When the SD series pistols first came out, I bought one. Then when the SDVE series came out, I bought several (over the course of time.) I no longer have the SD pistol, so I can't compare them directly, hence the questions; I am considering buying a SD9, but I have't found one in a local shop to look at, just available online:

1) Sights. IIRC, the SD pistols had a metal rear sight, while the SDVE series have a plastic rear sight. (The SD pistols available online now have two different front sights...one FO and one with white dot.)

2) Trigger. IIRC, the SD series had a heavier pull than the SDVE. Is that still true for current models? (I don't want to add a trigger or spring kit.)

3) Other accessories. I assume all the accessories available for the SDVE would fit the SD (RSA, take down levers, sights, magazines, etc.) Correct?

Thanks!

I’ve never owned or even handled the SD9. But as I recall from the research I’ve done, the differences are minor. The 9VE is definitely a plastic rear sight, and the 9VE slide is satin stainless compared to the black stainless finish of the SD9. I’m not aware of any differences in the trigger or any other internal parts since they seem fully interchangeable. YMMV

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NRA Life Member, Patron

I have both and as far as I can tell the trigger pull weight is the same. The only difference I can see is the Melonite slide vs the matte stainless slide and the sights vary from SKU to SKU.
Also any newer SD9/SD9VE made 2016 or after will have the rougher texture frame I believe.

The SD9VE made after 2016 does indeed have the rougher frame texture, which is really nice. Also, the trigger pull is lighter than the pre-2016 models...at least, my booger-hook-trigger-gauge says so. (I don't have a real trigger pull gauge.)

The reason I am considering the SD9 is because it comes in the FDE frame color...which I haven't seen on the SD9VE. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, I haven't found any SD9s in local stores to look at in person...I've only found them online. I can order and then check it out and refuse the transfer, I suppose, but I hate to do that to the retailer. If the frame texture and somewhat lighter trigger pull is the same, I can change the rear sight if it is plastic...assuming the rear sight cut is the same as the SD9VE, which allows the M&P 9 metal rear sight to be installed.

Thanks for the responses so far!

New question:

If I order the SD9 in .40, can I buy a 9mm barrel (and 9mm mags, I assume) and be able to shoot both calibers? Not at the same time, of course....

No, SD40 is wider than the SD9. The M&P9/40 are able to do this because they share the same frame and similar slide but they made the SD40 wider for the bigger cartridge, which I think was the right decision.

You would have to buy the slide and barrel, .40 mags. work for the 9mm, look on Ebay for what you seek.

S&W WON'T SELL YOU JACK LIKE THAT FOR SOME REASON, NEVER HEARD OF A GUN YOU CAN'T BUY PARTS RIGHT DIRECTLY FROM THE COMPANY ?

It's been out waaayy long enough for them to do so but ?

You can't go wrong with these guns. My current is the Academy special SD9 with fiber optics. The sights work great for me. My previous one was the SD9VE with the stainless top and it was sweet too, I just prefer the sights on the new one.

I see Academy has a tan one now that can be ordered and sent to the store of choice. That color looks sweet!

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SD9VE, American perfection!

i bought the sd9 FDE recently . its trigger is much better than the SW40VE. i just wish it had the fiber optic sight .also if i put 16 in the mag it wont fit in the gun. i have to say though i really luv this gun.im thinking about the apex trigger kit but dont know if that would void the warranty

According to S&W, it will (as would many other modifications.) However, I've read about people removing the trigger kit before sending it back to S&W. Of course, if the trigger system is the problem, that won't help much. There are lots of members here (and a number of threads) who have and like the Apex kits. Personally, I just learned the trigger as it is, and it smoothed out with a lot of live and dry fire. To each his own, of course.

Just recently purchased a sd9 a few days ago, I hadn't done much research on the gun as it was a steal for 275 at a local pawnshop. Gun looks great, fires great. However I'm researching different trigger systems. Thoughts on the matter? All feedback/help will be appreciated. Thanks. Also I'm a new member of the site

I installed the $20.00 Apex spring kit that improved the trigger to a degree. I was actually surprised that it shot as well as it did! I also added Tractiongrips and an extended take down lever, and for the money, they make a great SD gun.

In today's litigious environment, many companies (not just S&W) have had to take steps to protect themselves from lawsuits. S&W used to give you strikers for free...now, they won't even sell you one...but they will pay for you to send your gun in, they will install a new striker, and ship it back to you at their expense. (The striker is just an example.) It's hard to fault S&W when they will do this at their expense. You can't really blame them...especially when courts/juries have awarded people millions of dollars because they are too dumb to realize that coffee is served hot.