First plinking 9mm: Smith and Wesson SDVE or Norinco NP29?

[HooliganD]

Like the title says, I’m looking for a cheap 9mm to plink with and maybe personalize a bit (grips, trigger, sights, etc). The NP29 being a 1911 offers a lot of aftermarket parts. I realize that a $300-$400 Chinese gun can be potentially rough. But it could be a good starting platform.

Cabela’s has the SDVE in 9mm on sale for $360, two ten round mags (vs the NP29‘s 8 rounds). I’ve read that the S&W’s trigger is a heavy at around 8lbs and would likely need an apex trigger.

I could see getting into IPSC one day, if that’s the case, I’d likely start looking for a CZ shadow. But that’s not in the cards now. Didn’t like the Glock 17 I shot while in Edmonton.

Interested to hear your thoughts, especially from those that have shot or owned either.

Thanks!

 

[Still alive]

Find a used M&P 9mm. They can be had for around $500 or less on the EE. Better gun than the SDVE and higher quality than the Norc.
By the time you factor in tax and shipping, your Norc or SDVE will come close to a used M&P. The M&P is a better gun than both your choices.

 

[gnmontey]

++ on the M&P. I'm seeing $500ish range kits with the Apex upgrade on the EE these days.


M

 

[Still alive]

++ on the M&P. I'm seeing $500ish range kits with the Apex upgrade on the EE these days.


M

I’m speaking from experience. Mine just arrived today with FO sights, 5 mags and the Apex trigger for under $500 shipped.

 

[jimbo14]

Another vote for the M&P, because I've shot the two you were curious about.

 

[Canuck44]

I’m speaking from experience. Mine just arrived today with FO sights, 5 mags and the Apex trigger for under $500 shipped.

You Sir should be on your way to jail for stealing! You done good. :>). See you this summer.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Still alive]

You Sir should be on your way to jail for stealing! You done good. :>). See you this summer.

Take Care

Bob

Thanks Bob. I bought it while vacationing in California 2 weeks ago. Something funny about buying a Canadian gun online while in anti gun Cali! The Apex trigger pull is super light. The reset is short compared to my Glocks but more vague.

 

[greywolf67nt]

8 lbs is a LIGHT trigger on the SD9 mine was just over 10 out of the box.
The NP29 is way more customizable and can be built on. Yes they can be a bit rough but if you like to fiddle they are great.
My 2 cents goes to the Walther PPX range kit which are a little more at $600 but comes with 3 mags.

 

[Canuck44]

Thanks Bob. I bought it while vacationing in California 2 weeks ago. Something funny about buying a Canadian gun online while in anti gun Cali! The Apex trigger pull is super light. The reset is short compared to my Glocks but more vague.

I saw the ad. The Apex trigger is super. It owes most of the improvement to the Apex FPB. It really is domed and takes all the grit out of the trigger pull. I have moved on to the Walther PPQ Match to use a Optic this summer. I did put copious amounts of trouble free rounds through my FS M&P. The gun now recides with a friends wife who will use it in Action Shooting this year

Did you know S&W sells a kit with a complete top end Optic ready with porting for $599Cdn? You should look into it Inexpensive way to get into Optic shooting as well.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Still alive]

I saw the ad. The Apex trigger is super. It owes most of the improvement to the Apex FPB. It really is domed and takes all the grit out of the trigger pull. I have moved on to the Walther PPQ Match to use a Optic this summer. I did put copious amounts of trouble free rounds through my FS M&P. The gun now recides with a friends wife who will use it in Action Shooting this year

Did you know S&W sells a kit with a complete top end Optic ready with porting for $599Cdn? You should look into it Inexpensive way to get into Optic shooting as well.

Take Care

Bob

I would love to try your Walther first before committing to an Optic. As I mentioned before in another thread, I feel like I have to relearn aiming using an optic. I’m hoping the FO on the M&P will help for now.

 

[Paatz]

Even with the Apex kit the SD9VE is still not that great to shoot.

 

[paul792]

The SDVE is pretty much a cheap clone of a glock. If you didn't like the glock you shot you probably wont like the smith either.

 

[Butcherbill]

A stock glock is wayyyyy nicer to shoot than the stock sdve, just in the trigger dept alone and I'm a fan of learning to shoot a gun with the stock trigger. I'd bet the sdve still isn't that nice with the apex trigger.

 

[Meroh]

I like my Noriinco NZ85B; runs and runs and shoots great! I think Canada ammo still has them for under $400 with two mags.

 

[Safetybill]

I have multiple glocks - some with stock triggers and some with Zev etc. I bought a Smith SDVE 9 on Boxing Day 13 months ago. Took it to the range and fired two mags of 10 - trigger was horrible - took it home and cleaned it and put it in the safe. Haven't touched it since and probably never will.

Sounds like good advice to buy something better even if it's used!

Bill

 

[fdc]

M&P 9 on EE for sure!

 

[crash277]

I love my M&P 9mm. You cant beat the range and carry kit (other that the stupid transport law that doesn't allow the gun to fit inside the holster in the carry case) I fix that problem by just putting my holster on my belt when heading out.

 

[tharkhold]

+1 for the used M&P option!

 

[Import]

Of your 2...Norinco np-29...although it’s not the finest 9mm 1911 out there...mine is dead nuts accurate and goes bang every time..my sd40ve was just about ok..but man that trigger..and the frame felt cheap..

 

[Ozymandias]

Find a used M&P 9mm. They can be had for around $500 or less on the EE. Better gun than the SDVE and higher quality than the Norc.
By the time you factor in tax and shipping, your Norc or SDVE will come close to a used M&P. The M&P is a better gun than both your choices.

Not quite. You need to shop around. I just bought an SD9VE for $369 taxes included and shipped.