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To start our Smith & Wesson SD9 VE review, we first need to understand what SD9 VE stands for: SD means Self-Defense, 9 signifies 9mm, and VE stands for Value-Enhanced.
How did S&W come up with such a complicated name? I believe they were just trying to differentiate it from its not-so-well-received predecessor, the Sigma. That model had several issues S&W needed to address, leading to the development of a new firearm. This led to the creation of the SD VE line.
We’ll be examining the SD9 VE model to evaluate its performance and help you decide if it’s a worthy addition to your arsenal. Let’s get started.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE: Pros and Cons
- Easy to Use: In practical terms, the S&W SD9 is quite straightforward. Load the magazine, insert a round into the chamber, and fire.
- Reliable: While all weapons require some break-in time, the SD9 has had little to no problems straight from the box.
- Excellent Grip Texture an Ergonomics: The slide features both front and rear serrations, along with a robust grip texture that ensures a firm hold without slipping. This is an ideal feature for a self-defense firearm, particularly for shooters with sweaty palms.
- Cost: The SD9 VE is available for around $300, which is a bargain for its quality and features.
- Capacity: You get 16 rounds of fun for the 9mm variant. But if you want lesser rounds, Smith & Wesson also offers 10-round capacity mags.
- Heavy Trigger: Trigger pull is at 8 pounds, reaching up to 20 pounds. It’s heavy and long for a striker-fired pistol.
- Slide Lock Issues: Some users have reported that the slide does not lock back after the last round. This issue might be resolved by simply resting the thumb on the slide lock during firing, as the slide lock is resistant to light pressure.
- No Night Sights: Although it is advertised as a self-defense pistol, it surprisingly does not come with night sights.
The Story Behind the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE
In 1994, S&W introduced the Sigma pistol to the shooting community. It was designed as a more affordable alternative to their top-of-the-line M&P series of semi-auto pistols. Available in several calibers, the 9mm version proved to be the most popular.
The gun’s action was quite similar to Glock’s. It was so similar that Glock sued S&W over patent infringement. So, in 1997, S&W and Glock settled out in the court, with S&W agreeing to pay Glock an undisclosed amount. Afterward, S&W made some changes to the action to prevent further conflicts with the Austrian gunmaker.
The SD/ SW/ Sigma series was not very well received, to be blunt. The gun’s trigger left a lot to be desired, so it was at this point that Apex and other companies began making replacement triggers for these guns. This helped the situation considerably, but the gun was not as popular as S&W had hoped. Thus, in 2012, S&W redesigned the SD series and introduced the improved SD VE models in 9mm and .40 S&W.
Improvements were made to the trigger, grip ergonomics, and a stainless-steel barrel. Personally, the model I owned felt great in the hand. Plus, notable upgrades included effective three-dot sights, an enhanced trigger, and Glock-style takedown tabs and procedure. Magazine capacities varied from 14 rounds in .40 S&W to 16 rounds in 9mm, with 10-round magazines available for states with restrictions.
My Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Gun
The gun shown in these photos used to be mine. I sold it to a friend who lent it back to me for this review. Additionally, I performed what we call a “redneck trigger job” on it — I got the idea from a video on YouTube that I had seen. That consists of ensuring that the gun is totally empty and then dry-firing it 500 times.
Dry firing is perfectly safe with this striker-fired pistol. I must admit, this method noticeably smoothed the trigger’s travel and seemed to have slightly lightened it (at least it felt a bit lighter — a trigger pull gauge was not available). It makes sense; by repeatedly dry firing, you wear in the parts and smooth out rough spots between the steel components. It certainly made a difference. And, of course, this wasn’t the first time I’ve used dry fire to improve a trigger. It was just the first time I saw someone else do it on YouTube with this specific handgun.
What I Liked About the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE
As mentioned earlier, one thing I really liked was how it felt good in my hand—it fit perfectly. The grip was just right, with a good angle and texture that suited me well. Being a fan of rough grip textures, I used a soldering iron to stipple the SD’s grip. I got pretty good at staying within the molded-in boundaries (I was always good at coloring within the lines, Harry Chapin’s excellent song notwithstanding).
After perfecting the grip to my liking, I proceeded to refine the action, as described earlier. Overall, it’s a solid concealed carry gun. With two 16-round magazines (or two 14-round .40 S&W magazines), you’re all set for any potential scenario.
The gun is comparable to the Glock 19 in size and capacity, although it holds one extra round compared to the Glock’s 15-round capacity. The sights were decent, and it proved accurate with various loads, including my preferred 9mm handload: a Lee 124-grain RN powder-coated bullet with 4.8 grains of Long Shot powder. The conventionally rifled barrel ensures compatibility with lead bullets. I liked the gun, and the reason I sold it escapes me now.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE: Specs
Before we delve into photos and later analyze a target, let’s first review the specifications of the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE.
(Items in parentheses are comparable Glock 19 Gen 5 measurements)
| Caliber: | 9mm Luger |
| Length: | 7.2" (7.36") |
| Barrel: | 4", stainless steel (4.02") |
| Slide: | Stainless steel, with forward serrations |
| Frame: | Polymer |
| Weight: | 22.7 oz. (23.6 oz.) |
| Width: | 1.29" (1.26") |
| Capacity: | 16 + 1, two magazines included. SD magazines are compatible (15 + 1) |
| Trigger Pull: | 6 lbs., 11 oz. average of ten pulls |
| Sights: | dovetailed, three-dot. Any M&P sights will fit the dovetails |
| Safety: | striker block, no external thumb safety; loaded chamber view port |
| Rail: | 2-slot Picatinny |
| MSRP: | $406 |
| Real-World Price: | ~$350-$450 ($550) (Prices accurate at the time or writing) |
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Photo Gallery
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Frame and Barrel
The SDVE Series is an excellent low-cost weapon that improved upon the original polymer-framed model by removing unnecessary features. It may be lightweight because of the polymer frame and plastic grip, but it’s durable.
Polymer frames are exceptionally durable, enduring hundreds of rounds without breaking. They are rust and corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and come with a lifetime warranty from Smith & Wesson. Enhanced by the stainless steel slide and barrel, its durability is clearly demonstrated.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Grip and Ergonomics
This photo offers a clear view of the stippling work I did on the textured areas. Take note of the Glock-style takedown tabs, which highlight similarities between this gun and other striker-fired pistols.
The SD9VE’s grip features an aggressive pattern on the front strap, back strap, and palm swells. The texturized grip is very pleasant, but to provide a secure and comfortable hold, the front and back straps were made more forceful, and a finger locator was installed. This allows the shooter to have a more secure grip on the weapon and reduces the effects of recoil.
The ergonomic grip design facilitates easy operation of the trigger and slide lock while ensuring a secure hold on the weapon.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Safety
The SDVE’s innovative safety features are fascinating. Although it lacks manual or grip safety, this firearm is highly secure. It features a Self Defense Trigger safety that ensures the pistol will not fire unless the trigger is fully pulled to the rear. A firing pin block safeguard also prevents accidental discharge if the weapon is dropped.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Trigger
Note that its safety feature employs a hinged trigger, not the Glock-style bladed trigger. The SD9VE’s unique Self Defense Trigger maintains a steady weight throughout the draw to help minimize jerking the trigger. This steady pull also improves accuracy, with the 8-pound trigger pull notably heavy for a striker-fired handgun.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Slide
The stainless steel slide has deep-cut serrations that allow easy manipulation even when wet.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Sights
Though it’s advertised as a self-defense weapon, the SD9 doesn’t have built-in night sights. Instead, it has dovetailed white dot sights that make target acquisition a breeze. These sights are particularly beneficial for shooters who may not have as much experience or accuracy.
The slide has been shortened to accommodate easy installation of new sights if you want to replace them. If you’re looking for a little bit extra for your gun, Smith & Wesson included a standard Picatinny-style rail in the design.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review: Magazine
The SD 9VE comes with two chrome-finished, smooth-firing magazines. The SDVE magazine system is just incredible. You know exactly how many rounds left you have, a very nice touch. Older SD mags will work, as well.
Plus, the 16-round capacity of the regular SD9 VE is reliable, and the mags function properly. If you want something smaller, the low-capacity variant holds 10+1 rounds.
Shooting the Smith & Wesson SD9VE
Because I’ve owned this gun before, I already knew its accuracy with various types of loads. When I owned it previously, ammunition was readily available, so I tried it with several loads. During this review, (which is post-pandemic) ammo is scarce or, to put it plainly, priced at $1 per round or more. But you can easily find them for $0.50 these days.
For this review, I used my reliable handload: a 124-grain Lee hard-cast round nose bullet, powder coated, loaded over 4.8 grains of Long Shot powder. If you missed my description in previous 9mm reviews, this is my go-to ammunition choice. This current ammo situation might create some new handloaders, but components are hard to come by, as well.
With over 40 years of experience in handloading, I already have supplies of powder, primers, and cases on hand. Casting my own bullets means I don’t have to worry about finding them. That day, I briefly stepped outside and noticed that winter had finally arrived in our area, with hazy conditions and temperatures at 24 degrees.
I’m still adjusting to the cold (even though 24 degrees isn’t that cold!), but as I grow older, the less I like it. Hence, just one target. I might have performed a bit better, but three factors hindered me: the weather, the scarcity of factory ammo (that time), and the 6-pound-plus trigger.
Smith & Wesson SD9VE: Trigger Woes
When I owned this gun before, I didn’t have access to a trigger pull gauge. Now that I own the Lyman version of that instrument, my eyes are opened continually every time I check a gun. If you’ve spent a lot of time shooting, you tend to get good at guessing trigger pull weights.
My estimation of this gun’s trigger pull weight was quite accurate. I had guessed it to be around 6.5 to 7 pounds. When I checked it again, I found I was close—it averaged 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
Now, that wouldn’t be an issue if the trigger broke cleanly without any creep. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here. The pull feels quite lengthy, likely due to its weight, resulting in noticeable creep before the striker engages. The weight seemed to increase as I slowly pulled the trigger, accentuating the stiff sensation. The target reflects these challenges.
I’m not claiming that the trigger was the sole factor preventing me from hitting all my shots within the orange square, nor were the weather and ammo shortages, as mentioned earlier, insignificant. I won’t make excuses, but those things sure didn’t help contribute to accuracy. As for the trigger, I suspect that with a smooth, 5-pound pull, more of these shots would have clustered around the target’s bullseye.
At any rate, it is what it is. The advantages of this gun far outweigh the trigger situation. With an aftermarket trigger upgrade, this gun would be ready for action.
Smith & Wesson SD9VE Review: Accuracy and Reliability
The SD9 has proven to be exceptionally reliable, attributed to its robust design and safety features. While all firearms typically require a break-in period, I encountered a few issues with the SD9 straight out of the box.
As mentioned earlier, the trigger determines how accurately the SD9VE fires. While the pistol fits comfortably in my hands and gives me a natural point of aim, replacing its long, stiff trigger is crucial for reliable accuracy. Without this modification, achieving precision may prove challenging.
One of the few upgrades made to these striker-fired handguns was to minimize recoil. However, its accuracy is poor straight out of the box, and in my experience, it worsens when the fire rate increases. After replacing the trigger, comprehensive training with the firearm is crucial before relying on it for self-defense.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE: Taking It Apart
The Smith & Wesson pistols, in general, are easy to disassemble and reassemble, and the SDVE is no exception. You can disassemble the SDVE with little effort. Here is a step-by-step guide.
- First, you need to pull the slide backward.
- Then, wriggle the takedown tabs to remove them before sliding the slide forward.
- Finally, take apart the barrel and recoil rod to clean them thoroughly.
The SDVE oddly doesn’t seem to accumulate dirt, so I don’t foresee you needing to disassemble and clean your firearm very often.
Check out this tutorial video I found below for the assembly and disassembly of this gun.
The Poor Man’s Glock 19?
When shooting this gun, it reminds me of the Glock 19. I’m certainly not the first to compare the SD9VE to this popular Glock model. The two guns are nearly identical in terms of length, height, weight, and width.
The S&W edges out Glock with its 16-round magazine capacity compared to Glock’s standard 15-round magazine. I won’t debate a one-round difference, but you likely see my point. Given the S&W’s reliability and quality build, you might find it reasonable to invest an extra $45-$55 in an aftermarket trigger rather than paying nearly the same amount again for the Austrian model.
This is not a knock on the Glock 19 — that gun is the best-selling Glock, for good reason. I’m just saying that, if you can’t afford $500 or so for a pistol, you have an alternative. I never experienced a single failure with this gun when I owned it. It handled my reloads just as smoothly as factory ammunition. That speaks volumes about its reliability.
I would rather have a gun that may not put all its shots in the 10 ring but would feed whatever rounds you stuck in the magazine any day. Accuracy can be improved, but I won’t tolerate an unreliable pistol. That’s why I moved on from this one, although reliability wasn’t the reason I sold it.
It’s coming back to me now why I sold it. My friend was looking for a 9mm but didn’t have time to go to the local gun shops around here (a very demanding job). He went to our church, which was where we talked about his needs. Long story short, he ended up with this pistol and was happy.
Wrap Up
To sum up, I like this pistol. I obviously did really like it once upon a time, since I was the original owner and shelled out the bucks for it. Does it have areas that could be improved? Of course — what doesn’t? My point is that, the trigger’s pull weight notwithstanding, it still is a good buy.
Since triggers are available from other companies, you might consider picking one of these up. If you are a .40 S&W fan, it is available in that caliber, too. It is easily carried (check out our article on concealed carry insurance), with nothing to snag on the draw.
With the wide range of aftermarket sights designed for the M&P series of pistols that are compatible with this gun, and you’ll see just how useful these guns can be. For around $350, you can have a 9mm pistol similar in size to a Glock 19, complete with 32 rounds spread across both magazines.
Even with the stock trigger, it’s hard to find fault. Factor in its reliability and very serviceable three-dot sights, and you have a carry pistol you can trust. Plus, it’s from Smith & Wesson, known for excellent customer service (at least in my experience). Put it all together, and it’s a winner.
If you’ve used one of these pistols, feel free to share your experience in the comments below. As always, stay safe and keep your shots on target.
Other readings you might also enjoy:
- The Best Smith and Wesson SD9VE Holsters
- [Review] Smith and Wesson 617: The Perfect Revolver?
- The 4 Best Smith and Wesson SD40VE Accessories
FAQ
Yes, the SD9 VE is reliable, accurate, and affordable. It’s a great gun.
The primary difference is cosmetic. The SD9 VE has a stainless slide and the SD9 has a black slide. Mechanically, both pistols are the same.
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE uses proprietary Smith & Wesson magazines designed specifically for the pistol
