If you've got even the slightest inklings of gun hipster-ness, you've probably heard about the Lionheart line of pistols. You also probably know they're actually re-branded K5 service pistols, from South Korea (DP51, civilian designation). And, since all self-respecting gun hipsters love and cherish S&W 3rd gen pistols, you've probably already spent countless lonely nights salivating over the decidedly Smith-esque silhouette of the Lionheart pistol.
Well, I got tired of drooling...
CAVEAT: I have not shot the pistol yet; will this weekend.
I've always shot my 6904 well. The short, wide grip fits my hands well and I love the form factor. And I'd say the DA is pull is smoother and more consistent than my Berettas and Sigs. Always wished they'd make the gun again... maybe with some updated features.
As you can see, the Daewoo Compact is pretty much a dead ringer for the Smith 6904 (and the Lionheart LH9c, which... it is... sans the cerakote and forward slide serrations). Fits perfectly in the 6904's holster. The magazines interchange; each fits flush in the other gun. Slide form factor is pretty much the same. Same belled-barrel with a pressed-in bushing. Frame rail setup looks pretty much the same (except the camming system) though the frame rails are slightly longer on the Daewoo. Grip is exactly the same height.
However, the guns are more different than the outward appearance would suggest. The barrels do not interchange: the Daewoo design uses two ring lugs, whereas the Smith uses one. The barrels also cam differently: 3rd gens use angled surfaces on either side of the feed ramp, which cam against corresponding surfaces machined into the frame itself. The Daewoo uses a more traditional Hi-Power-ish setup, with a central lug that cams against the slide stop pin. Not sure why Smith used this design over the single linkless lug design... but... it adds to their hipster cache, I suppose. Beyond that, the recoil spring is different, the guide rod is different and I'd venture to say most of the small parts do not interchange. Also, the entire barrel seems to be chrome plated--bore and the outside.
But the 3rd gen feel is there... mostly.
Strong, sturdy, substantial... with a touch of Miami Vice... and a little bit of Beretta 92. Honestly, whatever you compare it to, the gun feels great. Grip actually feels better to me than the Smith--backstrap is straight and cuts a little higher-up on the gun. Trigger reach is very short... which is awesome, because my hands were made for ponies, crumpets and light-brite. Personally, I think the trigger is excellent. In SA, it's not exactly light... but the wall is very defined and the break is super crisp, with ZERO creep. Seems very predictable and intuitive (granted, haven't shot it, as of this writing). Break is a bit crisper than the Smith's; feels a bit more like a 92.
As far as the DA+ feature (i.e., you flip the hammer forward, but the mainspring stays cocked)...
Seems good, in theory. I was worried that the DA+ pull might be a little too light for peace of mind... but it takes a fairly deliberate effort to hitch it back to SA position... and another solid helping of deliberate-ness to get the trigger to break break in SA. That, combined with the manual safety... I don't think I'll be too worried about carrying a non-decocked gun. Honestly, that was one of my biggest barriers to trying the Lionheart.
Overall, the quality feels very high. It seems very well made, and well finished. Fit isn't really tight, but it's also not overly loose. Probably right where it needs to be for a service pistol.
In any case... I'm looking forward to getting it out this weekend. Shooting impressions to follow.