Need 9mm DAO advice!

[zombie44]

I decided on getting a non-polymer 9mm DAO pistol for CC, here's a short list of models I came up with:

s&w 6946
beretta 92d
cz 75b dao
fn hi-power dao

Would any of one these have a significant advantage over the others or would I be good to go on any I'd get the best deal on? Thanks for any advice!

 

[MaterDei]

I've had a very bad experience with S&W autoloaders. I'm also still holding a grudge that Beretta replaced my trusty issue 1911 when I was in the service. Therefore, I would recommend the CZ or the FN.

 

[FNMatt]

Not familiar with the CZ or S&W first hand, but this is what i think about the beretta and FN.

- Beretta. In general, wonderful platform. Have a taurus 92 clone and absolutely love it. Although, its a big, heavy gun. You would have to have a dedicated wardrobe to actually CC this weapon, but some folks do it. Plus side, very popular gun, lots of holsters and accessories available.​

FN DAO - A lot like the beretta, but not as many accessory options. Again, big and heavy. Less popular, maybe not quite as much field experience as the beretta (IMO mostly good reports). If you like this gun a lot, get, otherwise, i'd veer towards the more mainstream 92.​

- In general, both pistols seem pretty hefty for CC, unless you live somewhere where you can wear large jackets, or big, loose clothing. If you are willing to carry a big gun, both the beretta and the FN are, IMHO, are both excellent full sized 9mm that aren't too pricey.

 

[Skylerbone]

Depending on your price range and whether you care if its used any of the 3rd gen. S&Ws will give you excellent reliability and service life at a great price.

Your choices all seem to be a bit on the larger side, perhaps with good reason? If steel/9mm/carry/DAO are the criteria and you don't mind a smaller option Kahr's K series is another option. Haven't shot one myself but rather impressed of late with their CW9 (polymer frame). Rather expensive but again seems to be a lifetime service pistol. The Kahr came highly recommended and it's trigger did indeed live up to it's billing.

I would trust any of the above to save my skin, I plan on buying another CW9 (first was for dad) and any more S&Ws that cross my path.

 

[1SOW]

Sig fits your criteria well. I think better for carry than your list.

The CZ75BD is a also a good bang for the buck.

As is always true, only the shooter can pick the gun right for the shooter.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I think you left out the two best non-polymer DAO 9mm pistols...considering both trigger feel and shootability.

The Sid 229 DAK and the Kahr K9...either of these two will have a better trigger than any on your list

 

[MidwestRookie]

I've had a very bad experience with S&W autoloaders. I'm also still holding a grudge that Beretta replaced my trusty issue 1911 when I was in the service. Therefore, I would recommend the CZ or the FN.

well, with logic like that how could you afford not to listen to this guy...

 

[Jed Carter]

SIG P229 DAK, very reliable very accurate and very concealable, still a larger compact. SIG P239 DAK is a single stack pistol that carries even better, and shoots better than it's size should. Your choices are quite large pistols, if you can hide it, SIG P226 DAK, add night sights and it is one of the absolute best pistols made. Para Ordnance makes a LDA (light double action) 1911 style pistols in both single and double stack. Of your choices, I would get the Beretta, but all are to large for comfortable carry, at least for me.

 

[tekarra]

zombie,
Bowning also made the BDAO and BDAO Compact. If I recollect correctly the BDM, when set in revolver mode, was DAO.
Have you seen a cZ75 DAO? I have been looking for one for some time.

 

[jaysouth]

Beretta 92Ds are the most reviled firearm in the LEO community. The only agency still carrying them in the Veteran's Admin police and they are due for a tradein on another brand.

Long-long and rough trigger pull.

I paid $259 for a tradein that was unfired. I sold it a week later at a loss.

Before you buy a Smith DAO, try the trigger first. Some are great and some are not.

What's wrong with a Smith M&P or glock?

 

[Skylerbone]

I think the Para LDA is a horrible choice for carry. The trigger is so light and smooth you'd be hard pressed not to give it a squeeze even if compliance was reached 8~O

 

[9mmepiphany]

What's wrong with a Smith M&P or glock?

...this:

I decided on getting a non-polymer 9mm DAO pistol for CC

 

[mbruce]

I decided on getting a non-polymer 9mm DAO pistol for CC, here's a short list of models I came up with:

s&w 6946
beretta 92d
cz 75b dao
fn hi-power dao

Would any of one these have a significant advantage over the others or would I be good to go on any I'd get the best deal on? Thanks for any advice!

just curious.... why did decide against polymer?

 

[Nushif]

I *love* my 92D. To death. And I have carried it concealed. Relatively comfortable at that ...
But to call a 92 a concealed carry weapon may really be a bit of a stretch.
Great guns otherwise, though.

Is there a particular reason all your guns of choice are so honkin' huge?

 

[zombie44]

Thanks for all the replies! I just applied for a CC permit and wanted a semi that could be good for carry and as a range gun. I have a S&W 5906, great shooter but not too easy to CC. I also have a Browning HP which seems much more manageable but I'd think I'd feel more comfortable with carrying a DAO than cocked n locked.

I figured a light polymer wouldn't be all that fun to shoot like a heavier steel or alloy pistol? I have a S&W mod 36 38spcl which I love shooting but the airweight models I've tried were not fun at all.

 

[jaysouth]

For what it's worth, I feel less recoil with my M&P 45c than a full size government model 1911 in .45. For plinking or other recreational shooting, polymer's are great.

I have heard others express this sentiment, something about the plastic absorbing recoil that the steel frame passes directly to the shooter's hands.

The most managable concealable DAO that I am aware of is either Smith 3953 or Kahr XX9, both single stack 7/8+1. The Smith is great with a great no hassle warranty. 3953s can be had in the $350 to $500 range. Check gunbroker.com often to get a feel for the market.

Kahr CW 9 runs around $400 and has a traditionally rifled barrel which is safe for lead reloads. The more pricy P9 has a polygonally rifled barrel which conventional internet wisdom says is unsafe for lead bullets. The recoil of the Kahr is greater than the Smith.

 

[wow6599]

St. Louis issues the 92D and the few officers I have spoken with, usually outside a Cardinals or Blues game, HATE those things. The city (not county) has a DAO policy..........

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

The SIG P229DAK is a really good gun, that is what I'd recommend. Really good ergonomics, good capacity,great accuracy. Can't go wrong.

 

[Wishoot]

I've had two 3rd generation S&W's; A 4586 which is DAO and a 4006 which is DA/SA. I really love the trigger pull of the 4006 in SA/DA. The more I use it, the more I like it.

I couldn't stand the trigger pull of the S&W DAO. Simply awful IMO. I'm sure I would of gotten used to it given time (and plenty of ammo), but it wasn't for me. Some people love them however. To each their own.

Make sure you have a chance to shoot a Gen 3 S&W DAO before you purchase one.