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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.
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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.
I like the SD9VE so much that I have 2 of them. I am going to put a trigger in them. And the main thing is no failures of any kind.
Chuck, yeah, these guns are very reliable and a great way for someone to get a good gun at a very fair price. With new triggers, they would be even better. Thanks for writing!
I will tell you. I fell out of a boat in 8’ of water. My SD9ve spent 5 days under water before I could get a diver to find it. Got it home clean it up real good. Still shoots the same.
Wow…that’s one you should tell S&W! They are good guns. Thanks again for writing.
A S&W SD9VE was my son’s first pistol he purchased at that time in his life (OK Job, but not great pay). At this time, neither of us had much experience with striker fired guns. We both like the SD9VE, for many of the same reasons you listed, but the trigger wasn’t impressive at all. He kept it for a number of years until his income improved, then he promptly sold it and bought a higher end gun (I don’t recall which one). Now with his PO job he uses a PPQ for duty, and a PPS for off duty carry.
So my views on the SD guns is based around shooting one a fairly frequent number of times, but I never owned one (a Beretta 92FS was my main semi until I bought a PPQ in .40 in 2013, It took me a while to warm to striker fire).
So to me, the SD series fills a niche. It gets someone into the shooting sports for well under the $500 mark. It’s well made and functional. The trigger’s not the best, but it’s far from the worst I’ve handled. The one my son owned fed factory and handloads without a hiccup, and that is a huge plus IMO. I’ve owned a number of finicky guns, and owned (past tense) is the operative word.
At that price point, it’s one of the better guns on the market.
Bemused, good points. The trigger is bad but not the worst – I agree. Sounds like both you and your son have things figured out, with your Beretta and his Walthers. I know a former deputy who appendix-carries a PPQ with a light on it and trusts it implicitly. He’s a skinny guy. I couldn’t do that, for sure. Both the 92FS and Walthers are good guns, and you are right – the S&W is a great way to get someone into shooting. Thanks for writing again!
Glad to see that you commented on one of the WORST triggers out there. If i had to keep it I would not want this thing for free. I hated it..
Just Me, yeah, the trigger leaves a lot to be desired but for $50 or so it can be replaced. The rest of the gun is decent. Thanks for writing!
Good Review Mike, as always you go into details and that is awesome. I own 3 S&W firearms and love it. Would you consider doing a review on a S&W – M&P – 9mm Shield / M2.0 ? I recently purchased one, So I will share my views. Installed a Stream- Light Tach Lite with Red Laser. After a few rounds down range, break in time. With being a compact the barrel length is 3.675″ so it has its snappy recoil, I like the double safety feature. 8+1 mag capacity. Fairly accurate using the 21ft rule. So now is the time to zero in. I use a barrel style laser of which works great. Used my gun vise to secure the firearm, spotted a target about 25′ with the barrel laser on the target, I adjusted the Stream light laser. Okay, to the range. My first go was with FBI target. 1st @ 15′ -3 rds / 2nd @ 21′ -3rds / 3rd @ 21′ -5rds, 4th @ 21′ – 10 rds. The FBI targets I add in two extra targets, so I have 4 in one target. Now my laser is dead on and my accuracy has improved very well. Now I went out to do a 60′ with the laser pretty good. Of course I will continue with those type of drills. Over all my opinion is with the S&W 9 Shield is excellent. No stove pipe, failure to feed, No issues, I have fired about 400 rds with all good. Another good feature is internal hammer fire. Easy to clean up. Note do not use +P+ loads. +p defense loads okay. 115 gr rounds good for target.
Thanks, Jim
Jim, no need for me to review the gun – you just wrote a great one! Sounds like you have it figured out. i did review a Shield a good while ago – it’s listed in the gun reviews. I owned one for a good while. I didn’t dress mine up like you did yours, but the point is you CAN dress one up if you want to – the options are there. Great results on your end – keep us posted as you discover new loads, etc. that really work. Thanks for writing!
Well Thanks Mike I appreciate your comment, I will keep you posted.
Great! Let us know. Thanks!
I have owned a S&W SD9VE for about 3-1/2 years now. I don’t get to the range much so I have maybe 500 rounds through it. I really like the SD9VE for the most part, but the trigger was a disappointment. Not too longer after purchasing it I installed an Apex trigger and springers Kit and it really improved the trigger. I believe the pull before modification was well over 6 lbs…after installing the trigger kit it averaged just over 5 lbs with 5.25 being the high and 4.75 the low. I also installed a TruGlo Fiber Optic Sight Set. I believe I paid $299 plus tax at Dunham’s…a great self-defense pistol in my opinion.
B., yeah, you’ve really “dressed your gun up” so to speak. The improvements are huge when you change out a trigger and sights – it’s like owning a different gun. The trigger sure sounds much improved, to be sure. Thanks for writing!
I had a no frills full size Smith and Wesson 9mm a few years back. shot flawlessly, felt good in the hand, and was inexpensive. Not sure of the model. As you say here, these great guns exist on the cheap and will meet your basic needs. There is no needs to overspend to be protected.
Bert, too true. Some guns are just plain good buys. The SD guns are sleepers, in my opinion. I enjoyed mine when I owned it. Thanks again for writing.
I completely agree with your assessment of this pistol, I bought one of first production models, as it was (at the time), exactly what I could afford, and it was a brand I knew I could trust. I’ve fired about 2000 rounds through it over the years, and it’s never malfunctioned, and really shows very few signs of wear. I installed an Apex trigger about a year ago, and that completely transformed it’s personality from just a utility gun, into a true joy to shoot! BTW, I really enjoy reading your articles! Thanks for featuring this very underrated pistol!
Bryan, thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy your S&W – they’re a great buy. Thanks for writing!
Mike, thanks for another excellent review. I own a S&WSD9VE and my daughter has a Glock 19. I haven’t changed the trigger yet but it’s on my list. Have you corrected your article on the best 9mm pistols, where you listed the SD9VE as being in a smaller category than the Glock 19? Clearly these two are nearly the same size..
Tom, no, I haven’t corrected my other piece yet but I will – I forget what I write and depend on readers to keep me honest – thanks! Sounds like you and your daughter are well-armed!