SMITH & WESSON SD9 VE
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE has been advertised as being one of the most reliable and user-friendly handguns on the market. However, is the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE really the best choice for a concealed carry firearm? Let’s take a look at the SD9 VE and determine if it is a gun worth buying.
Design and Specs
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is a semi-automatic handgun that is chambered in 9mm, has a 4” barrel, and a 16 round magazine capacity. It uses the company’s patented “Safe Action” trigger system. This trigger is very similar to that found on the popular Glock handguns, and promises a very smooth and stable trigger pull that should provide increased accuracy when shooting.
The SD9VE also features a “Picatinny” rail system that allows shooters to customize the gun with lasers, lights, and other accessories. The gun also has an ambidextrous safety/decocker lever and a loaded chamber indicator. The SD9VE comes standard with polygonal rifling, which helps to increase accuracy and bullet velocity. Smith & Wesson advertises the SD9VE as being light, reliable, and easy to use, and it is marketed as an ideal concealed carry and home defense handgun.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the SD9VE are great. The gun is very comfortable to hold and shoot, and the grip texture provides a solid purchase on the gun that helps decrease felt recoil. The textured molding on the grip is excellent, and the safety/decocker lever is easily accessible to both left and right handed shooters. The trigger pull on the SD9VE is also very smooth and light. This makes it easier to shoot quickly and accurately.
Reliability
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is an incredibly reliable firearm. After extensive range testing, the gun has not had a single malfunction. This means that the gun is reliable enough to trust with your life. The gun is also fairly low maintenance, and a regular cleaning and lubrication should be all you need to keep it running in tip-top shape.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Smith & Wesson SD9VE is surprisingly good. The trigger pull is very lightweight and smooth, and makes accuracy easier to achieve. The 4” barrel of the gun also helps add to its accuracy. With some practice, a shooter should be able to consistently shoot tight groups at distances up to 25 yards.
Ammunition Capacity
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE comes standard with a 16-round magazine. This gives the shooter plenty of ammunition capacity, and should be enough for most shooting scenarios. If you are looking for a gun with more capacity, Smith & Wesson does offer 30-round magazines for the SD9VE.
Aesthetics
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is a great looking handgun. It has a sleek and modern look, and the black finish is pleasing to the eye. The gun also features an embossed Smith & Wesson logo on the slide, giving the gun an added touch of elegance.
Price
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is a very affordable firearm. It typically sells for around $350, which makes it one of the more affordable handguns on the market. When you compare it to handguns from other manufacturers, you will see that the SD9VE is very reasonable when it comes to price.
The Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is an excellent choice for a concealed carry firearm. It is reliable, lightweight, and easy to use. It is also very accurate and has a good capacity for its size. The gun is also very affordable, and should fit into most budgets. If you are looking for a reliable and easy to use concealed carry handgun, then the Smith & Wesson SD9VE is definitely worth considering.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is an affordable self-defense handgun with a smaller grip frame making it comfortable for shooters with smaller hands.
- The pistol is reliable and offers a feature-filled design with a light and durable polymer frame.
- It comes with low-profile three DOT sights and fixed barrel for accuracy and minimal recoil.
Cons:
- It has a limited capacity compared to some other similar handguns.
- There is no manual safety which can be a concern for some shooters.
- A few minor finish issues can be found on some models.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a great choice for self defense and as a light competition target shooting pistol. It is a good starter gun for new shooters and more experienced shooters who want a reliable and affordable handgun. Its reliable nature and low recoil make it ideal for carrying concealed and its simple design makes it easy to use.
Those who should buy the SD9 VE include:
-New or inexperienced shooters who are looking for an easy-to-use and reliable handgun
-Competition shooters who are looking for an affordable yet reliable target pistol
-Concealed carry permit holders who want a reliable and low recoil handgun
Those who shouldn't buy the SD9 VE include:
-People who are looking for a small concealable handgun
-People who want a pistol with advanced features such as optics or an adjustable trigger
-People who are looking for a handgun for hunting or long-range shooting
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON SD9 VE | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Capacity | 16 rounds | 8 rounds | 5 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Overall Length | 7 in | 8.5 in | 8.7 in | 28.5 in |
| Weight | 22 oz | 40 oz | 40 oz | 7.3 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 4 in | 5 in | 5 in | 16 in |
| Sights | White dot front sight, fixed two-dot rear | 3- dot tritium | Night sights | Flip-up diopter sights |
| Safety | Thumb safety, trigger safety | Ambidextrous thumb safety | Ambidextrous thumb safety | Ambidextrous controls |
Features / Specs
-Barre l Length: 4"
-Overall Length: 7.2"
-Weight: 22.7 oz empty
-Frame: Polymer
-Slide: Stainless Steel
-Capacity: 16+1 Rounds
-Action: Striker Fire
-Sights: White Dot front, White Two-Dot rear
-Length of Pull: 2.75"
-Grips: Ergonomic Textured Grip with Finger Locator
-Safety: No Manual Safety
Popular Accessories
/ 9mm Pistol?
- Magazine Extender/Grip Sleeve
- Handgun Laser Sight
- Trigger Lock
- Magazine Floor Plate
- Recoil Spring Guide Rod
- Speedloader
- Snap-Caps or Dummy Rounds
- Pistol Mag Pouch
- Gun Cleaning Kit
- Gun Grips/Trigger Guards
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a very reliable and accurate handgun. This gun offers excellent accuracy for a budget-priced pistol. Its reliable performance, durable construction and easy-to-use controls make it a great choice for personal protection, target shooting and competitive shooting. According to tests conducted by various gun magazines and other sources, the accuracy of the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is typically within 1 to 1.75 inch groups at 25 yards, using quality ammunition and when used with a consistent grip and trigger pull. On average, groups typically measure much tighter than this and some groups measure closer to 0.75 inch. This accuracy level may vary depending on the caliber and the gun. Given all of the above factors, the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is one of the most accurate and reliable handguns available at its price point.
