S&W SD9VE round count. Just hit 4k

[357smallbore]

Bought this gun new in 2014. Paid $299. I carry this or my Shield as my ccw. I can say that in the now 4k rounds down the pipe. I have one sweet gun that I'll stack up against any $500 - $600 gun as an every day carry. 1 fail to feed in 4k rounds, no other issues.
At 15 yards and closer it's a tack driver. Silver Dollar can cver most of my grouping. Any SD9VE lovers out there?

 

[Cornhusker77]

I don't have a SD9VE, but I do have the SW9VE, any idea how they compare?
I hear the SD9VE has a better trigger?

 

[Zendude]

I don’t have one but know people who do. Never had any problems as far as I know. It certainly has a good track record.

 

[ugaarguy]

I've had an SD9VE myself for several years. It's a reliable pistol, but let's not get carried away. $600 will get you a new Glock with night sights and 3 magazines. Glocks have better triggers out of the box, and the pin on back straps of the Gen 4 and 5 allow for non-permanent grip customization. A third mag for an SD will run you about $20, if Palmetto's pricing stays that low. Truglo M&P nights sights are $55. (They should work. Trijicon says their M&P sights fit the SD9VE. TruGlo says excludes VE, but I think Truglo is referring to the old Sigmas with the tenon front sight.) Then you'll need to get an Apex trigger and spring kit for another $55 to significantly improve the trigger, but that still won't get it up to stock Glock level. So, $299 becomes $430 plus your time and tools to install the parts.

$400 will usually get you a very good condition used Glock 17 or 19 Gen with night sights and one mag. The MagPul Glock mags run about $12 each, so high quality spares are very affordable. If you can live .40 S&W, police trade in 40 cal Glocks and even SIGs are very cheap right now.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I've had an SD9VE myself for several years. It's a reliable pistol, but let's not get carried away. $600 will get you a new Glock with night sights and 3 magazines. Glocks have better triggers out of the box, and the pin on back straps of the Gen 4 and 5 allow for non-permanent grip customization. A third mag for an SD will run you about $20, if Palmetto's pricing stays that low. Truglo M&P nights sights are $55. (They should work. Trijicon says their M&P sights fit the SD9VE. TruGlo says excludes VE, but I think Truglo is referring to the old Sigmas with the tenon front sight.) Then you'll need to get an Apex trigger and spring kit for another $55 to significantly improve the trigger, but that still won't get it up to stock Glock level. So, $299 becomes $430 plus your time and tools to install the parts.

$400 will usually get you a very good condition used Glock 17 or 19 Gen with night sights and one mag. The MagPul Glock mags run about $12 each, so high quality spares are very affordable. If you can live .40 S&W, police trade in 40 cal Glocks and even SIGs are very cheap right now.

I think you're missing his point.

I don't see him stating that it's worth 600 but more along the lines of him liking it as much or more than some 600 dollar guns.... to him. I don't think comping parts & accessories directly addresses his enthusiasm for the gun.

For my own part, in support, my former SD9VE is one of my lesser - yet constant seller's-regret guns.

The ergos were like they made it for me and me alone. Once I tweaked the trigger, I could not realistically ask for better on the platform and it didn't cost me a dime to do it.

Inexpensive, reliable, accurate.... I still haven't run across a more expensive striker/poly gun in 9 (including at least 3 Glocks) that I have ever regretted selling other than that that cheap-o S&W.

Todd.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Love everything about it except the trigger. Mine has fed 100% and is the most comfortable polystriker gun I've personally felt; luckily there's no need for grip adjustments when the stock grip is perfect. I just don't shoot it well because of said trigger, and that's probably the biggest dealbreaker, but you do get a lot of quality for $300.

I've got an Apex trigger kit I bought that's laying around as a rainy-day project. At least for me, punching out tiny pins and springs is a guaranteed couple hours of frustration, so those kind of projects tend to lay around after my initial enthusiasm for them fades. Maybe all these closures from Coronavirus will be the excuse I need to finish it.

 

[ugaarguy]

I think you're missing his point.

I don't see him stating that it's worth 600 but more along the lines of him liking it as much or more than some 600 dollar guns.... to him. I don't think comping parts & accessories directly addresses his enthusiasm for the gun.

For my own part, in support, my former SD9VE is one of my lesser - yet constant seller's-regret guns.

The ergos were like they made it for me and me alone. Once I tweaked the trigger, I could not realistically ask for better on the platform and it didn't cost me a dime to do it.

Inexpensive, reliable, accurate.... I still haven't run across a more expensive striker/poly gun in 9 (including at least 3 Glocks) that I have ever regretted selling other than that that cheap-o S&W.

Todd.

I don't think I'm missing his point. He wrote that he'd put it up against $500-$600 gun. I'm politely disagreeing based on owning an SD9VE and having owned numerous other handguns. I also very much like the ergos on my SD9VE. That SD9VE got me through money being tight while I was using my VA education benefits and not working so I could focus on my grades in college. I wasn't going to the range much then, though. Now that I have the time and finances to go shooting more I'm getting back into better handguns. The SD9VE is a great value gun. But it doesn't compare to $500-$600 handguns.

 

[1942bull]

The SD9VE is the "sleeping Giant" of 9mm compact pistols. The 4 inch barrel is a great length for OWB or IWB carry and it is lighter and shorter than a "duty" pistol. I carried one for years. But age dictates changes so I had to give it up. I think it puts th 9mm M&Pcompact 9's to shame.

 

[357smallbore]

ugaaguy. I accept and respect your opinion. My gun came with 2 mags. i bought 2 extra factory mags for $19 each. Night sights cost me $30.00 Backstrap means nothing to me as does an Apex kit. I shoot the gun just fine with the stock trigger. So with the gun and extras I am at $367.00. I had a 3rd gen G19. It was a good gun. Traded it for a Marlin 39A. For me I will stack my $367 gun up against a G19 in cost, reliability, accuracy, fit-finish and looks.
This "value gun" can do anything the Glock 19 I had can do.

 

[Jonesy814]

Got mine a couple years ago for $279, but there was a $30 rebate. I have a Shield & an SR9c too. After getting used to the trigger I think it's a fine gun. Mine lives in the nightstand. I had it out yesterday and have now shot maybe 750 rounds through it with no malfunctions
Here is 13 quick shots, offhand at 25ft

 

[ugaarguy]

ugaaguy. I accept and respect your opinion.

Thanks for having a civil discussion.

My gun came with 2 mags. i bought 2 extra factory mags for $19 each. Night sights cost me $30.00 Backstrap means nothing to me as does an Apex kit. I shoot the gun just fine with the stock trigger. So with the gun and extras I am at $367.00.

You got a great deal on night sights. How did you find them for such a low price? You also got a good deal on your spare mags. $367 is great for the package you have.

For me I will stack my $367 gun up against a G19 in cost, reliability, accuracy, fit-finish and looks.
This "value gun" can do anything the Glock 19 I had can do.

On that we'll have to have to agree to disagree. Glocks, and S&W's own M&P line, have some refinements that the SD series lacks. We can debate that refinement for pages. There's no doubt that the SD series is reliable and well built.

Here is 13 quick shots, offhand at 25ft

Well done!

 

[CDW4ME]

Cost of 4,000 rounds ammo makes the price difference of the two guns (S&W versus Glock) insignificant in comparison.
OP carries a 9mm that he has practiced with and has confidence in is what I'm reading.

 

[Tallball]

I owned the 40 caliber version. I paid $199 for it used.

It was completely reliable and went bang every time. The magazines seemed to be very good quality.

The trigger was stiff enough to annoy me, so I eventually traded it towards something else, but it is doubtless still shooting capably for someone else now.

I'm glad that the OP likes his!

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I owned the 40 caliber version. I paid $199 for it used.

It was completely reliable and went bang every time. The magazines seemed to be very good quality.

The trigger was stiff enough to annoy me, so I eventually traded it towards something else, but it is doubtless still shooting capably for someone else now.

I'm glad that the OP likes his!

Mags are worthy of note.

I remember when I backed into mine and did some research. At the time, I found that it was the single most recovered firearm, by model, by police.

This and the low prices darkened my enthusiasm some. Then, before test firing to see if I wanted to keep it (may already stated amazement at the ergos is the only reason it got this far) I looked closely at the magazines and their quality re-enforced my enthusiasm to shoot it before judging.

Todd.

 

[ThomasT]

I have the SW9VE and love it. Its been my truck gun for many years. I have only shot a few hundred rounds through it but so far its been 100% reliable. And plenty accurate. There is a YT video comparing the SV and the SD versions and the differences are mostly cosmetic and the SD is supposed to have a better trigger. But making the trigger better on an SW is easy. There is one spring to replace and its a whopping $15 bucks. I had a suitable spring in my Box-O-Springs and did the fix before I heard of the new guys fix.

When I bought mine I got a $40 rebate and two free factory mags. So I have 4 mags total. Mine also came with one of the super bright flashlights that uses those fat little batteries like a Streamlite uses. I ordered mine and expected the usual silver slide and black frame but to my delight mine is all black. I really don't like silver slides and black frames so this was great. This is one of my favorite guns. I would like to have a Glock 17 but am just as inclined to buy another one of the SD versions since the mags will swap.

 

[Catpop]

I have one I bought from a old friend. I’ve found it to be an good economical reliable 10 yard pistol Right out of box.
But accuracy fails miserably 15 yards and beyond with MINE.
My carry is an old LCP or LC9.

 

[Buckeye63]

I don’t have 4K through this pistol as yet , The SD9VE I traded off before this one... had right at 4K ..maybe over ... ran 100% ...
These are great pistols...

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

But making the trigger better on an SW is easy. There is one spring to replace and its a whopping $15 bucks. I had a suitable spring in my Box-O-Springs and did the fix before I heard of the new guys fix.

True.
Also, you can amend the existing parts to great success. I sold my pistol and no longer have the link but there was a toob guy who walks you through tweaking the existing spring and contact points.

Then, in looking at the components, I stoned one or two stamped parts making even more progress with the trigger-feel.

Todd.

 

[Buzznrose]

The SD9VE is the "sleeping Giant" of 9mm compact pistols. The 4 inch barrel is a great length for OWB or IWB carry and it is lighter and shorter than a "duty" pistol. I carried one for years. But age dictates changes so I had to give it up. I think it puts th 9mm M&Pcompact 9's to shame.

It’s a good gun at a good price. If a shooter is happy with it, great. But “sleeping giant” is a bit of a stretch.

 

[357smallbore]

Sleeping Midget?

 

[ugaarguy]

But making the trigger better on an SW is easy. There is one spring to replace and its a whopping $15 bucks. I had a suitable spring in my Box-O-Springs and did the fix before I heard of the new guys fix.

Better, but still still not up to the level of $500-$600 handguns. Even the full Apex AEK can't shorten the reset and make it tactile. Like I've written previously, I like my SD9VE, but saying it's as good as a $500 Glock or similar handgun is a stretch.

 

[ThomasT]

Better, but still still not up to the level of $500-$600 handguns. Even the full Apex AEK can't shorten the reset and make it tactile. Like I've written previously, I like my SD9VE, but saying it's as good as a $500 Glock or similar handgun is a stretch.

I never said its as good as a $500 Glock. Matter of fact I stated I would like to have a Glock 17. And you are correct about the trigger reset. Thats what bugs me more than any scratchyness or spongy feel is the long reset. And its the one thing I can't make better. I guess what you can say about the S&W SD or SW is that they are one of the best values for the price they sell at.

Glocks are over priced. I doubt many would argue with that. But people still pay what Glock wants for their guns. In the book "Glock, Rise Of Americas Gun" or what ever the title is it stated that each pistol cost Glock right at $100 to make. Thats why they can do the Blue Box to LE and still make money one them. Over priced or not I would still like to have one. It would not be the first thing I have paid too much for. The durability and cheap repair parts are what make them a value.

 

[Buzznrose]

Glocks are over priced. I doubt many would argue with that. But people still pay what Glock wants for their guns. In the book "Glock, Rise Of Americas Gun" or what ever the title is it stated that each pistol cost Glock right at $100 to make. Thats why they can do the Blue Box to LE and still make money one them. Over priced or not I would still like to have one. It would not be the first thing I have paid too much for. The durability and cheap repair parts are what make them a value.

Economically speaking, Glocks, or any other guns, tools, commodities, etc., are only truly overpriced when no one will pay what is asked.

I won’t argue the pros and cons of a $180 HiPoint versus a $300 SD9V or a $500 Glock or a $600 HK. You vote with your wallet, and I’ll do the same.

Personally, I realized a long time ago that most quality guns are not expensive...it’s the $’s spent shooting them that nickels and dimes most folks. Unless you are one of the ‘a couple boxes of ammo once or twice a year’ range shooters, it’s the BB’s that add up for those of us who shoot monthly or more.

 

[JERRY]

I had a sigma 9VE I think it was about 20 years ago and it was a great gun. I'd have no problem getting today's version especially with their low price tag.

 

[ThomasT]

Economically speaking, Glocks, or any other guns, tools, commodities, etc., are only truly overpriced when no one will pay what is asked.

Yep. And thats what Glock has figured out. People will pay the asking price. Even it its high. And as I stated I will too. I keep an eye out at Aim surplus for a Gen3 Glock 17. Unfortunately my income is such that to buy a new gun I will be forced to sell an old gun. But I have lots of guns and a few are unfired and many barely shot. So selling a gun or two is no big deal to me. Also getting a new gun is not an emergency either.

This value of a Glock is on the backside with an almost unlimited parts supply, lots of information on working on and maintaining them and the fact they seem to shoot forever and are dead nuts reliable. When thats factored in the price they ask for them is not even a consideration.

Using your parameters there is one commodity I do consider overpriced and I refuse to buy at the current price. And that is beef briskets. They are now approaching $50 each in my area. I used to buy the same brisket for around $20 just a few years ago. I like to BBQ and make BBQ as good as you can buy in the restaurant. But I refuse to pay what they want now. I asked the lady at WM who was putting a couple in the meat counter if they sold many and she stated "not like they used to". I guess they sell them but not to me. They have priced themselves out of the market for me.