I'm a proud new SD40 VE owner and got to shoot it last Sunday. I had a great time went to a public range with family and didn't have paper targets to shoot but other stuff. Noticed it didn't have that much more kick than my 9mm that I shot. didn't put a lot rounds thru it cause I had so many guns to shoot and was helping a friend learn how to shoot. But had no issues so far I really like it. Oh I did notice that when the mags are fully loaded the rounds rattle around but didn't have any feeding issues etc.

Welcome from NW PA, it's not uncommon to hear rounds rattle in fully loaded magazines.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

Welcome from Indiana! I've had the SD9VE/SD40VE for a while. The SD9VE was my first striker fired 9mm and the SD40VE was my first 40 Cal handgun. I've since added a SD9 & SD40-Both in FDE. I suppose if I run into a deal, I'll probably add a 9 & 40 in gray lol. Never had an issue with any of my SD's, the 9mm has around 2,000 rounds, the 40 hasn't had that many yet. They are exceptional handguns for the money-usually less than $300. Enjoy you new SD40VE :-)

Congratulations and welcome to the forums.

I have a last gen SW40VE which serves as my EDC. They're really nice guns. Lightweight, reliable, and with plenty of firepower.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

Thanks for the replies yeah I like the SD40VE a lot. I can't wait to shoot it again.

I have not yet fired this pistol. I tried to field strip it first to ensure proper lube. Tried for hours before I would puppy-up and ask for help.
1) I followed the manual and even YouTubers, but I cannot get the slide to clear past something internal To slide it forward and off.

I have released the takedown catch on both sides, yet the slide only moves forward about 1/4 inch and will not move forward from that point.

Someone please rescue this puppy...

This may seem like a stupid question, but did you remove the magazine?

Did you dry fire it before pulling the levers down?

Yes I did that first.

Also, I removed the magazine first. The gun is unloaded and free of any debris.

Pull slide back just a smidge--like 1/16th inch--as you pull down the
release lever/plate, then let it go forward. Pull trigger to release
striker from sear, and you should be able to slide forward and
completely off.

There's a very small interval of slide movement, where you take
pressure off the takedown plate, before you re-cock the striker
on the sear.

Is it a California version?

I did in fact purchase in California.

This approach did not work either. I am going to take it to where I bought it. Now things are starting to ease up some.

I find that if I pull down on the tabs first and then move the slide back it seems to work better.