SD vs M&P

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cbr6864

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Is the M&P worth the extra money? To me kind of you gain some advantages but also miss out on some features the SD offers.

SD features over M&P
-Front serrations (45 M&P does have them)
-Extended slide stop
-Front night sight
-Finger grove for index finger
-Huge weight savings

M&P features over SD
-Removable backstraps
-Ambi controls
-Lighter shorter trigger
-Ability to interchange mags with compact and fullsize
-Method of takedown
-Ability to use conversion barrels

Although I like the M&P line I more often than not carry my SD40 it is thinner than the M&P and just a tad heavier than the compact with ability to flush carry 4 more rounds. I also like the slide serrations much better on the SD. Also the stock front night sight is a great for night or low light use. The trigger isn't that much different really. The stock M&P trigger isn't the greatest by any means. But the M&P trigger is a much shorter pull with a quick reset.

If comparing the SD40 to fullsize M&P 40 I'd have to say I favor the SD for carry. If comparing the 40c it's a toss up for me. The 40c has a shorter grip but is thicker than the SD. But you have the ability to carry a back up 15rd back up mag out of the fullsize.

What I really don't like About the M&P line is the 9mm is the exact same size as the 40 and 45 as far as slide width.
 
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M&P for me.

I've had two Sigmas and two SDs. I've tried to like them each time, and never could quite make it there. A trigger job in the SD made it close, real close, but not close enough for me personally.

I had no reliability or function issues with them, and would feel confident with them in that regard..... They just don't do it for me.

The M&P line also offers so much more. Excluding the Shields / BG, the M&P auto line has full size, compact, varying barrel lengths, pro series, performance center, manual safety, no safety, mag safety... interchangeable back straps.
 
I don't mind the trigger at all on the SD....if you shoot revolvers the trigger is about the same. It's longer yes but it breaks clean. Most of my guns are carry guns if you are actually forced to use your firearm you will most likely adrenalin dump the entire mag with no regard to the trigger pull.
 
Yeah, I've actually shot revolvers longer than semi autos, not quite the same. More spongy.

Don't get me wrong, I COULD live with it if I had to, but since I don't, it's just not my preference.
 
The SDs are great entry level guns.

Someone fairly new to guns could start with one with for a home defense piece and perhaps graduate to an M&P... however there isn't anything wrong with them per say, other than a long trigger which can be remedied with practice.

It's more or less a good gun as a starting point, IMO.
 
I bought a used SD9 (before the VE), it was stock when I got it and like new. The trigger was ok but with the Apex trigger spring kit (only), it made the gun really sweet. In fact it's dead on, runs any type of ammo and more fun to shoot than my Glock 17 or Beretta.

I'm sure there are benefits to the MP and eventually I may get one but for now my SD is my favorite and its dead sexy.... Lol
 
I had both and I prefer the M&P. Not saying that the SD is bad, no. It's a great gun for a great value. But I simply prefer the M&P.
 
We have both , SD9ve & M&P9c , I would take the M&P over the SD anytime except for the reason I bought the SD to began with & that is an affordable home & self defense weapon that as reliable as any pistol out there.
So for that use I take the SD & keep $200 in my pocket.
For carry I would gladly pay the $200 more for the M&P9c.
 
I prefer the M&P to the SD (although I've never owned and SD, I've shot several of them), and I have several M&P variations (compact, standard, long slide, 9mm and .40--but no .45). I like the ease of fitting the backstraps while at the range, and I've found I like different sized backstraps on different caliber pistols, if that makes any sense. I did install an Apex trigger kit on my M&P 9L (not for duty use), but I'm happy with my long-slide Pro Series .40 trigger, as is. All the SD triggers I've tried have been heavier than I prefer.
In regard to the extended slide stop feature on the SD, I don't see it as an advantage. While I was at the FBI National Academy in 1992, the agency was carrying Sig Sauer 226 9mms, and many of the ones issued for daily range use had seen thousands of rounds through them. It was very easy to determine which ones had seen the slide stop misused as a "slide release," however, because the lever no longer worked as either, having worn out the notch in the slide where the "stop" would catch. Grasping the rear of the locked back slide with the weak hand always works best.
Best wishes from Montana
 
Nasty trigger ... You here me yet S&W?

USAF385 said:
Yeah, I've actually shot revolvers longer than semi autos, not quite the same. More spongy.
Click to expand...

I may be kind OCD about triggers but the SD I shot had a worst trigger than my grandson's toy gun. Felt to me like a bobby pin stuck into the sear and went twang when it broke. Oh sorry I forgot no hammer sear this is a striker fired gun...heh...heh.

Granted I own only hammered guns anymore and don't expect 1911 crispness from a striker fired gun but SIG and even the Taurus Millennium blows it out the door for a better trigger and they can get a striker to to break clean. But for the price well get a Taurus or go to the M&P and pay a little more.

But if all you want to do is spray lead at someone 10 feet away then save the money and get an SD but I think you can do better.
 
Seems I am amongst the few that prefer the SD. I've had both types, and numerous examples of the M&P in every calibre, all shot very extensively. The only M&Ps I have left are the 45s, which are great guns.

But in .40 or 9mm, I prefer the SD, suitably modified. I have Apex triggers in both of mine... just the trigger, no spring kits, as the factory springs are fine and allow a positive reset which is essential to reliable shooting in a defensive gun. The Apex trigger give the pistol a smooth press similar to a DA revolver... only shorter and lighter. What's not to like about that?

The M&P factory trigger is nothing to rave about, and really needs some cleaning up to rid it of it's clinky feel and abrupt release. In the end after some gunsmithing, it is very nice... but out of the box it suffers as much as the SD trigger does before the APEX job. So as far as I'm concerned, the triggers on both are a wash.

The SD is a better size for carry. I found the full-size M&P to be too big for concealed carry, and the compact versions having an odd balance and pointability. The size of the SD is perfect, and the grip feel is excellent, without any need for swappable backstops. It also carries lighter.

Reliability of my SDs have been 100%. The practical accuracy - from a combat shooting perspective - of both guns are identical. I say this as a long time LE firearms instructor. Fire both guns on a LE combat qualification course and if you are reasonably skilled there will be no practical difference. Neither are bullseye-level guns.

If you are trying to compete in uspsa or idpa, you can get a finer trigger pull after some work on the M&P. I would not pick the SD for those games. The M&P is certainly a good pistol, but for self-defense in 9mm or .40, I prefer the SD. And the money you save can buy ammo.
 
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To me, it's kinda like Chevy pickups. You can get a Work Truck, or you can get a fancy truck with all the bells and whistles. Both will carry a pallet of sod. One looks better doing it.

I can't find anything to fault with either the SD or the M&P. Pick the one you like best. You cannot lose.
 
Model 15-4ever said:
Seems I am amongst the few that prefer the SD. I've had both types, and numerous examples of the M&P in every calibre, all shot very extensively. The only M&Ps I have left are the 45s, which are great guns.

But in .40 or 9mm, I prefer the SD, suitably modified. I have Apex triggers in both of mine... just the trigger, no spring kits, as the factory springs are fine and allow a positive reset which is essential to reliable shooting in a defensive gun. The Apex trigger give the pistol a smooth press similar to a DA revolver... only shorter and lighter. What's not to like about that?

The M&P factory trigger is nothing to rave about, and really needs some cleaning up to rid it of it's clinky feel and abrupt release. In the end after some gunsmithing, it is very nice... but out of the box it suffers as much as the SD trigger does before the APEX job. So as far as I'm concerned, the triggers on both are a wash.

The SD is a better size for carry. I found the full-size M&P to be too big for concealed carry, and the compact versions having an odd balance and pointability. The size of the SD is perfect, and the grip feel is excellent, without any need for swappable backstops. It also carries lighter.

Reliability of my SDs have been 100%. The practical accuracy - from a combat shooting perspective - of both guns are identical. I say this as a long time LE firearms instructor. Fire both guns on a LE combat qualification course and if you are reasonably skilled there will be no practical difference. Neither are bullseye-level guns.

If you are trying to compete in uspsa or idpa, you can get a finer trigger pull after some work on the M&P. I would not pick the SD for those games. The M&P is certainly a good pistol, but for self-defense in 9mm or .40, I prefer the SD. And the money you save can buy ammo.
Click to expand...

Seems to me you did not like either gun :(
 
I'll throw my two cents is! I've had a number of both types, and just sold my last M&P -- with about $300 worth of Apex parts, Warren rear/Novak front fiber sight, and a Storm Lake barrel, making it a $850 gun -- and am keeping my $285 SD. Well, I just ordered another magazine, so I'll have three, raising the cost to $318.

The SD is my 'final protective line of fire' pistol for the house and if I have to go out during the Zombie apocalypse. My EDC is a .38 J frame revolver, and I shoot various revolvers for enjoyment -- no intention here of re-starting the revolver vs. pistol argument. But for my requirements, I want the capacity of the full-size 9mm, and the SD gives that to me - at a good price. And it makes a good truck gun, too.

The biggest aspect for each person to decide is -- is the difference in price between the two, M&P vs. SD, worth it to me? Either answer could be right, depending on what you intend to do with it!
 
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Rather have an M&P.

Heck part of me wanted an SD9VE as a cheapie for sub $350.
But with offerings out there like the Canik TP9/TP9SA/Canik Shark/Arcus/Ruger SD9E/P-Series/Police Trade in Glocks and M&P's/Bersa BP9CC/EAA Witness/Used CZ/Walther PPX

I just can't do it man. My next gun is going to be a Hipower Clone/CZ Clone for sure.
 
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The SD9VE's simplicity, udder reliability and accuracy really sold me on the mark.

The cost savings was just icing on the cake.

It's GLOCK cloned disassembly latch makes field stripping a 3 second chore.

To me the M&P's trigger "may" be a bit lighter, but after break in my SD9VE's are smoother than many DA revolvers.
 
I have both The SD9VE and SD40VE AND M&P FS 9, 40 & 45.

My SD9VE has been my regular "grab & go" EDC. All of my pistols have several hundred rounds through them with no issues and all are accurate out to 15 yards. The SD's (to me) are like shooting DA revolvers (which I thoroughly enjoy). The M&P's have a lighter trigger pull, but I shoot both SD/M&P's equally well/accurately.

They are S&W pistols-what's not to like? :-) Shoot them and enjoy them!
 
Keep n mind I'm referring to the sd not the sdve. The difference being the finish and sights. Having owned an early sigma as well as latter ones the SD/SDVE trigger is way better. Even though you can change out backstraps on the M&P none of them have the feel of the SD. SW nailed the grip with the SD it just feels perfect. My biggest complaint with the M&Ps are the trigger an APEX kit is a must. Which for their cost that shouldn't be the case.

Wish they still made the SDs I like their finish and prefer metal sights over plastic any day of the week. There is just something about the SD that feels perfect as far as fullsize carry goes.
 
whedgecoe

Can someone help me? I own the sw9ve and my firing pin broke on me. I have looked everywhere and can't find either the firing pin or striker assembly. Does anyone know if the m&p striker assembly work in my sw9ve? Or does anybody know where I can find one. Thanks for any help I can get.
 
whedgecoe said:
Can someone help me? I own the sw9ve and my firing pin broke on me. I have looked everywhere and can't find either the firing pin or striker assembly. Does anyone know if the m&p striker assembly work in my sw9ve? Or does anybody know where I can find one. Thanks for any help I can get.
Click to expand...

Sir, the M&P striker will not work in the SW9 or SD9 series. I would suggest calling or emailing S&W for a replacement first. Their shipping times are usually quite good.
You can also find the SW9/SD9 striker online. Try looking for SD9VE strikers.
Did the foot shear off? Just curious.
 
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