Why does S&W still make the SD/ SV series?

[Skeptic 9c]

Now I have an SW9VE with a 14 lb trigger pull.
The SD9VE, which replaced it in the S&W line runs about 9 lbs.
The pistol replaces the Model 10 (currently running about $620 new if you can find one) in the holsters of security guards, where the laws have been changed. FL did that a few years ago.
My choice in the low coast full or at least Glock 19 size 9mm was the Walther Creed, which has a great 5 1/2 lb trigger from a pre-cocked hammer. The Creed over the counter on sale locally was $339.99. The SD9VE $279.99 on sale. The full size SWaMPy 9mm was $399.99 on sale. Prices over the counter from ShootersJax.com in the last couple of months.
Geoff
Who notes the Glock 19 runs about $540 the 17 Gen 3 about $400.

 

[nimbly]

What I wonder is how Smith has an American produced, polymer striker fired pistol that sells for $300 and the XD is made in Croatia and costs more.

 

[Skeptic 9c]

What I wonder is how Smith has an American produced, polymer striker fired pistol that sells for $300 and the XD is made in Croatia and costs more.

SA is a rip off outfit that supports gun control, as long as they can buy an exemption from the crooked politicians.

Geoff
Who has an old imported 1911A1 from SA before they went bad.

 

[Kencan]

Understand im not harvard educated but i suspect they still make it because it sells. I bought one, really like it and plan on buying 3 more in the next month.

 

[S&W Rover]

I'd guess that S&W believes it is selling SD's to people who are NOT in the market (yet) for their M&P's. They almost certainly make more profit on each M&P, but if the person is not in the market for a M&P, then it is still a good thing to make a profit on the SD. So my theory is that SD profit is not really "stealing" from their M&P profit. And, if you consider the SD an "entry" pistol, it is very possible that SD owners (if they like the product) may move up to an M&P later on.

Indeed, the SD may be selling in a market niche -- starter gun, truck gun, plinking gun, simple inexpensive gun that can get the job done -- that none of the other "Big Name" companies are competing in. The competition in the sub-$300 new pistol market is the Highpoint, Jimenez, etc. -- and in that bracket, the S&W name draws customers to the SD (and its quality, plus S&W's customer service, exceed those of the competition).

Adding to that, everything it takes to make SDs is "sunk," e.g., already paid for, so it is not like it is a new value proposition to consider. If they had to decide if to BEGIN production of SDs, so close in price to M&Ps, they might not be able or willing undertake it from scratch if they had to pay the start-up costs.

That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. The SD is a quality pistol at a reasonable price; good value for the money; and it doesn't take away market share from the M&P -- it may even be considered to foster follow-on M&P sales to SD owners.