Are there any common DAO full-sized revolvers? I was thinking this morning that I might like a DAO just as a range gun and I don't like snubbies. I found a few police trade-ins that had bobbed hammers on Gunbroker but it seems options are very limited (mostly model 10 or 64 S&W) if I don't want a small CC gun.
DAO revolver options
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angel1216
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g.willikers
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Why go to the trouble of finding a DAO revolver, when you can just use any DA that way?
The SA feature doesn't have to be used, although it can come in mighty handy, on occasion.
The SA feature doesn't have to be used, although it can come in mighty handy, on occasion.
RustyShackelford
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Geminicustoms.com .....
A top custom revolver shop is www.geminicustoms.com .
They do DA only conversions with or w/o the hammer spur(my pick).
They have a great package offer on a Ruger GP100. They convert a 6" barrel GP revolver to a 3" carry gun with a DAO service.
JGsales.com had a few Smith and Wesson model 64s with DA only designs for sale. They were police trade ins. A few from the NYPD. See the website for prices.
To convert a DA revolver to DA only isn't complex. A few respected shops can do it. I'd add that the Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl can be purchased in DA only.
They are rare sometimes but I've seen Bulldogs with both shrouded hammers & DA only.
A top custom revolver shop is www.geminicustoms.com .
They do DA only conversions with or w/o the hammer spur(my pick).
They have a great package offer on a Ruger GP100. They convert a 6" barrel GP revolver to a 3" carry gun with a DAO service.
JGsales.com had a few Smith and Wesson model 64s with DA only designs for sale. They were police trade ins. A few from the NYPD. See the website for prices.
To convert a DA revolver to DA only isn't complex. A few respected shops can do it. I'd add that the Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl can be purchased in DA only.
They are rare sometimes but I've seen Bulldogs with both shrouded hammers & DA only.
A 4" model 10 or 64 is a k-frame, and not what I'd consider a snubbie or small cc gun. There are a number listed on J&G's website.
If you have a full-sized SA/DA revolver in mind, you can always convert it to DAO.
If you have a full-sized SA/DA revolver in mind, you can always convert it to DAO.
The same could be said for someone wanting a single action revolver for fun at the range, a traditional DA can be used, you don't have to use the DA feature.
I have practical weapons already. Now, I get new guns because I want them.
What I meant was the only full-size DAO's I saw a lot of were model 10's and 64's. I already have a model 10, it's one of my favorites and I wouldn't be opposed to another but I like variety. I'm not going to convert it to DAO either because a lot of people ask to shoot it at the range but kids and smaller women tend to need the single action capability. Some of the model 64's look like a good deal though, $250? Wow!
Be aware that most Smith & Wesson hand-ejector revolvers made since the early years of the 20th century to present; can be modified to double-action only without making any alterations to the gun itself. Any model, frame size or barrel length.
Any time you want you can return to the original configuration.
Any time you want you can return to the original configuration.
With a S&W, yes.
With a pre-MIM S&W, you'd likely need to buy a hammer and DA sear, and have the sear fit. Newer S&W MIM hammers can be drop-in, and the original sear can likely be re-used.
Beware Ruger revolvers, though: Some parts on a Ruger can only be replaced by the factory and aren't available to buy. With a GP100, then, you'll 1) have to cut the original hammer, 2) pray you don't screw it up and 3) be fairly sure you really want a DAO revolver
With a pre-MIM S&W, you'd likely need to buy a hammer and DA sear, and have the sear fit. Newer S&W MIM hammers can be drop-in, and the original sear can likely be re-used.
Beware Ruger revolvers, though: Some parts on a Ruger can only be replaced by the factory and aren't available to buy. With a GP100, then, you'll 1) have to cut the original hammer, 2) pray you don't screw it up and 3) be fairly sure you really want a DAO revolver
I've yet to see a DA revolver with the same ergonomics or plow handle grip of a traditional SA revolver. Shooting a "modern" DA revolver single action is a different experience than shooting a true SA one.
I never shoot a double action gun by using the hammer to cock it. Consider the Ruger SP101 double action only model... it is small, with a 2 1/4" barrel. The Ruger LCR has a great trigger, but I would try them out first. The ones I have seen seem to vary a lot, with some good and some not so good trigger actions. I can shoot the LCR almost as well at 7 yds as a full sized revolver.
Onward Allusion
Member
The main reason for bobbed or concealed hammers is to prevent snag during draw. Hence, most of these guns are short barreled. My suggestion is to get the gun you want and have a competent gunsmith professionally bob it OR replace the hammer (if the gun has a shorter barreled bob'd brethren).
Outside of police trade ins, your options for a full sized DAO revolver are pretty slim to none. Removing the hammer spur or even actually converting the hammer to DAO aren't that complicated. About any decent gunsmith should be able to to do the work for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
IBEWBULL
Member
Many years ago the DAO was issued prevent liability issues for Law Enforcement.
Today some civilians feel the need to protect themselves from the same economic ATTACK also.
Have a reputable smith do the work and test it for reliability. Too light on the springs can be fatal.
The DAO LE K frames would be my first option. They will be the most economical.
Saving enough for a refinish wanted.
By the way there are J frames in DAO with 3 inch barrels.
For carry I like these>
http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/SALE%20ITEMS.cfm?cat_id=673
Good luck and happy shooting.
I hope this was a help.
Today some civilians feel the need to protect themselves from the same economic ATTACK also.
Have a reputable smith do the work and test it for reliability. Too light on the springs can be fatal.
The DAO LE K frames would be my first option. They will be the most economical.
Saving enough for a refinish wanted.
By the way there are J frames in DAO with 3 inch barrels.
For carry I like these>
http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/SALE%20ITEMS.cfm?cat_id=673
Good luck and happy shooting.
I hope this was a help.
No, as I said you don't modify or switch any of the parts in the revolver, and if you choose you can easily return the revolver to its original SA/DA configuration.
I haven't got the time to explain right now, but I will later. Anyway the technique here is to block the trigger (without making an changes to it) so that the stroke won't let it rotate far enough to engage the hammer's full-cock notch. This leaves you with the double-action option only. The block can be easily removed and you'll be back to where you started from.
If for whatever reason you want to bob the hammer spur you can, but this isn't a necessary part of the conversion.
g.willikers
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Good ole' youtube:
Standard DA and SA trigger operation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU602Ex7Qa0
Double Action Only:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2OnDmU7MxQ
Single Action Only:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YluI_AJlrO8
Standard DA and SA trigger operation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU602Ex7Qa0
Double Action Only:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2OnDmU7MxQ
Single Action Only:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YluI_AJlrO8
Strange vids. 
Why would one leave the hammer spur after they've ground off the SA notch? Getting rid of the spur is the reason many convert to DAO (though it's not the only good reason to do so). Also, while the hammer block should prevent an ND if the hammer were cocked and let go by an unknowing someone, it only works if the shooter's finger is off the trigger at the time. Just seems like a bad idea to me.
As for the SA-only S&W, it might be something one might do to a dedicated target revolver, but otherwise, I don't see it's utility.
Why would one leave the hammer spur after they've ground off the SA notch? Getting rid of the spur is the reason many convert to DAO (though it's not the only good reason to do so). Also, while the hammer block should prevent an ND if the hammer were cocked and let go by an unknowing someone, it only works if the shooter's finger is off the trigger at the time. Just seems like a bad idea to me.
As for the SA-only S&W, it might be something one might do to a dedicated target revolver, but otherwise, I don't see it's utility.
Some law enforcement agencies left the hammer spur because it was necessary to insure the safety strap or thumb break on their holsters wouldn't slip off and out of place.
Otherwise if you use a conversion to DAO that doesn't require any modifications to the hammer you might want to leave the hammer spur intact in case it was decided to change back to SA/DA.
And yes... At one time S&W offered a version of their K-38 Masterpiece (target) revolver with a short action/single-action set-up. You could also buy a conversion kit to convert a regular K-frame revolver. Outside of hard core bullseye target shooters it wasn't particularly popular.
wlewisiii
Member
I have and love my DAO Model 10. When I bought it, it had only had the SA sear taken off the hammer. I finished the conversion...
Carry it with the Buffalo Bore FBI load.
Carry it with the Buffalo Bore FBI load.
No, you are right - and the individual who developed it was inspired by the S&W trigger stop. His thought was to prevent the trigger from revolving any further then the double-action release point where the hammer would fall, but not far enough for the trigger to be able to engage the hammer's single-action notch. I've found it works although some careful fitting is required, and neither the hammer or trigger are altered in any way.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Bam!
I think a lot of this non-cocking stuff comes from the concern with cocking and "taking careful aim" coming into question in court after a defensive shooting in the attempt to show that the shooter coolly executed the alleged attacker.
I've always questioned this position. First...unless you (generically) actually do take slow, careful aim and execute the guy...how will anybody know that the hammer was manually cocked before the shot? During a lethal encounter involving guns, most witnesses are more interested in getting out of the way than they are in carefully observing the shooter.
"Gee. He's gonna shoot that guy. I'd better watch closely to see if he cocks the hammer in case I'm needed as a witness later."
I don't think so.
And...
If you've brought the gun up to eye level...picked up the sights...centered them on a man's chest and pulled the trigger...I'd tend to doubt that anybody is really gonna care whether the hammer was cocked or not.
A much bigger question will be: You (again, generically) shot him.
Were you legally and morally justified in doing that or not?
That said...I carry a 3-inch Model 13 with a bobbed hammer that I fitted to the gun for summer carry...due to the way that I carry it. I return the original hammer when I change into cooler weather clothing...and a conventional strong-side carry position. I don't worry much about snagging it on clothing because I've worked at shrouding the hammer spur with my thumb during the draw...and I'll go on record to say that if time and distance permit, and the situation calls for a careful shot...I absolutely will cock the hammer as I bring the gun up. I practice that with SA and DA revolvers, timing the shot to break just as the sights line up.
Although I learned that method from my grandfather...a devoted revolver man in spite of being a WW1 vet and well-acquainted with the 1911. Elmer Keith was also a proponent of cocking a DA revolver on the draw, relying on an accurate first shot and using double action should a fast followup shot be needed.
Of course, I also work with double-action extensively because I understand that the preponderance of defensive shootings occur at very close distances and short time frames...but I don't ignore the possibility of requiring a careful shot in a slower but compressed time frame. Another tool in the box, so to speak.
The OP indicated that they're interested in a DAO revolver "just as a range gun", so discussions or worries of liability don't seem necessary here.
There are a coupe advantages to rendering a dedicated range (or match) gun DAO by bobbing the hammer and removing the SA notch. First, the action can be tuned more aggressively. All else equal, a lighter hammer travels faster, and gives a more powerful primer strike, so a DAO revolver can be sprung lighter (to a point) before reliability becomes an issue. And a DAO revolver so sprung won't have a hair SA trigger to go with it.
Secondly, the lighter hammer jars the muzzle less upon hammer strike, improving accuracy a bit.
There are a coupe advantages to rendering a dedicated range (or match) gun DAO by bobbing the hammer and removing the SA notch. First, the action can be tuned more aggressively. All else equal, a lighter hammer travels faster, and gives a more powerful primer strike, so a DAO revolver can be sprung lighter (to a point) before reliability becomes an issue. And a DAO revolver so sprung won't have a hair SA trigger to go with it.
Secondly, the lighter hammer jars the muzzle less upon hammer strike, improving accuracy a bit.
BCRider
Member
Swopjan, I suspect that you're simply itching to buy another gun and have run out of reasons to justify the next one. So you're grasping to the idea of a DAO for an excuse....
Seriously though if it's going to be a range toy then why bother with DAO? As mentioned you make the option for shooting style when you cock the hammer or not. A dedicated DAO brings nothing new to the table over your present collection. It'll be the same size and weight and the trigger will feel exactly the same. The only difference will be the lack of a hammer spur.
If you really want a new range toy that has a different look and feel what about looking for a dedicated PPC competition revolver? The nicer ones have been tuned to where the trigger in DA or SA will make you weep tears of happiness and joy and the sight rails often have very nice target sights. And the better ones can be rapidly adjusted for elevation for shooting to different distances. And nothing makes me smile more than hitting a plate out at 50, 100 or even 200 yards with a handgun.
Or find one of the somewhat rare longer barreled S&W's with the 4 position selectable front sight that were used for multi distance big bore handgun shooting. Now THOSE are way too cool for mere words..... heh heh, my lust for one of those is likely clear by now...
Or perhaps just find something in a new caliber to play with?
The point is that I don't see a DAO version of something you have now bringing anything new to the table. ESPECIALLY if you are now thinking that a DAO and DA/SA swap out is something desirable.
Now after all this if you still want one then go for it. When it comes to buying a new toy I sure won't stand in the way.
Seriously though if it's going to be a range toy then why bother with DAO? As mentioned you make the option for shooting style when you cock the hammer or not. A dedicated DAO brings nothing new to the table over your present collection. It'll be the same size and weight and the trigger will feel exactly the same. The only difference will be the lack of a hammer spur.
If you really want a new range toy that has a different look and feel what about looking for a dedicated PPC competition revolver? The nicer ones have been tuned to where the trigger in DA or SA will make you weep tears of happiness and joy and the sight rails often have very nice target sights. And the better ones can be rapidly adjusted for elevation for shooting to different distances. And nothing makes me smile more than hitting a plate out at 50, 100 or even 200 yards with a handgun.
Or find one of the somewhat rare longer barreled S&W's with the 4 position selectable front sight that were used for multi distance big bore handgun shooting. Now THOSE are way too cool for mere words..... heh heh, my lust for one of those is likely clear by now...
Or perhaps just find something in a new caliber to play with?
The point is that I don't see a DAO version of something you have now bringing anything new to the table. ESPECIALLY if you are now thinking that a DAO and DA/SA swap out is something desirable.
Now after all this if you still want one then go for it. When it comes to buying a new toy I sure won't stand in the way.
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