Which One?

[nero45acp]

I am looking for a full-sized, steel or stainless steel, hi-capacity DAO 9mm pistol for a home defense pistol. After some research I've narrowed my choices down to two. I'd appreciate any opinions/info on these two pistols: An FN BDAO (basically a DAO Hi-Power) or a S&W M5946. Thanks


nero

 

[LynnMassGuy]

Just out of curiousity, why DAO? I voted for the Smith. I can't see getting a hi-power and not having it in it's traditional configuration AND I love S&W autoloaders. Smith does a pretty good job on their DAO triggers IMHO. I can't help but try to sway you away from DAO and pick up an older 5906 . They are cheap, well built and point nicely.

John
LMG

 

[nero45acp]

LynnMassGuy,

What I'm essentially looking for is a "high capacity revolver".

While I've been shooting handguns for over twenty years I have zero actual pistol combat experience (knock on wood), and while I may be being overly cautious, I believe that a consistant, double action trigger would be preferable (for me) in a life or death situation.



nero

 

[psyopspec]

FN. I wouldn't make a purchase from antis.

 

[Delmar]

I'd want to go with what LynnMassGuy said. After all, you are going to have the first shot as a double action provided you drop the hammer on a chambered round. After that, speed might be of the essence.

It took a bit for me to compensate on mine (not so hard to do despite what others might say)-I have a Beretta Vertec DA/SA which has a pretty nice DA pull. The only thing I don't like about it is the trigger has a sharp edge which I am going to break over with a file.

OTOH, you will have a consistent pull on every shot with a DAO. Any chance you can get to a range and rent a couple to try both out?

 

[LynnMassGuy]

FN. I wouldn't make a purchase from antis.

So....

You'd rather strengthen the Belgian economy than your own? I'm sure Belgians are very concerned with your right to bear arms. Also, what evidence do you have that the current management of S&W is anti?

Curious.

John
LMG

 

[MikeJ]

I didn't vote for either one as I have never had any experience with the FN. I have shot the DAO Smith and found it to be very good although the trigger felt gritty. I personally own the 5906 DA/SA variant and think it is a fantastic gun. As far as true DAO pistols are concerned my absolute favorite is the Beretta Centurion 92D. I have one of these and can't say enough good things about it. They are no longer in production but can be found from time to time at usually very reasonable prices. BTW, I also like the idea of DAO pistols for defensive purposes. One of my primary reasons is not the transitioning from DA to SA but that I don't want to be holding a gun with a cocked hammer in the aftermath of a shooting. I believe that my nerves will be at the point where I don't want to have to think about decocking or applying a safety.

 

[McCall911]

Just from my limited experience with their products, I voted for the Smith. Good luck with your choice!

 

[ceestand]

I personally feel my FN HPDAc (BDA compact) is the finest handgun buy out there - period. Beats SIG, beats H&K - and that's saying a heck of a lot. When it comes to quality, the FN wins undeniably.

However, the BDA series has a weird double action trigger that many hate. I dislike DAO and don't know why you chose this option; make it a HPDA fullsize in DA/SA and that gets my vote. Between the two you listed, I'd pick the FN because I am an FN fan and dislike slide safeties. For you, I might pick the Smith.

 

[psyopspec]

You'd rather strengthen the Belgian economy than your own?

I've owned several different brands of pistols for several different reasons. The nation they come from has never been a factor. Either way I still support my local gun shop, who supports the distributor, etc, etc.

I'm sure Belgians are very concerned with your right to bear arms.

If I'm supporting their economy, as you suggest, then perhaps they are concerned.

Also, what evidence do you have that the current management of S&W is anti?

Nothing against the management; it's the company I have a problem with. I've been jaded for a long time, but I would change my view if said management was showing a strong, concerted, and publicized effort to nullify the agreement. Since they are not making efforts to fix what's wrong but not making it worse, I consider the new management and the company no worse than before, but certainly no better.

It's possible I missed the boat and they have gone and redeemed themselves. If I'm wrong, and the agreement is off or S&W is working to that end, I will purchase one of their pistols before the end of the year.

 

[denfoote]

In this case I have to pick the Smith!!
The concept of a DAO Hi-Power is to foreign for me to comprehend!!

 

[KurtC]

I have been carrying Smith DAO .45's everyday for 15 years now. Their DAO series is top quality. Early ones will have the short trigger pull, since the hammers rest at half-cock. Current models have a bit longer pull, as the hammers rest at quarter-cock. These later models share the same slide as the TDA models, and can be converted back and forth.

That said, the Beretta Cougar has one of the smoothest DAO triggers you will ever find. Much like a tuned S&W revolver.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I voted the 5946. I have a 5946, 5943TSW, and 4046. Never had a problem with any of them. Each has been accurate and reliable. I bought the 5946 b/c I plan to start tinkering in IDPA. I've always been partial to having a consistant trigger pull shot to shot. From what I've heard the DAO FN HPs have been discontinued (CDNN has them on closeout and I've stopped seeing dealers with them at gunshows). Now, the 5946 is also discontinued, but you can be there have been a hell of a lot more of them made than the FN HP DAO. Also, S&W continues to make the 3rd Gen guns in the TSW line. Parts can still be found and S&W will work on the guns.