Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Review

Thanks for the review, keep it coming. I’ve got this gun in my safe and have yet to shoot it. I’m on the wait list for several gun clubs but no light yet visible at the end of the tunnel.
 
I was finally able to get out to the range today, I haven’t shot in over a moth.:(


226 rounds mixed AE and remanufactured 124g.

Total rounds: 489.
Stoppages: I stopped counting ( all failure of the slide to lock back due to my grip)
Malfunctions: 0

The gun chugged along nicely today.

3 FASTest’s were:
5.63+2H = 7.63
6.48+2H = 8.48 (slide did not lock back costing me on the reload).
6.39 Clean (slide did not lock back).

The sights were better regulated as I was able to get the front sight centered with my sight pusher. I ran two advanced super tests and did well. The advanced super test is quite simple and challenging:

30 rounds total on a B8 target.
15 Yards: 10 rounds, 15 seconds par time.
10 Yards: 10 rounds, 10second par time.
5 Yards: 10 rounds, 5 second par time.
To pass you have to get a score over 270. Any shots over a par time and you fail.

The first test I was over time on the 5 yard, 5 second par. It was the first time I have run the Advanced Super Test, so I was not used to the tight five yard par time!

This was the last run; it went pretty well.

I was able to get a 2.67 clean on a Bill drill and some .18/.17 splits on some berm drills. I half heartedly shot a 25 yard B8 but gave up when I saw all my rounds low on the paper due to me trying to overcompensate for the poorly regulated sights. I need to get this sorted out when I have more time, but at 15 Yards and in the gun shot pretty well.

Although I am frustrated with my FAST’s this little gun seems very shootable in stock form. I was able to pass the Advanced Super Test on my second try, and I know I can do better, particularly if I use more of my available time at 15 and 10 yards.

More to come![/QUOTE]
 
Ganderite said:
Good shooting! How much better do you do with a "better" pistol?
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With my competition gun FAST tests are in the mid to high 5’s. Bill drills are in the low 2’s with OWB competition gear, best ever was a 1.98. I haven’t really shot “The Test” with my competition gun, but I would assume similar improved results.

The point of me posting the video of those drills is that the SD9 VE, which seems to have a universally reviled trigger, can be shot at a high level despite it’s trigger. The trigger is what it is. It was designed with a purpose, which was not for it to be super light.

It’s a good little gun and I really think that folks that like to point out it’s negatives don’t really get what the gun was designed for. :)
 
MattieRoss said:
Thank you for the review, this looks like a great pistol for getting started with the sport.
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It really isn't. For a few more dollars you can get a significantly better pistol that will last you a lifetime. This is an entry level pistol aimed at the bottom of the CCW market in the US. You can do a lot better for very little more.

Take Care

Bob
 
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When the M2.0 is selling for $549, there's no real reason to buy this gun. That said, it seems alright for a real tight budget. Better this than nothing.
 
Miketyler said:
I have the same pistol and mine shoots terribly low not sure if I should shave off some of the front sight.
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I would have someone else shoot the gun before I did anything. It is quite rare for a stock gun to come with truly unregulated sights. It maybe just you and the sight picture you are taking.

Take Care

Bob
 
Clobbersauras said:
It was also dirt cheap. I paid $449 - taxes and shipping included - brand new with a third mag.
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Thanks for the review......very informative

I guess getting the same pistol for $349 taxes and shipping included - brand new with a third mag.....should convince me to buy one^ :)

I want a smaller pistol for CCW in the states.....my P226 is sometime a bit bulky and printing in the summer months.

Thanks again!
 
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