This may not serve to show anything more than I am a lousy photographer. I was using my cell phone, and the stainless tubes really didn't react well with the flash...but I think they will serve the purpose.

In any case, I bought a SW9VE 16-round magazine for my SD9VE, since I couldn't find the SD magazines anywhere. I called S&W, and they are sending me an SD base plate for it.

As far as I can tell, from an external examination, there is no difference in the two magazines other than the base plate. The tubes look exactly the same, except for one small difference: on the front of the SD magazine (and I checked both of the SD magazines that came with the pistol) there is a rectangular depression right at the top of the tube; on the SW magazine, there is the same depression, but it isn't as well defined. (SD mag is on the left.)



Otherwise, the followers appear the same, and the tubes appear the same, and the SW magazine goes into the SD easily, locks in easily, and locks open the slide. Even the SW base plate doesn't look too bad with the SD frame.

I didn't take the magazines apart to check the springs and internals, but I will when I get the new base plate. However, but magazines have the same colored spring, if that means anything.

great post man!

I got the SD base plates (they sent me two - gotta love S&W!) in the mail yesterday, and put one on the SW magazine today. It was easy, and now I really can't tell any difference, other than the very minor difference in the depression at the top front of the magazine.

Thanks, great comparison! The last picture even answers my question...whether the SW mag would fit the SD without going through the hoops of getting the SD base plate. I can live with the wrong base plate for now.

I noticed that Greg Cote LLC has the SW9VE magazines in stock now, but not the SD9 magazines. I haven't checked Midway to see if they do, but when I bought my one from them, they were limiting buyers to two (2) magazines per order. On Greg's site, I believe he has a limit of four (4).

If I end up ordering any more SW9VE magazines for my SD9VE, I'm not going to worry about changing out the base plate. They don't look that bad in the gun, they fit fine, and I really can't tell any difference, other than as already noted.

They certainly will do for range magazines, although I wouldn't be concerned about carrying them in the gun either...unless any malfunctions started occurring. That's another reason I may leave the base plates alone...ready identification of which mags are which.

This has to be the most useful thread i have seen! Thank u. I was in dire need of this answer

I picked up 3 of the Sigma magazines for $34.95 ea. and haven't bought the 9mm yet, but any high capacity mags you can find are a bonus. Also have the SD40VE and picked up 3 Sigma mags and they are just fine for me.

Hey guys im hoping a few of you see this after such a long time. Have the sw9ve mags definitely been deemed reliable in the sd9ve? I have a chance to buy a few but wanna make sure before I pay for them?! Thanks!

I used both of mine 40cal and 9mm and couldn't tell the difference between them and the SD mags that came with my pistols. I think the 9 even has the same follower.

I've not read of anyone having any problems with them, nor have I. Except for the base plate and the small outline in the depression that I noted, the magazine body, spring, and follower seems to be identical (at least on mine.)

If you want actual SD9VE magazines, last time I checked Greg Cote LLC had some in stock.

Thanks! I looked him up and got one!