S&W SD9 VE reliability or liability

I agree from what I know. I have shot a couple that a friend owns, both the original and the newer version. Both were reliable during our range session.

I didn’t really like the older model’s trigger. The newer one was noticeably better.

If you like yours, more power to you. They are certainly priced as an easy entry for the double stack semiauto pistol owner.

Edited...sorry, the “original” I referred to above was the Sigma. Shot reliably but the trigger was hard to get used to.

I still have an original Sigma S40F though I don;t shoot it much at all these days. It has been a very reliable and robust pistol but with a heavy trigger. I would not hesitate to recommend a new SD9VE to anyone looking for a solid $300 or under pistol and would easily be my top, and probably only, choice if I needed a new double stack pistol in that price range and I understand the trigger is much better these days.

I bought the 40 caliber version, barely used, for $299 plus shipping and FFL. It shot okay. It was reliable. The magazine was nice. I didn't like the trigger. Eventually I traded it towards something else. It was a decent pistol.

I take that back. I think it was actually more like $199 plus shipping and FFL. I mostly just wanted something to shoot 40 caliber through, since that's all that the big-box stores had available at the time.

From what I've seen and read those guns, as well as most of the others in the same price range will do just fine for the average person. I've played around some with one and have a Ruger SR9 and was pleased with the accuracy and reliability so far. I don't think they are designed for high volume shooters though. If you're the kind of guy who wants to shoot thousands of rounds every year through your guns there are probably better choices.

I purchased a sd40ve years ago and have not had any problems, through some auctions I've wound up with 9 magazines so it usually goes to the range each time we are going to shoot pistols. I think the trigger gets smoother with use.

The bagman for my local Costco carries a SD9VE

I don't use mine often but it has been a good gun. No hiccups that I can recall. I can't call it great gun since it hasn't been tested extensively with all ammo under all conditions but I do like it and would be inclined to trust it. Mine has an Apex kit but keep telling myself that the lower power trigger return spring should be removed because it feels a little lazy, and I actually like the rolling trigger break that this gun has. It's like a light, short DAO in a striker fired gun. Ergonomically the gun fits me amazingly well, it's very light, the slide contour and strong texturing at the front and rear feel great too. My only serious criticism is that the magazine release is too light and the plastic sights are kinda cheap. If they made a compact version and you could add some extra power to the mag release it would become an extremely viable ccw choice for me. They're often compared directly against the M&P line but they feel very different despite looking generically similar.

I think they'd make a great truck gun, but they're going up against the Taurus G2c in that market segment and the G2c stainless goes for about $200.00 when its on sale and the cheapest I've seen the SD9 VE is $239.00

Yep, the predecessor SW9VE was a better deal if you didn't mind the revolvet style DOA Trigger.... Hard Case, Stainless Slide, 5 High Capacity Magazines (2 in Case + Coupon for 3 More) and $169 After Rebate.

Taurus G2C $175 (After Instant Rebate)
Ruger EC9S $200
Walther PPS M2 $279
Shield M2.0 $300
M&P M2.0 Compact $299
M&P M1.0 Compact $275
Shield M1.0 $247


It's a tough market for.the SD9VE unless you are specifically looking for a full-size handgun and then $50 more will get you a very nice police trade.

I had one. I liked it. Shot it well. The trigger was a little stiff compared to the S&W M&P series.
Honestly, if you look you can get a Smith M&P 2.0 for around $300 in 40 and around $350 in 9mm
They are a great gun. Well worth the extra cost

I recently picked up a beater Ruger a P89 for $179. That turned into my Truck/Tackle box gun.