pvq
Member
Recently I've been in search of a low cost .40 pistol to round out my collection. I am not a huge fan of the .40 cartridge, but I was forced to embrace it when my agency transitioned from 9mm over ten years ago. I've accumulated a respectable amount of ammunition, and I felt I needed another .40 to compliment my Glock 23 and Vaquero .40.
I settled on the SD40VE primarily due to price. I was able to obtain one at the "First Responder" price of $256 (plus tax) from Atlantic Tactical. The internet reviews of the SD40VE are overwhelmingly positive, but to be honest I didn't believe that a high quality gun from an American manufacturer could be produced at such an attractive price point until I handled it for myself. I am most pleased to have been proven wrong.
The manufacturing quality of the SD40VE is much higher than the price would suggest. There are no tool marks, and the pistol seems remarkably refined. The polymer does seem a bit more "plastic-y" than higher end pistols, and there is a bit more "flex" in the trigger bar (which reveals itself on the right side of the pistol when firing) than on higher end pistols. Despite that, overall I think the pistol is robust enough to stand up to rigorous use.
The firing mechanism, though slightly different, is Glock simple and ought to provide reliable function...and since I am a fan of revolvers, I have absolutely no problem with the trigger. It is longer and heavier than most autos, but it is remarkably consistent and still lighter than all but professionally tuned revolvers.
I fired 100 flawless rounds. Ejection and trigger reset was strong. Recoil firing 180 grain HP Federal rounds was stout, though not unmanageable for experienced shooters, but I hasten to say that if it were not for the considerable amount of .40 ammo I have in my stable, I would have opted for the 9mm version of this pistol.
As stated, my primary consideration in purchasing this pistol was price. I had considered the Ruger SR40, which is widely regarded as the softest shooting .40 currently on the market, but the long list of unnecessary safety features in addition to a considerably higher price tag took that off the table for me. For even money, of course I would have preferred an M&P, but as others have said, the SD series is 85% of the M&P pistol at 65% of the price which for me makes it a no brainer.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the SD/VE line to anyone, particularly new shooters, and if it weren't for the fact that I already have 4 9mm handguns...I'd get the SD9VE as well.
Hat's off to S&W on a great gun and an almost unbelievable price point.
I settled on the SD40VE primarily due to price. I was able to obtain one at the "First Responder" price of $256 (plus tax) from Atlantic Tactical. The internet reviews of the SD40VE are overwhelmingly positive, but to be honest I didn't believe that a high quality gun from an American manufacturer could be produced at such an attractive price point until I handled it for myself. I am most pleased to have been proven wrong.
The manufacturing quality of the SD40VE is much higher than the price would suggest. There are no tool marks, and the pistol seems remarkably refined. The polymer does seem a bit more "plastic-y" than higher end pistols, and there is a bit more "flex" in the trigger bar (which reveals itself on the right side of the pistol when firing) than on higher end pistols. Despite that, overall I think the pistol is robust enough to stand up to rigorous use.
The firing mechanism, though slightly different, is Glock simple and ought to provide reliable function...and since I am a fan of revolvers, I have absolutely no problem with the trigger. It is longer and heavier than most autos, but it is remarkably consistent and still lighter than all but professionally tuned revolvers.
I fired 100 flawless rounds. Ejection and trigger reset was strong. Recoil firing 180 grain HP Federal rounds was stout, though not unmanageable for experienced shooters, but I hasten to say that if it were not for the considerable amount of .40 ammo I have in my stable, I would have opted for the 9mm version of this pistol.
As stated, my primary consideration in purchasing this pistol was price. I had considered the Ruger SR40, which is widely regarded as the softest shooting .40 currently on the market, but the long list of unnecessary safety features in addition to a considerably higher price tag took that off the table for me. For even money, of course I would have preferred an M&P, but as others have said, the SD series is 85% of the M&P pistol at 65% of the price which for me makes it a no brainer.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the SD/VE line to anyone, particularly new shooters, and if it weren't for the fact that I already have 4 9mm handguns...I'd get the SD9VE as well.
Hat's off to S&W on a great gun and an almost unbelievable price point.
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