If you need enabling to buy more guns, you've come to the right place!

My first 9mm was a 39-2 (a lot of years ago) and I enjoyed it a lot, sorry I ever let it go. Before I got my SD9VE this past Aug., I was shooting my Ruger P89DC and had also purchased a new Ruger SR1911 45. Did I NEED another 9mm? No. But I kept reading the reviews and I liked what I saw; and when I had the cash left over from vacation, I found it on sale for $299 and the rest is history.

It is a different platform than anything I've shot before and my first poly frame handgun. If you're familiar with double action revolvers, you'll feel a little more at home with the SD VE series, IMO anyway. Mine wasn't gritty or creepy out of the box like some have complained and mine has smoothed out with use. Mine has functioned flawlessly and ran every kind of ammo with no issues.

Since buying the SD9VE, I have also purchased a FS M&P 45 and have an M&P FS 9mm in layaway! That's right, ANOTHER 9mm

So, I hope I've helped, in some small way; to convince you that you NEED another 9mm, and that it should be an SD9VE.

Had a great day at the range today! The gun shop was busy, the indoor range was even busier and everyone seemed to be in the holiday spirit!

Started out with the Browning Buck Mark 22. Another 50 rounds of Remington Thunderbolts all on target out to 50'. I'm really enjoying shooting 22 LR again, especially for fun :-) Need to find an outdoor range that I can plink some tin cans and 2 liter bottles.

Shot the last 50 rounds of REM UMC 115 gr. FMJ 9mm I bought as a Mega Pak. Had 1 round that flashed but didn't go bang very loud. Immediately dropped the mag and pulled back the slide to find the empty case still inside! This was my first experience of this kind. Locked the slide back and found a probe in my range back, and to my pleasant surprise, no bullet lodged in the barrel! Whew, what a relief! Checked everything over, just to make sure and all was good. Out of 250 rounds, 1 flash/pop. If I hadn't been paying attention, could've been an unhappy day! :-(
890 rounds through the SD9VE and no issues with the gun ;-)

Fired 50 rounds reloads through the M&P 45. 185 gr. Lead SWC over 4.3 grs. Bullseye. Very accurate and very pleasant to shoot-no issues at all.

Only a few days till Christmas-the presents are all bought and wrapped. Christmas at my mom's tomorrow (Sunday) and then to Chicago for Christmas with my fiancé's family. Happy Holidays to all, have a Merry and safe Christmas! :-)

Are you saying that the bad round case wasn't pulled by the extractor when you pulled the slide back?

No, after I dropped the mag and pulled the slide back, the case was ejected as you would expect. The round didn't have enough force to work the slide and eject itself.

I was just glad there was enough oomph to the round that the bullet cleared the barrel. But I knew from the feel of the gun and from the "flash" from the muzzle something wasn't right!

I've never had a squib from all my years of reloading, and this was the first issue I've ever had with a factory round. Guess I've been more fortunate than most, and hope that continues!

Another day at the range...

Tried 25 rounds (1/2 box) of Winchester Training ammo with 147 gr. FMJ/TC bullets. I've never tried 147 gr. bullets in 9mm before, and the price was okay @ $14.97 box/50. No issues at all with the SD9VE, group was nicely centered on target and group size is 1 3/4" x 2" @ 5 yards. The Defense half of this ammo is $16.97/box/20. 147 gr. JHP with same profile as the FMJ Training rounds. Muzzle Velocity was listed at 950 FPS. May have to try a full box and see how it holds up to 10 yards +. Round count now 915 with no issues :-)

The other 25 rounds went through the new M&P 9 FS. Still center hits, but had some vertical stringing. Main group was 1"w x 2 1/2"h; had 2 flyers at 3:00 & 5:00, which opened the group to 1 1/2"w x 2 1/2". Still acceptable (to me) and again, would like to try a full box out to 10 yards +. Also ran a box of CCI Blazer Brass through the M&P with no issues (115 gr. FMJ). 50 rounds into a nice big hole 2 1/2" x 3" (20 rounds-5 yds., 10 rounds-7 yds., 10 rounds-10 yds., final 10 rounds-5 yds.)

Ran 51 rounds of the 185 gr. LSWC load through the M&P 45 FS, again with no issues. Nice 3" grouping @ 5, 7, & 10 yds., but the goofball holding the gun had 2 llooww hits at bottom of target! Why I oughta...

Anyway, fun day at the range for my first outing for 2015. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :-)

1-10-2015 Range trip...

Scored some good deals on ammo this weekend: 2 boxes Federal Aluminum 9mm @ $9.97/box at WM, 1 box WWB 45 Auto @ $19.99 at Rural King and 1-100 round bulk pack WWB 9mm at Dick's Sporting Goods @$19.99 w/coupon.

Started out with my SD9VE and 50 rounds of the Fed Alum. No surprises here. 18 rounds of REM UMC to finish up. Total round count-958 rounds.

Then to my M&P 9 and a box of Fed Alum. Again no surprises.

Then to my M&P 45. Loaded some test rounds using Falcon Bullet Co. cast lead 200 gr. RNFP and 230 gr. LRN. The 200 gr. LRNFP has a crimping groove, since it is for 45 Colt. I seated to 1.240" which was below the crimp groove and I was concerned about feeding issues.

30 rounds: R-P brass
Rem 2 1/2 LPP
4.3 grs. Bullseye
230 gr. F.B.C. LRN

30 rounds: R-P brass
Rem 2 1/2 LPP
4.3 grs. Bullseye
200 gr. F.B.C. LRNFP

Happy to report that both loads functioned flawlessly with no issues and accuracy was on par for me shooting off hand. Will load another 50 rounds and do some shooting off of a rest and see how they perform.

I happened to call my local Bass shop about a minor cosmetic defect in my SD9VE. I wanted to explore the possibility of trading my barrel with one in a display model. The guy I know at that store wasn't in but I talked to the manager at the moment.

He said "We don't have any SD display models, everything is for sale. If you want we can send your unit back to S&W."

I said that, based on what I hear about S&W service, the gun would be gone a long time if they sent it in.

He said that S&W is making 300 guns (I suppose 9 mm and .40) per day and they can't keep up.

That probably explains why my mail order SD9VE took so long that I cancelled it and re-ordered it through Bass. Also, the mail order outfit (one of the bigger ones), gave me no trouble and waived the cancellation fee.

The conclusion is that the gun is very popular and must be in short supply since Bass is a major factor in the market.

Congrats on the purchase! Was thinking of picking up an SD9VE to compliment my G19. Someone please talk me out of this before I buy another 9mm lol.

In spite of all the bad words about the SDVE triggers, I find mine to be just fine. The most important improvement was to put grease between the trigger bar and the frame*, and exercise the trigger a bit. Less than 100 rounds and it's perfect.

Right now I'm on hold because minor surgery is supposed to make me not use my left arm but I can still exercise the trigger with the gun not loaded.

*After I did that I saw a video on Glock trigger tuning and that was a place they polished and lubed. I may work that bar a bit with some very fine sandpaper between the frame and bar.

There are plenty of new SD9VE and SD40VE at the Academy stores in Houston. I've also seen the SD9VE in regularly in pawn shops. I seldom see them in Local Gun Stores, either new or used.

I'm impressed with the 300 SD guns per day (!) coming out of S&W. I hope this means there will soon be a market for spare parts for the gun.

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Jackdaddy63
SD9VE, Model 10-4

Range trip today, and I now have more than 1,000 rounds downrange with my SD9VE! 50 rounds of WWB through it today with no issues-total round count-1,008 :-)

I have been so happy with this pistol! I still shoot it better than my M&P 9 & 45, but neither has as many rounds downrange as the SD9VE. The trigger feels so smooth and has never been an issue; feels just like a DA revolver, and that works for me!

Has never given me any issues with ammo or functioning. It's my EDC, goes with me everywhere. Just wanted to brag a little :-)

1-24-2015 Range trip

Another day at the range. 20 rounds Fed Alum case and 20 rounds 125 gr. LRN reloads. Round count now 1,048. Remaining 30 rounds of each were fired through the M&P 9.

Blazer Brass once fired
4.2 grs. Red Dot
CCI 500 SP Primer
Ind. Bullet Co. 125 gr. cast LRN @ .356"
C.O.L.- 1.160"

Trying to use up some of my cast bullets and had a few hundred of these left. Shot/functioned very well through the SD9VE and the M&P 9. Will probably load the remainder while I'm set up for this. Good, accurate range load, no complaints or issues :-)

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this pistol? 1,048 rounds with no issues. Very happy, indeed! :-)

Whoa Nelly! Really giving the ol' girl a work out!

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USMC 83'-87', NRA Member.

New to the forum, but finding lots of great info! Hoping to pick up an SD9VE in the next few weeks. Looking forward to getting one and getting to the range.

Welcome. I'm pretty new to this forum, we bought an SD9VE because my wife thought we should have something in the house. I sold all my rifles about 9 years ago because I no longer hunt, something I did starting around age 12. I was on an NROTC rifle team but haven't done much shooting for a long time. I'm finding it fun to be able to shoot again, even if only on a range. We do have some open space nearby but I don't know any of the owners, so a range will have to do.

Hi,I'm new here and hope I'm introducing myself in the proper thread. I too am a SD 9 VE owner. I LOVE the gun for what it is! The trigger pull and reset are perfect for me ( I practice dry fire as much as possible). I want to get another!

You will have read the prior post and know that I am new here also. I am pleased to find yet another person who likes the gun the way S&W designed it.

I've considered changing the rod but would keep the recoil spring, also just for looks, but I don't see a plain rod option and don't know whether I could remove the spring and still be able to put it back on the plastic rod if I decide to go back.

Some folks say the plastic rod bends but I haven't been able to observe that. Both ends seem to be properly supported when the slide is on the gun.

Just picked up mine tonight. First breakdown and cleaning, dry firing with snap caps. Planning a trip to the range on Saturday!

Interesting thing about guide rods. Beretta announced their new military M9A3 at the SHOT show in Vegas and it features a "POLYMER RECOIL GUIDE ROD".

They have delivered 600,000 of the previous version to US government departments and have an order for 100,000 more. A commercial version will be available in the future.

Weekly range trip 1-31-2015

Not much to say today, shot 16 rounds of the 125 gr. LRN reloads through the SD9VE. Remainder went through the M&P 9.
So round count now 1,064 with no issues.

Man, that's awesome!

__________________
USMC 83'-87', NRA Member.

Range trip 2-7-2015

40 rounds of the 125 gr. LRN reloads, 32 rounds REM UMC 115 gr. FMJ and 8 rounds Winchester W Defense 147 gr. JHP.

I had tested the Winchester Training 147 gr. FMJ load through the SD9VE and the M&P 9 and it fed/shot/functioned with no issues. So I decided to try the 147 gr. JHP load and I got the same results-no issues at all.

I like the idea that Winchester has come up with; the Training & Defense line of ammo. Same bullet weight, profile and velocity; with the Training ammo being 50 rounds FMJ and the Defense round being JHP (20 rounds). Same velocity, recoil, POA/POI. To my way of thinking, the 147 gr. JHP at 950 fps, would be similar to a 145/150 gr. 38 Special load with JHP. This new T&D ammo is loaded to standard specs, not +P and that's what I was looking for.

I know it shouldn't, but the 147 gr. T&D ammo shoots to same POA/POI as the 115 gr. FMJ rounds I shot today. At first I loaded 4 rounds 115 gr. into a mag and then 4 rounds 147 gr. JHP on top of that. At 7 yards, both loads printed center of mass all in one localized group. I then loaded 14 rounds 115 gr. FMJ with 2 rounds JHP on top and emptied all rounds again center of mass-one large hole. I then loaded every other round-5 rounds total (3/2 each) and fired those with no issues. Finished off with the remainder of the REM UMC 115 gr. FMJ.

I had bought 2 boxes of the D 147 gr. JHP ammo (40 rounds) and after function testing the 8 rounds, I had enough to fully load 2 of my SD9VE mags; since it is my EDC.
Total round count now at 1,144 with no issues.

Glad I found this thread.

Over the weekend I stopped at my LGS because I wanted to get my first-to-own handgun. I shot quite a few handguns like a 1911 .45, Glock 9mm, Bersa Thunder .380, Makarov, Beretta M9, a couple of revolvers, etc.

After time spent online I was highly leaning towards a Glock since I have a lot of familiarity with it, but when I was at my LGS, I got to hold the Glock, Springfield XD, S&W SD9VE, and an odd-looking Beretta. I was surprised when I held the Beretta and Glock how much I hated it when compared to holding a Springfield XD and the S&W SD9VE. I decided on the S&W SD9VE because of the price versus the Springfield XD.

Now on the waiting period before I can take delivery of it, but stoked to hear how solid this handgun is. I will probably do the same thing like you. Keep up the good work. I will be following this post.

I like the things that I have read about the Sigma/SD9VE. It gets overlooked in the stampede towards Glocks.

Went to a gun show this past weekend and picked up the SD40VE. I'm hoping to get the same reliability/dependability out of it as I have the SD9VE. My first 40 cal. handgun. Trigger feels as good as the SD9VE out of the box, so looking forward to some range time this coming weekend! :-) Maybe S&W is taking a little more time to have a better trigger out of the box. This one is dated 1-6-2015, so very new in production.

MyDads38;

I can't remember(getting old) did you say in your testing review on the SD9VE that you were shooting these tests with a dirty gun or have you been swabbing out between range visits? Just askin. Thanks.

Tooblekain, you ae going to love your new SD9. Congratulations.

Welcome to the forum, keep us posted, and we love pictures.

No, I'm not cleaning the SD9VE but every 3-4 range sessions. Not even swabbing the barrel. No torture test or anything, just making sure it will function reliably, even when a little dirty.

I keep all my firearms cleaned and lubed and ready to use.

Following up with everyone.

300 rounds shot so far through my handgun. 150 rounds of Winchester Super X 147 grain FMJ and 150 rounds of Blazer Brass 115 grain FMJ.

147 grain Winchester Super X seemed to shoot a little low. Easily compensated for it where I shooting at 25 yards at a triple swinger steel target

115 grain felt spot on...Went on to shoot a steel target at 100 yards and compensated by shooting a little higher up. Triple swingers at 10-15 yards were spot on.

Trigger is getting better and better the more I use it...not sure if its because of me or its breaking in.

Not a single malfunction!!!!

I may test my own reloads to see how it performs. I also bought the Apex spring kit but the more I use it, the more I don't want to install it. I may install it eventually to compare if I want the stock or Apex kit. Loving this handgun...and now the addiction starts...I may want an M&P shield (for possible conceal carry if I can somehow get a CCW in CA)

Was at an indoor range yesterday and was shooting like utter ****. Couldn't hit anything at 25 yards (not even the cardboard backing), Missed my target but hit the cardboard background at 15 yards. 10 yards I hit my target paper but outside of the target ring. At 4 yards only hit the bullseye a couple times and was a couple inches outside of the ring. My groupings were very inconsistent even at 4 yards. One session was about a 3 inch grouping (my best for the day) to as bad as "all over the place"

Thought it had to be my reloads I made but the bullets I bought from the LGR as well as my Blazer Brass bullets from home that I used as controls proved that I was just shooting like ****.

My reload data are as follows:
Various brass (blazer brass, winchester nickels, Tul Ammo, remington, LC)
115 grain Rainier Round Nose
CCI #500 small pistol primers
4.5 grain Commercial 1 gun powder (used Universal load data based on many recommendations found online)

Tried an M&P Shield 9mm subcompact too because I was eyeing that for a while for concealed carry (trigger and gun feel nice--I was just shooting like utter **** that day)

Had one FTE but it was the brass I marked where I had a feeling it was severely undercharged.

Realized that I may need to change my hand/wrist position because I was shooting consistently low at the LGR (which is indoors). All the times I shot where outdoors on private propert with targets that are waist level at best. I may want to stand parallel to a mirror and place a level on the slide to see at what angle I need to hold the gun to be level in relation to my hand/wrist angle. Lots to work on I guess...

Range trip 4-11-2015

Didn't realize it had been 2 months since I last shot my SD9VE (shame on me)! So today, fired 47 rounds 125 gr. LRN reloads through it with no issues. Total round count 1,191.

The past 2 months, I have been shooting/getting acquainted with my 2 new 40's and getting more rounds through the M&P 9mm. Been a fun 2 months to say the least! :-)

Range trip today 5-9-2015

30 rounds REM-UMC 115 gr. FMJ through the SD9VE. Total round count 1,221. No issues at all since purchasing the gun 8-2-2014. Over 1,200 rounds in 9 months, with no issues-yeah, I'm proud of that :-)

Picked up my SD 3 weeks ago and put 150 rounds of perfecta 115 FMJ through her straight out of the box, no cleaning,lube, or wiping down. Ran like a champ with no issues, and groups were more than acceptable.
shooter in next stall had a laser sight on a .22 handgun and his groups were easily double mine. Trigger pull seemed to smooth some compared to before shooting and am sure will smooth out some more. Only nit pick item is the edge on the trigger which I would like rounded just enough to break that corner where my finger contacts the trigger, I have an idea of what I want to do but anyone have any other suggestions?

I'm only shooting cast in mine, about 5500-6000 rounds so far and not the first malfunction. I never try to pack 17 rounds in it, 15 is plenty. Great pistol, had it 2 years or so now I guess.

Range Trip 5-31-2015

Another 40 rounds of REM-UMC 115 gr. FMJ with no issues. Had a great day at the indoor range :-)

Total round count- 1,261 with no issues at all.

Range trip 6-27-2015

Another 50 rounds WWB 115 gr. FMJ with no issues. Total round count 1,311. Gotta love the SD/VE series guns :-)

I'm a fan of Bladetech holsters, they don't make one for the SD line but anything that fits the M&P will fit the SD.

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This Signature is too Short!

It seems to me that this thread has turned into a listing of how many times folks have been to the range, how many rounds they fired, and what holster they prefer. I wonder how many folks on this forum care about such things.

It makes sense to transfer this whole thread to another topic and take the holster issues to the Concealer Carry and Self Defense forum.

I don't think you'll find too many threads that have been active for a while that don't drift some what. I've never cared about "round count" until I got my first poly gun-SD9VE. Thought it would be interesting to see 1) If the guns were reliable. 2) When, if ever, does the gun start having issues, or needing replacement parts/service. and 3) To have something POSITIVE to say about the firearm, since others have so many issues with their respective guns.

I have a thread for each of my S&W semi-autos, and they are for that intended purpose. And besides the growing "round count" of each, I'm happy to report no issues or problems with any of them. When something out of the ordinary does happen, I report that also. My guns are all completely stock and I take a little bit of pride in that. One of the instructors at the indoor range I shoot at, asked what mods I had done to my SD9VE after he saw my target, I told him "none-bone stock"-he was impressed and that made me feel pretty good!

So yeah, there may be a little "drift" here and there, but I'll always bring it back with the next "Range Trip" entry.

The old rule of thumb if you do not like something do not do/read it lol I sort of understand your point but a review this long is a great way to review a gun!
IMO Round count is very important to anyone interested in a gun, I like to know of any and all issue's with a gun before I buy one! That is called a Review which I search for on google and elsewhere! Getting a first hand review that has been going on for a year IMO is a GREAT first hand review from someone who is a member and giving a honest answer ! I looked at the SD and may get one mainly from this review!

IMO keep the reviews coming Nice to know how a gun hold up and is doing after a year or 2 with a lot of rounds! Congrats on a GREAT thread keep em coming

Range trip 7-5-2015

Spent some time this afternoon at the indoor range with my 2-9mm pistols. Ran a box of REM-UMC 115 gr. FMJ through each (SD & M&P).
No issues and some of my best groups in a while.

I don't normally shoot with gloves, unless outdoors/cold weather; but today I thought "why not"? Had an enjoyable day at the range, shot well and met another shooter that could actually hit a target! :-)

Total round count 1,361

Range trip 4-3-2016

Almost 9 months since I've taken my SD9VE to the range-Shame on Me!!! :-(

Picked up another new mag, so I now have 5 for each of my pistols. Ran 50 rounds REM-UMC 115 gr. FMJ and 32 rounds CCI Blazer Brass 124 gr. FMJ through the new mag with no issues. IMO, this has got to be one of the best $300 pistols you can get. In my area they can be had for $279-$299 all the time.

So with 1,443 total rounds now through the SD9VE; no issues at all to report. Very happy with the very first poly/striker fired pistol I ever purchased! :-)

I love this gun. I just got one black Friday week last year (about 6 months now). I shoot it every Saturday. I'd never had a semi-auto before. I've been shooting all my life but always S&W or Ruger revolvers. Before I bought the SD9 I was shooting a Ruger .357 security six. My old man was a cop and got me shooting at a young age (back in the '70s) and no one trusted semi-auto's back then. Always afraid of them jamming but I finally broke down and got this one. I bought it for two reasons; one it's a smith and Wesson and two it was cheap. I figured if semi-autos were as ****** as I'd heard I wouldn't have wasted a bunch of money but let me tell you this is the best pistol I've ever owned! It is dead on accurate and I have yet to have a single failure of any kind and I'm sure by now I've shot a couple of thousand rounds through it. I can't imagine any other gun being any better no matter what the price is. A $600 Glock can't possibly shoot any better than my SD and I got mine on sale at Academy for $289. I'm getting a bodyguard .380 next for my daughter. I would get a Shield for pocket carry but they're a little large so I went with a SCCY CPX-2 but I'm telling you if you don't have SD9 VE get one. You won't be disappointed.

Just picked up my SD9VE today and I am SUPER excited. I can't wait to try it out at the range. I hope to go this weekend! All these reviews have me looking forward to it.

Well, how'd it go? Fun right?

Picked one up yesterday. Was considering a Ruger 9e but received a coupon promotion in the mail from local sporting goods chain so decided to check it out. Glad I did. Remarkable value. Itching for chance to get to the range a bust some caps.

Absolutely. It was Monster accurate when I connected on all my fundamentals. Easier to get it back on target than the 40, but just like the SD40VE (of course), it is a joy to Hold. Feels Very secure in your hand. It's so balanced, it doesn't Seem like a polymer pistol (especially when it's fully loaded). It Just Works. No complicated stuff on the sides of the gun to have to remember to work. You look down range, bring your front sight up on target, take up the slack and fire when ready. I love it.

Range trip 5-29-2016

Went to the indoor range this afternoon and put 50 rounds REM-UMC 115 gr. FMJ through the SD9VE. No issues at all and still as accurate as ever.

So, round count now 1,493 with no issues at all. Just what I expect from a S&W Made in USA pistol :-)