SDVE vs. M&P for bedside "go to"

[SpartanZeroOne]

I am trying to decide between a SDVE or a M&P. I already own a M&P FS9 and a Shield 9 and I love them both... no issues at all with either one. I have been looking online quite a bit and even posted another thread in the M&P section, but I wanted to ask here since this seems like the "go to" section for SD's and I was not getting many responses about the SDVE in the M&P section. I know that purchasing a "go to" gun for home defense is a huge decision, so I am trying to cover all my bases.

It seems like the SDVE represents a GREAT VALUE as a home defense pistol. Living in NY, I am limited to only 10 rounds and I was originally considering a SD40VE vs. a M&P 40c. I have shot the 40c and love it, but I've never shot a SD40VE... although a friend in another state owns one and LOVES it! His SD40VE is about 2 years old and he has had no issues through about 750 rounds. My thought process was: since my state limits me to only 10 rounds, shouldn't I have 10 of the most powerful rounds I can get (meaning either .40 or .45)?

However, now I am starting to consider another 9mm... either another M&P 9mm or a SD9VE. Don't really want to use my current M&P 9mm for "bedside" duty as I was planning to add a trigger kit to it to make it a range/competition gun and I've heard that you should not "modify" your main HD gun as it can potentially come back to bite you in the unfortunate event you ever have to actually use the weapon to protect yourself or your family. I shoot the 9mm round fairly well and many folks are mentioning that a lot of the new 9mm HP rounds are very effective and almost identical to a similar .40 S&W round in terms of effectiveness. 9mm is also cheaper than .40. One advantage of adding a .40, as I see it, might be to expand my caliber collection in the event of another ammo shortage.

Any thoughts or feedback you folks are willing to offer on M&P vs. SDVE are much appreciated!

Does anyone own the 10-round SDVE 9mm or .40? If so, are there magazine "rattle" issues like I've heard about with the full capacity magazines? My friend with the SD40VE has said his will rattle if loaded with all 14 rounds... sometimes even 13... but if he "down loads" to 12 rounds the rattle stops.

Also, does anyone know if the 10 round SDVE/Sigma mags take the same spring as the full size mags? I only ask because this gun will be sitting by my bed with a couple mags loaded constantly, so I know that every few years I will probably have to replace the springs due to tension issues. I have heard that sitting loaded doesn't hurt the spring, but the constant loading/unloading is what does it... and this is what I will be doing when I go to the range... unloading my HP's to shoot FMJ's for practice and then reloading the HP's when I return home.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice!!

 

[mptaylor]

I'm happy with my sd9ve. Shoots great, my home defense pistol.

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[Steelhat]

My SD9VE is the first pistol I got (for HD). We went to the range and rented a Sig SP2022 before that and even though it's a great pistol with the DA/SA trigger we went with the SD9VE because the budget was dang tight. I don't regret that decision, the SD9VE has been very reliable and comfortable to shoot. That got even better after putting the Apex Spring Kit and AEK Trigger in. Polishing the feedramp and the internals (trigger bar, sear, striker foot) smoothened the action. Once I have added a light to the rail it's getting up on the nightstand again and replaces my P229 .40 which sports night sights. I got the P229 to be my CCW as soon as I got my CHL.
I will never ever get rid of my SD9VE like it too much.

 

[leejack]

Here's my twist on it;

if you want a .45 then there is no choice but if you want a 9mm for defense, I think the SD is unbeatable. The simplicity of this gun is the amazing thing, it just works. I have owned a sigma that I put allot of flawless rounds through, so for me the SD was a no brainer. No malfunctions at all, although it doesn't have many rounds through it.

Sure you have more options to soup up an M&P for competition, but for home defense gun the SD is the ticket, unless of course you just want to spend more money on something else.

 

[Hock]

For home defense I'm considering using a 45. Why? Mainly due to sound considerations. If i have to use a pistol in my home I know that its going to get really loud when I shoot. So I am considering 45acp for the job. The 45acp is a sub sonic round and with a suppressor it is very quiet compared to 9mm or 40sw.

As much as I like the SDVE guns for defense I don't think this would be the best use for it at this time since no one offers a suppressor barrel for it.

Even if you don't want to go with a caliber as large as 45 I would recommend atleast an pistol that you can setup and use a suppressor on.

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[GKC]

if you want a .45 then there is no choice but if you want a 9mm for defense, I think the SD is unbeatable.

What would be ideal is if S&W would make a SD45VE...

BUT since they don't, I agree with you: based on cost, utility, and overall reliability, the SD9VE is hard to beat! The one and only complaint I have about mine (and this isn't based on any functional problem) is the cheesy slide lock/release...I wish it was a little less cheapo looking. It does work, though, and very well, so it's really just a nitpick on my part.

 

[leejack]

I think the reason that Smith doesn't make an SD45VE is because the whole scheme of things is to get you into the more expensive M&P line. I'm considering a M&P45 myself, but would buy an SD45 in a heartbeat for less money, if it existed.

If you think of it, the SD price point is set low to get you into Smith in the first place, just like Sig offering the P250 and SP2022 models at working man price levels, it's done to get you hooked on Sig.

 

[GranCazador]

For home defense I'm considering using a 45. Why? Mainly due to sound considerations. If i have to use a pistol in my home I know that its going to get really loud when I shoot. So I am considering 45acp for the job. The 45acp is a sub sonic round and with a suppressor it is very quiet compared to 9mm or 40sw.

As much as I like the SDVE guns for defense I don't think this would be the best use for it at this time since no one offers a suppressor barrel for it.

Even if you don't want to go with a caliber as large as 45 I would recommend atleast an pistol that you can setup and use a suppressor on.

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the 147gr 9mm is also subsonic.

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

the 147gr 9mm is also subsonic.

Interesting!! I did not know that the .45 was substantially quieter indoors than a 9mm and .40. Anyone have any kind of decibel data or anything like that to illustrate this point? I also did not know that the 147 grain 9mm rounds are subsonic! Gives me some food for thought!!

Maybe a SD9VE loaded with 10 rounds of Federal HST 147 or Speer Gold Dot 147 or even Hornady XTP 147 would be the best way to go?!

I could get a SD9VE with a Streamlight TLR-1 and still save about $50 over the cost of another M&P 9 or 40c. You folks are definitely giving me something to think about!

Keep the thoughts/ideas coming if you care to share... Thanks!

 

[GKC]

I think the reason that Smith doesn't make an SD45VE is because the whole scheme of things is to get you into the more expensive M&P line. I'm considering a M&P45 myself, but would buy an SD45 in a heartbeat for less money, if it existed.

I don't know what all goes into a marketing decision, and I'm sure that's probably part of it. Also, part of is probably to reach a demographic that can't or won't buy a M&P (like car makers have "value" and "premium" lines.)

I wonder if S&W would make a SD45VE, if the frame (and thus ergonomics) would have to be substantially changed (I assume so.) I have owned several M&Ps, full size and compact, in 9mm, .40, and .45, and they are good weapons. My favorite is the midsize, which is only available in .45: a compact slide and barrel on a full size frame.

The only thing about the M&P line that I don't like is the rail...I'm sure I'm in the very small minority of people who don't like rails on handguns, and the one on the M&P looks particularly "saw-toothed" to me.

 

[MOONDAWG]

If you want a 9mm GLOCK 19 at half the price with twice the good looks buy a S&W SD9VE.

Neither of mine are for sale.

 

[dajogejr]

As someone who owned an SD40VE and currently own an MP40c...
I really liked my SD, until I shot my MP.
The SD is just that, a great Self Defense gun. It is not the quality, fit or finish of the MP, but mine was reliable as the day is long. Never had an issue.

There are collector guns, and there are self defense guns.
THE MP series is what you already have. It's what you're used to, the function and fit. I'd get an MP40FS before I bought an SDVE model.
If you have the cash, that is.

Also...don't believe that Internet hype about modifying your carry/self defense gun. If you ever have to use it for that purpose...your defense is would you rather be a reliable, consistent shot with an improved gun, or factory? I've yet to see concrete cases where a modified SD gun was used against the shooter because of the mods. Clean shoot is a clean shoot.

Now, negligent discharge? Possible...

Ammo...I can tell you this. It is my opinion, with today's available ammo and ballistics testing and technology.
Between a .40 and a 9mm....same ammo, shot placement is more important that the caliber itself.

Lastly, the mag thing. I have 4 mags for my 40c. One is loaded 24/7 and I carry with it. I'll empty it and my SD rounds at the range once a month. The other three I use for target/range weekly.
You have years before a mag will lessen the spring. SW will replace it for free, or for a few bucks, buy the spring yourself.
That would be the very, very last thing on my mind for a long, long time.

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

As someone who owned an SD40VE and currently own an MP40c...
I really liked my SD, until I shot my MP.
The SD is just that, a great Self Defense gun. It is not the quality, fit or finish of the MP, but mine was reliable as the day is long. Never had an issue.

There are collector guns, and there are self defense guns.
THE MP series is what you already have. It's what you're used to, the function and fit. I'd get an MP40FS before I bought an SDVE model.
If you have the cash, that is.

Also...don't believe that Internet hype about modifying your carry/self defense gun. If you ever have to use it for that purpose...your defense is would you rather be a reliable, consistent shot with an improved gun, or factory? I've yet to see concrete cases where a modified SD gun was used against the shooter because of the mods. Clean shoot is a clean shoot.

Now, negligent discharge? Possible...

Ammo...I can tell you this. It is my opinion, with today's available ammo and ballistics testing and technology.
Between a .40 and a 9mm....same ammo, shot placement is more important that the caliber itself.

Lastly, the mag thing. I have 4 mags for my 40c. One is loaded 24/7 and I carry with it. I'll empty it and my SD rounds at the range once a month. The other three I use for target/range weekly.
You have years before a mag will lessen the spring. SW will replace it for free, or for a few bucks, buy the spring yourself.
That would be the very, very last thing on my mind for a long, long time.

Thanks for your reply! I like the idea of diversifying my collection with another caliber... if ammo ever becomes hard to find again, I'll have a better chance of finding SOMETHING if I own a few different calibers. Back about 15 months ago during the "shortage" .40 cal was the ONLY pistol ammo that could be found in my area... not sure why... can only attribute that to the fact that so many law enforcement agencies use .40?

I have DEF thought about a SD9VE just because I like the 9mm round... but then I also thought WHY BUY ANOTHER 9MM?! I have shot a 40c before and really liked it and I shot it better than either of my 9's... weird! I am definitely not opposed to buying another S&W 9mm, be it a SD9VE, M&P Pro Series or another 9mm Shield... could set up this new Shield with Night sights, etc. as a dedicated bedside "go to" and keep my original one as my CCW. Although if I'm buying a 9mm as my dedicated bedside, I would probably rather have one with 10+1 than 8+1. That Shield just feels so good in my hand though... feels like it was made for my hand!

Does anyone have any experience with a SD9VE vs. SD40VE? I wonder which one is more likely to have issues... I know they're both highly rated, but surely one has to have a better track record than the other... even if just slightly!

I agree that a SD45VE would be AWESOME!! I would buy that for my bedside/"go to" if they offered it, case closed!

Do any of you SDVE owners out there live in states that require 10 round mags like I do? If so, do the mags rattle when fully loaded? Also, does anyone know if the 10 round SDVE/Sigma mags use the same springs as the full capacity mags?

I appreciate all of the feedback and I look forward to any other thoughts/comments that anyone has. Thanks for your help!

 

[micocyco]

Thanks for your reply! I like the idea of diversifying my collection with another caliber... if ammo ever becomes hard to find again, I'll have a better chance of finding SOMETHING if I own a few different calibers. Back about 15 months ago during the "shortage" .40 cal was the ONLY pistol ammo that could be found in my area... not sure why... can only attribute that to the fact that so many law enforcement agencies use .40?

I have DEF thought about a SD9VE just because I like the 9mm round... but then I also thought WHY BUY ANOTHER 9MM?! I have shot a 40c before and really liked it and I shot it better than either of my 9's... weird! I am definitely not opposed to buying another S&W 9mm, be it a SD9VE, M&P Pro Series or another 9mm Shield... could set up this new Shield with Night sights, etc. as a dedicated bedside "go to" and keep my original one as my CCW. Although if I'm buying a 9mm as my dedicated bedside, I would probably rather have one with 10+1 than 8+1. That Shield just feels so good in my hand though... feels like it was made for my hand!

Does anyone have any experience with a SD9VE vs. SD40VE? I wonder which one is more likely to have issues... I know they're both highly rated, but surely one has to have a better track record than the other... even if just slightly!

I agree that a SD45VE would be AWESOME!! I would buy that for my bedside/"go to" if they offered it, case closed!

Do any of you SDVE owners out there live in states that require 10 round mags like I do? If so, do the mags rattle when fully loaded? Also, does anyone know if the 10 round SDVE/Sigma mags use the same springs as the full capacity mags?

I appreciate all of the feedback and I look forward to any other thoughts/comments that anyone has. Thanks for your help!

I have always had Gram-paw ( a old as hell 12 g pump ) for home defense, did not get back into pistols until the wife decided she wanted to start carrying for self protection. after some trips to the range shooting revolvers she got a 380 pocket pistol against my advise. I picked up my SD9ve at a gun show. After some time shooting my 9 & having trouble finding 380's she purchased a M&P 9c. So I guess I am saying for us the 9mm is cheeper & most of the time can be found & if not the range we use always has reloads to shoot. We have a few boxes put back & I always have Gram-paw as back up
PS. I looked up , what is the cheapest home defense weapon ?
It was a baseball bat.

 

[nickkongtucson]

In my opinion, go very simple, no external safety. Have a balanced natural feel in the hands and spend what it takes to put trusty trijicon night sights on. (Most she situations occur at night)
And the other important aspect to me is penetration to much can be dangerous to neighbors and family in other rooms. Not enough and you might not come out on top.. A 45 has led pressure and more drop than a 40 but has GREAT stopping power. Consider your environment. Think about what situations are possible (within reason) to occur and plan carefully. More important than any one gun is a consistent routine and a well practiced defense plan. When I'm home alone I like to do drills clearing my home and property so if I ever wake up to some nightmare unfolding I will be steady deliberate and fast when second count. With an 8 month old baby girl I will will all the strength and power I have drop any and every enemy before they get a shot off.

 

[dajogejr]

Does anyone have any experience with a SD9VE vs. SD40VE? I wonder which one is more likely to have issues... I know they're both highly rated, but surely one has to have a better track record than the other... even if just slightly!

We, gf and I, did. Neither had issues. The only issue I ever had wth .40 was when my girl just started shooting, failed to eject a couple rounds, 100% her fault for limp wristing. .40 had a little too much snap for her liking...so I got her the sd9ve. Not one single issue.

Of course we now both have sw compacts. .40 and 9mm....of course.

Unless it has a manufacturer defect...or a defective shooter, lol, I can't see how one is any more or less reliable than the other...

 

[jppezz23]

I have 4 handguns next to my bed in the drawer An SD 40 a Sigma 9 and two 357's with hollow points so what ever I grab during the night will be fine with me.

 

[Hamster65]

My current bedside gun is an old Franchi 48AL semi-auto 12ga with the original 21.5 inch barrel and my M&P9 Shield stays with me most of the time. It even sleeps in its own little bed holster. As soon as I can find the style I want for a price I'm willing to pay though, my bedside gun will be a 1911.