Smith SD 9mm And 40 Cal Questions

[Rhetorician]

Hello all:

I hope I am posting this in the proper place?

I have been bitten by the 9mm bug. Having said that I think I want a 9mm for a range gun to investigate the round. I also want something that is not so light that the recoil will be an issue. With that in mind, the Smith SD series seems to be a good entry price point wise.

But on the con sided, it also seems there is a lot of "trash talk" out there about issues with the SD line in the 9mm and 40 Calibers? So I thought I would come to the source where the experts are for some answers.

If any of this is true can some tell me:

What are their problems?

Have the problems been addressed by the factory?

Is there a certain serial number of series to buy or look over if a used one is bought?

The cause for the guns being so inexpensive initially and not worth much used?

Can I get a good understanding of the 9mm caliber by buying / shooting this weapon?

Any other "good, bad, or ugly" opinions concerning this purchase? i.e., what should I consider?

Thanks for the feedback in advance.

Thoughts?

 

[OKFC05]

The SD are the latest iteration of the Sigma line, which are reliable, sturdy service pistols at value prices. I have used Sigmas as trainers and loaners for well over a decade. The SDs included a lighter trigger and sight cuts that match the more expensive M&P line.
Most problems I've seen with the Sigmas in general and the SDs in particular is an attempt to redesign the service pistol to something else. If you desire to make extensive "improvements" beyond maybe a sight change and Apex kit, IMHO the modification money might be better spent on an M&P.
While an SD is a completely adequate service pistol, I chose an M&P 5" Pro 9mm for IDPA SSP/USPSA Production Competition, and am pleased with it. The M&P can be had from mild to wild, with many competition-proven aftermarket products.

 

[JAREDSHS]

SD's are well made, solid and accurate weapons .

 

[S&W Rover]

Agree with the earlier comments. I've had three of them -- one now -- and they all have functioned flawlessly. Reading this forum for some time, I don't think I've heard of any endemic flaws or weaknesses in the pistol -- they have a good reputation for being reliable and working without problems. They are in fact based on a design borrowed from the Glock and have simple trigger works and straightforward, robust design. (If you were to have problems with the gun in terms of quality control or manufacturing issues, S&W is famous for its excellent, and free, customer support).

There are some negative threads on various forums on the internet about the SD -- but if you read them carefully, the poster is almost always reflecting views based on experiences or rumor about earlier Sigmas. I mean, like from 10 years ago. The Sigma developed a bad rep, perhaps unfairly, but a lot of people dis it. But the SD, despite being based on the Sigma design, has overcome whatever issues the Sigma had. Don't be discouraged or daunted by what people who don't have one, or haven't shot the SD, say about it.

What is legit is much of the commentary on the SD trigger, which is discussed a lot on this forum. The SD has a rather long and somewhat heavy trigger. A lot of people mention it reminds them of a double-action revolver. It is longer and heavier than most striker-fired pistols, for example the M&P series, and a lot heavier than almost anyone's pistol that can fire in single action. Of note, while a lot of people like the M&P series, others will install Apex kits or parts to shorten the pull and make the trigger more sensitive still -- which is fine for the range and completion, but perhaps not wise for self-defense applications. So if the M&P is the de facto standard, the SD is not as light or sensitive in the trigger department. It does not bother me, but then I like to shoot revolvers, too. Only you can decide if the SD's trigger is okay for you. It would be great if you could get a chance to try one out before buying it. Oh, and the SD trigger gets better over time, as it wears in.

A SD9 can be had for under $300 for First Responders, Military, and LE personnel (on Bud's Guns Qualified Professionals listings) and a little more for everyone else ($333 right now at Bud's Guns, including shipping). What's not to like for those prices?

It is a great platform to learn with -- and if you can master the trigger of the SD, you can shoot more refined striker-fired pistols like the M&P9, the Sig P320, the H&K VP9, the Springfield XD, etc. very easily. (That is the order in which I would buy them, but that's just me -- all are excellent).

 

[bigsteve113]

I have an older version, the SW40VE. It has been flawless and accurate. A very good gun for a low price! If it was all I had I would feel well armed.

 

[micocyco]

Hello all:

I hope I am posting this in the proper place?

I have been bitten by the 9mm bug. Having said that I think I want a 9mm for a range gun to investigate the round. I also want something that is not so light that the recoil will be an issue. With that in mind, the Smith SD series seems to be a good entry price point wise.

But on the con sided, it also seems there is a lot of "trash talk" out there about issues with the SD line in the 9mm and 40 Calibers? So I thought I would come to the source where the experts are for some answers.

If any of this is true can some tell me:

What are their problems?

Have the problems been addressed by the factory?

Is there a certain serial number of series to buy or look over if a used one is bought?

The cause for the guns being so inexpensive initially and not worth much used?

Can I get a good understanding of the 9mm caliber by buying / shooting this weapon?

Any other "good, bad, or ugly" opinions concerning this purchase? i.e., what should I consider?

Thanks for the feedback in advance.

Thoughts?

If what I wanted was to learn about the 9mm cartridge I would find a range that has a large assortment of 9mm pistols to try from the LC9 up to the full-size M&P.
But then there are so many 9mm's & they do not all shoot the same or even cycle the same for that matter. You have standard , +P & +P+.
Before I bought my SD9ve almost 3 years ago I was in the dilemma of whether to get 9mm or 40 s&w caliber.
The range did not have both in the SD model but they did have M&P compact in both & what I found was not much difference shooting so I went with 9mm for economic reasons.
I bought the SD9ve for the same reason & it was everything I wanted in a self defense weapon. It has surpassed any expectations I had , I stopped counting rounds at about 3000.
The only thing I have done to it is shoot it & clean it every now & then.
It loves any kind of ammo & is as accurate as the shooter.
I would say that 99.9% of the problems that are reported here are user caused by being new to guns or this gun or people trying to lighten the trigger that is just what it is suppose to be , a self defense trigger in a self defense gun.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I can only speak for myself. I have owned my SD9VE for a year now. It is as it came out of the box. I have seen no reason to alter it at all. I like the trigger, sights and guide rod.

I have had no hiccups with this pistol and feel comfortable recommending it to anyone.

Good luck on your journey.

 

[MyDads38]

I bought my SD9VE 8-2-2014. 1,200 rounds later and no issues at all. It is my EDC grab & go pistol most of the time.

I recently added the SD40VE as my first 40 S&W pistol. With nearly 400 rounds, is just as reliable & accurate as the SD9VE.

I also own FS M&P 9, 40 and 45 pistols. The M&P 9 is the only one that was purchased new, the M&P 40 was a police trade-in from Buds Gun Shop and the M&P 45 was bought used at a LGS. I have had no issues at all with any of my S&W pistols.

The SDVE pistols do have a long and heavy trigger pull, it's not a problem for me, since I have shot many DA revolvers over the years; some with heavier trigger pulls than the SD's. The M&P series has a lighter trigger pull, and in my case they are a joy to shoot with no modifications. All are accurate (for me) out to 15 yards. I tend to shoot mostly from 5-10 yards and my off hand groups stay 2"-3" at those yardages with all 5 pistols.

If you're new to centerfire handguns/cartridges, I would suggest the 9mm to start. The SD series pistols in my area routinely sell for $299, while the M&P's usually go on sale for $499. My first experience with Buds Gun Shop and ordering online couldn't have been better and I would suggest taking a look at their used selection of handguns as well as the new ones. They have Unissued M&P 40's for $399 now, that they didn't have when I bought mine. And I would gladly pay that for an unissued M&P 40!

Good luck and if you can shoot a few rental guns, that would be a good place to start. Keep us posted

 

[histed]

I'm new to this forum, but, like several have posted, I bought my SD9VE last summer. I read a lot of negative comments about the trigger, but I read the same thing about the SCCY and really liked that one. I had one major problem in the first 50 rounds, but S&W took care of the repair. I now have quite a few rounds through it ( another 150 Friday) and really like this pistol. It is now trusted enough to be my EDC. If you can, rent one and try it first.

 

[Rhetorician]

Rhetorician Response

Hello all:

I hope I am posting this in the proper place?

I have been bitten by the 9mm bug. Having said that I think I want a 9mm for a range gun to investigate the round. I also want something that is not so light that the recoil will be an issue. With that in mind, the Smith SD series seems to be a good entry price point wise.

But on the con sided, it also seems there is a lot of "trash talk" out there about issues with the SD line in the 9mm and 40 Calibers? So I thought I would come to the source where the experts are for some answers.

If any of this is true can some tell me:

What are their problems?

Have the problems been addressed by the factory?

Is there a certain serial number of series to buy or look over if a used one is bought?

The cause for the guns being so inexpensive initially and not worth much used?

Can I get a good understanding of the 9mm caliber by buying / shooting this weapon?

Any other "good, bad, or ugly" opinions concerning this purchase? i.e., what should I consider?

Thanks for the feedback in advance.

Thoughts?

Thanks all:

I will take a good long look at the Smith. I have looked at the Zastava M70 and used Barettas 92S police trades. It seems to make the most sense to greatly consider the Smith for the price range and brand name.

Hey, I have even considered the Hi Point 9mm. What can I say I am really frugal (can you say cheap?).

Thanks for the comebacks all around.

rd

 

[Penna Shooter]

Concur

SD's are well made, solid and accurate weapons .

I totally agree, My SD40VE is shooting a solid 2-3in shot group very close to center mass. I digging the action and feel of it, compare to my Shield...Now, the shield is much smoother and feels damn good too. Two different animals. The havier trigger is like a revolver trigger and a steady hold makes the SD a fine home defense weapon.

 

[AnthemBassMan]

-Let's put it this way. My SD40VE is my CCW pistol. I carry it every single day. If it wasn't reliable, it would be sitting at home in its case...

L8R,
Matt