SD40 VE - Impressions on the gun

[Drakkun]

The recoil rod assembly is suppose to be replaced after 5,000 rounds.

How's the leading in the barrel ?

Any idea on the velocity ?

I've shot some 135 gr. sierra's, didn't group that well, I think I loaded them to hot.

Not a lot of love for the .40, Probably because of cost of ammo and recoil.

Love mine though.

3

I'll have to get a chronograph for velocity tests, as honestly I haven't done so. If I had to guess via feel, I'd say roughly 1050-1100 ft/s.(on my reload they feel about equal to critical defense hornady's so it may be higher)

The barrel is visibly in pristine shape. I clean the gun religiously after each trip to the range. I dont always shoot reloads, but those have all been clean on the gun, and apart from the occasional tul ammo (each time i go i use it less and less) I rarely use any dirty ammo. Tul ammo is by far the dirtiest I've ever used, and with Tul's I notice a bunch of particles left on the rifling. If I had to put a lifespan on possible barrel replacements, if the gun is well taken care of you should see about 10k rounds at least. Keeping in mind you don't use tul ammo(or bad reloads) 7.5k replacement imo, just too dirty.

When ever I should have to replace the barrel, I'll probably still have the feed ramp polished, but if that happens in the near future I'll let you guys know when to expect it.

 

[3hounds]

Thanks for the update.

I don't think you'll ever have to replace the barrel from bullet wear.

Thanks again, 3

 

[skimp241]

Took my sd40ve to the range again yesterday,I must say this gun is great.I was downsizing my 9mm collection when I ran across the sd40ve.I wasn't looking for a 40 but after looking at it and talking to my dealer I was sold on it.I'm at the 500 round mark with zero issues,Iv'e shot fmj's and a variety of hollow points with no issues.This is a fine firearm at a great price,thanks s&w

 

[Derosa]

Perhaps I am coming in at a late moment in the game, but, all things being considered: cost of the gun (pistol/revolver/long gun/etc.), maybe we need to consider another factor: cost factor per per round or something along that lines(s). Maybe a valuation of the number of rounds expended versus the cost of the weapon is another venue. The number of rounds expended til the first failure of some sort. A failure is a failure in my book. $400.00 dollars divided by 400 rounds is quantified number. It is not the years but the miles, ya know, concept. It does take the the fun factor out, but, it is a verified number. Before I am hung out to dry, folks, think about all the folks who brag of the decreased costs of reloading of a favorite caliber. To those that live by a number, well, ...food for thought.

 

[Big Mike]

Drakkun, great info. Couple questions: How do you carry this pistol? Also, how much does your fully loaded SD40VE weigh? Thanks, Mike

 

[Drakkun]

Drakkun, great info. Couple questions: How do you carry this pistol? Also, how much does your fully loaded SD40VE weigh? Thanks, Mike

I have carried it in my waist band and on my hip, I will say its a little more snug in the waist band than I'd like, with my slacks it doesn't print, front or rear. On my hip I just use a standard holster, usually for range days, practicing draws and what not.

I have not weighed the weapon, if I had to guess, fully loaded it feels like about 3-5 pounds but I could be way off. Its a comfortable weight to me so I've never really given it much thought. Now if only I could figure out how to quiet the rattle we'd be in impeccable shape considering the price. The rattle seems to be with even numbers 14-12-10 etc.

 

[Drakkun]

Original post updated with some pics of the weapon and my holster -

Might be grabbing some mods for it here soon, I found a silicone slip on grip that I liked and it actually fit pretty snug. And maybe a light/laser for the rail just for giggles, though with my current holster, it the light and laser wouldn't fit.

 

[Jmc24]

Drakkun: Which slip on grip did you choose?

 

[Drakkun]

Drakkun: Which slip on grip did you choose?

Pachmayr Model 3, got it at a gun show a few weeks ago. It retails at $12 dollars I believe, but was able to get it for free with a box of Hornady critical duty.

 

[armallard]

Drakkun which holster is that? I need to find something like that for my 9. And is it me or or are they about the same size?

 

[Drakkun]

They are the same size frame wise so the 9mm should fit fine. Its a blackhawk sport from wally world. I grabbed it without question because of the extra mag pouch it offers.