Opinions on S and W SD9 VE

[DoinksAhoy]

Hi there - I recently got my RPAL/PAL, already made a purchase toward a 12g shotgun and quite love it. Shoots skeet like a magician, the action is smooth enough for me.

I was told about this site from a few people to look for used handguns being sold, but I have no clue where to look, so I figure I'd ask for an opinion here.
I'm on a pretty heavy budget, I know, I probably got into the wrong heavy if I have a budget.

However I do want something that goes bang. I was looking at the S&W SD9 VE - Looking at reviews, a lot of them seem to be in general, praising the gun. Stating that it's reliable, functions well enough. The only downside is the trigger pull being heavier and the reset being a bit too far.
That's not a huge concern for me, as I am just looking for casual shooting at targets at a range.

I talked with the store that I was looking to buy from and they stated that if something goes wrong with it, S&W is banned from helping Canadians with their gun issues.

So he referred me to getting something like a Glock 17/19. Which of course would be nice, but it's going to be almost $300 more than what the S&W SD9 VE would run me.
I'm not looking for a competition gun, or something to modify. Just something that goes bang on target within 50 yards or so.

I was also looking at CZ P-10F, which would be a bit more expensive as well, however not as expensive as a Glock, but it seems to have a higher quality build to it.

Thank you for any input.

 

[MattieRoss]

There are also a lot of options between the SD9 and the Glock. Recently a fair amount of surplus pistols have also become available, like the Beretta 92, CZ75. I have seen these priced between $499-$699 which still places you below the Glock. There is nothing wrong with the SD9, and I've always liked the look of it, but one of the contributing factors to enjoyment with a firearm is a consistent and clean trigger break and reset. The SD9 trigger isn't that great out of the box, and once you upgrade it, you're already spending closer to a better made gun. Also may be worth checking out the CZ P-10 SC, it's new, and I have not tried it, but it looks a bit better than the SD9.

 

[DoinksAhoy]

There are also a lot of options between the SD9 and the Glock. Recently a fair amount of surplus pistols have also become available, like the Beretta 92, CZ75. I have seen these priced between $499-$699 which still places you below the Glock. There is nothing wrong with the SD9, and I've always liked the look of it, but one of the contributing factors to enjoyment with a firearm is a consistent and clean trigger break and reset. The SD9 trigger isn't that great out of the box, and once you upgrade it, you're already spending closer to a better made gun. Also may be worth checking out the CZ P-10 SC, it's new, and I have not tried it, but it looks a bit better than the SD9.

I've looked at Surplus pistols, and while I do like the idea, I've also been told that it could be a lemon purchase at times too, while buying new, you know it's new, and you know it's going to work.
As for the CZ P-10 SC, that's a bit more expensive than what I'd hope for.

What's your thoughts on the CZ P-10F? It's cheaper by about $70 roughly than the SC. I'd be purchasing ammo with the pistol, which will cost about $50 for some rounds that I'd take to a range and run through the handgun to make sure it all works.

Or hell, what about the IWI Jericho 941F? That's surplus, and budget-ish?

 

[B]

I have seen them pop up in the EE for as low as $250. For that price I would be all over one. For the prices I see lately I wouldn't recommend one to a new shooter. The triggers are terrible and even the upgrade isn't great. It's reliable and somewhat ergonomic but that's about it.

If you want a centerfire pistol I would recommend trying to free up more money to buy something else. Smith and Wesson has a repair depot in Canada, not sure what the guy was telling you there...

 

[DoinksAhoy]

I have seen them pop up in the EE for as low as $250. For that price I would be all over one. For the prices I see lately I wouldn't recommend one to a new shooter. The triggers are terrible and even the upgrade isn't great. It's reliable and somewhat ergonomic but that's about it.

Hm, so not worth that price you think?

What about a CZ P-10F, think it's worth 675 brand new?

Also what's 'EE'?

 

[B]

Hm, so not worth that price you think?

What about a CZ P-10F, think it's worth 675 brand new?

Also what's 'EE'?

The Equipment Exchange, CGN's buy and sell. The CZ is a pretty decent gun. A friend has one I got to try out and I don't have anything bad to say about it. Firearm prices are quite high lately. Unfortunately you are stuck spending at least $700 for a brand new pistol that isn't made in China. There are exceptions like the SW but that is for a reason.

 

[MattieRoss]

I've looked at Surplus pistols, and while I do like the idea, I've also been told that it could be a lemon purchase at times too, while buying new, you know it's new, and you know it's going to work.
As for the CZ P-10 SC, that's a bit more expensive than what I'd hope for.

What's your thoughts on the CZ P-10F? It's cheaper by about $70 roughly than the SC. I'd be purchasing ammo with the pistol, which will cost about $50 for some rounds that I'd take to a range and run through the handgun to make sure it all works.

Or hell, what about the IWI Jericho 941F? That's surplus, and budget-ish?

The IWI Jericho is just fine, but I would go to your local gun store to get one in your hand and see if the balance and weight are for you. I actually don't know about the CZ P-10F, or why it's cheaper. Sometimes this can be finishes, or sometimes this can be features that are missing. If it's money that's keeping you at the SD9 VE level, I'd save another month or two and get something better, if you like the SD9 VE because of how it looks, then I think it would be worth buying and enjoying. The Glock 48 is a cheaper Glock as well, I think they sell for under $700 with standard sights.

 

[MattieRoss]

The Equipment Exchange, CGN's buy and sell. The CZ is a pretty decent gun. A friend has one I got to try out and I don't have anything bad to say about it. Firearm prices are quite high lately. Unfortunately you are stuck spending at least $700 for a brand new pistol that isn't made in China. There are exceptions like the SW but that is for a reason.

The Girsans and SD9 VE's are not made in China and under $700 after tax.

 

[DoinksAhoy]

The Equipment Exchange, CGN's buy and sell. The CZ is a pretty decent gun. A friend has one I got to try out and I don't have anything bad to say about it. Firearm prices are quite high lately. Unfortunately you are stuck spending at least $700 for a brand new pistol that isn't made in China. There are exceptions like the SW but that is for a reason.

Yeah that's what I've been telling myself, that gun prices are not getting any cheaper any time soon. Nor ammo prices, lol.

The IWI Jericho is just fine, but I would go to your local gun store to get one in your hand and see if the balance and weight are for you. I actually don't know about the CZ P-10F, or why it's cheaper. Sometimes this can be finishes, or sometimes this can be features that are missing. If it's money that's keeping you at the SD9 VE level, I'd save another month or two and get something better, if you like the SD9 VE because of how it looks, then I think it would be worth buying and enjoying. The Glock 48 is a cheaper Glock as well, I think they sell for under $700 with standard sights.

Mm, I actually don't have any local gun stores that keep those surplus handguns in stock. The closest one to me is about 50ish mins away after checking google maps.

I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and purchase a bit more expensive of a gun like the CZ P-10F just so I know it's quality, will be reliable, and fit decently for me. I'm about 6'3", but I don't have very large hands.

 

[B]

The Girsans and SD9 VE's are not made in China and under $700 after tax.

That was covered with my last sentence... The Girsan Beretta copies are pretty good but I think they are over $700 these days. I could be wrong. The Glock 48 is under $700 as mentioned, they are great guns especially if you don't have massive hands. If you can find a Jericho/Baby Eagle they are also excellent pistols. The range kits could be found in your price range as of last year.

 

[jimbo14]

SD9VE requires patience to learn from because it’s a horrible gun. Buy CZ, M&P, Glock, Canik, before that thing. If someone was selling one for $10 I’d rather buy a pint of beer.

One of my dearest friends learned on that piece of junk but she had me and a friend coaching her along the way, and she is now an excellent pistol shooter. So with the right mix of attitude and coaching, it can work, but many end up moving on to something else as soon as they can.

 

[DoinksAhoy]

That was covered with my last sentence... The Girsan Beretta copies are pretty good but I think they are over $700 these days. I could be wrong. The Glock 48 is under $700 as mentioned, they are great guns especially if you don't have massive hands. If you can find a Jericho/Baby Eagle they are also excellent pistols. The range kits could be found in your price range as of last year.

I know there's a Jericho for the same price as the SD9 VE - But it only comes with 1 10rnd magazine. You'd have the buy a case, buy a lock for it, buy case locks(not sure if required?). A case in itself can bring up the price to $600+tax, and that's with only 1 mag and no extra jiblets.

 

[DoinksAhoy]

SD9VE requires patience to learn from because it’s a horrible gun. Buy CZ, M&P, Glock, Canik, before that thing. If someone was selling one for $10 I’d rather buy a pint of beer.

One of my dearest friends learned on that piece of junk but she had me and a friend coaching her along the way, and she is now an excellent pistol shooter. So with the right mix of attitude and coaching, it can work, but many end up moving on to something else as soon as they can.

So you think a CZ P-10F would be the better alternative, if I spent the extra money, I assume?

 

[B]

I know there's a Jericho for the same price as the SD9 VE - But it only comes with 1 10rnd magazine. You'd have the buy a case, buy a lock for it, buy case locks(not sure if required?). A case in itself can bring up the price to $600+tax, and that's with only 1 mag and no extra jiblets.

I was referring to the "range kit" not the surplus guns that are overpriced IMO. It comes with 3 mags, holster and a case, maybe a couple small extras too. Everything you need to have a decent setup.

 

[trebor2880]

Hm, so not worth that price you think?

What about a CZ P-10F, think it's worth 675 brand new?

Also what's 'EE'?

The CZ P-!0 SC would be the way to go, IMHO. It has the same excellent striker fired pistol trigger as the P-10 F.

The "F" has an unnecessarily long grip frame to hold the extra rds. in it's longer mag., that we can't legally utilize in Canada.

 

[jimbo14]

The CZ P-!0 SC would be the way to go, IMHO. It has the same excellent striker fired pistol trigger as the P-10 F.

The "F" has an unnecessarily long grip frame to hold the extra rds. in it's longer mag., that we can't legally utilize in Canada.

Agree. The F is crazy long.

OP, have you priced out ammo? Would you be buying ammo in little 50-round boxes, or a case of 1000 at a time? Check out the cost.

People crap on .22s but you can develop better fundamentals at a much lower operating cost by buying a .22LR handgun. Give it a little thought.

 

[DoinksAhoy]

The CZ P-!0 SC would be the way to go, IMHO. It has the same excellent striker fired pistol trigger as the P-10 F.

The "F" has an unnecessarily long grip frame to hold the extra rds. in it's longer mag., that we can't legally utilize in Canada.

SC is a bit too pricey, even if it'd be the best bang for buck.

Agree. The F is crazy long.

OP, have you priced out ammo? Would you be buying ammo in little 50-round boxes, or a case of 1000 at a time? Check out the cost.

People crap on .22s but you can develop better fundamentals at a much lower operating cost by buying a .22LR handgun. Give it a little thought.

To start off with I'll be buying a small amount of ammo, just to cycle it through the gun and see what's what.

 

[DoinksAhoy]

I was referring to the "range kit" not the surplus guns that are overpriced IMO. It comes with 3 mags, holster and a case, maybe a couple small extras too. Everything you need to have a decent setup.

Ah, those seem to be sold out no matter where I look. I'm trying to check out EE, but I've gotta go through the application waiting period.

 

[DaveF]

I'm an old guy who prefers revolvers, but have had a few 9mm. pistols over the past 40 or so years including Ruger, Glock and others.
I currently have a CZ P-10F and I think it's a great, solidly built pistol for the money.
I have fairly big hands and find the little extra grip length is fine, and it lets me park my little finger firmly on the grip frame, rather than curling it out of the way below the magazine. I find it to be an accurate pistol with the factory 3 dot sights, it has good ergonomics with a very short rigger reset and can be set up to accommodate both right and left handed shooters as it has a reversible magazine release and an ambidextrous slide release. It also comes with a choice of 3 backstrap profiles.
It is a bit big for concealed carry, but we are in Canada so can't be trusted for that by our overlords.
They show up used for a decent price fairly often and I'd say that if you find one and the fit, feel and price suit you then go for it.

 

[Butcherbill]

If someone offered to give me an sd9ve for free I’d pass, I’ve shot one and the trigger was brutal and that’s coming from someone with a 1st gen M&P9. I’d take any other pistol out there for a first handgun.