A member of my family won a Smith & Wesson SD9. Since I'm the gun guy in the family its up to me to show this person how to properly handle ,shoot and care for this pistol. I'm pretty much a revolver and full size 1911 guy. I have never owned a Smith &Wesson. Anything I need to know about this gun other than to read the manual and use common sense. Thanks
Smith & Wesson SD9 Advice
- Thread starter Jack B.
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Yo Mama
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Pretty similar to a glock, actually smith was sued by glock because it was so close a copy.
Past that, they are decent entry level pistols that work. The m&p line is a step up from the sd. I'd sell it personally and put it to a better gun if possible.
Past that, they are decent entry level pistols that work. The m&p line is a step up from the sd. I'd sell it personally and put it to a better gun if possible.
Mosin Bubba
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There's three controls on that pistol - the slide release, mag release, and the trigger. That's really about it. Glocks and their clones are designed to be idiot proof.
I love the way my SD9VE feels in my hand - it may the most comfortable handgun I have, regardless of price. But I just can't shoot it worth a damn.
I love the way my SD9VE feels in my hand - it may the most comfortable handgun I have, regardless of price. But I just can't shoot it worth a damn.
wally
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For someone coming from a DA revolver the Sigma/SD is not a bad choice as a first autoloader, as would be the Kahr pistols. The Kahr have better triggers in my experience, but he Sigma/SD cost a lot less.
Jim NE
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I have an SD 40 (same as the 9mm except for caliber) and two Sigmas (which the SD is based on..pretty much the same gun), one 9mm and one .40.
Things to keep in mind:
The gun does not have a manual safety, but it is a safe gun.
Don't obsess about the stiff trigger or "change it out" like 70% of Sigma or SD owners. The stiff trigger IS the safety. I shoot my Sigma about as accurately as my other dozen other 9mm's.
Since it doesn't have a safety, it needs to be carried in a proper holster that covers the trigger guard.
Unlike many other full size pistols, I can carry mine IWB, but it ISN'T the optimum CCW weapon. Better choices out there.
Most importantly, don't let the gun snobs do their psychology on you. They will trash SD's. I also own Kimber, CZ, Walther, etc 9mm's. The SD, as a self defense tool, will function as well as the rest.
Best wishes.
Things to keep in mind:
The gun does not have a manual safety, but it is a safe gun.
Don't obsess about the stiff trigger or "change it out" like 70% of Sigma or SD owners. The stiff trigger IS the safety. I shoot my Sigma about as accurately as my other dozen other 9mm's.
Since it doesn't have a safety, it needs to be carried in a proper holster that covers the trigger guard.
Unlike many other full size pistols, I can carry mine IWB, but it ISN'T the optimum CCW weapon. Better choices out there.
Most importantly, don't let the gun snobs do their psychology on you. They will trash SD's. I also own Kimber, CZ, Walther, etc 9mm's. The SD, as a self defense tool, will function as well as the rest.
Best wishes.
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Gun snobs aren't going to bother me on this pistol. We're getting it free. Thanks for the advice on the trigger.
If you're coming from revolvers I think you'll like the sd9 and will adapt well to it for instructional purposes. For a semi auto it has a lack of external controls and trigger feel closer to a revolver than many others. I installed an apex trigger kit in mine but intend on going back to a heavier trigger return spring because I like a more positive reset. Mine performs well and feels better in my hand than many more expensive guns. My only quibble is the plastic front sight and too light magazine release.
Group Therapy
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Thanks for all the comments, folks. I just bought one recently, but being behind enemy lines, I can't get it out of jail for a couple more days. I have shot other pistols, from Buck Marks to 1911's, to Sig P320's. Wanted something in this price range. But at $400 it seems high. However when options are limited by the CA handgun roster, seems the retailers with them available are charging more just cuz they can.
I was surprised that the major retailer I bought it from had it available, since I could not find it on the current roster. Don't know how that all works. So I got it while I could. Next year the roster will be even smaller.
Any comments of Blazer or PPU 124 grain ammo? I just received my delivery of 1K of PPU 124 grain. (Yes, it got here before I can pick up the gun.)
Thanks.
I was surprised that the major retailer I bought it from had it available, since I could not find it on the current roster. Don't know how that all works. So I got it while I could. Next year the roster will be even smaller.
Any comments of Blazer or PPU 124 grain ammo? I just received my delivery of 1K of PPU 124 grain. (Yes, it got here before I can pick up the gun.)
Thanks.
FL-NC
Member
They are decent guns for the price, especially for someone who isn't a "gun guy", but just wants something reliable and effective for defense. The trigger leaves some to be desired, and I heard that the sights can be upgraded to night sights. But they are the same as a Glock, as far as operation.
FROGO207
Member
I have owned a SD40VE for a while now and it is reliable and simple to use. The trigger pull is a bit much as stated but not THAT bad all in all. I can shoot it just as well as most of my other semiautos in 9MM and 45 ACP as far as on target results go with that trigger.
Frankl03
Member
Trigger pull is long and heavy. Reset is also long. IF you didn't live in CA I would say sell it for whatever you can get and buy something else. I just bought an XDM 9mm compact for $395 shipped.
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