I am a fairly new shooter. I grew up shooting a little with my grandfather. He had a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver which he used on the California Highway Patrol. I have a fondness for S&W because of this, also due to the fact they are American made. I am looking to get into an affordable Semi-Auto pistol and am wondering if this series is a good one. Also would you recommend 9mm or .40? This would be used to practice on the range and it would also be used for home defense. Thank you everyone!

Well, I have "several" handguns that are much more expensive than the SD series. And they are fine weapons. I also just picked up my 3rd SD9VE this week. Each one resides in each of my trucks. They are good enough that I trust my life with them. As to caliber....personal choice. I'm a fan of 9mm and .45acp.

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NRA Life Member, Patron

no they are not a good first gun but an excellent first or 15th gun. I suggest the 9mm because the ammo is cheaper and an all around better caliber far as im concerned.

My BIL bought an SD9VE in 9mm a couple years ago. It has been totally reliable. I shot it and it seems pretty accurate, despite the 8 lb trigger.

What's your intended purpose for this pistol? That will determine what is a "good" fit for you.

For caliber - go with 9mm. Costs less, recoils less, and still a good defensive round.

If you want a defensive pistol that you can learn to hit paper plates at 15 yards, the SD9 is a fine choice.
If you want to shoot bullseye or shoot pistol silhouette it is a miserable choice.
Take an NRA basic pistol course and learn to shoot. Shoot several different types of handguns and make your choice.

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Science plus Art

spend the extra few $ and step up to the M&P .
you will not be sorry.
lots of deals out there now free mag rebate etc.
"quality is the best value"
Larry in Reno

Many ranges have rentals, and some even will credit you back your rental fees if you buy from them.

I took an introduction to firearms course and concealed carry course at a range that included a choice of all their rental firearms to use. Just had to buy range ammo for your choices. I got to try a lot of firearms for the cost of the ammo I used.

It was a great way to find what suited me at that point in my skill development.

Good luck and welcome.

I'd say yes, the SD9VE makes a good first gun. I bought one a few months ago as my first striker fired gun. I have other semis, Sigs, 1911s, and CZs, but wanted to try a poly framed striker fired pistol.

My SD is reliable and has a grip that should be comfortable in most hands. (For me however, the CZ75 is the ergo winner by a long shot.). Thr SD has good and acceptable accuracy, but it's not a target pistol. The trigger has a long pull, similar to a revolver, but the trigger break took some getting used to. Some SD9 owners install a new trigger and spring. I'd try to get used to the stock trigger first.

The one thing I do not like about the SD series is the takedown, which is copied from the Glock. I prefer the Sig/Beretta takedown. With the Sig/Beretta system it's much easier to confirm the pistol is clear, you don't have to pull the trigger, and there are no fussy tiny tabs to pull down simultaneously. But, a lot of people have adapted to the SD/Glock takedown and regardless of the takedown fussiness my SD9VE is my current bedside pistol.

I'd suggest 9mm. Not a lot of recoil, inexpensive so you can shoot a lot, and you can find it almost anywhere. Plus there are good self defense loadings.

Welcome to the forum, MAGAman !!! The SD series is a fine "first" pistol. I've had mine for almost 3 years and have had little trouble with it. Mine (at least) is quite accurate, but it DID take getting used to the trigger. It is "revolver-like" but not exactly. It usually smooths out with use. While it does NOT have the accessory availability of Glock, one can find most useful accessories with a bit of searching. Considering it's intended use, it really doesn't NEED to much accessorizing, IMHO !!! Try one out if you can, along some others and make your choice. My original criteria was feel and price. Most new quality guns (like the SD) are more accurate than we can shoot them anyway !! Good luck with your decision !!!

Thanks for your advice! I have shot Glocks and Sigs and Springfields, and M&P's and from what I can tell the SD9 seems like it is a better BANG for the buck. I have heard the trigger is the biggest complaint, but the reality is I won't be shooting this gun for competition, but rather enjoyment and home protection. I noticed they came out with a grey one a couple months ago and I think I'm gonna go with that. My local shop can get it for $330. Also I found extra mags for $20 on grabagun.com.

I would suggest the SD9. It comes with HI-VIZ sights.

I've seen M&P's (used, mostly police trade ins) for right at $300.

Not saying anything about the SD series pistols, but I bet most people here will agree that the M&P is the better option between the two if for no other reason than the replaceable back straps and much better aftermarket support (holsters, sights, replacement parts, "upgrade" parts, etc.).

There is no reason you can't have both.
My new/unissued M&P.40, DETROIT PD LE Trade In. It came with night sights, 3 palm swells, 3 magazines, lock, plastic box, and all of the paper work, for $399.

Holsters and sites are the same fit. Find an M&P site you like and install it on the SD. S&W polymer guns are based on the Sigma. It's like a GMC Sierra vs. a Chevy Silverado.

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When you try holsters, either take your gun or see if they (LGS) carries the SD !! I have been told by several folks who have tried to fit SD's into M&P holsters that they DO NOT all fit. It probably depends on the specific holster. Still, if you look, you CAN find SD specific holsters at decent prices. Sights SHOULD fit, but I'd check with my local gunsmith first. I do know that S&W M&P sights WILL fit the SD, 'cause I've read several posts here with that exact info. Some time spent looking on the net should find you what you need !!!

My personal recommendation for a holster is On Your 6 Designs. Love the OWB they made for my SD9VE. Wearing it right now, in fact. Concealment Express has what look like nice IWB offerings on Amazon. Probably going to be my next holster purchase.

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This idea that a SDVe is only a good "first gun" is nuts. I purchased the 9&40 variants for the express purpose to beat the **** out of them. After doing so to the 9mm I can say I trust it just as much as my other higher priced striker guns. Smith got the SDVE guns right. Don't believe me? Buy one, along with 10,000 rounds of ammo, don't clean it the whole time, dunk it in water, dirt, sling it against a few trees and you'll find it's a pretty darn good self defense pistol for the money.

I have 3 SD9's, an M&P9 and a Midsize M&P .45

I shoot the SD9 better than either of the M&Ps. I don't remember ever having a malfunction with any of them.

The SD series are the best value in a handgun today.