New SD9 owner. Range question...

fishtech · #1 03-23-2011, 09:19 AM

Just bought a new SD9. I have been a revolver guy all my life so this is the first time I've bought a semi. My question is..I'm taking it to the range for the first time to get some familiarity with it. How many rounds should I limit the gun to when shooting on the range. Is there anything I should be aware of as a newbe? Thanks for any input.

OKFC05 · #2 03-23-2011, 09:24 AM

1. Clean and lube the gun per factory manual instructions (yes, I know it is new). Don't use excessive lube or spray it into the action.
2. Take it to the range and shoot it all you want.
Repeat PRN.
Be sure you disassemble and clean the magazines periodically. Wipe them dry before reassembly.
Enjoy!

russp1 · #3 03-23-2011, 09:58 AM

Good suggestion on cleaning the magazines periodically, I'd even suggest doing it before the first trip to the range. My Sigma 9 had the occaisional fail to feed the first couple times out but cleaning the mags took care of it.

leejack · #4 03-23-2011, 11:06 AM

Welcome to the forum!

I wouldn't shoot any more than 5000 rounds the first time out; you might get tired!

Rock & Roll!

Akbrener · #5 03-23-2011, 05:51 PM

I put 250 through on my first trip, brought 3 different kinds of ammo too, just to check its function. Got the inexpensive value pack rounds, the mid grade FMJ's and good hollow point rounds.

TDR911 · #6 03-24-2011, 06:43 AM

Also shoot at least a box or more of whatever brand of self defense ammo that you are going to put in the gun to assure that that particular brand of ammo will function properly.

bitstream · #7 03-24-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leejack

Welcome to the forum!

I wouldn't shoot any more than 5000 rounds the first time out; you might get tired!

Rock & Roll!

Nah, just switch hands!

jmathis84 · #8 03-24-2011, 02:47 PM

I picked up a SD9 about a month ago. Wanted a range gun that was cheap to shoot. Took it out and ran about 150 rounds through it. All I could say was wow. The gun functioned perfectly. It was very accurate and feed WWB,Federal and Speer Gold dots flawless. I know use it as a HD Night stand gun b/c of the tritium night sight.The trigger is a little better than my M&P 40 fullsize.

marlin.357 · #9 03-24-2011, 03:46 PM

Limit? Limit? We don't need no stinkeeing limit!!!

Keep shooting until:
1. Until you run our of ammo....
2. The range closes...
3. You get tired....
4. You get hungry...
5. You get thirsty...
6. Your wife gets mad...

I could go on, but you get the idea

luke812 · #10 03-29-2011, 11:05 PM

I bought SD9 today. I went to the shop intending on purchasing the Springfield Xdm compact 3.8. ... But the SD9 had it beat. I also like it more than Glock 19.

The night sight is added bonus. All in All I am VERY PLEASED.

bitstream · #11 03-30-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luke812

I bought SD9 today. I went to the shop intending on purchasing the Springfield Xdm compact 3.8. ... But the SD9 had it beat. I also like it more than Glock 19.

The night sight is added bonus. All in All I am VERY PLEASED.

Just curious, exactly how did the SD9 "beat" the XDm compact and Glock 19? What were the decision points? Both of those are fine guns; I'm at a loss as to what factors the SD9 is better in other than price and perhaps personal preference in "feel".

GKC · #12 04-03-2011, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitstream

Just curious, exactly how did the SD9 "beat" the XDm compact and Glock 19? What were the decision points? Both of those are fine guns; I'm at a loss as to what factors the SD9 is better in other than price and perhaps personal preference in "feel".

I have had all three...for me, the SD9 has better ergonomics than either the Glock or XDm. It is a lot less expensive than the Glock and still less expensive than the XDm, although close in price. The SD9 is reliable, and S&W certainly has the best warranty and service in the business, although SA is good too. Plus, the SD9 is an American pistol, made in America!

One thing I will admit is a plus for Glocks (in addition to their reliability): you can get magazines and parts for them everywhere...I'm surprised you don't find Glock stuff at 7-11s !

AzShooter · #13 05-01-2011, 10:22 PM

I bought an SD 9 today. It felt great in the hand and even the stock 7 lb trigger didn't feel bad. ( I'm a revolver shooter ) Felt better than the Glock and the best part, it's MADE IN AMERICA.

I'll probably use it at some local matches for fun but I really want it for target practice and range work. I also bought a case of Remington 115 grain 9 mm for it to break it in.

Unfortunately during the first 200 rounds I had 9 failure to fires, 4 cases that did not eject. I was shooting Remington 115 grain FMJ. I'll try another brand of ammo on my next trip out.

S&W Rover · #14 05-02-2011, 02:22 AM

I shot my new SD40 today for the first time... along with my M&P40. Both are great, and the M&P has the Apex universal striker block to make it a little smoother, but the SD40 shot very well. Now that I've gotten used to the SD (I also have a SD9) I am able to achieve better results (although I still push it a little to the left, which I guess is pretty common).

FWIW, I shot a number of different handloads in both guns. I am working towards developing a milder load for the .40 that lessens recoil, getting it down into the 9mm (perceived) range, while still cycling the gun reliably. In this case, I shot 165gr and 180 gr Ranier copper plated lead bullets with various loads ranging from 5.8 to 6.5 grains of AA#5. All were accurate and fed well, but the 165gr Ranier bullet over 6.3 grains of AA#5 seemed ideal (1.120 OAL, mild taper crimp).

Enjoy your SD!

Imukdude · #15 05-30-2011, 04:25 PM

The SD9 wAs my first purchase in years and I am enjoying it, only had One jam in 200 rounds now time to strip it down. I wish I could find a few accessories for it apart for the looks maybe a threaded barrel would be great, but apart from that love the SD9