistic profile of the .40 Caliber S&W round. However, after I retired, we were prohibited by statute from using hollow point ammunition. This created a problem. I purchased a Model 60 S&W which I loaded with .38 Special +P, lead, truncated cone, semi-wadcutters. Despite having a couple of speed loaders and a speed strip for my Model 60, I felt that I needed more firepower. A few months later, I purchased a Glock 30 in .45 ACP. Since I couldn't use hollow points, I wanted a big, fat, 230 grain FMJ round with some well documented stopping power! The Glock carried 10 rounds and I usually clipped one spare magazine to my belt. Problem solved...

 

[ACEd]

The New Jersey Bureau of Parole started issuing us the S&W Model 4053 DAO around 1994. I carried it from August 1996 until I retired on May 1, 1998. As I recall , It had a 9 Round Magazine which we loaded with Remington Golden Saber Hollow Points. I carried at least two spare magazines on my support side. At the time, I felt well armed, mainly because of the hollow point
ammunition and the ballistic profile of the .40 Caliber S&W round. However, after I retired, we were prohibited by statute from using hollow point ammunition. This created a problem. I purchased a Model 60 S&W which I loaded with .38 Special +P, lead, truncated cone, semi-wadcutters. Despite having a couple of speed loaders and a speed strip for my Model 60, I felt that I needed more firepower. A few months later, I purchased a Glock 30 in .45 ACP. Since I couldn't use hollow points, I wanted a big, fat, 230 grain FMJ round with some well documented stopping power! The Glock carried 10 rounds and I usually clipped one spare magazine to my belt. Problem solved...

4053 would be 8rd single stack mag with red follower. 4053TSW was 9rd double stack mag with blue follower. Both nice pistols. Curious if they were agency marked - if so I would be interested in a photo of markings.

 

[wyo-man]

My 4054 is one of my most prized firearms.

wyo-man

 

[URIT]

The S&W Model 4053 is my favorite CCW during the late fall and early winter months. January through March the foxes breed and get a little crazy and I have a big investment in the Scottie I walk in the mornings.

I own two 4053 models and two 4054 models. The 4054 models are safe queens.

During spring and summer months, I opt for one of four model 3953 I own.

I have many other S&W Gen3 pistols, but found out through trial and error that the single stack pistols fit my hand best and DAO pistols were the safest choice for IWB carry just in front of the hip bone.

OP, thanks for your post. It brought to mind how much I like the 4053 DAO pistol, and an opportunity to share my thoughts.

 

[ACEd]

Curious as to peoples experience / differences if any between the early 4053 (and/or early 4013 and I believe all 4054) with single recoil spring design vs late 4053 (and 4013) pistols with dual recoil springs.

 

[Gyreene]

Here's a pic of my 4053TSW with a pair of 9 round mags.
I think a 40 S&W is as effective a round as there is for Self -D in CC .
So did the boys at the FBI for about 20 years until the bean counters went 9mm.
Despite the untrained whiners .... It's nice and hefty and does not feel "Snappy" at all with a correct grip.
The DAO bobbed hammer make it nice and safe to carry IWB.
I would part with it since I spent 3K on a Wilson Combat 45 and that's now my EDC.

 

[KurtC]

I've been carrying in NJ since 1988, usually some sort of 45. Because of the hollow point restriction, I used Glaser Safety Slugs in the early days.

When Federal came out with the EFMJ, it was specifically made for jurisdictions like NJ. Been carrying them for years now. Here's one (.45) I fired into ballistic gelatin. I believe there are some .40 S&W on GB.

 

[vladret13]

4053 would be 8rd single stack mag with red follower. 4053TSW was 9rd double stack mag with blue follower. Both nice pistols. Curious if they were agency marked - if so I would be interested in a photo of markings.

My 4053 did not have an agency mark...but thank you for your comment.

 

[vladret13]

Here's a pic of my 4053TSW with a pair of 9 round mags.
I think a 40 S&W is as effective a round as there is for Self -D in CC .
So did the boys at the FBI for about 20 years until the bean counters went 9mm.
Despite the untrained whiners .... It's nice and hefty and does not feel "Snappy" at all with a correct grip.
The DAO bobbed hammer make it nice and safe to carry IWB.
I would part with it since I spent 3K on a Wilson Combat 45 and that's now my EDC.

Thank you for correcting me. In my original post I said "internal hammer", when it was a "bobbed" hammer.
Marines always get it right!