Well, it finally happened today; I became the owner of a New SD9VE!

I have been watching/reading reviews, here and elsewhere, but had to wait till after vacation until I could "pull the trigger" so to speak So today, I stopped by a local shop, but no luck. Made a call to another shop about an hour away. Not only did they have SD9VE, they also had the SD40VE in stock and ON SALE! Oh yeah baby, more than a dozen of each in stock and on sale-$299 your choice

Still trying to recover from vacation, so it will be a few days till I can get out and shoot it. Will have to find a nice holster; any suggestions?

If you're looking for a basic, useable holster that's not leather, I like my ProTech Intimidator WSB7 for my SD9. Yes, I'm cheap, it was only 17.99 with shipping from Elite Holster Store, but it has held up well in the short time I've had it. I hope you like your new SD9VE as much as I like mine. I carry it every day at home especially now since my next door neighbor took pictures of a black bear in his front yard yesterday. I know, a bear vs. a 9 mm, but only until I get to the shotgun.

congrats. I purchased a SD9VE for my wife, and she really likes it. It makes me sad I don't get to use it much. I need to go out and get one for me.

Congrats on the new pistol! I have the SD40-VE and love it. I don't care what gun snobs say. This pistol is great. It fits my hand perfectly, it operates reliably, and it still shoots better than I can. I've never been one to have to join the whatever brand of the day club. I checked out quite a few different pistols before getting my SD40-VE. Some I had my eye on for a while before hitting the shops. But as soon as I had them in my hand, I handed them right back. As nice a pistol as they were, they just didn't feel right in my hand.

L8R,
Matt

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SD40-VE owner and proud of it!

Welcome to the SD world.
Try Crossbreed seconds

Been doing some searching for holsters. When I bought the gun yesterday, I tried several different holsters they had in stock-none of which were specifically for the SD pistols. Tried using holsters for M&P and Glock 17 but none of them fit. Searching the web, most show the M&P but also say SD9 & 40.

Specifically looking at a DeSantis Speed Scabbard (002BA27Z0) and Uncle Mike's Tactical Kydex Open Top Hip Holster (5417-1). Both of these holsters are listed for the M&P/SD series. Any help appreciated; if you have tried/used either of these holsters.

congrats on your new gun. i carry mine in a Uncle Mikes #15 LEO holster from Amazon..... shoot safe and alot!!

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Aim small, Miss Small

Congratulations on your new SD9VE....ENJOY!

Love all of mine!

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NULLI SECUNDUS

Well, a couple things have happened this week.

1) I purchased a used/like new Blackhawk Serpa holster from a LGS. Tried a few new holsters (Fobus, Leather Belt Slide) and didn't like either. On my way out, I noticed a couple shelves with used holsters. In the back was the used Blackhawk. Took it to the counter and slid the store's SD9VE into it and it fit like a glove! $20 out the door and I've been amazed all week at how slick this holster works with the SD9VE! This was the ONLY holster I wanted to avoid because of the finger release; but now that I've had a few days to familiarize myself with it, I really like it!

This evening, I had the chance to put 100 rounds through the SD9VE. A box of Federal M855 Ball and a box of REM-UMC green & white box. Both 115 gr. FMJ. NOT A HICCUP TO BE HAD! The gun ran flawlessly! Cleaned & lubed the gun as per manual's instructions. A buddy of mine lives out in the county and has a small firing range at the back of his property. So, since he broke his right hand 4 weeks ago and is bored to tears; he was more than happy to catch my brass while I tried out the new pistol.

The Federal Ball shot a little low and left; part of that was me getting used to the sights/trigger pull. But was acceptable and gave me a chance to get a feel for the gun.

The REM-UMC didn't have the same report/oomph as the Ball ammo, but grouped considerably better and more centered on the target. I only shot at 7 &10 yards off hand, but cleaned the center out of the reduced B-27 target! Very pleased, indeed

Looking forward to shooting this new gun more, and really getting a feel for what it can do. Will it replace my 1911/45 as my EDC? Not in the near future. But it may have it's turn in rotation after more testing/firing/proving itself, and me becoming more familiar/comfortable with it.

As a side note, I have no issues at all with the trigger pull on this gun. Being a "wheel gunner" all my life, I'm used to the double action triggers on S&W revolvers. If the trigger smooth's out as I continue to shoot it; it will be even more of a pleasure to shoot!

Exactly! All you hear is people yakking about how bad the trigger is. C'mon, man! It's not a tuned 1911A1 race gun! It's a civilian targeted, quality defense pistol. The heavier trigger pull is there to keep any A.D's to an absolute minimum. Growing up shooting more revolvers than semi-autos has it being a non-issue with me too.

L8R,
Matt

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SD40-VE owner and proud of it!

Congratulations on your new gun!

Now that I have gotten a taste of what the SD series can do, I have questions for those who own/shoot the SD40VE.

The LGS where I bought my SD9VE also has the SD40VE on sale for the same price ($299). I am a reloader/handloader and I know a lot of the 40 cal. guns bulge the brass upon firing. I wouldn't trust myself or my gun to a piece of brass that had been bulged and then reloaded. Does the SD40VE have this issue? Or does it depend on the individual gun? If I knew the SD40VE wouldn't bulge the brass, I would go right now and buy one!

Would appreciate input from all that shoot the SD40VE; and especially those who reload for it.

My SD40VE does bulge the casings but not excessive. I don't reload and it's not enough to concern me.

Bill

'Bout time!

Do you have a range near you where you can rent one? That might be a good way to check one out. Or, buy one for $299 and shoot it a bunch. If you don't like it, you can probably sell it for $199, and you will have basically rented it for awhile for $100.

No ranges locally that rent guns Went to a gun show yesterday and was able to trade all the 40 cal. brass I had accumulated for a box of 500 125 gr. 9mm hard cast bullets from a manufacturer I've bought from before. So for now, I'll put a 40 cal. on the back burner. Sure wish they would offer an SD45VE, I'd be all over that!

AMEN. You can sing that in the church choir every Sunday.

There are a number of local groups in my area on Facebook where members of the group sell "man" things, including guns and ammo. I've seen used SDVE pistols sell for $300. Sometimes it's hard to find new ones in gun shops, since they sell as fast as they get them in stock.

I called S&W and told them I expected one to be made...they said they'd get right on it.

I second, or third, or whatever the nomination...that is a gun I'd really like to have.

I know some guys who follow that kind of thing on FB, one has made some amazing buys on guns!

The LGS I bought my SD9VE from had 12-15 of each caliber in stock & on sale, at $299 for either, it's the best deal going. Went to a gun show yesterday and lowest price was $339.
I was also lucky enough that they allowed me to check a few out/examine/dry fire before I made my decision.

If Ruger can make an SR45, SURELY S&W can add an SD45VE to the series!

There's one group - Cheap Guns of North Texas - that doesn't allow any prices over $500. There are lots of other sites, some for 1911s only, and some for guns and ammo in general. Some are getting a little bit antsy about being "watched" by the BATF, and require that buyers and sellers certify that all transactions will be legal.

Some people list their guns really high on there...and then others chime in telling them they are too high, and where they can be found NIB for less money. Kinda like a shopping service...

Just shot another 50 rounds of Blazer Brass through the SD9VE-again, flawlessly! Let a friend of mine run a mag through it full out, never missed a beat.

I'm really liking this gun, and it's my first poly frame. So far, very impressed. Come on S&W-how about an SD45VE?

Went to an indoor range today and shot my SD9VE. Except for 1 other person, I had the range to myself (11 lanes, Max 50' distance).

I took 60 rounds of test reloads, which all fired/functioned flawlessly. Also picked up a box of the new Federal Aluminum cased 115 gr. FMJ, it too ran flawlessly and at 5 & 7 yards, blew the X ring out of a reduced B-27 target! At $9.97/box, I will pick these up for a grab & go range ammo when I may not be able to recover my brass. I can also get the 45 auto for $14.97, but when I checked the rounds in the box, they had the same problem as the brass cased Champion rounds-bullets loose and could be pushed into the case with finger pressure. Maybe run them through my FCD and re-crimp? Had to do that with a few rounds of the Champion brass cased ammo.

I have to say, the more I get to shoot my new SD, the more I like it! It'll never be a 1911, but then, nothing is like a 1911-except a 1911! :-) But that doesn't mean we can't have an SD45VE to compare!

If Ruger can make an SR45, then surely S&W can make a SD45VE!

Well, I enjoyed the indoor range enough that I got a 6 month membership today. Place is open 7 days/week and I can go/shoot as much/long as I want (till closing time anyway).

The down side is, it is 92 miles round trip and an hour each way. But, I get 5% discount on ammo and 10% off any training classes. End of Oct. they start a .22 Bullseye League; and since I'm a member, there's no cost for me to shoot.

Membership was $150/6 months, but lane fee is $18/hour. If I were to go once/week for 26 weeks that comes out to $468. With fall/winter coming on and the local club having the pistol range closed, I figured I'd get my money's worth!

Oh, the reason for the post was I shot another 100 rounds through the SD9VE today. I'm really enjoying this gun. Just thought I'd keep everyone updated...

Shot another 50 rounds through the SD9VE on 9-10-2014. Also picked up a used /LNIB Browning Buck Mark 22 pistol w/ 5.5" Bull Bbl. Had 3 boxes of Federal 22 ammo I was able to get with it-Yahoo!

They have a 22 Bullseye League that shoots on Tuesday evening starting end of Oct., so I thought I would give it a try, and it would give me something to do through the winter months. The Buck Mark will get me into it with not a lot of cash outlay-$225 and it was LNIB. Never shot Bullseye so this will be interesting, to say the least.

Another 50 rounds through the SD9VE today, along with another 60 rounds through the Buck Mark 22 (180 rounds total).

Life is good when the guns go "bang" every time you pull the trigger!

I was a bit apprehensive about buying the SD9VE, as some folks seem to have problems/issues; some right out of the box. So far, I'm very happy with my purchase and the way the gun shoots/functions. So now, I'm at 460 total rounds with no issues at all-very pleased, indeed :-)

You have to admit that with the amount of these pistols sold, the owners that are happy with them far outweigh the few with issues. I have had an issue and I am still happy with both of my sdve's.

Bill

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Remember the Alamo!

I wonder just how many SD series guns have been sold? It's not how many "good" reviews people read, it's the "bad" ones that stick in their mind. Never owning a polymer gun before, that's what concerned me. I saw so many positive reviews, but then, even here on the S&W forum, you see all the threads by folks who have issues with their guns; some right out of the box! I have to say, that weighed heavy on mind, while trying to decide whether to buy or not.

In all my years of owning firearms, the only one that I had an issue with was a Dan Wesson 357 revolver; and that was a shroud issue, not the revolver. I purchased a 10" bbl./shroud in order to shoot Metallic Silhouette competition. When installed on my frame, it was canted/crooked to the point you couldn't see the front sight. The store I bought it from wouldn't even exchange it for me, so I had to send back to DW. I received a replacement, which was better, but still not correct-still slightly canted. The original 2 1/2 & 4" bbls. that came with the gun fit perfectly. Not having luck with the DW, I traded it for a Ruger Super Blackhawk and all was well!

So far, the SD9VE has met all my expectations. It feels good in my hands, I have no issues with the trigger, and the more I shoot it, the better/smoother it gets, it has fired every type of ammo, factory or reloads with no malfunctions of any kind and is accurate to the distances I shoot-5, 7, & 15 yards-and I can clean the center/X of a B27 target as long as I do my part.

I have always trusted S&W firearms to be reliable and dependable, to the point of trusting my life and those of my family, if the need to defend myself ever arose. So far, the SD9VE has earned my trust and confidence that it could do just that. I'm very happy so far, and as with anything; time will tell.

Sorry for the rant...

Went to the indoor range today. I've been going on Sunday afternoon, but my fiancé and I are going to the movie theatre tomorrow.

Fired another flawless 50 rounds through the SD9VE and another 60 rounds through the Buck Mark 22.

I also happened to catch a Mega-Pack of REM-UMC 9mm ammo (250 pack) for $40 out the door! It was a good day of shooting and getting the ammo for $40 was a plus!

Nice.

Bill

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Remember the Alamo!

I've been a S&W sd9ve owner for over a year now. I love it! It's my second 9mm. I've made a couple of modifications to it so far. Such as a new Apex trigger. It's now a 6 pound pull vs. 7-8. I also added Talon grips to it. I want to change front sight to red. Not much luck finding the correct sight. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

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Patrick W. O'Malley

As I usually try to do, I made my Sunday trip to the indoor range today.

Another 50 rounds REM-UMC from the Value Pack I picked up a few weeks ago, through the SD9VE. I have to say, at ranges of 5, 7, & 15 yards, my SD9VE seems to shoot everything accurately. No, it's not a target grade firearm like a 1911 or K-38; but for a self defense weapon, it won't let you down! There are viewing windows at this indoor range, and I caught a couple of guys watching as I was shooting. When I'd turn around, they would just smile-I hope that was a good thing!

Also shot 25 rounds through the Browning Buck Mark. I'm still trying to get a feel for the gun, and trying to find my comfort spot shooting Bullseye Competition. I've gotten some good tips from a few of the older shooters. Some of these guys compete in so many types of competition; no wonder they're so good!

Hadn't shot my 1911 for a while, so shot a box of ball ammo through it. What a difference after shooting my SD9VE! I never tire of shooting a 45 auto, just so much fun!

A good day at the range for me. And one of the younger instructors was helping a new couple get familiar with their handgun. The guys at this shop are always helpful and willing to answer any question. Fair prices on guns, ammo and accessories. Having a membership to the range gets me a 5% discount on ammo/accessories and 10% off any training I want to take. Sad I can't get the same customer service locally, would save me a couple hours drive time plus gas, but I feel it's worth it.

On 10-18-2014, I made my usual trek to the indoor range. Took my SD9VE and my Ruger P89DC. Hadn't shot the Ruger in a while. Before I went into the shooting area, I spied an M&P 9 in the rental case. I asked to look at it and made the comment of thinking of getting one. Jim, one of the employees asked if I had 9mm ammo, and if I wanted to shoot it? Well, of course I said YES! No charge to shoot the M&P-Bonus!

So I fired 8 rounds through the M&P to get sighted/P.O.I. and then shot another 20 rounds into 2 separate targets. No issues at all digesting my reloads and as accurate as my SD9VE. I see an M&P 9 and 45 in my future!

Remaining 50 rounds was divided between my SD9VE and the Ruger P89DC. Again, my loading of 115 gr. plated RN, 4.1 grs. TiteGroup and CCI 500 primers found the centers of all targets. I am really beginning to like TiteGroup powder, and this load works very well in my 2 - 9's, the rental M&P and a buddies Springfield Armory XDs Sub Compact.

Was nice to shoot the Ruger again, only downside is the sights are a little smaller and harder for me to pick up. But no worries, she still did her part by punching holes in the targets! So, another 30 rounds through the SD9VE, and counting :-)

Today, 10-25-2014. The LGS/Indoor Range was having a 2nd anniversary/open house. Since I bought a range membership, I was entitled to a raffle ticket for the 3 guns and 1 bow they were giving away. A Glock 42 380, a DPMS Panther AR-15, a Ruger 10/22 and a PSE Stinger compound bow. Everyone who came to the store today received a ticket for door prizes-4 baskets of shooting supplies/accessories! Unfortunately, I didn't win anything today; but it was a great day for everyone!

Anyone was welcome to come and shoot for FREE for 30 minutes at the indoor range. I took my turn as well and shot another 50 rounds of the new Federal Aluminum 9mm 115 gr. ammo through the SD9VE. One of the instructors (John) saw my target and asked if I had any work done on my SD9VE? I said no, it's bone stock. He was pretty impressed that I was shooting such good groups with no mods to my gun! I told him since I had always shot S&W double action revolvers; I didn't feel the trigger on the SD9VE was anything to complain about! Looking at my target-he agreed!

Free lunch (hot dogs, chips and bottled water), cupcakes and cookies (all that you wanted to eat), Free give aways on tables in the archery range (t-shirts, cups, mugs, stickers, coozies, hats from Ruger, Remington, Springfield Armory, ink pens, key chains, etc). Today was an EXCELLENT day to be a shooter! Kudos to the folks who own/operate the gun shop and indoor range. All the guys and gals who work there are all top notch, fun to talk to/be around and always willing to help answering any questions you might have about shooting or guns in general :-)

Been a few weeks since I shot my SD9VE, been shooting the M&P 45 FS I picked up about a week ago. So today, both the S&W's went to the range. Fired another box of the Federal Aluminum 9mm/115 gr. FMJ through the SD9VE. Also fired a box of the Federal Aluminum 45acp/230 gr. FMJ and 40 rounds of Winchester White box/230 gr. FMJ through the M&P 45.

Both guns ran flawlessly; no issues at all. I'm always hesitant when buying used guns, and the M&P 45 was just that-a lightly used gun in case with all the accessories when sold new. The fired cartridge envelope was dated 7-27-07. So I was concerned that something might have been an issue with the gun, and so, was traded in to the LGS. So far, I can find no issues with the function or accuracy of the pistol-so relieved!

Just an update, boring, I know... So far, 690 rounds fired through the SD9VE with no issues at all :-)

Congrats I had mine for about a year and it is a very decent and accurate gun I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine

When you hit around the 2,000 round mark, let me know. (Sure you will with no problem) I have about that many rounds through my older SW40VE, and the ol' girl still runs like a champ.

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USMC 83'-87', NRA Member.

I am @ 2750 rounds so far as of Friday nov 7 th still works great the only thing I changed was the spring rod assembly too steel one just for aesthetic reasons

I've had an SDVE9 for a few months now and I love it! I use a bulldog holster. I've put several hundred rounds doe range with it and never had a problem.

Been reading up on these SW polymer guns, lots of good information in these forum bytes.
So I had to join the fun, and I purchased one today.
Now I just have to find time for the range.


Papa

Congrats on your new purchase-did you get the 9mm or 40 S&W? Also welcome to the Forum, you'll really enjoy it here!

The nine . I'm really excited about it.

Another day at the range...

Took the SD9VE, M&P 45 and my Buck Mark 22. Ran a box of REM-UMC (green/white box) through the 9 & 45 and a box of Remington Thunderbolts through the Buck Mark. Wasn't expecting any issues with the 9 or 45, and there were none. Been shooting the Buck Mark in 22 Bullseye competition and have only used CCI Std. Vel. through it with no issues. Thunderbolts don't have a good rep., so I didn't know what to expect. No issues at all, and at 5 yards blew out the X ring on a 50' Slow Fire target (wish I could do that in competition!).

I've bought extra mags for the 9 (new) & 45 (used) and all work as supposed to, no issues at all. Very good day at the range, made a gloomy day, well, better! :-)

I know this may be/get boring to some of you, but I like to post about the positive things about the SDVE series pistols.

Went to the range again today, a nice ending to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Started out with the M&P 45 and a box of Aguila 230 ball ammo. Shot very well, accurate and no issues.

Then my Browning Buck Mark 22. Except for the Bullseye League I shot in (placed 4th, by the way), I never had much chance to shoot it for fun. Took a box of Federal Champion #510 40 gr. solids and fired through the gun. No issues, even though I could tell it needs cleaned, as it started to act a little "sluggish" when I released the slide on a fresh mag. Accuracy is impressive with this little 22, even though you'd never know by looking at my competition targets! LOL :-)

Then to my SD9VE. Another 50 rounds of REM-UMC without a hitch! I've never considered myself to be a "great" shot, but I'm definitely not the worst. On a reduced B-27 I can keep 20 rounds all in the center at 5 & 7 yards (center of target measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", my group measures 2" x 2 1/4" @ 7 yds.). Oh, if I had better vision, I could do even better! Getting old is not much fun! :-(

My reasons for posting from each range trip are: 1) To keep a "round count" on my SD9VE (to date-790) and 2) To keep tabs on function and reliability. Seems so many folks have issues/problems with their firearms, I just want to show the "other side" for a change. Hope that's okay...

I think that is a great idea. Thanks for posting.

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Centennial Every Day

Another day at the range 12-13-14...

Started with 50 rounds through the Buck Mark 22 and some Remington Thunderbolts. 5, 7, 10 yards and then 50'. Out of 50 rounds, all stayed within the 3" bullseye except 1 flyer at 50'-that was my fault, not the guns/ammo :-(

Next, another 50 rounds of REM UMC 115 gr. FMJ through the SD9VE. 20 rounds/5 yards, 20 rounds/7 yards, final 10 rounds/5 yards. Main group is 2" x 2 1/2" centered on a B-24 silhouette target. Had 1 flyer just low at 7 0'clock at 7 yards-gonna have to work on that! :-(
840 rounds so far through the SD9VE with no issues.

Then on to my M&P 45, 50 rounds Federal Aluminum 230 gr. FMJ. I was NOT happy with MY performance; the gun ran flawlessly though! 20 rounds/5 yards, 20 rounds/7 yards, final 10 rounds/5 yards. My main group 3 1/2" x 3 1/2", centered on the B-24 silhouette target, but at 7 yards, 1-9 @ 4 o'clock, 1-8 @ 4 o'clock & 3 o'clock and 1-8 @ 5 o'clock! Worst group I've shot in a while! I kicked myself all the way to the car and called myself all kinds of names! I would've "grounded" myself, but I had to drive home! Back to the wood shed for me!

I have looked at the ballistics for the .45 and the cost per round compared to 9mm. I think that for Self Defense the 9mm with modern SD rounds is just fine. And I say that knowing that Terry Tussey, the famous 1911 guy, will throw up if he reads this post.

I keep eyeing a SD9VE on gunbroken and in my LGS. I've read a bunch of good stuff about it and this thread pretty much seals the deal..but I have a question:

I've got 3 Smith 39 series (39-2, 439 and 3904) plus a 59 no dash and 459. I carry a 908 or 2" mod 60 and have a Sig P6 next to the bed. Plus a bunch of wheel guns and a few 7.65 Berettas for fun. (My wife is just starting to shoot a 30-10.)

How, oh how can I justify another 9mm? True I don't own anything striker fired, but I really love my 39's and I can't see shooting an SD very much. Tell me it's a whole new experience....I need some enabling here.