S&W SD9: Worth it as a secondary/backup?

**HKBanger** · 07-08-12, 14:24

So I've been looking at the S&W SD9VE. I like the two toned one's and the price is certainly attractive. I've heard from some people that it's a Sigma with a new trigger which scares me, but others say it's not a plain ol' Sigma at all. I don't like the Sigma whatsoever because they were generally just junk guns with a junk trigger.

I read the posts on here about the gun but I haven't found anything too recent. Anyone put this one through it's paces yet? Classes? High volume shooting? I'm in particular wondering how the accuracy and reliability compares to the M&P9. The M&P9 accuracy issues are scaring me off a bit and I can pick up a brand new SD9 for $329 so that's really the main reason I'm considering it.

It's not going to be my go to or primary handgun by any stretch, that title goes to my USP or G19 for right now. I'm mainly looking for a reliable 9mm that's easy on the wallet and not overly large either. It should be something that will be fairly easy for anyone to shoot.

Also, I noticed that some models list night sights and others don't. I was under the impression that all models came standard with a front night sight but Bud's is selling the one with a front tritium for almost $450 (same price as M&P) compared to $329 without!

So, yeah. Normally, I know the M&P is the better answer but for this need/use, is the SD9 fitting? I want to hear opinions and experiences.

**Tarheel** · 07-08-12, 22:38

My only direct experience with an SD is a rental. It's trigger feel was between the Sigma and M&P.

Here's what I've gleaned from following the S&W forums:

The new SD - SD9VE - differs from the SD in that the front sight is not a night sight, it's plastic, like the Sigma. Similarly for the slide, it's no longer melonite coated but stainless like the Sigma. Both are seen as cost cutting measures to get the price down to the Sigma neighborhood.

Some folks on the forum don't like the fact that the rear rails are not on the frame but instead part of the trigger housing. There's a thread on this topic at the forums.

Here's a thread discussing the differences - http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...red-sd9ve.html

HTH

**kmrtnsn** · 07-09-12, 00:58

You'd be better served by saving a bit more money and buying at a higher end of the spectrum. M&P, Glock, FN, are all better alternatives that won't break the bank. I'd take a Steyr or a Walther over the this pistol too.

**Magic_Salad0892** · 07-09-12, 07:07

Why don't you buy ammo? Or a duplicate of your G19, or USP?

Is there a specific reason you need to adopt another pistol platform?

**HKBanger** · 07-09-12, 10:18

I wasn't aware of the differences such as the slide, rail, frame, etc. Thanks for that information.

There's no reason in particular that I've been considering it, aside from the price and it's a S&W, not a Taurus or Hi-Point.

I'm mainly looking for a somewhat budget 9mm to have in the house as a secondary and/or range gun for family. I'm thinking I may be better served with a used Glock or perhaps spend another $100-$125 for an M&P.

I read a thread from a little while back on here that was nothing but praise for the SD9. What's changed??

**Magsz** · 07-09-12, 12:30

Originally Posted by HKBanger

I read a thread from a little while back on here that was nothing but praise for the SD9. What's changed??

Nothing. People are just leery of a pistol that comes in at a budget price when there are better alternatives that will last a lifetime for 100 some odd dollars more.

100 dollars over the course of 50+ years of potential use is a drop in the bucket.

Having said that, i put my hands on one of the new SDVE pistols the other day and oddly enough, i REALLY liked the trigger. The real question is "why?". The M&P is a proven handgun for only a few dollars more.

**jasonhgross** · 07-09-12, 12:46

So what is wrong with a glock or S&W J frame if you want to go smaller?

**Omega Man** · 07-09-12, 18:15

Get a Caracal C. Centerfire systems has them for $400.

**750.356** · 07-09-12, 18:59

Keep in mind that a lot of the SD9/ SW9VE/ Sigma hate you'll see on this forum is from people that have never owned one. It's one of those guns where the 'personal experience only' rule of this forum is pretty much ignored, and doesn't really apply.

I bought an SW9VE several years ago when they were being blown out for $275 after a mail-in rebate from S&W. I carry and shoot Glocks exclusively, and honestly had no interest in it, but I figured for under 3 C-notes, it could be an interesting experiment/ loaner gun.

I kept it for a couple years, and would run rounds through it occasionally and give it to newbs to shoot. It was never detail stripped, and got a brief run-down with a CLP-soaked paper towel a couple times. I had exactly 1,750 documented rounds of 115gr. CCI Blazer through it before 'selling' it to a friend in need (basically giving it to him). No stoppages or parts breakages.

Now, I know that's not a lot of rounds, and I know it's a sample size of one, but that gun ran fine. Yes, the trigger was ridiculous, (definitely north of 12lbs and creepy as ****), but it worked fine for the short time that I had it. The internals are an embarassingly bad Glock copy, so I don't see how the design could be that unsound.

I don't know if this helps or not, I just felt like I needed to inject some personal experience into the impending 'OMG SIGMA IS TEH SUCK' fest that we'll see here.

All that said, I probably wouldn't buy another one for $300 OTD, and would rather use the cash for 1) ammo, 2) saving up for another gun that's more shootable (Glock, M&P, etc.).