New SD40VE Owner

[11B_Veteran]

Hello all, my name is Jayson, and I recently picked up my first side arm, a brand new SD40VE. I am a U.S. Army Infantry veteran, 2 combat deployments, and 6.5 years of service. I picked it up on the recommendation from a law enforcement friend. It is strictly a home defense side arm, and so far I really like it. I tend to upgrade everything I own, so I've already picked up a stainless steel slide and 20lbs spring and a " don't tread on me" back plate. (I like to customize things I own...lol) I figured it would be a good idea to join a group of fellow Smith and Wesson owners so I can learn, and discuss all things firearms. Thank you.

 

[Willcoe]

If your pistol is new, do yourself a favor and don't void the lifetime warranty, or ruin it by putting a steel guide rod in it. The SD/SW series pistol was designed, like the Glock to use a polymer rod.

 

[11B_Veteran]

If your pistol is new, do yourself a favor and don't void the lifetime warranty, or ruin it by putting a steel guide rod in it. The SD/SW series pistol was designed, like the Glock to use a polymer rod.

When I got home from my range day last Saturday, the stock polymer guide rod was beaten up pretty bad where the guide rod rests against the barrell. It was rounded off on 60% of the surface. That was after 200 rounds. I will keep it in case I need to send it back for warranty work.

 

[oldylocks]

That is interesting that the stock guide bar was so badly worn after only 200 rounds. I also own an SD9VE and just read a very detailed thread about how well the SD9VE performed after firing over 2000 rounds. Only 1 misfire and all stock components were still in nearly new condition, including the stock guide bar. After the 2000 rounds, the thread author changed the trigger with an APEX trigger, and discovered that performance did not improve. Here is a link to this thread. It is one of the best evaluations of the SD9VE that I have ever encountered.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?13363-S-amp-W-SD9VE-2-000-round-test-thread

 

[Dr Denby]

Actually, oldylocks,

He said that the Apex parts improved the action significantly which is what I found as well.

His cons were trigger heavy and spongy, which I agree.

After the Apex fittings the trigger weight reduced a little more than 30%

and "The pull actually has a extremely nice roll to it and there is no wall before the trigger breaks."

I had even better action improvement. Mine went from a little over 9 pounds to just under 5 with a beautiful crisp trigger break and reset from the bit of factory sponginess and minor stacking.

Well worth the money to make a very nice gun even better.

Doc

 

[GRU_ 7_ mech]

I have about 600 rds thru my SD9VE and the guide rod looks virtually brand new. I use a light coat of white lithium grease on the rod and spring assembly. Do not know if that is helping keep it like new.

 

[Willcoe]

When I got home from my range day last Saturday, the stock polymer guide rod was beaten up pretty bad where the guide rod rests against the barrell. It was rounded off on 60% of the surface. That was after 200 rounds. I will keep it in case I need to send it back for warranty work.

Amazing... only 200 rounds and that torn up. I just hit the 1500 round mark and my STOCK guide rod and spring look new. I will say that I have a spare on hand as a just in case. But then again my STOCK SD9VE shoots great (98-100% every qualification) too with no modifications at all.

 

[11B_Veteran]

Maybe joining here was a mistake.

 

[Dr Denby]

Why Jayson?

Surely you did not expect a group of 160,000 to all agree on a damn thing did you?

Doc

 

[gumbe]

Maybe joining here was a mistake.

No, it's good to get all the opinions and information you can about your 40. I bought mine after joining here and learning about how good the gun was, only downside is I have the California version :-(

 

[11B_Veteran]

Why Jayson?

Surely you did not expect a group of 160,000 to all agree on a damn thing did you?

Doc

Didn't expect the first response to my introduction thread to be negative. I have thicker skin than that, it's just annoying.

 

[Dr Denby]

Well there is a LOT of egos here.

Everyone has to be right about everything.

You quickly sort out who helps and who just want to criticize

Doc

 

[Derosa]

Welcome, sir, to all items S&W Inteligensia (hope I spelled that correctly). I appreciate your enthusiasm and service to our country. Thank you. As a combat veteran, per your post, I am sure you have learned to see & read items of interest & ignore the rest. Same here, sir. Discussions and free speech go hand in glove. Please do not judge by what is said, but, rather, the spirit with which intended.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Jayson, welcome to the forum. The majority of members, here, are kind, humble, witty and helpful. (and I know a bunch of them)

Among my collection resided an SD9VE, which I am well pleased with. Whether you modify yours or not, you still have a gun you can be happy with.

I rarely play in the SD forum anymore due to the attitudes, so you are welcome to hang out with me, in the other rooms, any time you like.

Again, glad to have you.

 

[oldylocks]

Maybe joining here was a mistake.

Sorry, as I did not intend my comments to be taken negatively. I am very happy to see you join, and was very interested in your SD9VE post. Welcome.

I do think that it is strange that that kind of damage occurred after firing 200 rounds. I'm more of a revolver guy, and don't shoot my SD9VE as often as my revolvers. I probably only have about 200 rounds through it, too. I sort of leave my firearms stock (unless it is the addition of a laser, etc.). I'm always fascinated by the cool things that are done to enhance the pistols. I look forward to hearing about the result of your mods.

I wonder if it would be worthwhile for you to contact Smith and Wesson and report the damage to the guide rod. I'd be interested to hear what they have to say, and what action that they recommend.

Best regards, and thanks for your service.

 

[oldylocks]

Actually, oldylocks,

He said that the Apex parts improved the action significantly which is what I found as well.

Your right, my bad.

 

[11B_Veteran]

Thank you to everyone who wished me a warm welcome.

 

[GRU_ 7_ mech]

I am not sure why there are so many hard feeling or smart *** comments about putting a new trigger or a metal guide rod in a SD. To each their own!!! If you like your new SD stock good for you....if you want an Apex trigger, go put one on. See how easy that was???? Why does S&W make so many different pistols if they are all made by the same manufacture they should be all the same, so we all should buy the same one.....see how ridiculous that sounded. So...let's just end the bickering about this subject and enjoy the forum, and being able to chat with other S&W owners. An early New Year resolution.

 

[11B_Veteran]

At the end of the day, it's my money, it's my firearm, and I'll do what I want with it. If I don't like the trigger kit, I'll put it back to stock. If I don't like the stainless guide rod, I'll put it back to stock ( after S&W replaces it). I would like to cerakote the slide a different color too. maybe OD green or Desert tan. I appreciate all the positive responses and I'll take criticism all the same. It's part of the forum world, and this place is candy land compared to the BMW forum lol.

 

[martybee]

At the end of the day, it's my money, it's my firearm, and I'll do what I want with it.

Well said!

mb