Opinions requested- SD40 vs M&P40

[njmedic1485]

Hey all, time for another noob question. I did a forum search and didn't get the information I was looking for, If my search wasn't specific enough please delete this and steer me in the right direction. I currently shoot a Model 39 and love it, it needs to go back to S&W for some work and I'm looking to move into the 40 s&w caliber. I'm considering both, ultimately the argument will come down to renting both guns at a local range and trying them on for size. Since I am "wrong handed" I do like the fact that the M&P has ambidextrous controls. Does the SD version offer them as well? Are there any other differences beyond cosmetic and price I should be considering?
thanks

Bob

 

[J Rich]

There are some considerations for you to decide.

1.Budget- SD-$300 M&P-$500+

2.Options- SD-9mm or .40 silver or black slide.
M&P Many calibers and frame sizes, different trigger weights, different safety options, and a larger aftermarket.

3.End Use- What are you doing with it. Concealed carry, home defense, range.


IMO the two are guns are "night and day". I feel the M&P line is overall better. The compacts are small enough to conceal but can also take the full size mags for a day at the range. At resale the M&P will bring more money or better trade. the aftermarket is larger for the M&P line as well.


I'm not saying the SD is junk. It is a quality piece and maybe right for you. It's all in what you are looking for and what you will be happy with not what your buddies like.

 

[njmedic1485]

J Rich- Thanks for the reply. I am leaning towards the M&P mainly for home defense and range shooting, I live in the peoples republic of new jersey and have a better chance of hitting the powerball and moving to a different state then getting a ccl here, but that's a rant for another sub forum. Most of my friends are firmly in the Glock camp and are lobbying me hard to buy one, they are a fine firearm, but I have had good experiences with my Model 39 and feel a certain amount of brand loyalty. I think in the end it will come down to which feels better to shoot.
regards,
bob

 

[J Rich]

Like I said get what makes you happy. You won't go wrong with the M&P. M&P has many more options than the glock. And IMO they feel better in my hand (ergonomics) than the glock.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

I think the M&P is a better overall gun, but the SD line is quite capable of filling the CCW/HD role.

 

[Jarnold11]

I have the M&P 9mm and an SD .40... I going to be honest, both are excellent guns, better than the Glock 19 I shot at the range today... The M&P is a step up from the SD, but the SD is a really great gun... Just learn the trigger on the SD and it's golden! Again, the SD is definitely better than Glock, and cheaper!

 

[1HAWKEYE]

Like I told someone today at a gun show. Sigma = chevy. M&P = caddy they both are great pistols its just what you like the most.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

Like I told someone today at a gun show. Sigma = chevy. M&P = caddy they both are great pistols its just what you like the most.

Reread the opening post. He's not asking about the Sigma. He's asking about the SD.

 

[1HAWKEYE]

Sorry. I thought the sd is what they are calling the sigma now.

 

[cavegeo]

Sorry. I thought the sd is what they are calling the sigma now.

To stay with this line of thought the SD = Buck

 

[1HAWKEYE]

I looked at a SD at the show yesterday. It is just a sigma with an upgraded slide.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

I looked at a SD at the show yesterday. It is just a sigma with an upgraded slide.

Then you need glasses.

 

[1HAWKEYE]

Hey armed babysitter get a clue the only difference between a SD and an old Sigma is the front slide serrations and the dovetailed front sight and thats per S&W.SO WHY DON'T YOU GET A CLUE AND A BETTER ATTITUDE !!! DON'T YOU HAVE A DIAPER TO CHANGE ANYHOW MR. KNOW IT ALL

 

[Skip D]

I looked at a SD at the show yesterday. It is just a sigma with an upgraded slide.

I have a SD 40 and as for the above statement,,, I think not.

The Sigma pistols are excellent guns for the money. But there are a few things that are lacking. First off is the trigger pull, which is a long and uneven. The Sigma has plastic sights which are prone to breakage during adjustment, and the accessory rail is of proprietary design.

The SD pistols seem to address these issues. Trigger pull on the SD 40 is smooth and predictable and maybe a tad over 8 lbs. It lacks the clean break of the M&P trigger, but for Self Defense and accuracy, it works quite well.

The SD sights are metal, with a two-dot setup on the rear and a Trijicon night sight on the front. Like everything else these days, the SD has forward cocking serrations and an industry-standard Picatinny rail. The extractor for the SD appears to be a little more substantial than the SIGMA. And lastly, I could be wrong on this one but, the grip angle might be slightly different.

I think that both the Sigma and the SD are fine weapons.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

Hey armed babysitter get a clue the only difference between a SD and an old Sigma is the front slide serrations and the dovetailed front sight and thats per S&W.SO WHY DON'T YOU GET A CLUE AND A BETTER ATTITUDE !!! DON'T YOU HAVE A DIAPER TO CHANGE ANYHOW MR. KNOW IT ALL

Yep you're right, they're the same gun. All parts interchange including magazines. Well except for the frame. And the slide. And the trigger group. And the barrel. Yep, same gun.

Have you actually looked at an SD or are you just some 13 year old kid in his mom's basement with a laptop and an internet connection?

 

[Maximumbob54]

I will throw out that only a die hard Glock fanboy will tell you any Glock feels good in the hand. But the M&P offers those different sized back straps as options and the whole grip frame is fairly well sculpted. The Sigma started out with an outstanding grip frame feel and the SD carries that forward but it does lack any built in option to add palm swell or shrink to fit like the M&P can. And the SD's trigger is vastly better than even the final gen Sigma.

 

[TDI Brad]

So I'm bringing this thread back to life because I'm trying to make the same decision and found this thread. I'm looking at a SW SD40 VE for $350. But I don't want to regret not getting the M&P. Seems like most of you are pro M&P. I've read some about the trigger on the SD and it sounds like it maybe similar to the Glock trigger, which I can't stand. If this is the money I'd save with SD is not worth it to me so will someone can confirm this for me.
Thanks

 

[marlin.357]

When you try out the M&P, be sure to try all three backstraps. You may find one that really fits you like the proverbial glove. I have short fingers, assumed the small or medium would be best, but the large backstrap is perfect for me.

Not putting the SD down, it is also a good gun, but if you can afford the M&P, it is a better deal IMHO. If you looking for a concealed carry gun, the SD is slightly smaller and more concealable than the full size M&P but bigger than the compact version.

 

[GKC]

...parts interchange including magazines.

Don't you have to swap the base plates? The tubes themselves, and internals, are compatible, but not the base plates...right?

 

[MGMorden]

Don't you have to swap the base plates? The tubes themselves, and internals, are compatible, but not the base plates...right?

Baseplates are optional to change. Sigma baseplates will work with the sd but don't seat as easily (you have to seat the magazine with more force). I have both types for my sd and will carry either in the gun, but only the native sd baseplates on my belt so that reloads are smoother.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk 2