SD9VE slide travel "grittiness"

[hokiefyd]

I have an M&P Shield, and really enjoy it, and have been thinking about adding a full size S&W to my collection. I'm looking at both the SD9VE and the M&P. I had a question about the SD9VE...

First, and not really a question, I want to say that I really like the stock trigger on it. I looked at one last week at Gander Mountain and I REALLY like the trigger. One of my small pistols is a Kel-Tec P-32, and it's got a fairly long (but smooth) 6 pound trigger. So I'm used to that, and generally like that for a self defense handgun.

My question is about the slide. When I racked the slide of this store model, it felt rather gritty. Not smooth like the M&P next to it, or like my Shield. I recognize that the SD9VE is priced lower, but is this a common behavior with brand new SDs, and will this go away after a few hundred rounds or can the slide rails or blocks be polished to improve this feel?

I know it's not a functional thing that will influence how the gun operates, but that feel is something that I'd sure like to improve if I bought the gun.

Thanks.

 

[MOONDAWG]

Both my SD9VE's were smooth right out of the box.

But to get to your question, just like the engine in a brand new car, all semiauto handguns, regardless of price point, have to be broken in.

The round count to do so is not etched in stone. I've had guns break in with as little as 200 rounds and some that took much more.

That model is just as reliable as the M&P just value priced to get more folks into the market.

 

[ReaperTN]

I agree with MoonDawg, any new guns action will smooth up with some usage. The last two handguns and rifle I've bought new were really dry (lube) right out of the box, one of those a SD40VE. After some CLP the guns felt a little smoother before I ever took my first shot with them. My SD feels really smooth after about 250 rounds through it.

 

[TexanGunz]

I bought my SD9VE about 11 days ago, so far I've put roughly 100 rounds through it. All I did right out of the box is broke it down and lubed up the slide and the lower where the slide actually pushes back. Then I put her back together and took her outside and put 100 rounds through her and she was smooth as butter. Sometimes it just takes a little breaking in, but much like Moondawg said, it could take an upwards of 250 or better to break it in, sometimes less. I've shot the SD9VE, SD40VE, and M&P and of the 3 I prefer my SD9VE. In the end it really comes down to what feels most comfortable to you.

 

[JWH321]

You can take it home, clean it and lube it properly, go out and shoot it a couple of hundred ties, THEN compare it to the M&P. It'll make you want to find a way to make the M&P smoother.

 

[turbo6]

Out of the box, the SD slide is smooth and easy to manipulate. At least more than a Shield, I thought.

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[fbcmrjrtykr]

I've noted that the slide travel on my SD40VE is gritty as well, especially after getting my Shield. Upon examining the slide, I find several serrations or nicks in channels. It's not so much that you can "see" them, but you can "feel" them with a metal pick. Could they be the cause of the gritty feel? If so, do you recommend using a fine grit sandpaper to try and take them down? I've run a few hundred rounds through the gun already. I really love this gun and am only looking to make it better.


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[GreyOwl]

Forget the sandpaper and just keep working the slide while you are sitting watching TV or something. An hour of this and you will feel a lot of difference. (cheaper than shooting also)

 

[scorbing]

I used to have an SD9VE. I loved that gun. It functioned flawlessly. Never had a single issue with it.

 

[TexanGunz]

I did notice a little bit of grittiness today while shooting my SD9, it faded pretty quickly, however. So far I've put over 200 rounds through it, cleaning after every sessions and the feeling seems to be wearing away now

 

[touchoneoff]

I have one of the older SW40VE's that I have had a while, but don't remember any gritty slide when I first bought it. I have put many, many rounds through that gun, and have never had a failure that I remember. Smith & Wesson has got these "price point" pistols right in my book. I am still wanting the SD9, and am getting close to having the extra cash to add one to my collection.

Unless you see some kind of abnormal scratching or wear on the slide rails or grip rail guides, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Just keep it clean and lubed. JMHO.

 

[gstspooler]

SD9VE Gritty Slide

Hello All, I'm seeing the same issue with a recently purchased SD9VE. I've only put about 50 rounds thru this but notice the slide is very gritty and also thought this could be a break-in issue but futher inspection points to the guide rod and spring. When the barrel and spring are removed, the slide itself glides on the rails (no gritty feel). The spring under compresson seems to be flexing/defoming against the rod, creating the grittiness. I had a Sigma 9mm before this and never had this issue. I'd suggest contacting customer service for a replacement or try an aftermarket SS rod and spring.

 

[S&W Rover]

I've noted that the slide travel on my SD40VE is gritty as well, especially after getting my Shield. Upon examining the slide, I find several serrations or nicks in channels. It's not so much that you can "see" them, but you can "feel" them with a metal pick. Could they be the cause of the gritty feel? If so, do you recommend using a fine grit sandpaper to try and take them down? I've run a few hundred rounds through the gun already. I really love this gun and am only looking to make it better.

If the grittiness is not from the recoil spring, as described by gstspooler, it is likely from dirt, small metal shavings, or burrs on the rails (e.g., the rails on the locking block and the sear housing block assembly) or in the grooves in the slide (as noted by fbcmrjrtykr).

As others have recommended, working the slide back and forth on the frame a couple of hundred times can help get the parts to mate together.

I would not use sandpaper on the rails or on the grooves in the slide. I might be willing to use a very fine sharpening stone to very lightly smooth any burrs off the rails, but if I could actually feel a burr in the grooves, I would probably send the pistol back to S&W.