I think alot of people will say price ...and the price had a little to do with my purchases .. But my first Sigma purchase was a eary Second Gen 2 a 40 S&W . Which i just was crazy about .. It was my first 40 caliber pistol .. My 3rd Polymer pistol ( 1st Ruger P95,2nd HS2000) I was amazed with its light weight , compact size .. as for the trigger . I thought it was OK .. being a revolver guy .. I must have put 2K down that barrel till it went in a trade.. I then got on tbe Glock wagon and Im still on it .. My nephew purchased a S&W SD9VE a year or so ago .. and when I tried it .. I was hooked again .. They just feel great in my hand ..I now own a SD9VE and a SD40VE ... I really like them both . Picked the both up on Gunbroker at really good prices .. Other than switching the magizine springs on tve 40 cal with Glock 22 mags ( rattling noise ) i hadnt done anything else ...
I think they are the best value out there in hi-cap pistols ..I use my Glock 19 holsters for them , they fit perfectly !!

Smith and Wesson being made in USA, price, customization potential. Could have purchased a Glock 19 but instead I got the SD9VE and customized it to me for less than the Glock.

For me, it was the price. At the time I bought it, I really couldn't afford much else, and I wanted something lighter weight to replace my Hi-Point.

For me 1st was the feel, I had shot my son in law's Glock 19 and like how it felt in my hand and the SD9ve had the same feel, 2nd was it was a Smith & Wesson, and even though the price was low, I was basically looking at Glock 19 when comparing the two at the store counter.

Price and feel. My SD9VE has a great natural point of aim in my hands.

I originally purchased the s&w m&p22 for the price. I then bought the sd40ve for a larger caliber conceal carry. I chose the sd40 because i am comfortable with smith and wesson handguns, it fits my hands, its a reliable gun, and i loved the silver colored slide, not to mention the price was great!

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For my ~2000 Sigma 40E it was marketing. I had been looking through some S&W magazines and saw the 40E. I chose the 40 because the little ad talked about power and how LE agencies were moving toward the 40.

I walked into the local dealer (NC) and requested he order one for me. He pointed out the Glocks in the case, but I hadn't heard anything about Glocks, so I declined. I ended up with my very first gun.. a Sigma 40E. I paid $450.

Looking back, I feel it was a mistake, but I knew nothing at the time. Oh well, It is my favorite because it was my first. It is what it is....

Affordable firearms that induce knee jerk negative reactions from anonymous internet operator commandos on internet forums always pique my attention. I've owned several budget handguns that were poo-pooed by the internet experts as being entry level, won't last, etc... Some examples:

• Ruger P95
• EAA Witness P
• Hi-Point JHP 45
• Hi-Point C9
• Taurus PT92
• Taurus 709 Slim

The predecessors to the SD-VE series, drew extraordinary negative reaction from the internet commandos. I saw a SD9-VE at a local store. Polymer frame, not quite full size, not quite compact, stainless slide, traditional lands and groove barrel, two mags. It was on sale. I had an additional promo discount coupon. I had some rewards points to burn on my credit card. Out the door it cost me $209. A S&W semi-auto for $209? Yes please!

I know the reason I purchased one will offend some. I wanted to see how bad could it actually be. As with the majority of the budget guns I've purchased out of curiosity, it was not bad at all. In fact, the pistol delivers more value for the dollar than most pistols. I put the "most bang for the buck" factor right up there with the discontinued Ruger P95.

I've even ruffled a few feathers here by firing 1,150 rounds without cleaning it, and posting pictures. I made it to 2,000 rounds without cleaning it. Not a single function issue that could be attributed to the pistol. A drop of lube here and there, and it kept on going. The cost of ammo fired is more than double the cost of the pistol.

I got the willies and cleaned it last week. Guess what? It cleaned up easy peasy. The stainless slide wiped clean. Breech face and under the extractor claw came clean with a wipe of solvent. Barrel cleaned up fast and easy. Wiped out the frame and blew it out with compressed air. No damage, no extraordinary wear, nothing. It looks brand new.

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-John

I was going to get a Beretta 92FS (and I might still!) because that was (until Chief Bratton) the issued EDC sidearm of the LAPD, which I was trying to join over a decade ago. I liked the way it felt in my hand when I got a chance to hold one back then, and I figured that it was the Right balance of reliable performance and cost. They were kind of long, which at the time, I didn't appreciate. Also, I was of the opinion that if I wanted to carry for SD, I should consider a semiautomatic that chambers a .40 caliber round. Then, I discovered the CHP carried S&W 4006s, and for years, I wanted one.

Then it fell off the freakin' California roster by the time I started looking again. The only two semi-autos they sell here now are the shield and the SD (replacement Sigma). By this point, I was so in love with the idea of owning a shorter (but still good-sized) semiautomatic made by Smith & Wesson that I decided the SD40VE would be the one. I hadn't realized how much like a Glock the Sigma/SD line was trying to be because I hadn't realized how much they'd changed the gun market with proving Polymer guns can work. The biggest PD in the US (NYPD) started carrying them and when their chief (Bratton) came to LA, he opened up the opportunity for the officers here to carry those if they wanted.

The reviews were outstanding on the SD and most importantly, the price point made it affordable. Had the 92FS not cost as much as it did, I'd have bought it a decade ago, but the SD finally put a semiauto within reach. It was only a bonus that everywhere I went online, people were saying how much better they liked it than a Glock. I personally find it more visually pleasing and the grip angle on the SD is much more natural for me than the Glock. I also prefer 3-dot sights to the football goal sight picture.

In hindsight, I wish I had have fired a variety of guns before settling on it because while I might have ultimately bought one, once I shot the P226, it changed my mind about the caliber I wanted to deal with on a EDC basis. Also, the trigger was significantly better (although in a $900 gun it better be). Finally, it really made me strongly consider either trying to find a 5906 or 4006 that's already in California, or add a Beretta 92FS to my collection in order to get that steel frame handling that seems to do so much better than polymer does when it comes to muzzle flip and recoil.

All that said, I still appreciate the SDs for what they are and plan to keep at least the SD9VE. I'm going to have a smith put in the Apex spring and replacement trigger to make it a lot less of a chore to fire and upgrade the sights, too, so it's something I can use with a flashlight. One thing I really appreciate about the SD40VE and SD9VE is how SIMPLE they are. No decocker, no disable switch, no hammer. Just point in. Makes training more simple, and in an SD situation, gives you less to get wrong.

Price !!! I was looking at the Glock 19 and the Springfield Armory XD-9!! I still like both of these pistols and want to eventually add both to my battery, but both were out of reach, price-wise, for me. I tried the SD at a LGS and fell in love with the feel. Felt better to me than either the G-19 or XXD-9, which still feel real good in my hands. After purchase, I field stripped the SD and noticed that it seemed a lot less complex than the Glock, XD or M&P, which I also like a great deal. A few drawbacks, however !!! Not as much variety of aftermarket stuff. Still looking for the right holster for EDC !! The rear sight is plastic, which I WILL change, eventually !! Haven't made my mind up on the trigger, however. Might get it smoothed out some, but the factory springs seem OK !! Overall, a fine weapon. Mine hasn't been as trouble free as some on this forum, but I have 3,000 K+ through with 5 or 6 malfs total, and this was early on. I'm quite happy with mine (so far) and intend to keep it, regardless of anything else I purchase. A FINE pistol !!!!

I saw one for under $300, so I did some research. Heard the bad and the good and decided it fit my need as an extra HD pistol.
I have been very fortunate with my purchases. The fit and finish was better than I had hoped. While it isn't my favorite, it is enjoyable to shoot.

I liked the under $300.00 price, the magazine capacity, and the fact that it was Smith&Wesson.

What attracted me was the value. Was looking for a new high-cap 9 as my HiPower was becoming too valuable to use for a home defense or vehicle carry piece. When doing research, my options came down to the SD9VE and the Ruger 9E. Price-wise, they were comparable and, frankly, I preferred the Ruger's trigger. Then a local Sporting Goods chain came out with a promotion on the SD that tipped the scales. With two mags instead of one and the additional savings, I have funds left for the Apex trigger enhancement kits.

There are a few reasons why I have bought the S&W Sigma series and the SD9VE. But, I think the main reason is, it's a cheaper made GLOCK! Not MADE cheap, but, a cheaper in price than GLOCK. I will NEVER own a GLOCK, but I have to admit it, it's the closest pistol you can own/buy that is made by S&W that is a GLOCK. A GLOCK goes "BANG" everytime, just like the S&W Sigma and SDVE series.

Oh yeah, one other thing. Parts for a GLOCK are cheaper in price and will fit on the Sigma and SDVE pistols.

I bought one as an entry level handgun for my son to shoot during Steel Challenge matches. He hated the trigger (so did I), so I picked up an apex polymer trigger and spring kit and installed them - it's honestly a different gun now. He loves it! So far, we've put about 1,000 rounds through the gun since April, and not a single failure we can attribute to the gun.

Bought mine because it was the cheapest best fitting .40 I could find.

Little did I know how much I was going to modify the gun to suit me.

Thought parts would be more readily available.

Thought S&W would send me parts instead of having to return my
gun every time I needed something, even the simplest part.

Thanks,3

When I bought my first S&W 40VE,I like the look and most of all I wanted a 40 Cal. Price wasn't bad either when I bought it.

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Life is short,live it fully.

Like most ppl. Being a first time buyer and shooter. Affordability when i bought my SD9VE. About a $100-$200 cheaper than the Glock. I used that extra money for ammo. Since new shooter, i rather spend more time at the range to familiar myself with the basics and not break the bank just b/c ppl said so.

My wife bought her SD9VE because of the price and the fact it felt comfortable in her hand. I think she might be thinking about an upgrade to an M&P. That and she likes 9mm. I would rather she have bought a .40.

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Get off my lawn!

Today's 9x19 rounds (esp. over 135gr.) get the job done. It is RIGHT on the edge of what it is my wife can even handle. I can accurately fire .40 cal., but I find the 9mm round more comfortable and I can make high confidence follow-up shots what feels like Twice as fast.

I just bought a SD9VE last week.

1. I needed something to shoot the 9mm ammo I still have after selling my Boberg XR9-L last year.
2. Price. $289 out the door.
3. Several online reviews made it sound like a real sleeper, claiming great performance for its price point.

I've cleaned it, but haven't shot it yet. Here's hoping I avoided a lemon.

The price is what attracted me. It felt really good in my hand. I read tons of excellent reviews. I love it. It's simple, easy to shoot, and it shoots everything I feed it.

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Bought a SD9VE from my neighbor. He was laid off of work, doing odd jobs. He built me a Garden Shed(10' x 10') off a cheapie blueprint, using wood material lying in a pile, so little purchase needed. We had enough paper/shingles from my roof repair, so only door hinges/handles/hasp with lock were purchased.
Paid him cash for the labor(I was the helper), and he asked if I could use a 9mm? For $200, yes, only one mag though. Gun was brand new. Never fired. Nice grip, sights, and not very different from my Glock 19.
Also with a rail, So my rail-light fits. Good nightstand firearm.

Neighbor was happy, he helped me build a 8' x 12' redwood deck, from a pile of wood from his yard. A tree crashed his deck, and insurance replaced his. This wood was treated, so a win for both of us. Cash was king. Our yards are all cleaned up. My wife is happy.

We use everything around here as far as material. Nothing goes to scrap unless it's short pieces. We bonfire those in the fall and share stories
and beverages.
Neighbor got hired back at his job, we are still good friends.

Same here! Still like my HP, but carrying a brick was getting real old real fast.

For me it was from recommendations of friends and family who love Smith and Wesson products, but I had to factor in price so I went with these. Ended up getting both at a gun show for less than the price of a new gen 4 Glock.

I already own both the Sigma SW9VE and the SW40VE.
My son bought an SD9VE in Oct. 2015. He shot about 100 rounds through it and decided he wanted an M&P. He sold me his SD9VE with a few boxes of ammo for $275.

My SD9 VE was my first handgun purchase. I wanted a GLOCK, but wanted American Made and Stainless Steele more. I like the M&P, but did not like the Beaver Tail that jabbed me in the side when riding in an IWB holster. I did not want to go M&P Compact and give up the capacity or the the grip size. The SD9 VE had been on my radar since I first saw it when it came out. I went with a VE instead of the new Academy SD9 because of availability in my area. The nearest Academy is an hour drive away and the nearest Atwoods with the SD9 VE is literally over the fence from my house. The reputation of reliability and how it eats pretty much anything you feed it was impossible to ignore. Then I held it and dry fired it. I dug the trigger and laughed at all the bad mouthing I have heard online. It was pretty dang good in my book, compared to everything else I have tried. Not as good as a Sig, but no where close to as bad as some say. Now with the new Sharp Texture Frame and matte finish it feels amazing in my hand and does not slip at all when I am soaking wet from 110 degree temps and 90% humidity. S&W has hit it out of the park with the SD9 VE. Best bang for the buck out there.

Combination of reasons:
1. Name reputation - thought about a Taurus, but would I bet my life in a brand not used by professionals?
2. Price - $299, 'nuff said
3. Capacity - some things I've read said civilian incidents average 2-3 shots max. But if i can have more, why not?
4. The way it fit in my hand - tried a M&P, Glock and XD at the same time. I shot better with the M&P. The SD9VE felt the same, with a slightly heavier & longer trigger. Figured I'd get used to it, I'm not into competitive shooting.

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I bought my SD9VE, because it is virtually a G19 that is more ergonomic and $150-$200 less. All of the reviews I saw said it was shootable, reliable and simple.

I got my SD9VE from a buddy at work who needed some cash and was going to pawn it. I gave him $250 with 2 mags and in excellent shape. I told him I would hold it a few weeks and he could buy it back for the same price if he wanted. He decided not to rebuy it, so it's mine now and I like it a lot, though it shoots a little low to POA. I have M&P, Walther, Sars, and Ruger pistols and this one does it's job just fine. Most of my pistols are in the $300 range and I really don't see a need to spend more.

I had some gift cards for Academy so I got my SD9VE for free. I was so impressed with it's reliability and accuracy that I went a few months later to buy my SD40VE. I conceal carry a Shield 40 but I keep the SD40VE in my jeep for a "truck gun". The price for such a great gun makes them hard to pass up.

Bill

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Remember the Alamo!

I purchased mine in the fall of 2013. It was my first hand gun.
I could not pass it up for $289. Bought it from a FFL that is a friend of my youngest son.

The 1st. time I shot it, It scared the heck out of me! I didn't anticipate the recoil and almost dropped it! After only 4rds. I was ready to trade it for something in a lower cal. Now after shooting more than 1,000 rds., I am glad I did not trade it!
I am a very old Geezer, but I still enjoy shooting.

mb

Expendability. I own nicer pistols buy over three years ago I started looking for a dedicated HD/nightstand gun. Dad taught me CQ point and shoot and that's what I do.

Sights weren't really an issue as I don't rely on them. Well made, warranty, no safety, high-cap, heavy trigger and homely were requirements.

If I had to relinquish the gun for any after-shooting ordeal, it gets tossed in an evidence locker, gets dinged or moves into perpetual limbo (the police have a 1970 Ruger MKI, given to me by my dad. It has been incarcerated for four years awaiting trial, appeal, re-trial as it was used in a felony robbery.

If I'm alive when I get it back I can guess what it might look like.

That's why I wanted one that I was not married to. Besides, If I needed one to throw in the trunk for some night fishin', frog giggin' or Pokemon Go, that would be the one.

My 4506, 6906 and my 1911 stay in the safe. The perpstoppers in my SD work fine so I will save my others for range adoration.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Rustyt1953 wrote: "If I had to relinquish the gun for any after-shooting ordeal, it gets tossed in an evidence locker, gets dinged or moves into perpetual limbo (the police have a 1970 Ruger MKI, given to me by my dad. It has been incarcerated for four years awaiting trial, appeal, re-trial as it was used in a felony robbery.)"

How did you or your dad end up with a gun that is in police custody?

It was stolen from me and then used in a robbery out of state.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

A neighbor, who lived across the street, was a car dealer, and in just one year had two guns taken from his car console. The problem was that he forgot to lock the car. That was when this development was under construction and after work the guys just walked down the street pulling car door handles. The car was up on his driveway but that didn't matter. I really couldn't feel very sorry for him.

He did then add bright security lights but that was just a little late.

Our cars are never left in the driveway and are never unlocked except when we are getting in or out.

I bought it because it fit so well in my hand but now I keep fighting the urge to throw it in the trash. I have never had a weapon with accuracy so inconsistent and picky on loads. It went back to the factory 90 days after I got it because the trigger rod fell out. Same loads, different days from a rest one day nice groups, the next its hard to keep it on the paper. I do not have that problem with any other pistol or revolver I own. My Dept qualified twice a year. I always shot high 90's with my Beretta 92G and also qualified 90's with my 19-3 I normally carried on duty. Only said the last to say I'm not new to firearms, and have always shot fairly well.

I wanted to get a Glock 19 to go with my Glock 17 and use it for ccw. My buddy has a Sigma and never had any issues with it. Even once I add an Apex trigger, a few magazines and sights I'm still ahead of the Glock price wise, new anyways. Got it out the door for $386 yesterday. 300 rounds of Wolf with one FTE due one casing not having a rim. Don't ask me how I missed it loading the magazines.

A couple of years ago I owned a SW9VE and a SW40VE, sold them and ever since I missed them both. So, I recently got the opportunity to buy a new SD9VE for $280 OTD. Hope to put some rounds through it next week.

I cant believe the price on these pistols - I paid less for the new SD9VE than I paid for the old SW9VE model.

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Si vis pacem, para bellum

To keep the story short I got my cert to purchase guns in California and have always wanted a Glock cus I believe it's what a lot of officers have. I went searching for hand guns and picked up the glock and it just didn't fit right in my hand. I think if my hand was a little bigger I would have liked it. The lady noticed by the look on my face it wasn't for me so she handed me he SD and it was a great feeling gun in my hand. And because I was trying to get one sooner rather then later it fit into. The price range I was looking for. Hope I didn't over par but got it on sale for 389. Think out the door it was around 450. But with another 60 bucks in upgrades I couldn't imagine having anything else.

I bought my SD9VE because I may need to perforate hoodlums who make unauthorized entry into my domicile.

I had an SW9VE in the past that I liked, but I had to sell it. The SD9VE has the same virtues. It fits my hand well. It has an affordable price point. It carries plenty of ammo. It's reliable. It has nice sights. S&W has a good reputation for service. It's easy to take apart and clean. It's easy to put back together. It doesn't have an external safety to fiddle with in an emergency. The SD9VE also looks good. I even like the heavy trigger which will help me avoid inadvertent hoodlum perforation while I'm on the phone with police. It's all good.

I've shot plenty of more expensive guns. They are all very nice. But, ultimately, you just have to be able to hit a pie plate sized target from across a room. SD9VE accomplishes the mission.

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Vanquish Fear and Panic!

The SD40VE was the second gun I ever bought. After waiting several long months for my pistol permit here in NY I finally got it in December 2012! Then the NEXT day the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting happened. Within weeks the dictatorial governor colluded with sniveling politicians to pass that unconstitutional SAFE Act farce. In its original form it banned the sale of guns with mag capacity greater than 7 rounds effective April 15, 2013. Despite being low on funds I decided to go to the gun store so I would have at least one firearm with the already neutered 10 round magazines. Here in NY I have NEVER seen a gun on sale for less than the MRSP, often it costs more. The SD9VE and the SD40VE were $379 however they were still considerably cheaper than the Berettas, Sigs and Glocks in the case. Again, that's the price for the guns with the 10 round mags not the 16 or 14 rounds mags, respectively. Anyway, to make a short story long, I bought it to give the middle finger to Cuomo. I got the .40 cal because if I am only going to be able to carry 10 rounds I want them to be bigger bullets.

I bought a SD9VE for my lovely wife mainly due to the simplicity of operation. Just point and pull the trigger. The light weight, durability of the finish, $300 price, two magazines, 16+1 capacity, and reports of super reliability, also were a big selling point. I've kept a 915 under my side of the bed but think I will buy another SD9VE for me. It's a handsome pistol.

I'm about to be giving mine to my sister, as long as she can operate the slide proficiently. After about 4000 rounds, I know it will eat anything you feed it and just plain run. It's pretty dam accurate too. She is in a tight spot or you better believe my love affair with my sd9ve would not be ending this way... maybe I'll seek out one with a black slide, always found those to be quite appealing, upgraded sights are a nice bonus too.

I've owned 125 handguns, from expensive 1911s, H&Ks, and SIGs, to "budget" guns like Ruger P-series and even a few Hi-Points. I've owned several SD and SDVE series guns, and the SD9VE is the only gun I now own. (I didn't own all 125 at one time...these were owned over the course of my adult life, and the most I've owned at any one time was 10.)

Why did I "settle" for the SD9VE?

1. It's a S&W, which means American made, lifetime warranty, paid shipping for warranty work, and great customer service.

2. It's a 9mm, which I find is easier and cheaper to shoot for me now, rather than .40 or .45 (although I would definitely buy a SD45VE if S&W ever decides to make one!)

3. It's reliable and accurate for me. It fits my hand better than a Glock 19.

4. At 16 + 1 capacity, if I need more than that in a defensive situation, I'm in more trouble than I can handle.

5. It's easy to break down and clean...and, I can take the striker out and clean out the channel without knocking out roll pins.

6. They regularly sell for about $300 locally, which makes it a great value.

People complain about the trigger, but I like the stock trigger. This is a home/defense gun, and I don't want it to have a light trigger with no safety. Considering everything, this is the best choice for me.

I didn't buy an SD9VE, but an SD9 when they first came out, I had actually went to buy a G19, but that instead. Tritium front sight, actual picatinny rail, no BS lifetime warranty from a company I had had great luck with in the past, for about $80 less than the glock.

My sw9ve is boxed up for it's second trip back to S&W for it's second firing pin. It has been fired between 200 and 250 rounds.
I owned one before this one that was trouble free. I don't think I would ever trust this one again for a bedside gun.

I believe the OP was asking about the SD series.

Anyway, I'd been considering a hand gun for awhile and then a local store had a 1 day sale on the SD9 for $299. I went over and checked it out and then went online to check out the reviews. Everything I read sounded positive and I liked how it felt in my hand so I pulled the trigger (pun intended). I've only shot 3 boxes but am enjoying it so far.

After years of thinking about purchasing a firearm, I decided the recent anti-gun attacks being pushed by the liberals and increased violence in our country meant the time was now. Only condition was that it HAD to be a Smith and Wesson (blame Dirty Harry for that) and it had to be new. Also, being that I was going to learn to shoot with it I wanted something that was considered not too imposing.

In any case, after hours and hours of research and youtube videos, I chose the SD9VE over the M&P. I don't regret it one bit. I purchased it two months ago, have fired exactly 500 rounds over 4 trips to the range. Being a new shooter I think the long, and what lots of people consider as somewhat heavy trigger has helped me learn control and I have gotten better every time out. Feels natural in my hand compared to a Glock 40 and Beretta PX4 that my friend has are the only other 2 firearms I've ever held.

Have used only Federal Champion FMJs purchased at WM. Nothing even close to a malfunction. I'm going to clean and lube it tomorrow for the first time and I'm having an absolutely wonderful time with it.