Finally had a chance to shoot my brand new SD9VE. Put 200 rounds though it, alternating the magazines at every reload and not loading more than 15 at once. No failures whatsoever, and I was a little surprised at how much the 9VE kicks. I fired off 150 rds of Winchester "USA Forged" (the cheapest 9mm you can buy and very grimy) and finished up with 50 rds of Federal "Champion", both brands 115 grain; again no failures. And like I said, I was surprised at how much the 9VE "kicks" or "jumps", but I could come right back on line each time.

Overall my shooting wasn't bad for a rookie, especially down range, but still under 50%. Before I pass judgement I'll bring my own targets next time so I can KNOW whether I'm hitting anything or just stroking myself instead.

The trigger is not bad at all, I would call it "long" but not "heavy". To compare, I was offered a chance to shoot both a Taurus .357 Mag and a sub-compact XD .45 ACP, which I didn't pass up. The .45 was NICE, a little 6-shooter which really is all anyone would ever need, provided they learn to shoot straight. The Taurus on the other hand had what I'd call a "hair trigger" in SA mode, barely put pressure on it and "BOOM"; it gave me a new respect for revolvers, and made me grateful as a rookie for the heavier pull on the trigger of the 9VE.

So there it is, I just wanted a chance to post my impressions of the SD9VE and say its actually a pretty decent pistol to start off with or use for backup. It's very capable and should afford me all the opportunity I need to learn how to shoot. At $300 from a name-brand big box I don't feel I went wrong, just need more money for ammo!

If you'd like to comment feel free, anything constructive from veteran gunslingers is always appreciated! TY

The more you shoot it, the more you'll get used to the feel of the gun. It won't seem to kick so much.
It is a great gun, esp. considering the price. And it's nice to know that S&W is a company that will take care of you and values you as a customer.
Enjoy your SD9

If your SD is flipping around when you shoot it, you will benefit from learning how to hold it properly to control recoil.
Mike Seeklander demonstrates what I teach.

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Science plus Art

Thanks for the video, it has helped already in that I'll remember this grip (and it will keep my left thumb from getting all banged up).

You could also get a grip sleeve from Hogue or Pachmayr that will help with control and felt recoil. As was mentioned, shooting more and getting to be more familiar with the gun will help as well.

It seemed that it was about as good as anything else I've shot. For an 'inexpensive' gun it does the job well.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

im surprised, i was shocked at how little the sd9 kicks, in fact amazed

As a new owner as of today I gotta say I'm liking this gun already. I had been eye balling a Kahr CW9 and decided on the S&W. I have read up on the guys trading out the trigger right away. The Kahr had lots of guys talking about the "long take up" on the trigger but everyone of them said the trigger was buttery smooth! I think I'll do the trigger and slide rod and call it quits for a while. I picked up a box of Winchester 115 fmj and my son gave me a box of Aquila 115 fmj's to start with. Will do some sort of report afterwards. jdadoug

Jdadoug, you may want to think about the guide rod replacement. There are some threads on this forum in which people point to a SS guide rod as the reason tabs on the frame are damaged.

Personally, I'm leaving my SD9VE the way it came from the factory. The trigger smooths up after a few sessions. But I really don't find the trigger objectionable to start with. It's a SD pistol not a target pistol.

It was actually the "stack length" of the fully-compressed spring that came with the replacement rod, that caused the problems.

That said, there's no advantage to replacing the OEM spring & rod assembly. Plastic/composite is up to the job, and the VE's don't seem to have any problems with the OEM assembly.

When I got my SD I had about the same reaction. Really like the gun and it was a great improvement over some of the other stuff I was shooting.

But then someone let me try their S&W 99...which I liked more and bought....then I tried out a original Walther P99AS and it was True Love...so much so I got the P99cAS for EDC.

My advice....stick with SD9 and beware of other temptresses out there.

This never gets old. Never shot the gun but ready to put a different trigger in it. Sure by all means, the people that make & sale the replacement triggers need jobs too. Make sure you save the original parts. Myself I Would have just went ahead & got a M&P on sale with a better trigger already in it.
& PS there could be a good reason the SD has the ' recoil spring ' that it does.

Had a chance to take the 9VE back to the range this weekend and within 75 rounds had an FTE. I'd been shooting the cheapee "Forged" casings by Winchester, FMJ 115 gr. and promptly starting mixing those rounds with regular 115 gr. Federal brass; finished up another 75 rounds this way and experienced no more FTE's.

But one failure that DID occur more than once was failure of the chamber to remain open after the last round had been fired. What would cause this to happen? Appreciate any thoughtful replies!

If your right handed, your thumb might ride/bump the slide lock during recoil, and prevent the mag follower from elevating it to
catch the slide on an empty magazine. Check your grip.

A defect in the follower and or slide lock could give same result.

Does empty mag lock slide back, when manually working slide on an empty gun?

Does failure occur on all mags, or just one (mark mag baseplates so you can tell which is which)?

"If your right handed, your thumb might ride/bump the slide lock during recoil, and prevent the mag follower from elevating it to catch the slide on an empty magazine. Check your grip."

Will do, should have thought of that, thanks!


"A defect in the follower and or slide lock could give same result."

Will watch for it.


"Does empty mag lock slide back, when manually working slide on an empty gun?"

Haven't noticed, but all appears normal. It's like it shoots, ejects and returns to normal pre-fire positions.


"Does failure occur on all mags, or just one (mark mag baseplates so you can tell which is which)?"

These are the standard capacity mags for 9VE, and they both appeared normal after each use. I've got them in storage now but when I return to the range will watch for this again.

Appreciate your help Mr. Steve, and thanks again.

Also let's not forget to set the pins. Here's one from Mr. Haley and crew.
Handgun Grip Leverage - YouTube

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That “forged” ammo is steel case, which can be hard on extractors and other parts. Something to consider in ammo choice. I’ve never tried steel case in a pistol and probably never will. I’ve used it in revolvers (Tula .357) and it seems to expand more and stick in the chambers.

I have pulled the trigger on my Sd9ve a few thousand times. But I have only shot about 500 live rounds through it. I like the trigger. I don't know if It has improved overtime or I just settled on it.


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Well...it's easy enough to check.
The process gives a basic indication of functioning of
mag follower and slide stop.

Clear pistol, verify empty mag. Insert mag fully in
grip, and pull slide fully to rear.

Release slide.

Does it lock, or not? Correct function is "slide is
locked open".

Repeat with each magazine.