Hello l just joined the form, great source of S&W information. I'm a wheel gun guy, mostly SAA Colts, I love my model 10, and model 3. I was interested in a auto loader and decided on the SD9VE, went on line checked the vendor 's CA compliant section and ordered the pistol. Gun arrived and my FFL notified me the SD9VE had been removed from California's approved handgun list on 2/4/2022. I called the vendor and they told me "it was my responsibility to know what guns I could buy in California" although their website states that guns won't be shipped if not legal in your state. They apologized and said they hadn't updated their list, and for me to have my FFL return the pistol. I called S&W's customer service and was told it was a paperwork mess up, and the pistol would be back on California's list in the future. The SD40VE is still on the list, same pistol, bigger bore. My question is, "should I return the pistol, or wait out the recertification" Anyone have any insight as to what's going on? My FFL said he would hold the pistol in his safe for as long as I needed. The only other S&W auto loader pistols that are legal in the Republic of California are not to my liking, to small. I think I'm going to order a "Glock G19 G3" what say you?
SD9VE removed from CA compliant list
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smithra_66
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I say before you order anything else, you should pack up your moving van.
I would call the seller and see if they have a SD40 available and if they would swap it out. You are limited to 10 rounds, so might as well have a more powerful gun with the same round count.
Rosewood
Rosewood
STORMINORMAN
Well-known member
Just off the top of my head I would opine your 2nd Amendment Rights had been infringed...
But, you knew that!
But, you knew that!
dsf
Well-known member
There are three model S&W semi pistols on roster - the Model 22, the Shield and the SD40VE. None like the SD, as you mentioned.
In CA DOJ's eyes it's not a matter of "same pistol, bigger bore". Once a semi pistol falls off the roster it can't be relisted unless it complies with LCI, mag disconnect and micro-stamping. Unless Smith has figured out a way to comply with CA micro-stamping, which no other manufacturer has and in court has stated is impossible, the 9mm version isn't coming back.
The vendor is 100% correct - it's the buyer's responsibility entirely to know that not only what they are ordering can be sold/transferred in CA, but that their FFL will accept it. Would have been nice for the seller to say "no can do" but their sending it into a CA FFL is not a violation of law, federal or state. The FFL can legally receive it, he just can't legally transfer it to you.
You may want to look for an SD in 9mm as "private party transfer" but will of course likely pay a hefty "off roster" price from the seller. Not sure what that would mean for the SD, but used M&Ps go for $600.00 to $800.00 in CA.
Buy an XD.
noro
Well-known member
If you have a lead on a Glock 19 gen 3, just go
with that. You don't know when the sd9ve will
be added back to the CA registry.
At the risk of S&W blasphemy, I'd stay away from
S&W at this time. The relocation of modern
pistols and rifles to TN, the poor CS, poor employee morale are all factoring in any decision
to buy products now.
Until the dust settles on the relocation, I wouldn't consider any new S&W at this critical
time. There's just too much going on at this
time for them to worry about CA compliance
with that. You don't know when the sd9ve will
be added back to the CA registry.
At the risk of S&W blasphemy, I'd stay away from
S&W at this time. The relocation of modern
pistols and rifles to TN, the poor CS, poor employee morale are all factoring in any decision
to buy products now.
Until the dust settles on the relocation, I wouldn't consider any new S&W at this critical
time. There's just too much going on at this
time for them to worry about CA compliance
Last edited:
Welcome to the forum. We are friendlier than California. Sorry for your problems but I do not have want data on how long you might have wait for California compliance to come back around. History would suggest it is not likely to be soon, if at all.
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My suggestion........
Get the Gen3 Glock 19, it's a much better and proven firearm.
As much as I love S&W products, I'm very selective these days and the SD line, from my limited experience, isn't up to the task.
I know lots of folks have them and like them, good for them, but there is a reason that the Glock has outsold them for many, many years.
The only thing where the "compliant" Gen 3 Glock is different than others is that it comes with 10 round magazines.
Get the Gen3 Glock 19, it's a much better and proven firearm.
As much as I love S&W products, I'm very selective these days and the SD line, from my limited experience, isn't up to the task.
I know lots of folks have them and like them, good for them, but there is a reason that the Glock has outsold them for many, many years.
The only thing where the "compliant" Gen 3 Glock is different than others is that it comes with 10 round magazines.
Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and ordered the Glock 19 G3. I emailed S&W customer service and received a reply, they didn't say why the pistol was removed from the CA roster, but that they were working on getting it back on the list with no time frame.
AppStFan
Well-known member
First of all, welcome to the forum from North Carolina. I think you made a wise decision to order the Glock 19 G3. It is a fine weapon that will serve you well. Although I like Smith & Wesson, in my opinion the Glock 19 G3 is a much better pistol than the SD9VE. I would chalk this up as a learning experience.
Ruger Nut
US Veteran
Thanks for the comments, I mostly was hoping someone might know why this pistol was removed from the CA compliant roster. It was on the list since, I think 2014 and when I looked around Christmas at the list it was good to go till 2023. DOJ removed it in February this year, weird. I read that the SD9VE was a Glock clone, and I wanted to buy American. I don't own a auto loader pistol, let alone a plastic one. Well the SD9VE is sitting in my FFL safe, and the Glock 19 G3 arrives today. Paperwork and then a 10 day wait. Funny only the Glocks made in Austria the gen3's are approved for sale in CA, the gen 4 and 5 made in the US are not on the list. Firearms manufacturers are tired of jumping thur the hoops, soon a guy, or gal won't be able to buy a handyman in CA.
Thanks for the welcome from NC, and yes I don't like the look of the sliver-ss slide. The all black model was never on the CA roster. We have the vice president to thank for that. When she was , I think attorney general in CA, she's probably at work trying to make the rest of the union have the same, or worse gun laws as the Republic of California
Thanks for the welcome from NC, and yes I don't like the look of the sliver-ss slide. The all black model was never on the CA roster. We have the vice president to thank for that. When she was , I think attorney general in CA, she's probably at work trying to make the rest of the union have the same, or worse gun laws as the Republic of California
noro
Well-known member
You have a great FFL. The S&W SD9VE is a great
entry level budget pistol. Rugged, reliable, always goes bang. But has a heavy trigger pull
(For most folks) and is 2 toned.
The Glock G19 is also a great pistol. I think you
made a great choice in regard to what you can
obtain in CA.
entry level budget pistol. Rugged, reliable, always goes bang. But has a heavy trigger pull
(For most folks) and is 2 toned.
The Glock G19 is also a great pistol. I think you
made a great choice in regard to what you can
obtain in CA.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
I gave my SD9 (all black w/fiber optic sights from Academy) to my grandson after I bought an M&P9 2.0 5 inch FDE. The SD9 was my EDC for just a short while because I grew up on M1911A1s and (mostly) S&W revolvers and, by God, semiautomatics need manual safeties.
Sent with some arcane communications device.
Sent with some arcane communications device.
.38SuperMan
Well-known member
i live just a few miles from where smith is relocating and their facility isn’t even close to being occupied. So, no worries about buying a gun built in a new facility. Anyway I don’t think I’d be too concerned once they get up and going.
Papa_D
Well-known member
Good choice on getting the Glock. It's an equal to the Smith, but still legal for you in Commiefornia.
Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk
Ruger Nut
US Veteran
I totally disagree. As long as you're a disciplined shooter with a semi auto firearm a safety IS NOT needed!I gave my SD9 (all black w/fiber optic sights from Academy) to my grandson after I bought an M&P9 2.0 5 inch FDE. The SD9 was my EDC for just a short while because I grew up on M1911A1s and (mostly) S&W revolvers and, by God, semiautomatics need manual safeties.
Sent with some arcane communications device.
I think the G19 was a better choice than the S&W.
Racer X
Well-known member
primary safety is between your ears, controlling the secondary safety, your trigger finger.
