http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/smit...dCatid=3493890

Other than this new product listing at academy, I can't find any info about this pistol (there's also a new item listing for a .40).

it's the pre-VE SD. There are a number of them in the forum here. By stripping off the night sights, and Armornite coating, S&W was able to drop the price and sell more.

__________________
~isaac

Other than the blackened slide like a M&P(9c) and the Hi-Viz sights that many change to from stock, it's a SDVE model under a different name.

It'll continue to be a quality, lower cost gun that folks will appreciate. Looks to be a WIN from S&W again at a small, higher cost to cover the upgrade looks.

I wonder if they had a special run made. It says new in the description. Plus the original SDseries had a tritium front sight and a steel M&P rear. This one has the fiber optic sights. That would be sweet if it is a new release!

L8R,
Matt

__________________
SD40-VE owner and proud of it!

I was wondering why there's (apparently) no info about these anywhere else but the academy website. Maybe a batch of older SDs was found collecting dust in a warehouse somewhere and they decided to put new sights on them and ship them to Academy. Of course, Academy is notorious for listing a "new" item one minute then the listing is pulled the next. A couple months ago they listed gray frame Glocks as new items; the listing was up for maybe two weeks then disappeared, never to be seen again. And I never saw any in stores.

Looks like academy took the older model SD9 and added different sites and trigger and sold them like this.

The slide says SD9.

If anyone ever finds one of these in the wild I will be very surprised. But if it actually makes it to stores, the black slide combined with the advertised sights and the availability of a $20 Apex spring kit might require me to pick one up at that price.

This looks a lot like my SD9 -- but with different sights.

The reference to the "Armornite®" finish is something different. The SD9 had the S&W "Melonite" finish. Is this the new name for Melonite, or for the PVD finish S&W put on some M&P9's, or something new? According to a web page on trademarks, S&W just got the Armornite® trademark approved in October of 2015, so these are probably NOT old stock SD9's.

This may be an addition to the SD9/SD9VE family. (I just checked, and it is not on the S&W web page; although I noted the Performance Center is putting very similar sights on the latest variant of the PC Shield).

The SD9VE with the silver-colored stainless slide is nice, but I always through the SD9 with the black slide was pretty cool too.

__________________
S&W Rover

SW probably saw the posts from half the guys on this forum (like me). Who have cerakoted their sd9ve's and decided to make some more sales. I never liked the bi tone of the original SD9VE (it looked 1990's cheap).
My coyote tan and graphite black slides look a lot better on my SD9VE's.

It is weird how it says SD9 - like the originals did.
Not a fan of the fiber optic sites though

I'm guessing this "new" pistol cannot be called a "SD9VE" because "VE" stood for Value Edition. The "value" (e.g., the reduction in manufacturing costs of the SD9VE over the SD9) came from the downgraded sights on the SD9VE (e.g., on the front, the plain white dot compared to a tritium of the SD9, and in the rear, a plastic sight compared to a M&P metal sight on the SD9). S&W could have called this a SD9-2, or something like that, but apparently they defaulted back to SD9. (You can see I am starting to believe this is a new pistol, although I have no idea if it is to be sold in addition to the SD9VE, or if it supplants the SD9VE).

I'm okay with fiber optics, and put a HiViz LITEWAVE™ on the front of my SD9VE, just like the one on the front of this "new" SD9. However, in general I don't use them because I worry about them being robust enough for the self-defense role. But many people like them, and they do aid visibility of the sights.

I'm intrigued by this new member of the SD family. I'd like to read more about the Armornite® finish. (I found mention of Armornite® being used on S&W M&P-15's and M&P9c's with green Crimson Trace lasers). And I too really like the all-black SD, and may have to get one of these when they hit the major vendors (Bud's, Palmetto State Armory, etc).

__________________
S&W Rover

Well sometimes you have to eat your words. Saw this earlier this afternoon at a local Academy. I have to say that in person, I think it's a rather handsome gun and for $350 I'm tempted to pick one up. And no doubt spend about $20-60 with Apex for trigger improvements. But the fit & finish was nice and it remains a solid pistol ergonomically. The HiViz FOs make for a nice sight picture, but I agree that they're maybe not the best choice for what's billed as a defensive pistol.
They also had the .40 in stock.

Attached Images

sd9.jpg (81.5 KB, 261 views)

Armornite is S&W's name for the salt nitride bath process. They quit calling it "Melonite" a few years ago and went with "Corrosion Resistant Finish"... and now Armornite.

I was in the Auburn, AL Academy two or three weeks ago and the two guys behind the counter had a gray framed Glock out looking at it.

My local academy has gray glock.
The gun pictured above they had, this weekend at least 20 in 9 and 15 in 40. Box says on the smith label academy, actually it might be an abreviation. Holding one side by side with the new pc shield it appears to be the same sight, which makes sense to just use other stock items to build.

My local Atwoods had a bunch of the Grey Glocks before Christmas. As for this SD9, I am guessing it is the "Academy" edition, kinda like the "Talo" editions we see of other guns. I too have tried to locate them on the S&W web page and I see no listings for them yet. Makes sense if S&W and Academy do have a partnership on a special run, since it was the sub $300 pricing that Academy does periodically for the SD9VE that launched these guns into the popularity they have now.

Regarding the gray frame Glocks in Academy, more words eaten on my part. But the fact that they disappeared from the website within a couple weeks combined with not seeing one in any of 3 stores made me assume no Academy had them.
p.s. A counter guy let me dry fire a new SD9 and it's the same long, heavy SD9VE trigger pull with long reset as I remember it. Still a nice looking and apparently well made gun that would probably be greatly improved with $20-60 worth of Apex parts.
p.p.s. the Academy website is now showing Glock 17 MOS for $619.99. Not bad, but I got mine for $590 at LGS. I had been mildly interested in them, but at that price and with something to trade in on it, I decided to grab it. I'll probably end up selling a stray standard 17 to put towards the balance owed on the MOS.

Saw this pistol in Academy today. Been doing some research and went in to check out the SD9VE, and I spotted this gun. Asked the guy at the counter about it and he said you can only get it new at Academy. Anybody have anymore info on this gun? Reviews?

looks nice. i'm not as pleased with the look of the dual tone.

So I guess this won't be replacing the SD9VE? It's cool, and I like the all black scheme much more than the dual finish.

Lately I wondered if S&W would ever do a special edition of this gun. I guess this is it.

I picked one up the other day, and went ahead and ordered the $20 Apex spring kit. I plan to shoot it first stock, then install the kit, just to see how much it actually improves the trigger. I don't really think the stock trigger is "bad" -- it's billed as a "self defense" gun so the trigger is what it is. All black improves the look immeasurably IMHO, and the red/green fiber optic sights give a good sight picture. Altogether worth the $30 over the price of the standard 2-tone (at least at Academy).

Anyone out there know if these will fit into a M&P holster?

__________________
Centennial Every Day

They're in my local ad. May have to run by this week and take a look . . .

__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Has anybody field tested the Academy SD9 trigger at the range? I am curious if S&W actually modified the trigger. Thanks.

Academy seems to like to get manufacturers to make small runs of slightly customized versions of standard catalog guns that they can offer as a special Academy Sports exclusive.

I have a Rossi 44102 that was only available through Academy Sports for a short time. It's actually just a Taurus 44C with a front fiber optic sight, some slightly different grips, and the ROSSI name laser etched on the side of the barrel. In fact, in the cutout behind the crane it is even stamped 44C.

So if Academy did it with Taurus/Rossi, why wouldn't they do it with S&W too - if they could get S&W to go for it that is...

Im not sure about the M&P holster .. But My SD9VE & SD40VE fit perfectly in my Glock 19 holster !!

I bought one of the Original SD40's 2 years ago new. Only fired 100 rounds through it. It has the Black Armornite finish, the Front Nite Sight, and the 2 white dots on the rear sight. It also came as a package with a metal safe lock box (2 keys) and the attachable flashlight for the piccatinny rail. I also bought a Fobus Evolution paddle holster and a spare Hi-cap magazine (that makes 3 total mags). I am thinking of selling it because it was just a spur of the moment purchase and not my carry gun. Anyone know what a fair price is?

Attached Images

KIt.jpg (88.7 KB, 115 views)

I picked up one of the "new" SD9's at Academy and contacted HiViz to get some info on the sights. I was informed that the only firearms Smith puts their sights on is the MP series. I called Academy home office and they told me they did get a special run from S&W.

For me given the price of the sights alone the $329 SD9 creates some decent bang for the buck. As has been stated, I like the black over the two-tone. It looks sharp. I also own the SD9 VE that I got on sale for $289 and installed the Apex trigger kit and a steel guide rod. There is absolutely some serious difference between the modified SD9 VE and the stock SD9 trigger pull. So I am going with another Apex kit for the new pistol. Neither of these pistols are H&K's but for the investment these toys are pretty darn hard to beat.

the SD series is a great price for what you get. sure the trigger could be better, but is is a really good purchase.

I to have seen this new weapon "in the wild". My Academy has had it in stock for a while now so it's not a novelty. Bud's guns also offers it however they are out of stock right now. I have a VE that I'm giving my daughter, she loves it, and I'm picking up this new one this weekend.

i bought a sd40ve, and i loved it. went back to academy looking for the sd9ve..... ended up going with the sd9 ( academy exclusive with hi-viz sights) the all black looks sharp with the hi-viz sights.

the SD series is very reliable. sure the trigger isnt the best, but it gets hte job done.

I just bought a SD 40VE at Academy. Complete with the black slide and HI VIZ sights for $309 about 2 weeks ago. I noticed that the price has gone back up to $349 this week. I loved this gun it is replacing a G17. It feels better in my hand than the 17 ever did. Now I'm trying to decide between the M&P shield 9 or the the SD9VE for my next purchase.

Sent from my RCT6773W22B using Tapatalk

When did S&W start making the SD40VE with a black slide? They made/make an SD40 with a black slide.

SD series is no longer in production!

__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!

That is correct. But, if you are lucky enough, you can buy one from certain Academy Sports stores. They still have some in inventory. For example, (2) in my area (about 120 miles apart) still have several of each, SD9 & SD40, in stock.
I think member will1861 made a mistake when he stated that he bought a black slide SD40VE......unless, someone owned it previously, had the slide done in black, and Academy Sports somehow had it in its inventory. I think he meant to say he has an "SD40."

I am going to attend an opening of a new Academy Sports Store Nov, 18th. in my area. (O'Fallon IL) I will check with them as to the availability of the SD line. I know some stores still have some of the old stock. They do not however sell them on-line! I imagine it would be a leader item and appropriately priced.

__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!

Uh-oh! Martybee, can you confirm this? Will they return to production later?

I have one of these and have always felt they are a great value for the money, and a pretty good pistol to boot. Would hate to see them disappear from the marketplace.

__________________
S&W Rover

SWR, they are not made anymore. S&W combined the Sigma with the SD to make what is known today as the SD9VE and SD40VE.
Certain Academy Sports have some excess stock in their inventory.
Scroll down and read the "HISTORY" section.
Smith & Wesson SD VE - Wikipedia

Smith & Wesson SD9 Self-Defense 9mm Pistol | Academy

I hunted through the S&W website for any info on the SD line.
Some where in the archives, I found that it was, "No longer in production", However after an extended search on Google, I came across this article about the reintroduction of the SD's.
Take it for what it's worth!Smith & Wesson Re-Releases SD9/40 - The Truth About Guns

Also a Tread on this topic!

Original(-ish) Melonite-SD9/40 re-released!

__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!

I have a nephew that has worked at an Academy Sports store in Baton Rouge for 2.5 years. I called him at his store this AM and read the article that Martybee posted. He told me his mgr. stated that back in March-April their store received a shipment of the reintroduced SD9/SD40's, but have not received them any more. He stated that his mgr. said that S&W has put a halt to producing them again. So, I called S&W and told them about the article as well. She said the same thing, that S&W did a special reintroduction of the SD pistol to Academy Sports only, but, lack of sales forced them to halt production.
But, kudos to member Martybee for finding that information.

It looks like it may become a collector's item!

__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!

Definitely a fine looking pistol !!!

Mine is a black SD-9. While the current SD9VE/SD40VE is a nice looking pistol, I personally prefer the black. The Academy SD variant seemed like a return to the "old" SD, with the black slide, but with new features: the fiber optic sights and the Armornite® finish.

As long as the SD9VE/SD40VE are still in production, I'm happy. I'd like to see them return to the steel rear sight, because I think it is more durable than the plastic version, but in practical terms they both do the job.

__________________
S&W Rover

The slide on mine is just marked SD40, however the box clearly says SD40VE. So whatever it is. I'm very happy with it. I will try to post pictures when I get a chance to.



Sent from my RCT6773W22B using Tapatalk

I too prefer the black slide. That is why, for Christmas, I am sending my slide to MIDDLEBRANCH MACHINE in Canton, OH. to have my slide Black Nitride coated for $80 + $8.00 to have it shipped back. For the slide and barrel the cost is $120 + $8.00 shipping. They will disassemble and reassemble the slide for you. Turn around time is (2) weeks. I saw a member's SDVE pistol on here that had his done there. It looks very sweet!
Middlebranch Machine - Photos | Facebook

I went to the Academy Grand Opening in O'Fallon, IL this evening. They confirmed they have the S&W SD9 &40 made exclusive for them! I looked at the SD40. It had the stainless-steel barrel and slide with an Armornite® finish and HI-VIZ® fiber-optic front and rear sights. The price is: $349.99. They said they had (5)-SD40's and (7)-SD9's in stock.
The SD40 I looked at came in a box marked S&WSD40ve. It comes with 2-magazines.

These are B&M stores specials only and can not be ordered on line! If there is a store near you, you may be able to have one transfered to your store if they are willing too do that for you!

It is a very nice handgun for SD or Range use, but I am not in the need of one.

__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!