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For about half the cost, am I getting a comparable firearm in the SD9 VE?
Glock 19 or SD9 VE?
- Thread starter johnnymars
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No. The G19 is more like the M&P.
Now, will the SD be just as good for your purposes? Maybe..but you have to decide. I don't know your training, expertise, or finances, or what type of shooting you intend to do.
When I wanted simple, rugged pistols for loaners and trainers, I bought Sigma series.
When I decided to shoot state-level IDPA competition in several states, where the cost of travel, hotels, meals, entry fees, and ammo for practice and match for the year are much more than the gun, I bought an M&P Pro.
Now, will the SD be just as good for your purposes? Maybe..but you have to decide. I don't know your training, expertise, or finances, or what type of shooting you intend to do.
When I wanted simple, rugged pistols for loaners and trainers, I bought Sigma series.
When I decided to shoot state-level IDPA competition in several states, where the cost of travel, hotels, meals, entry fees, and ammo for practice and match for the year are much more than the gun, I bought an M&P Pro.
You're going to get a variety of responses...but I'd be interested in knowing of those responses, who has actually owned both pistols. (I have.)
For me, Glocks are not comfortable in my hand. The SD9VE is very comfortable.
The stock Glock trigger is better than the stock SD9VE. Both can be "improved" with aftermarket products. Personally, I don't mind the heavy trigger on the SD9VE, because a light trigger on a gun with no safety makes me nervous.
Glock beats the SD9VE hands down when it comes to aftermarket parts, accessories, customization, etc.
There are a couple of places where the "value" aspect of the SD9VE shows...like the rear sight which is plastic (but then, so are both sights on the stock Glock) and the stamped metal slide release. As far as I know, there are no options to change out the SD9VE slide release. You can get a steel guide rod assembly and an extended take down lever for the SD9VE from Galloway Precision, and other than night sights and a Hogue or Pachmayr grip sleeve, that's about all you can do to a SD9VE (other than the striker and trigger kits, of course.)
Magazines can be hard to find for the SD9VE, and parts and magazines can be found for Glocks just about anywhere. I'm surprised they aren't carried in convenience stores.
Glock has a reputation for reliability and accuracy. The SD9VE is generally very reliable; some people have trouble shooting it accurately due to the trigger, but that can be overcome with practice.
Some people swear by, and some swear at, Glocks. They certainly are recognized. A SD9VE won't get you bragging rights mainly because people think it's the Sigma (whose bad reputation lingers on), its low price, and because a lot of people just don't know that sometimes a good gun can be had for a good price.
Glocks sell around here, new, for around $550 (more with night sights.) Academy Sports regularly has the SD9VE for $319. You can buy the SD9VE, and put that $231 saved toward ammo, magazines, and a holster...or night sights and a trigger kit. If you possibly can, find one to rent and shoot first, before you buy one, to make sure of the trigger, and how it shoots for you. However, if you want a Glock, then after a while the extra $231 you paid for it won't even be remembered.
Good luck in your decision.
For me, Glocks are not comfortable in my hand. The SD9VE is very comfortable.
The stock Glock trigger is better than the stock SD9VE. Both can be "improved" with aftermarket products. Personally, I don't mind the heavy trigger on the SD9VE, because a light trigger on a gun with no safety makes me nervous.
Glock beats the SD9VE hands down when it comes to aftermarket parts, accessories, customization, etc.
There are a couple of places where the "value" aspect of the SD9VE shows...like the rear sight which is plastic (but then, so are both sights on the stock Glock) and the stamped metal slide release. As far as I know, there are no options to change out the SD9VE slide release. You can get a steel guide rod assembly and an extended take down lever for the SD9VE from Galloway Precision, and other than night sights and a Hogue or Pachmayr grip sleeve, that's about all you can do to a SD9VE (other than the striker and trigger kits, of course.)
Magazines can be hard to find for the SD9VE, and parts and magazines can be found for Glocks just about anywhere. I'm surprised they aren't carried in convenience stores.
Glock has a reputation for reliability and accuracy. The SD9VE is generally very reliable; some people have trouble shooting it accurately due to the trigger, but that can be overcome with practice.
Some people swear by, and some swear at, Glocks. They certainly are recognized. A SD9VE won't get you bragging rights mainly because people think it's the Sigma (whose bad reputation lingers on), its low price, and because a lot of people just don't know that sometimes a good gun can be had for a good price.
Glocks sell around here, new, for around $550 (more with night sights.) Academy Sports regularly has the SD9VE for $319. You can buy the SD9VE, and put that $231 saved toward ammo, magazines, and a holster...or night sights and a trigger kit. If you possibly can, find one to rent and shoot first, before you buy one, to make sure of the trigger, and how it shoots for you. However, if you want a Glock, then after a while the extra $231 you paid for it won't even be remembered.
Good luck in your decision.
Smith-Nut
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Based on 30 years of active military use of various handguns (and any other weapon system) and based on 25 years as firearms instructor I can only say the Glock 19 is an excellent firearm. Both our Special Forces and our HUMIT use the Glock 19. It has proven itself reliable in Iraq; Afghanistan and many other places.
I do not have any personal experience with the SD9VE so for all I know it might be better then the Glock, however I can't find one bad thing about the Glock (if you like double stack handguns). Some don't like the tricker pull but it is a very simple matter of getting a experienced Glock user to show you the "secret" about controlling the tricker.
I do not have any personal experience with the SD9VE so for all I know it might be better then the Glock, however I can't find one bad thing about the Glock (if you like double stack handguns). Some don't like the tricker pull but it is a very simple matter of getting a experienced Glock user to show you the "secret" about controlling the tricker.
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MrJT
US Veteran
Owning both Glocks and SDs, I'd put my vote behind the Glock.
Just my personal preference. Plus the aftermarket options for Glock are SOOOO much better.... and then there's the 30 round Glock magazine option for range day....
Just my personal preference. Plus the aftermarket options for Glock are SOOOO much better.... and then there's the 30 round Glock magazine option for range day....
Cmhorn.blessed
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Buy the SD9
I was in your position about 8 months ago when I was considering my first handgun purchase. I wanted it for home defense and concealed carry. I considered the glock because of the reputation and reliability which are both great. After considering the cost of the gun and the other things I was going to buy I was getting sticker shock. That is when I came across the SD9 and was impressed. Some look at the price and think it cannot be any good, but it most certianly is. This is not a Hi-point or cobra, it is a SW which means that the quaility is outstanding. I have put 1,000 rounds thorugh mine with no problems and carry it nearly every day. If you want to shoot competetion then buy the glock or M&P but if you are a self defense shooter then I would highly recommend this gun.
The trigger will smooth out with time and practice, especially dry fire, and the rest of the gun for a self defense shooter is very comprable to the glock(some even think better). As some others have said though the final decision is yours and must be what fits and feels good to you. For the money you can't beat it but you are not sacrificing any reliability or practical accuracy. If you haven't yet check out the thread titled, SD glock killer.
I was in your position about 8 months ago when I was considering my first handgun purchase. I wanted it for home defense and concealed carry. I considered the glock because of the reputation and reliability which are both great. After considering the cost of the gun and the other things I was going to buy I was getting sticker shock. That is when I came across the SD9 and was impressed. Some look at the price and think it cannot be any good, but it most certianly is. This is not a Hi-point or cobra, it is a SW which means that the quaility is outstanding. I have put 1,000 rounds thorugh mine with no problems and carry it nearly every day. If you want to shoot competetion then buy the glock or M&P but if you are a self defense shooter then I would highly recommend this gun.
The trigger will smooth out with time and practice, especially dry fire, and the rest of the gun for a self defense shooter is very comprable to the glock(some even think better). As some others have said though the final decision is yours and must be what fits and feels good to you. For the money you can't beat it but you are not sacrificing any reliability or practical accuracy. If you haven't yet check out the thread titled, SD glock killer.
MOONDAWG
US Veteran
I'll have to respectfully disagree with some on this issue.
Glock has over 30 years of street cop/combat proven reliability under it's belt and that in and of it's self is commendable. Putting their product in line with Browning's 1911.
However; having owned nearly every model Glock made since day one, including four Glock 19's I feel for the average shooter the SD9VE is a very good option.
So much so that in Dec 13 I bought two of the rascals. The fit and finish is way beyond their price point. They're more ergonomic, and in the short span of a month totally reliable.
I predict that with a modicum of care they'll give one many generations of shooting and self defense use.
Glock has over 30 years of street cop/combat proven reliability under it's belt and that in and of it's self is commendable. Putting their product in line with Browning's 1911.
However; having owned nearly every model Glock made since day one, including four Glock 19's I feel for the average shooter the SD9VE is a very good option.
So much so that in Dec 13 I bought two of the rascals. The fit and finish is way beyond their price point. They're more ergonomic, and in the short span of a month totally reliable.
I predict that with a modicum of care they'll give one many generations of shooting and self defense use.
I have an SD9, an SD9VE, two 2nd Gen G19's and a two 3rd Gen G19's (as well as many many other compact nines). All of them are well-made and reliable guns. The Glock has a little better build quality but is also nearly twice as expensive. The ergos of the SD9 are far superior to the G19 and regardless of what the caliper says the SD9 feels much slimmer. If both guns were factory stock and you had no intention of upgrading them I would probably lean slightly more toward the G19 (given that you asked for a specific two gun comparison). If you're willing to put in an Apex kit and trigger, then I would actually lean more toward the SD9. With the Apex kit the disparity in pricing seems huge and the disparity in quality seems tiny.
But as with all good gun recommendations/comparisons, you really need to put your hands on both of them, shoot them both and decide what feels best for you. It's not like you can go wrong with either choice.
But as with all good gun recommendations/comparisons, you really need to put your hands on both of them, shoot them both and decide what feels best for you. It's not like you can go wrong with either choice.
Wee Hooker
Member
Glocks are overpriced in my state because you can't legally buy a new one. That said, I've got a couple gen 2's which are grandfathered in. I've owned both handguns mentioned and would argue the extra $ for a Glock is money well spent. If money is an issue, look for a used M&P which (IMHO) is on par with the Glock. Both also have better aftermarket support than the SD9.
Out West
Member
I don't get the references to build quality. I personally own examples of the Glock, M&P and SD and perceive no difference in build quality. If someone wants to insist that there is a difference in build quality I wish they would provide some specifics. My guess is that they can't. Is the steel or polymer better or worse in one? Are the build tolerances loose in one? Is the assembly lacking in any of them?
Most all opinions will come down to some subjective judgement. Thats perfectly fine so long as you don't confuse personal preference for fact. Shoot the guns you are interested in. Buy the one you like best.
Out
West
Most all opinions will come down to some subjective judgement. Thats perfectly fine so long as you don't confuse personal preference for fact. Shoot the guns you are interested in. Buy the one you like best.
Out
West
The only thing I could suggest is that on the SDVE pistols, the stamped steel slide stop is a bit less "quality" than on Glocks and M&Ps. It is functional, though, and I can't recall anyone posting a failure due to the slide stop.
I just bought another SD9VE today (test fire date Oct 2013) and the trigger is a lot better than my other SD9VE, which has had a lot of breaking in. I think S&W is improving them...it's not 4 or 5 pounds, by any stretch...but it's smooth and not heavy. If I had to guess (which I do, since I don't have a trigger pull gauge) I'd say 7 lbs or so.
I was thinking about tinkering with this one, like putting in an Apex kit, but I don't think I will...it's just fine as it is. I do plan on changing the sights, and the take down lever, but otherwise I'm not going to mess with the trigger.
The SD9VE fits my hand a lot better than Glocks and even M&Ps, except for the Shield. It doesn't give you any bragging rights, unless you like to brag about a gun that simply works and costs less than the "others."
Detail strip a G19 side by side with an SD9 and compare internal parts, tolerances, weight, internal fit & finish, etc. and you will appreciate the differences in build quality. Do the same with an M&P and an SD9 and it will become just as obvious. Like I said both are fine guns but there is a reason they come in at a different price points. The same reason a Ruger American .308 comes in at a different price point than a Remington 700 .308. Will the average shooter appreciate the difference, probably not. But that doesn't change the fact that there is a difference.
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Likely there will be a wide variance on answers, but I believe the answer you get will depend upon what you need the firearm to do for you. If you will want a pistol that will do "light duty," then the SD9VE will be fine. If you want a heavy duty, professional grade pistol that will fire hundreds of thousands of rounds, then the G19 should be your choice.
Two months ago I was in the same place as you are now...deciding between the SD9VE and the Glock G19. I already own a Sigma and it has proven to be a very reliable weapon. I purchased it because of the lower price and it has served me well for 18 months. However, I tried a G19 and the difference in the Sigma and G19 are huge. I'm certain, from what I've heard, that the difference between the SD and G19 would be just as dramatic. BTW, my new Glock G19 Gen 3 will be delivered in about a month...I have it on layaway.
I own both glock and sigma. There is a difference, no doubt. The main functional difference for me is the trigger. Long and a bit rough, the sigma is hard to "master". In fact I've seen several newer shooters just about fail to hit paper at 25ish feet with the gun, but did much better with the glock. If you train a bit this isn't an issue, and frankly is you develop good trigger control with the sigma you'll be able to shoot just about anything!
If money is tight then there's absolutely nothing wrong with the sigma. Dry fire a bunch and you'll get used to the trigger and that's all that matters.
For what it's worth if you a 1 gun shooter who's new to the sport I'd never recommend messing with a trigger. Dry fire the heck out of it and let that be your polish
If money is tight then there's absolutely nothing wrong with the sigma. Dry fire a bunch and you'll get used to the trigger and that's all that matters.
For what it's worth if you a 1 gun shooter who's new to the sport I'd never recommend messing with a trigger. Dry fire the heck out of it and let that be your polish
i am a glock man. carry one one duty and off duty. over the years i have gotten many and they all work right out of the box with no changes needed. the price has gotten high on them at this time for new and used. i pickup a used sigma for a range gun and found that it fits my hands better than the glock. it shoot just as good and never has given me any problems, just as my glocks. the only thing i did not like was the heavy trigger, about 10 pounds. the trigger is like one on a wheel gun not like the one on the glock, 5 pounds. so i dropped in the galloway trigger spring kit and the trigger is around six pounds. the kit was just under $25.00 dollars. so for te money the sigma is a great gun that works.
sambuh
Member
Academy Sports has them routinely for $319, and occasionally on sale for $289. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have any stores in Virginia.
Perhaps check on Gunbroker? Or this site?
MOONDAWG
US Veteran
Is there an Academy Sports within practical driving range? They still have SD9VE's on sale for $289.
sambuh
Member
Out West
Member
MLK18, I just reread my post and don't like my tone - it sounds like I'm taking a shot at you. That was not my intent. I apologize.
However, honestly, taking the top end off of all three makes I can't see a nickels worth of difference. I doubt there is more than $30 worth of material in any of them. I can FEEL some differences like in trigger weight or grip circumference. These differences inform my personal preferences. But I believe them all to be equal in quality: quality of materials and manufacture. Even the Sigma with its aweful factory trigger is a high quality firearm in terms of materials and manufacture.
Out
West
Camo-Man
Member
I would go with the SD9VE you can get the SD40VE also for the price of a Glock. I owned both and I don't like the feel of glocks in my hand.
Forget all the hype and opinions from others. Hold each gun in your hand pick a target and without aiming point the gun at the target. Now look down your sights and see where they are. Certain guns are natural shooters compared to others. This should be your first concern.
I own a G23 and I don't really like it, they main reason is the size. My hands are average but my fingers no where near lined up with the finger grooves. I ended up sanding them down. But I still wasn't happy as the grip was too short to get my pinky on the grip fully but too long to tuck it under. It just feels awkward to shoot.
Now the SDVE/SDVE has just a tad longer grip allowing me to get a full grip. The SD/SDVE is more of an oval shape where the glock is more squared.
I might ruffle a few feathers but the glock is better built which is reflected in price however. Triggers don't even come close the glock has an extremely short reset allowing very fast follow up shots. When going from my glock to SD I often short stroke the trigger.
The SD/SDVE is a fine gun at a great price, if solely based on price vs value S&W wins without a doubt. But if the glock fits your hand ok and price doesn't matter get the glock. Other models to consider are within the M&P line
I own a G23 and I don't really like it, they main reason is the size. My hands are average but my fingers no where near lined up with the finger grooves. I ended up sanding them down. But I still wasn't happy as the grip was too short to get my pinky on the grip fully but too long to tuck it under. It just feels awkward to shoot.
Now the SDVE/SDVE has just a tad longer grip allowing me to get a full grip. The SD/SDVE is more of an oval shape where the glock is more squared.
I might ruffle a few feathers but the glock is better built which is reflected in price however. Triggers don't even come close the glock has an extremely short reset allowing very fast follow up shots. When going from my glock to SD I often short stroke the trigger.
The SD/SDVE is a fine gun at a great price, if solely based on price vs value S&W wins without a doubt. But if the glock fits your hand ok and price doesn't matter get the glock. Other models to consider are within the M&P line
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I don't know to what extent the "better built" is reflected in the price...to me, the SD9VE at $319 (or currently on sale for $289) is better built dollar for dollar than is the Glock at $529 (gen3) or $579 (Gen4) [prices at Academy Sports in Texas.] There is no doubt that Glock does have some better parts...like the slide release, for example. The stamped steel slide release on the SDVE looks and feels cheap. Glock has a better stock trigger, very true...the SDVE can be improved with a $20 spring kit, and to be honest, I don't want a very light trigger on a gun with no external safety.
Another area in which Glock beats the SDVE pistols hands down is the aftermarket. Accessories abound for Glocks, and you can buy parts for them anywhere. The SDVE is pretty limited in the aftermarket area. S&W has excellent customer service, and I think they beat Glock in this regard. However, if you are a member of the GSSF, you can get your Glock serviced/upgraded at any event, and S&W doesn't have anything like that, as far as I know.
S&W guns are American made, but some Glock models are now being made in America. (Or more accurately, assembled in America...which could apply to both guns.)
The SDVE feels so much better in my hand than do Glocks. That is true for me. If anyone feels that Glocks fit better, shoot better, and are in fact better for them, then I'm happy for them. I wish no man any ill will or that he would be unhappy with his gun.
Just one example the rear rails they are barely held in. Rack the slide and watch the back as you pull the trigger the entire slide shifts right before break of trigger. It's not about how light or heavy the trigger is, the SD does and always will have a long reset compared to the glock. The glock breaks clean and crisp while the SD/SDVE is gritty and mushy with a long reset.
If someone could get a glock trigger in a S&W frame it would be a winner
If someone could get a glock trigger in a S&W frame it would be a winner
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As an instructor I dealt with Glocks early on--took the "armorer" course, etc. Saw a lot of them on the range and bought my daughter a G19 when she was about 13. A few years later she took it to Gunsite. It's served her well.
Had a used G17 for a while after I retired, but after about 1000 rounds I decided that we were just not compatible and sold it.
Got a Sigma a few years back and shot it decently but reliability was not what I expected.
Recently shot a newer G19 and somewhat to my surprise did pretty well with it. Went shopping and bought a Gen 4 G19 and like it a lot. The smaller grip helps greatly, the trigger is better, the grip surface is very good, and the new double recoil spring setup makes it a softer shooter. IMHO a much improved pistol. Now have close to 500 rounds through it without a burp and I am comfortable with it. It's also easy to carry in a Fobus holster. I have a set of XS tritium Big Dot sights on order and that will finish it off. Needless to say the Glock has a solid track record and tons of aftermarket stuff; some of it actually useful.
Have not fooled with the SDs but the comparison with the Sigma may put some perspective on it. I view the Glock as just a tool, but a tool for the times. As someone observed, it's "just not a revolver world anymore".
(They made the last CJ Jeep around 1986--but it, like the wheelgun, still has an important place in the scheme of things...)
Had a used G17 for a while after I retired, but after about 1000 rounds I decided that we were just not compatible and sold it.
Got a Sigma a few years back and shot it decently but reliability was not what I expected.
Recently shot a newer G19 and somewhat to my surprise did pretty well with it. Went shopping and bought a Gen 4 G19 and like it a lot. The smaller grip helps greatly, the trigger is better, the grip surface is very good, and the new double recoil spring setup makes it a softer shooter. IMHO a much improved pistol. Now have close to 500 rounds through it without a burp and I am comfortable with it. It's also easy to carry in a Fobus holster. I have a set of XS tritium Big Dot sights on order and that will finish it off. Needless to say the Glock has a solid track record and tons of aftermarket stuff; some of it actually useful.
Have not fooled with the SDs but the comparison with the Sigma may put some perspective on it. I view the Glock as just a tool, but a tool for the times. As someone observed, it's "just not a revolver world anymore".
(They made the last CJ Jeep around 1986--but it, like the wheelgun, still has an important place in the scheme of things...)
