how are the SD9's - talk me out of it

[some_guy]

here is some background. i am looking for a 9mm pistol/autoloader for mostly range duty and possible carry. price range for now i am thinking <$600 though i am not one to say i must spend this much so i will get a quality firearm. i work 5 minutes from a range and go there about every week - my wife also loves to shoot so we both like to go together. im also not a glock fanboy - but it seems like you never hear of them having issues.

as for the feel - i like the feel of the SD9 better than the glock 17/19 or the M&P 9mm - to me it feels very light.. but has a very nice feel in my hand. slightly slimmer feel than the glock/m&p - but not too much like a 'slim' framed gun. i also like the da/sa trigger that my wifes taurus has - though this isnt a necessity.


my questions to you are -

1) it looks like this is a mid-grade gun (sigma<sd<M&P) - is this correct?

2) what else would you consider knowing what i have posted above?

what really sucks is i am open to about anything that meets my requirements. i am not a gun snob - but some gun shops seem to be home to fanboys for some brands and shun others.. or if you say you want something good - that doesnt mean "take me to your most expensive sig"

thanks in advance

 

[GKC]

I think most would agree that the SD pistol is positioned more or less midway between the Sigma and the M&P. I have owned all of these pistols, BTW. The SD is closer to the Sigma rather than the M&P, in terms of take down and ergonomics...I like the grip feel of the SD and Sigma. Not that I don't like the M&P...I do. In fact, my M&P45c is my favorite carry/HD pistol. The most discernible difference is the trigger. The SD has a better trigger than the Sigma, but not as good as an M&P, IMO.

All three pistols can be had in your price range (<$600) and all three are good for range use and home defense. You might find the SD better than the Sigma at the range, based on the trigger, and the M&P better than the SD, based on the trigger.

The Sigma can be had around here for +/- $300, the SD for +/- $400, and the M&P for +/- $500 (depending on night sights on the M&P.) The M&P can be had with a safety, or a lock, or without either, if you want them. As far as I know, the Sigma and the SD cannot be configured with a safety or a lock.

None of the three have DA/SA capability...and all have high capacity (16 round mags in the Sigma and SD, and 17 in the M&P full size; depending on your state, of course.) All three are S&Ws, so they should be reliable, or S&W will make them so for you.

It really comes down to which one you prefer. Personally, I would choose the M&P first, then the SD, and then the Sigma.

 

[mlk18]

what else would you consider knowing what i have posted above?

As a Glock armorer for over 10 years I can assure you Glock's break too. I have fixed many many Glocks, although I will admit the 9mm's have less issues than the other calibers.

Otherwise I agree with GKC. His post was spot on.

 

[Backon4]

I too own all 3 lines in the S&W poly framed family. I actually prefer the SD over my M&P for carry but like the M&P better for the range. Considering my life is more important than drilling the center out of a target and comfort dictates ability I stick with the SD. As a matter of fact I am really considering trading the M&P for a keltec sub2000 and some $$

 

[some_guy]

thanks for the thoughts so far. i wish my LGS/range had the sd9 for rental - it would be nice to fire one and see how they feel. they have the m&p

 

[jppezz23]

Go with the SD.I have the SD40 and like it very much.I carry it concealed,not a problem.

 

[GKC]

Another thought about the M&P9 Full Size...if you later want to get a M&P9c, the compact 9 can use the full size magazines of the M&P9 (the full size can't use the compact magazines, though.) The M&P9c is a good CCW pistol.

 

[some_guy]

i wish my lgs had more than a few models to rent and "test drive" at their range. they do have the M&P series as well as the glocks, XD and the other models most everyone compares when shopping.

it really comes down to reliability. i know it feels good in my hand. i just want to know that it will fire every time. if i get in to a SHTF situation - i wont care that i saved $200 on my gun - i will only care that the only click i hear is after the magazine is empty

 

[GKC]

it really comes down to reliability. i know it feels good in my hand. i just want to know that it will fire every time. if i get in to a SHTF situation - i wont care that i saved $200 on my gun - i will only care that the only click i hear is after the magazine is empty

The SD line is relatively new...but so far seems to be reliable. The Sigma and M&P pistols have a longer history, and are well discussed here. Of course, each individual pistol can vary from the norm, and other factors come into play, such as how well you maintain it, etc. Any pistol you carry and/or rely on for HD, should be well tested for performance at the range first. The good thing about any S&W pistols is that if there are issues, S&W will make it right.

In general, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the three choices.

 

[some_guy]

one more thing i will add - i am open to any brand right now.

 

[S&W Rover]

I have a couple of M&Ps (9 & 40), a SD-9, and three Sigs (P6, P228, SP2022).

"It all depends..." is a good answer. The SD-9/40 is a huge value for the price. The trigger on mine keeps getting better, and is perfect for a carry gun (less perfect at the range).

The M&P's are great guns, too -- both of mine have Apex mods, which advance the gun another 10%.

I've had a Sigma and hesitate to recommend it -- although it is a super defense gun, it is not particularly enjoyable on the range with its long and relatively hard trigger pull. I just could never get good groups with it.

Another gun to look at in the price range: The Sig SP2022. Particularly if you want a very solid traditional DA/SA pistol -- it is an excellent value for the money (~$400). The FN-series is a good value at $100 or so more; some people love 'em, others go blah.

Glocks? I've never had one. From what I've read, if someone made me take it, I bet I could learn to really like it. Especially the 4th Gen Glock 23.

But this is a M&P forum. My recommendation is the M&P as the best all-round gun! (Silly thing for me to recommend -- because it "really depends... ").

 

[some_guy]

the "really depends" is so true.

im open to a lot - but finding its coming down to whatever gun is the salesmans favorite - not necessarily what is best for me... and unfortunately - i cant get all of them and line them up with a box of ammo

 

[GKC]

Glocks? I've never had one. From what I've read, if someone made me take it, I bet I could learn to really like it. Especially the 4th Gen Glock 23.

I have owned several Glocks...including the 19, 26, 30SF, and the 36. I have small, fat hands, so the grip just doesn't feel comfortable to me. The 36 was okay, but I decided I'd rather have the M&P45c.

Springfield's XD line is something to consider, and Ruger's SR9c. Springfield and Ruger both have great customer service. I do own a SIG P229 e2, and it is has a fantastic feel in the hand. It also holds 15 rounds...mags specific for it are pricey ($60 each from SIG) and there are varying answers as to whether or not the older generation P229 mags will work in it.

You could also consider 3rd generation S&W pistols, like the 3913 or 908...they are very reliable. They are also single stack, and hold 8 rounds. SIG makes the P239 which is very similar. There is no shortage of options for good 9mm pistols!

 

[Skeptic 9c]

You can try and find a rental range, but that's a matter of location. Some folks have added it to a holiday vacation due to local laws and other factors.

The Sigma and SD are large firearms, not necessarily suited to concealed carry, your physique and method of carry may change that.

You might check out the Ruger P95 for a range gun, but it is slightly larger than the SD, but has the classic DA/SA trigger and exposed hammer some find necessary or desirable.

The Kahr CW9 Kahr CW9 - Style # CW9093, Kahr Arms Pistols is much more concealable, about the price of an SD locally, but not so much a range gun.

A very interesting challenge with few good solutions since S&W gave up the small flat market.

There is a new Ruger, but it is not proven. Ruger LC9 Centerfire Pistol

Geoff
Who has a Sigma 9VE and a SWaMPy 9c.

 

[J_B]

I just bought a SD9 as it is perfect for CC with its size, just a hair longer than the Glock 19. With my belt slide Dillon holster it just hides, and better yet IWB is also great. Under t-shirts or what ever, this SD9 just works real well.

 

[GKC]

There is a new Ruger, but it is not proven. Ruger LC9 Centerfire Pistol

I just bought a LC9....I haven't fired it yet, so I can't comment on its function or reliability, but from handling it and dry firing it, I can tell you that the trigger pull is long but not heavy, and the size is really good for CCW. It annoys me that Ruger only includes one magazine, like Kimber...and the magazines are $37 IIRC on their website...but the price of the pistol is very reasonable, compared to the Kimber SOLO or the SIG P290...so even with buying a couple of extra magazines, it still cost less.

I'm sure it won't be a range gun, or one I'd want to run a hundred rounds through at one sitting...but it seems ideal for a small carry pistol.

 

[tbone2]

I have owned the M&P9, Sigma 9VE, and the SD9 in that order. As well as the above mentioned Kahr CW9. The M&P was a great range/HD gun but I could not conceal it very well. The Sigma fit my hand better than the M&P and I liked the trigger pull BETTER than the M&P. I was starting to like the DA revolver trigger feel on my firearms. Then I owned the Kahr CW9. What a great little pistol! The first time I took it to the range I ran over 200 rounds through it in about an hour! Not one failure and it was a dream to shoot (don't think I could do that with the Sigma because of the heavy trigger). VERY smooth trigger on the Kahr. Handled recoil very well for a smaller framed gun and pointed so naturally for me. Pretty easy to conceal too. I really regreat selling it. My wife found out we were expecting our first and it was not in our plan(or budget)! So I panicked and started selling my collection to come up with some funds. . . I got over that stage when I found an SD9 in the shop. Bought it right then and there and have been thrilled with it! It has been very reliable. The trigger is pretty nice. Fits my hand like a glove. The trigger is not as heavy as the Sigma but still longer for that DA feel I like. I have a blast at the range with it and I can conceal it with a minimum amount of effort (not as easily as the Kahr). If I were you I would take a good look at the Kahr. It may not be exactly what you are looking for but it is a great little gun. As for the SD, I plan on holding on to it for quite some time!

 

[buckyjames1]

So to open my reply i will state that for a 9mm auto pistol, i am glock preferential for the following reasons:
1. Its original design was in polymer and 9mm.
2. many countries/military/agencies use them for a reason
3. G17/19/26 have a large capacity, universal NATO accepted round.
4. the 9mm vs other caliber gap has been tightened due to round ballistics
development.

I have a small framed wife, she has shot multiple hand guns and found that she likes 2 brands in particular:
Glock 17 (full size) and S/W 686 4inch. Maybe she has great taste, maybe I influenced her, or maybe the manufactures did something great with these 2 models in particular.
Long story short, out of my +15 guns:
my #1 go to, my #1 zombie invasion, my #1 must reply upon weapon is my Glock 17.
-hit 10K rds this year, inexpensive, great beginner, goes bang when needed, many after market parts, has cult following, only reason the military is not using it is because of lack of decocker, no external safety.
I love the feel of my Smiths but fellas, when SHTF I will absolutely grab my glock.

 

[MDLNB]

Sorry, I thought this was a S&W forum. My mistake.

Everyone has a preference. You have to make your preference, your own. My son-in-law has a Glock 17. It's.....ok. It shoots....ok. Now that I modified my 9ve, I like mine better. It has a better grip....my opinion. I like the trigger pull better than his now. He also modified his, but I liked it better before he made the changes(don't tell him). I like having metal magazines. Glock has plastic. S&W is American. I have Fords(3) and Harleys(2). I prefer to buy American if possible. I'm not saying that American is better (well, in my opinion....).

The point is, that I wouldn't presume to attempt to talk you "out of it" if you want to buy a SD9. I haven't owned one yet, but if they are anything like the 9VE then they must be good enough. Make your own decision.

 

[some_guy]

Sorry, I thought this was a S&W forum. My mistake.

i know its S&W - but like i mentioned before i am open to other brands. i know some die hards will say everything else is **** - but i enjoy their input too. everyone has their experiences and i am trying to learn from them

The point is, that I wouldn't presume to attempt to talk you "out of it" if you want to buy a SD9. I haven't owned one yet, but if they are anything like the 9VE then they must be good enough. Make your own decision.

the 'talk me out of it' was for the following reasons. first, i would assume someone on a smith forum would know more. i am a member of a couple other forums and everyone is biased towards their own brands.

if i went to a glock forum - they all say glock or nothing else... the colt guys like their 1911s... my wife has a taurus (that i actually like a lot) and they all say its a great gun and you save money over the other brands.. it is tough to get unbiased info.. but i am trying.

second, i think there are more owners here who know the guns or have had experiences. i can easily relate this to cars. lets say you wanted a sports car. some would get a honda civic and add all the tuner stuff to it. while others would go out and get a corvette zr1. i have a budget that is more than the SD9 - but i really liked the way it felt in my hand. i dont want to get it and find out if i spent another $150 - i couldve had <insert cool gun here>.

i enjoy the conversation about them - so please continue.