New SD9VE Success
I purchased an SD9VE from Academy Sports in the metro-Atlanta, Georgia area this week. The gun was on sale for $299.00. With sales tax, out the door the gun was about $321.00.
I cleaned it and lubed it with Break Free. I took it out and shot it with WWB 115 grain ammunition (not the greatest ammunition), and Hornady Custom 115 grain XTPs.
I shot approximately 100 rounds. No malfunctions. One ejected case struck me in the forehead from the last round in a magazine. Acceptable accuracy. The trigger is as advertised: mediocre. However, the gun works really well. As a matter of fact, I tried to get the gun to malfunction. I shot multiple rounds limp wristed right hand (I am right handed). No issues. I shot limp wrist left hand. No issues. I shot upside down left handed, and limp wristed. No issues.
The magazines did not rattle. I was able to load the magazines to full capacity, without using a loader. The last rounds were a little tough, but not too bad.
To say the least, I am really pleased with my purchase. I have been snake bit in gun purchases recently. I have one semi-auto out to the manufacturer for a warranty repair. I also recently purchased a Nano. Multiple failure to fires and FTEs. It went back for repair and was so out of spec the entire slide assembly and barrel were replaced. It is still not running right.
From reading a variety of reviews and forums, the SD9VE is a controversial gun. The trigger is routinely criticized. I think overly so. I have not done extensive accuracy testing. I will save that for another post. My first outing was more of a function test than anything. However, I was able to hit what I was aiming at within 15 yards.
It is criticized for its fit and finish, in addition to the trigger. It is "only" made out of 410 Stainless Steel, and not the 416 Stainless Steel/Rockwell hardened to 42-46 of the Glock. I am not a metallurgist, but I looked up 410 steel and 416 steel and I can not tell the difference. Both steels are used to make stainless steel bolts FWIW. In general on posts in forums, prospective buyers are often advised to spend a little bit more money and get a Glock or get the M&P. Don't get me wrong. I know that pride in ownership has its own value. M&Ps look really good. Glocks have their mystique. So do Sigs, HKs, etc. In the metro-Atlanta area M&Ps are priced around the $475.00 range. Glocks are in the $550.00 range. On-line pricing can be cheaper, but not by much. To me, saving around $200.00 on a firearm purchase is a very significant amount.
So at present, I am happy with my "budget" gun. I do own many other handguns: Rugers, Sigs, Glocks, Berettas, Kimbers, Smiths, and (gulp) Kel-Tecs. However, whenever I can get a quality product at a reasonable price I am extremely satisfied.
Of course my initial outing is not any testament to its ultimate durability. But it is a good start (I have a hunch that it will be durable). So rather than posters and bloggers referring to the SD9VE as an "entry level gun," a "beginner's gun" or an "if you can't buy anything better gun" how 'bout referring to it as a "quality gun at a fair price?" I am fully aware that any production gun can turn out to be a poor performer (remember I have two bad experiences recently). I am sure some sub-standard SD9VEs have shipped (as well as Sigs, Glocks, Berettas, etc.). It is just that my impression is that as a whole S&W has done really well in providing a "Value Enhanced" product. Though located in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts, I appreciate buying American as well. Thanks
