S&W SD9VE or FMK 9C1 ?

fredfiset

fredfiset

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Looking for a sub 400$ 9mm and hesitating between a SD9VE ($369) and a FMK ($379$).

I reviewed a lot of thread here on CGN about each of these, but could not find any comparison between the two.

Which one is the better deal?

Thanks!

And please don't tell me to buy a Glock or a M&P :)
 
S&W SD9 is an excellent pistol with one serious negative - the awfully long, creepy, stiff 8 pound trigger. Trigger job almost a necessity. It also has more felt recoil compared to my full sized pistols. Never tried an FMK.

Ruger 9E (basic SR9) is another option at $361 US, but with US exchange may bring it over the $400 amount by a little bit. Considered it before I bought the SD9 but couldn't find anyone who tried one... trigger is supposed to be much better at around 5 lbs.

The well reviewed (but higher than your price range) $499 Sig 2022's that popped up a little while ago may be the "bang for the buck" budget pistol champ. I bought one and if I like it more than my SD9, it'll go on the EE with the trigger kit.
 
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i've handled the smith, shot the fmk. I prefer the feel of the FMK, but the one i shot had serious reliability issues. The smith is a warmed up sigma, so should be bullet proof. The trigger is long and heavy, but just shoot it like a DA revolver and you'll do fine. The SR9 is nicer then both if you can find the E model.
 
I am in the same boat as you, and I've choose to skip both of these pistols.

The trigger on the SDVE is terrible. At 8+lbs, its as heavy as many double-action triggers. Meanwhile the FMK seems to have reliability issues - one will work great, the next will have nothing but problems. Also, they come with stupid stuff on the slide, like PROUDLY AMERICAN on the ejector, or some crap like that.

If you want a polymer frame gun, Ruger SR9 is probably the cheapest starting point for a reliable, quality pistol. They can be had for $400ish on the EE, and are only about $500 new. Personally, I am seriously contemplating a Norinco NP34, which is a Sig 228 clone. Just gotta find one in store to fondle and make sure I like how it fits my hand... A Girsan Regard, which is a Turkish Beretta copy (Beretta patent is expired, so anyone can make 'em) can be had for around $450-500 as well. A bit of a step up in price, but a quality pistol for the money. The beretta is a steel-framed gun with DA/SA trigger, so its a bit different than the SR9 or other glock-like pistols.
 
I have 2 FMKs. First has light strikes. But it will ignite federal primers 100%, so that is what I use for relaods for it.

Second one is perfect. A later model, bought a month ago from Wanstalls, on sale for $279. Maybe they still have them?
But, it is PINK!! According to YouTube, I can change the colour to black by dropping the frame in a pot of hot RIT dye for an hour.

Trigger is not heavy. Gun is very comfortable in the hand. At least the equal of a M&P.

IMG_0819.jpg
 
Ganderite said:
I have 2 FMKs. First has light strikes. But it will ignite federal primers 100%, so that is what I use for relaods for it.

Second one is perfect. A later model, bought a month ago from Wanstalls, on sale for $279. Maybe they still have them?
But, it is PINK!! According to YouTube, I can change the colour to black by dropping the frame in a pot of hot RIT dye for an hour.

Trigger is not heavy. Gun is very comfortable in the hand. At least the equal of a M&P.

IMG_0819.jpg
Click to expand...

Damn. $279? Thats a steal - the place I was looking at them had 'em onsale for $379 and I thought THAT was a deal... For $279 it might be worth the gamble to see if I get a good one or not. Might have to call Wanstalls...

Anyone know if there is plans on putting this gun onto the IPSC production list when they update it next (In april I think?)
 
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Ruger SR9 has been mentioned 3x around this price point... $479 @ Wholesale Sports.

I bought the S&W SD9 and just like a S&W it fires every time, great compact size and ergonomics but the the trigger is terrible. Recoil is more than my full sized 9mm pistols. Once I drop in the 5.5 lb spring kit I'm hoping it will improve it drastically.

SD9a_zps3dbaaca1.png


Ruger-SR9_Specs.gif


9E is cheaper but have yet to find them in Canada... could be around $400 CDN when and if they get here.

ruger-9e.jpg
 
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I have a Sig 2022 coming. Supposed to be a fantastic pistol for the price... I'm expecting to sell my SD9 when I see the Sig's superiority.

P1190209-900x601.jpg


Wish I could find the FDE w/black controls & grip version:

3486081_01_brand_new_sig_sauer_sp2022_9mm_640.jpg
 
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st1264 said:
I have a Sig 2022 coming. Supposed to be a fantastic pistol for the price... I'm expecting to sell my SD9 when I see the Sig's superiority.

P1190209-900x601.jpg


Wish I could find the FDE w/black controls & grip version:

3486081_01_brand_new_sig_sauer_sp2022_9mm_640.jpg
Click to expand...

Well you've got the black controls and grip... Cerakote the rest?
 
Size comparison: Sig 226 Elite vs SD9 VE. Shorter slide, shorter grip height as well (Full sized Sig vs Mid Sized S&W). SD9 is much lighter at 22.7 (hence, the snappier recoil) vs Sig's 34.4 oz.

Taking them both to the range tomorrow so I figured I'd take a pic for comparison.

SigvsSD90001_zps9b3d7319.jpg
 
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