bought it new a couple months ago, shot it 4-5 times and you had to get at least 5yds or closer to hit near the bulls eye, if you started going out farther then 5yds. it is shooting a min.6" low. Had 3 other people shoot it with same result, and tried 4 or 5 different types of ammo same result. It shoots good groups only not where your aiming. Maybe the elevation sight is way off. Can't believe that it would leave the factory shooting like that. I asked them to put a note in the box telling me what the problem was when they send it back to me, as Im curious what it is. will post back when I get the gun back from them.
sent my sd9ve back to S&W today
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Bundesheer
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Huummmmm.
Do you realize that a weapon is a tool?
The weapon does not shoot, you do.
The weapon does not aim, you do.
The weapon does not pull the trigger, you do and only you decide when it fires.
Having said that means that:
1) you are may be an inexperienced shooter that let follow the muzzle the trigger-finger on the trigger and shot low.
2) You don't have a closed grip around the gun and shoot left.
3) Or you know how to shoot and the tool doesn't fit the comfort of your hand.
If 1 is the case practice more. My mil-trainer helped here out and let us shoot every second round with the middle finger on the trigger.
If 2 is the case practice more
If 3 is the case get you a new gun that fits better your personal needs.
Don't mess with tools that you not able to handle.
Does this make sense to you?
Do you realize that a weapon is a tool?
The weapon does not shoot, you do.
The weapon does not aim, you do.
The weapon does not pull the trigger, you do and only you decide when it fires.
Having said that means that:
1) you are may be an inexperienced shooter that let follow the muzzle the trigger-finger on the trigger and shot low.
2) You don't have a closed grip around the gun and shoot left.
3) Or you know how to shoot and the tool doesn't fit the comfort of your hand.
If 1 is the case practice more. My mil-trainer helped here out and let us shoot every second round with the middle finger on the trigger.
If 2 is the case practice more
If 3 is the case get you a new gun that fits better your personal needs.
Don't mess with tools that you not able to handle.
Does this make sense to you?
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bundesheer, I guess every gun that you have bought has been perfect! I find it hard to believe that 4 different people (experienced shooters) have all shot this gun and have all had the same result. Accuracy does come from the shooter once its sighted in, but I forgot you think every gun is perfect out of the box!! You must live somewhere else in a perfect world to think there aren't mfg. defects in products today. Its not always the consumers fault, and I would be the first to admit that the problem is me if everyone else that shot this gun didn't have have the same identical results. I love this gun and thats why im sending it back to have it looked at and hopefully get an answer from them as to what they found.
Bundesheer
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Sure not. I just bought a Walther PPX and have a lot of problems with the firing pin and I learned that I am not the first and only one.
Accuracy has something to do with the shooter even if U don't believe it.
It's all about knowing and adjusting. The shooter adjust his gun to his needs in sight and handling.
But that takes time and is called customizing.
I really want so see how S&W, Glockmeister, Benelli, Beretta, Ruger, Sig, Taurus, Mauser .... want to create a gun that fits all hands and temperaments of any given customer so that the customer have not to learn his tool. Just take it out the box, fill a bullet in, pull the trigger and hit the 100 spot 2 times with one bullet.
Yes I know everything has to work automatically today , just like a PC game. Hit the button and everything works on it's one and if U do something wrong it makes a peep.
Guns don't work like that. Welcome in the reality.
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I will be surprised if there is any comment whatsoever as to what the problem is or was.
bundesheer You say its all about adjusting and knowing how to use your tool, and how the gun grip doesn't fit you bla bla bla. If I want to aim 6-8" high every time, my gun shoots fine. I guess thats what you call adjusting,customizing and knowing your TOOL! I didn't buy this gun to have to hold 6-8" high to hit where Im aiming. Its funny how 2 of the other people that shot my gun have the exact same gun as I and I can shoot both those guns and put a 3"group from 10yds exactly where Im aiming. Its useless replying to anymore of your ignorance. Does this make sense to you!!!
Bundesheer
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Yes it make sense.
You win.
You win.
HI hibby, it will be interesting to hear what S&W has to say about your gun.
In the 10 to 14 days it will take to get it back we can talk about it.
My SD9ve does also shoot a little low not to the extreme yours is.
You said anything past 5 yards shoots 6" low , I have not shoot at 5 yards since the first day I got it & then I was more concerned with getting the trigger pull down pat. it was not until some time later that I came to see that it was shooting a little low at 8, 10 & 15 yards.
,
This is what I came up with to help me put the rounds where I wanted ------- o 0 o -------- I hold the front sight up just a little.
Now I am by far not the best shot but I am confident I can hit body mass up to 15 yards. Better if I talk my time.
But this being for my home & self-defense I practice drawing or picking the weapon up find the target & hit it.
Mine has been good right out of the box, but I've had other guns that weren't. It is NOT always the shooter, even if the shooter is brand new (I'm not).
I recently had a Shield that acted up on me. It was accurate, but I couldn't rack the slide. I had all kinds of advice and all sorts of comments when I sought other's experience. Most told me I was a wimp and that If I shoot it a bunch it would get better. I'm not and it didn't. I sent it back to Smith & Wesson. It came back three weeks later with a new recoil spring, and some other work done to its slide. It works perfectly now.
Get a label from Smith & Wesson. They'll email you one and the shipping will be free. They schedule stuff, so the label will not appear in 30 seconds after you talk to them. It may take a couple of days.
But they WILL fix the gun. I have had them do a couple of other things to the guns I've owned over the years. I have never had an issue with them. The SDVE is a good gun. if you are having problems, it is surely possible that you have one which got all of the manufacturing tolerances too close to the limits. It is possible that you need more practice, too. We all do. But its not a given that the problem is you. You are going to live with the gun for a long time. The three weeks that it takes to get it examined will melt away quickly.
Good luck.
I recently had a Shield that acted up on me. It was accurate, but I couldn't rack the slide. I had all kinds of advice and all sorts of comments when I sought other's experience. Most told me I was a wimp and that If I shoot it a bunch it would get better. I'm not and it didn't. I sent it back to Smith & Wesson. It came back three weeks later with a new recoil spring, and some other work done to its slide. It works perfectly now.
Get a label from Smith & Wesson. They'll email you one and the shipping will be free. They schedule stuff, so the label will not appear in 30 seconds after you talk to them. It may take a couple of days.
But they WILL fix the gun. I have had them do a couple of other things to the guns I've owned over the years. I have never had an issue with them. The SDVE is a good gun. if you are having problems, it is surely possible that you have one which got all of the manufacturing tolerances too close to the limits. It is possible that you need more practice, too. We all do. But its not a given that the problem is you. You are going to live with the gun for a long time. The three weeks that it takes to get it examined will melt away quickly.
Good luck.
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Bullet weight, aiming point and distance to target all affect where the bullet hits. Most handguns are sighted in for 25 yards. If you shoot at a closer range than that bullets will impact lower on the target. Some guns are sighted at the factory for a center-hold, while others are sighted for a 6 o'clock hold. Your aiming point also affects the bullet impact point. If your gun is shooting low with 115 gr. ammo try 124 gr. That will also raise the impact point of your bullets. I hope your gun returns quickly. Try a center-hold off a solid rest at 25 yds. when you get it back, and then adjust your bullet weight up if you still get low hits.
Best Regards,
ADP3
Best Regards,
ADP3
got my gun back yesterday from S&W
They did have a note in the box what they found and did to my gun. They said the front sight was messed up and put a new one on it and checked everything else over and it looked fine after testing it. I went to the range last night and had them in or near the bullseye with 2-3" groups from 10yds. Thanks S&W for fixing my gun and getting it back to me in two weeks!
They did have a note in the box what they found and did to my gun. They said the front sight was messed up and put a new one on it and checked everything else over and it looked fine after testing it. I went to the range last night and had them in or near the bullseye with 2-3" groups from 10yds. Thanks S&W for fixing my gun and getting it back to me in two weeks!
MyDads38
Member
Anyone can get something that doesn't work exactly as it should, and not just guns. Customer Service after the sale will tell you a lot about a company and it's products. KUDOS to S&W on their customer service and support!
I know there are a lot of nice firearms on the market these days, but I don't personally own any that don't have Made in the USA stamped somewhere on them; and this is specifically why! Not bashing anything/any brand at all, but owning a S&W firearm to me, means quality & support right here at home.
Glad you got your SD back and all is okay. I am a new owner myself, with only 150 rounds through mine so far. Each time I pull the trigger, I have a smile on my face and another hole in the target!
I know there are a lot of nice firearms on the market these days, but I don't personally own any that don't have Made in the USA stamped somewhere on them; and this is specifically why! Not bashing anything/any brand at all, but owning a S&W firearm to me, means quality & support right here at home.
Glad you got your SD back and all is okay. I am a new owner myself, with only 150 rounds through mine so far. Each time I pull the trigger, I have a smile on my face and another hole in the target!
Guess it's was gone a little longer than you wanted but glad it fixed for you
.no marks on either sight, they just replaced the front sight, I would asume that it is an m&p front sight, it looks just like my 2 friends 2 front sights on their guns. I marked both front and rear sight before I sent it off to them so if they said they replaced them I would know for sure by the little marks I made on them would be gone. The front sight was replaced as the small mark I made on it is gone. Thats all I know.
Papa_D
Member
Glad it got taken care of so quickly. As stated before, this speak volumes of S&W as a company, especially to someone like myself considering an SD9VE for their first Handgun purchase.
The SD9VE is a great gun...inexpensive, fits most people's hand well, and very reliable. The trigger is heavier than many other striker-fired semi-autos, but lighter than most DA pulls on revolvers and DA/SA or DAO semi-autos. It does take some practice to shoot accurately with a heavier trigger, but it isn't that hard to learn trigger management, aiming, etc.
When you get your new gun, if you decide on a SD9VE, shoot it for a while first before you think about making any modifications to the trigger. The best thing you can do is clean the gun, load the magazines to full capacity and let them sit for a week or so before going to the range, and leave the slide locked open for the same time. Use good factory ammo...FMJ is good for practice, for the first hundred rounds or so, and then shoot some of your preferred SD rounds to make sure they function in your gun.
Papa_D
Member
Yes. I can't say scientifically that a week is the exact right period of time, or that it makes any real difference, but it's a routine I've always followed with a brand new gun. There are many who have shot their SDVEs right out of the box, with no problems...these guns are very reliable, so it may not be as much a help as it might be on other guns.
The mags can be a little hard to load to capacity at first, especially that 16th round, but if you invest in an UpLula loader, you won't have any problems. Well, the problem is the UpLula will spoil you, and you won't want to load any magazines without one!
ditto1958
Member
Interesting thread, but also strange. I'm wondering what could be wrong about SD sights that could cause elevation to be way off.
Windage, yes, but elevation? They're not adjustable for elevation. Was the wrong sight installed?
Windage, yes, but elevation? They're not adjustable for elevation. Was the wrong sight installed?
PeterPocket
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Remember that you are shooting a new gun that is not "broken in" yet: meaning, stiff gritty, trigger, stiff recoil spring, stiff magazine spring, and so forth.
If your local gun range rents SD's, rent one and fire it. It will feel entirely different from your new gun. Everything has been loosened up and it should make firing, ejecting, reloading, and repeating a lot easier.
I can only speak for the trigger and cocking the slide. I just bought a SD9 but I'm having second thoughts about keeping it. I haven't done anything to it, but the feel of it seems like a totally different gun than the rental I handled at the range.
Unfortunately, the range will not allow newbies to rent guns without having someone who knows me be there, so I did not get a chance to shoot it.
The basis for my choice was cost ($300) and the subjective feel of the used gun I dry fired.
Part of the problem now is that I've had a chance to sample and fire five different guns - 3 semis and two revolvers - and I liked the feel and operation of the wheel guns better than the split trigger semis that felt like hair triggers to me when staged in SA mode.
I've used S&W revolvers before, so I'm used to the feel of a double action revolver - which was one of the reasons why the DAO on the SD9 VE was not an issue for me.
The extra capacity was the other reason for choosing a semi over a revolver. But, I think I'd be better off having something I feel more comfortable and confident to shoot. I bought it for home defense and I had no problems firing the .357 mag & .38 Sp +P rounds.
I got mine at Academy and since they don't take back firearms, I am serious about selling it.
Any thoughts?
If your local gun range rents SD's, rent one and fire it. It will feel entirely different from your new gun. Everything has been loosened up and it should make firing, ejecting, reloading, and repeating a lot easier.
I can only speak for the trigger and cocking the slide. I just bought a SD9 but I'm having second thoughts about keeping it. I haven't done anything to it, but the feel of it seems like a totally different gun than the rental I handled at the range.
Unfortunately, the range will not allow newbies to rent guns without having someone who knows me be there, so I did not get a chance to shoot it.
The basis for my choice was cost ($300) and the subjective feel of the used gun I dry fired.
Part of the problem now is that I've had a chance to sample and fire five different guns - 3 semis and two revolvers - and I liked the feel and operation of the wheel guns better than the split trigger semis that felt like hair triggers to me when staged in SA mode.
I've used S&W revolvers before, so I'm used to the feel of a double action revolver - which was one of the reasons why the DAO on the SD9 VE was not an issue for me.
The extra capacity was the other reason for choosing a semi over a revolver. But, I think I'd be better off having something I feel more comfortable and confident to shoot. I bought it for home defense and I had no problems firing the .357 mag & .38 Sp +P rounds.
I got mine at Academy and since they don't take back firearms, I am serious about selling it.
Any thoughts?
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MyDads38
Member
Doesn't seem like you're willing to give your new SDVE a chance, before getting rid of it. You're used to shooting revolvers, and that was one of the reasons you bought it; along with the extra cartridge capacity.
I can tell you from experience that rental guns DO feel different than a brand new, off the shelf gun. They have smoothed out from being fired so much. I've only had the chance to fire 150 rounds through my new SD9VE so far. I have no issues with the trigger pull now, and as I have the chance to put more rounds down range, I expect it to get smoother and nicer feeling; as I'm sure it will.
This is my first polymer gun. I was hesitant to even buy one, but took the chance and now glad I did. Big S&W fan here, always have been. So the SD9VE was a natural choice for me, for my first venture into a polymer firearm.
I'd give your new SD a chance, then if you decide it's not for you; sell or trade for whatever will make you happy/comfortable.
It's hard to assess how you will like a gun until you actually shoot it. Many people find a .357 unpleasant to actually shoot, for the recoil (especially in a small frame revolver) and the noise (especially indoors.) You won't know for sure if you like the SD9VE until you actually shoot yours, so my first thought is go shoot it. Shoot it for at least 100 rounds of good quality FMJ ammo, and see if you like it.
If you aren't comfortable with it, or any semi for that matter, then by all means get a revolver. There are many people who like and shoot revolvers, and when it comes to a handgun, you absolutely should get one you like and are comfortable with, or else you won't shoot it enough to be confident in your ability with it. Bear in mind that the average home defense or self defense shooting expends about 2 rounds, so extra capacity isn't entirely a concern...shot placement is the most critical component. If you are worried about capacity with a revolver, practice to become proficient with speed loaders or speed strips. S&W makes (or did) models of revolvers chambered in .357 that have a 7 or even 8 round capacity, which should certainly do the job. Of course, you are going to pay quite a bit more for these than you did the SD9VE.
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I am so glad that I saw this thread. My son and I took a brand new SD9VE to the range last weekend which I bought a few weeks before.
I could take some of the inexperience suggestions to heart on technique as well as the tips on using a higher grain shell. Before I bother S&W with it, I'll take the advice and have others fire it too.
That said, I said to my son on the way home that it seemed like the 9mm had a site issue. The first three or four magazines we...I can't explain the inaccuracy. Maybe we were moving as we got used to the trigger pull which has varied reviews from too long with too much lbs pull to being within acceptable range. I didn't find it bad myself. We replaced the target when the range cleared & tried again. This time we were putting the bullets on the target but > 90% of them were below the center line.
I 100% admit that I could improve greatly in a lot of ways in how I fire the SD9VE.
On the other hand, I've never found hitting small stationary targets difficult whether high, low or eye-level with smaller pistols, rifles without scopes, or even a bow. These targets are relatively big by comparison. After looking at everything it just felt like I needed to elevate the rear site or lower the front but they're fixed.
If after I've done everything within reason and it's still firing low, I'll send it back. The thought crosses my mind whether there was some issue in manufacturing earlier this year with the front site.... just a wonder.
I could take some of the inexperience suggestions to heart on technique as well as the tips on using a higher grain shell. Before I bother S&W with it, I'll take the advice and have others fire it too.
That said, I said to my son on the way home that it seemed like the 9mm had a site issue. The first three or four magazines we...I can't explain the inaccuracy. Maybe we were moving as we got used to the trigger pull which has varied reviews from too long with too much lbs pull to being within acceptable range. I didn't find it bad myself. We replaced the target when the range cleared & tried again. This time we were putting the bullets on the target but > 90% of them were below the center line.
I 100% admit that I could improve greatly in a lot of ways in how I fire the SD9VE.
On the other hand, I've never found hitting small stationary targets difficult whether high, low or eye-level with smaller pistols, rifles without scopes, or even a bow. These targets are relatively big by comparison. After looking at everything it just felt like I needed to elevate the rear site or lower the front but they're fixed.
If after I've done everything within reason and it's still firing low, I'll send it back. The thought crosses my mind whether there was some issue in manufacturing earlier this year with the front site.... just a wonder.
MyDads38
Member
Before you do anything else, shoot the gun off a bench with sand bags or some other stable rest. Don't know what distance you were shooting prior, but start at 10-15 yards. Sight alignment, sight picture and hold center of bullseye/target. Don't rush, take slow, careful shots and be mindful of your sights/sight picture. See where your rounds land on target.
My SD9VE puts rounds center of mass/bullseye out to 15 yards and will keep all rounds in 2"-3" groups, regardless of brand of ammo; 115 gr or 124/125 gr. If you're not used to a double action, striker fired handgun, there will be a learning curve.
I use mine as my EDC, it has been accurate and trouble free out of the box. Best of luck and keep us posted.
I just came across your feedback on your sd9ve.
I just purchased mine 2-days ago at my local gun dealer and i too had horrible groups even @ 3 yards. I coulden't hit the red dot for nothing! The targets I was using was the Birchwood Dirtybird 12"
Luckily for me my buddy whom has the Glock 17 was with me and he was interested in shooting mine; and he too said the shots on the target were everywhere.
So he insisted that I shoot 5 rounds out of his Glock 17 and my sd9ve. So putting the target @ 3 yrs out. I could not hit the target (red dot) for anything (on the sd9ve). I then shot his glock and the groups were tight inside the red. It was pretty upsetting, but my motivation at the time was the buy a glock, but after the youtube videos and past reviews on this sd9ve, I figure it be a great buy with huge savings than getting a glock gen4.
So end results, mine was shipped off to S&W and hope to have happy results when it comes back. I hope it was simple solution as the Hibby
I just purchased mine 2-days ago at my local gun dealer and i too had horrible groups even @ 3 yards. I coulden't hit the red dot for nothing! The targets I was using was the Birchwood Dirtybird 12"
Luckily for me my buddy whom has the Glock 17 was with me and he was interested in shooting mine; and he too said the shots on the target were everywhere.
So he insisted that I shoot 5 rounds out of his Glock 17 and my sd9ve. So putting the target @ 3 yrs out. I could not hit the target (red dot) for anything (on the sd9ve). I then shot his glock and the groups were tight inside the red. It was pretty upsetting, but my motivation at the time was the buy a glock, but after the youtube videos and past reviews on this sd9ve, I figure it be a great buy with huge savings than getting a glock gen4.
So end results, mine was shipped off to S&W and hope to have happy results when it comes back. I hope it was simple solution as the Hibby
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My SD9VE is now back there after their second request to inspect it. It got there in 25 hours from Oklahoma. Hope they don't take long to inspect it.
Contrast that shipping performance to a car part order from Arizona which will arrive in not less than 10 days, assuming it gets here on Monday.
Contrast that shipping performance to a car part order from Arizona which will arrive in not less than 10 days, assuming it gets here on Monday.
