Hello! New Member; SD40 VE Owner!

wagostini

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Worcester, MA
Hello everyone!

My name is Waldemar and I am new to this forum as well as I am new to firearms. I have had my Class A LTC for about 2 weeks. I have purchased a new Mossberg 500 shotgun and now I am the owner of a S&W SD40 VE handgun I bought used. I have shot the shotgun at a range but I have yet to test out the SD40 VE. I did some research before purchasing the pistol and I fell in love with the SD40 VE, and I saw a new one at a gun store but it was over priced so I looked for an used one. The pistol came with a Galloway Precision spring kit, lowering the trigger to about 5 lbs. I am looking to replace the stock plastic guide rod with the Galloway Precision stainless steel rod for longer lasting reliability.

Like I said before, I am new to guns in general so any tips you want to throw my way regarding my SD40 VE are welcome.
 
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Welcome to the forum! You picked out a great handgun to get started with.

Some additional modifications or accessories you may want to consider:

1) Replace the plastic rear sight with the steel rear sight from a M&P, or go for night sights front and rear, if you wish.

2) Get the extended take down lever from Galloway...makes field stripping a lot easier. Order it when you order the guide rod, so you won't have to pay for shipping twice.

3) I love the grip ergonomics of the SDVE pistols, but I found it even more comfortable with a Pachmayr grip sleeve. The Hogue was too thick for my preference.

Last but not least, get lots of ammo and enjoy!
 
thanks for the tip! I did see the take down lever on their site and I was interested in it, now I know to get it! it is a pain with the stock lever to strip down. I had to fight with it to get it done for a proper cleaning and lubricating, as the previous owner nor the shop I purchased from cleaned it. It was very dirty but the gun is in great shape otherwise. I watched some videos on YouTube on how to properly clean it and lubricate it.
 
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A Glock extended take down lever will fit in your SD40VE, but I like the Galloway lever better because it is tapered. That is, the bottom of the lever is wider than the top, and it gives a better grip to pull down on the lever. It's just a bit wider, but just enough, and not so much that it snags or interferes with a holster.
 
Get the 20-22 lb guide rod. I shoot 180 gr rounds and got the 22 for my sd40ve. Also when it comes to hosters. Pretty much anything made for a m&p 9/40 fits. Welcome to the forum!!


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Welcome to the SD Club and to the forum! This series is one of the best "bang for your buck" pistols you can find. And that it's an American made Smith & Wesson is even better! I looked at other good quality pistols before buying the SD40-VE. But once I had this one in my hand, it seemed like it was made for me! It feels more natural than any other pistol I've held, and definitely shoots better than I can.

L8R,
Matt
 
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I did like the gun because of its price, I am not going to deny that at all. S&W's factory is about 1 hour away from me in Springfield, MA so it also (to me) feels like I'm supporting a local business. I am going to get the 22lbs guide rod and the lever from Calloway, I might as well make it all the same brand modifications. I cannot wait to go try this gun out at a range.
 
Welcome to the forums. +1 to what was said about the mods. I recently purchased the Galloway guide rod with the 20# spring to add to mine and reduced recoil jump noticeably over a well broke in stock 17# spring. I'm still wrestling with the Apex trigger and spring kit though since it is my EDC firearm.
 
I'm going to order the mods when I get paid next, I will update you guys when I do. Thank you for the warm welcome.

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Welcome to the forums. +1 to what was said about the mods. I recently purchased the Galloway guide rod with the 20# spring to add to mine and reduced recoil jump noticeably over a well broke in stock 17# spring. I'm still wrestling with the Apex trigger and spring kit though since it is my EDC firearm.

my sd is my EDC and i got the spring kit. i dont find it to be any "less safe" or "more prone to fire" with a lessened trigger pull. it still takes a honest force to fire. i dont forsee *knock on wood" and ND due to this mod
 
I would honestly be worried in this state to have this weapon or any weapon for that matter with name at any point other than at home or the range. Many people with bad intentions in this state. Someone notices you have a weapon on you by any means, they are likely to accuse you of threats to sue you for money. I am going to take my father in law's advice and not conceal carry.
 
I would honestly be worried in this state to have this weapon or any weapon for that matter with name at any point other than at home or the range. Many people with bad intentions in this state. Someone notices you have a weapon on you by any means, they are likely to accuse you of threats to sue you for money. I am going to take my father in law's advice and not conceal carry.

With me at any point*
 
If you choose CONCEALED carry, there should be no issues with anybody hassling you. A proper rig will not "print" or give away your concealment, and retain your 2A right to carry in self defense.
 
I open carry most of the time and haven't been hassled at all. Most people don't really pay any attention, but there are many people who carry where I live, both open and concealed, so it's a common occurrence. But it's all about personal choice and we are free to choose and not be judged.
 
I open carry most of the time and haven't been hassled at all. Most people don't really pay any attention, but there are many people who carry where I live, both open and concealed, so it's a common occurrence. But it's all about personal choice and we are free to choose and not be judged.


When I move to Florida, I can open carry. I would feel 1000000% more comfortable carrying there than here in Massachusetts. I know it's our given right but people here in MA can be very rotten from what I've experienced.


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doesnt massachussetts require a 10.5 lb trigger pull? i recall reading somewhere about that. and modifying the trigger to be less is not legal. might want to research that

EDIT: nvm its only for new handgun sales. after its yours do what you want to it apparently
 
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doesnt massachussetts require a 10.5 lb trigger pull? i recall reading somewhere about that. and modifying the trigger to be less is not legal. might want to research that

EDIT: nvm its only for new handgun sales. after its yours do what you want to it apparently


I called a gun smith and he tells me the minimum 10lbs rule only applies to a dealer when selling the gun new, once you own it you can modify it.


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