1st gun

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tarasmith19

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SD9 VE? & SD40 VE? - Smith & Wesson

Here's the gun i'm getting in a couple weeks, the 9mm. version as my 1st handgun. What do you guys think? I know its sort of the entry level S&W but all the reviews I've read seem great. I'm looking mostly to target range shoot but wanted something that could still hold on its own for self-defense if and when I would have too. When I held it at the shop I absolutely loved it. The length of the grip seemed really good for the size of my hands. I didn't want to go with a .22 because ammo seems very difficult to come by. If you have any other suggestions in the S&W lineup, i'd love to check it out. Knowledge is power!
 
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my only suggestion Tara would be to go to a range and rent what you are thinking of buying and try it out to see how it feels when you shoot it...both of your choices above are good pistols
 
I am certainly no fan of polymer S&W pistols. That said, I own a SW9VE that is a blast to shoot. It sits in my hand very nicely.

Welcome to the forum. Not a bad choice to start off with.
 
Much appreciated you guys! I actually did go to a range, and unfortunately the only thing that had that was close to it was a ruger which don't get me wrong was fun to shoot with but still wasn't the same that's kinda why I posted this.
 
Looks like a great pistol.

Take a class, either an NRA class or private class that has a good reputation.

Have fun!!
 
Not to cast bad light on your choice but I'd suggest the S&W M&P series.
I think it's a better firearm with a much better trigger.
The Sigma types have always (to me) had a trigger pull that resembles a staple gun.
 
Hickcok likes it

Hickok likes it:

Smith & Wesson SD9VE - YouTube

This is my first look at one too and I think S&W came out with a winner here. It has a lot of 'goods' and no obvious 'bads'. It looks to me like a very good value for a very good price.

Welcome to the world of guns, S&W and this forum, which is undoubtedly the best there is.
 
I've had my SD9 VE for about a year and a half now, going on 2000 rounds through it with absolutely no issues yet. Some people don't like the trigger, it can feel rather gritty and a little harder to pull than other guns for some people, that never bothered me, it gets better with use and also dry firing (after double checking that the gun is unloaded). But as others said, it would be best if you can find one to try out before buying.
 
That doesn't surprise me much bout the .22 ammo!! I'm starting to wonder where the people at the range i was at the other day were getting it! I figured this would be a nice start caliber wise
 
I think financially you have made a wise choice for your first purchase and it should fit your needs as stated. Plus you do like the way it feels in your hand.:cool:

Down the road you will have many more in different calibers and price.;)

Good luck with it and enjoy yourself.
 
Handguns are a really personal item and everyone is different....I guess that is why there are so many different models. It just comes down to what you feel comfortable with. Is it going to be used mostly as a range gun and a carry gun second? Is it going to be concealable and light enough to carry. If it turns out to be too large or heavy, you will end up not carrying it.

These are all things to think about. I have a couple guns that I love, but do not carry them just for that reason. I carry the Shield now and never leave home without it. You said this one feels right so maybe that is your answer. Good luck!
 
Don't "bash" the Lady on her choice for her first handgun.If she spends much time on this Forum you know she isn't going to stop at just one!

Anyone that takes the time to go back and edit their post because they misspelled something is okay in my book.I wish more people here paid attention as they type.

Welcome to the Forum from an uprooted Pennsylvanian.
 
Good first choice! It's a quality handgun that doesn't break the bank. I'd suggest the 9mm since it's your first gun...the recoil is milder than the 40 & ammo is still cheaper.
I applaud you for trying the gun first & deciding for yourself instead of letting a LGS clerk talk you into what "a lady needs." Find a quality holster, look into professional training and/or a ccw class, buy a few spare mags & have fun!
Welcome to the club!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
 
SD9ve is a great pistol, I've had one for almost two years now. shoot any kind of ammo, easy to clean, you could not get a better gun for the price. do not pay much more than $300 if any.
Shoot it, shoot it a lot & don't worry about dry firing at home it will not hurt it.
The trigger will get better & you will get used to it faster.
Have fun & be safe. For a new shooter taking a class would not hurt at all & welcome. If you do get it come back & give us an up date :)
 
Thank you guys so so much! The first gun I had ever shot was my buddies 45 cal. 1911 because they didn't have 22 ammo and wasn't really prepared to rent that night! Trust me this won't be my only one! Can anyone tell me where I can find out about local classes? I'd be totally up for that if it's close to my area since I don't have a car yet, public transportation is alright though so depending on where, my zip-code is 15317.

Also to coltle6920- thanks for the 'edit' comment! I have a Bachelors degree in Professional Writing so I take it pretty seriously, esp. when it's an obvious mistake lol
 
They are good guns in that price range and an excellent first gun. Once you get used to handling / cleaning it, Apex Tactical makes a spring kit. I installed one in my SW40VE and it makes a world of difference.

Good luck to you.:cool:
 
Nope. Where I live you go to the sheriffs office, you fill out an application, pay $20 cash for it, you add two references and they do background check, etc. If everything checks out, you get your permit in about a week. Does seem kind of dangerous though, doesn't it. I guess when I go get my handgun I could ask the shop if they know of any local classes too :)
 
You all have to remember when taking about pricing, what you get in your neck of the woods doesn't mean it's what you get in other areas.

I know in Texas, .NC, etc, you could get it on sale for 289 from academy. Up here in mi, cheapest I could find it with tax and ffl fees was 350 plus... just food for thought when you start throwing those prices out. At 359 comm a lgs, I still feel like I got a bargain price for an excellent gun.
 
For people looking for a first/ all around semiauto my broad recomendation is for a 9mm with 4inch-ish bbl , and a grip that fits their hand , and uses all the fingers. Preferably with either polymer or alum alloy frame. In 9mm .

Large enough to shoot well and comfortably , easy enough to carry with a good holster and a modicum of dressing around the gun.

Some quick googling turned up Anthony Arms in West Mifflin , listed as being 14mi from you ( your post office anyway). Their website indicates a classes offered , and a shooting range.
 
Any good sites out there for picking up ammo? I guess I should also keep in mind about range/Self-Defense ammo as well. From what I've researched, SD has a more hollow point, correct?
 
The sw9ve is a great gun. If your planning on concealed carry i'd take a look at the m&p9c. Its my pick for anyones first gun. Its smaller and easier to conceal but still holds 12rds. For home defense you could always use a 17rd magazine from a full size m&p. Yes it costs a little more but well worth it for its versatility. I order a lot of my stuff from midwayusa. Great deals and fast shipping.
 
Yes,most sd ammo is hollow point. Speer Gold dots are my #1 sd/hd ammo. They can usually be found in most gun stores or pretty much anywhere that sells ammo. For practice ammo, anything but Winchester white box. Don't buy reloaded ammo unless you know and trust the person who did it.
 
red dragon said:
Yes,most sd ammo is hollow point. Speer Gold dots are my #1 sd/hd ammo. They can usually be found in most gun stores or pretty much anywhere that sells ammo. For practice ammo, anything but Winchester white box. Don't buy reloaded ammo unless you know and trust the person who did it.
Click to expand...

I use WW in everything.
 
In the last two years I've found multiple rounds(10+) with the casing lip bent and where the bullet wasn't properly seated.All were 9mm WWB. That's enough for me to pass it up. Never had a problem with them until two years ago. Any ammunition at anytime could malfunction,so always check it as you load it.
 
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