SMITH & WESSON SD40 VE
Posted May 19, 2023
Introduction
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is a semi-automatic handgun designed for personal protection and defensive shooting. It is widely considered one of the best value handguns for recreational shooting and home defense on the market today. The SD40 VE is popular amongst shooters of various experience levels and the simple and straightforward design provide a great introduction to handguns for those who are new to the shooting sports. This review dives into the mechanics of the Smith & Wesson SD40 VE as well as the handling and use of the pistol.
Design
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is a striking pistol. The stainless-steel slide and alloy frame combine for a clean and professional aesthetic that looks great and will stand the test of time. The frame has been textured and engraved with the Smith & Wesson logo for a unique look. The SD40 VE is chambered in the .40 S&W caliber making it ideal for home defense and recreational shooting in a range of applications. The overall weight of the pistol comes in at 22 ounces, which is great for a pistol of this size and caliber. The SD40 VE features a Picatinny rail on the frame for accessory attachment and a smooth, comfortable grip texture for better control when shooting.
Operation and Performance
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is a reliable and accurate pistol that is easy to operate. It features a double action/single action trigger for improved control when shooting. The trigger pull of the double action mode is smooth and consistent and the reset is crisp, making it easy to make follow-up shots. The trigger pull of the single action mode is light and the reset is again crisp for improved accuracy when shooting. The SD40 VE also features an internal hammer that ensures quick and reliable disassembly of the pistol.
The SD40 VE features a DAO (double-action only) trigger that provides consistent trigger pull for each shot and a smooth reset. The ergonomic design of the pistol makes it comfortable to handle and shoot and the textured grip adds to the ergonomics. The controls and safeties are located on the frame for quick and easy access and the slide release makes chambering and clearing the pistol incredibly simple.
The accuracy of the Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is outstanding. The barrel is fixed sight and fired at 25 yards with accuracy that rivaled pistols priced twice as much. The pistol felt very natural and comfortable in the hand during the range session. It was easy to handle and with a little practice, the grouping of shots was tight and accurate.
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is rated for +P .40 S&W cartridges, making it suitable for a range of different defensive scenarios. The pistol has no problems cycling through rounds, even +P rounds, and the recoil was quite manageable. The pistol was also reliable and did not malfunction during the testing period.
Features
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE comes with a variety of features designed to make shooting more enjoyable. The pistol ships with two 14-round magazines, one 65mm two-shot magazine extension, and a Picatinny rail for attaching accessories such as lights or lasers. These features are great additions for shooters who want to maximize the performance of their pistol.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is an outstanding pistol for home defense, recreational shooting, and competitive shooting. The pistol features a strong stainless steel slide and an ergonomic alloy frame for a lightweight, accurate, and reliable package. It is easy to operate and is accurate at range with a crisp, reliable trigger pull. The SD40 VE is also rated for +P .40 S&W rounds and is reliable and durable with no malfunctions during testing. The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is an excellent all-around pistol for a great value and will serve users well both on the range and in a defensive scenario.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight construction – At just 1.2 lbs (unloaded), this sidearm is one of the lightest on the market. This makes it easy to carry around for extended periods of time.
- Affordable – The MSRP of the SD40 VE is $359, making it one of the more affordable options on the market.
- Safety features – The SD40 VE includes three separate integrated safety mechanisms that make it safe and easy to operate.
- Capacity – The SD40 VE holds a magazine capacity of 14 rounds, giving you plenty of ammunition for most self-defense scenarios.
Cons:
- Malfunction issues – Some users have reported malfunction issues with the SD40 VE that can be quite serious.
- Inaccurate at longer ranges – This gun is not designed for precision accuracy, and at long range, shots can become unpredictable.
- Not ideal for left-handed shooters – As with most handguns, the SD40 VE is designed for right-handed shooters only.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is a reliable handgun designed for shooters of all level of experience, from beginner to experienced. This handgun is a great choice for home defense, competitive shooting, or even just for some target practice at the range. However, anyone who does not have a valid license to own a firearm should not purchase this handgun. It is also important to understand gun safety and have a proper understanding of how to handle a firearm before purchasing one.
Comparisons
| SEPCIFICATION | SMITH & WESSON SD40 VE | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .45 ACP | .380 ACP | .40 S&W |
| Capacity | 14+1 | 8+1 | 7+1 | 10+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4” | 4.02” | 3.5” | 4” |
| Overall Length | 7.2” | 7.58” | 6.75” | 6.9” |
| Height | 5.4” | 5.5” | 3.5” | 5” |
| Width | 1.29” | 1.25” | 0.9” | 1.2” |
| Weight (empty) | 22.4 oz | 25 oz | 12 oz | 18.3 oz |
| Trigger Pull | ~7.5 lbs | ~7 lbs | ~7.5 lbs | ~6.5 lbs |
| Sights | Fixed White Dot | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
| Grips | Polymer wrap-around | Wood | Polymer | Wood |
| Safety | Thumb & Integrated | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb |
Features / Specs
• Capacity: 14 Rounds
• Weight: 22.7 oz.
• Action: Striker Fired DAO
• Barrel Length: 4" / 10.16 cm
• Front Sight: White Dot Dovetail
• Rear Sight: Fixed 2-Dot
• Overall Length: 7.2"
• Height: 5.3"
• Width: 1.29"
• Frame: Polymer
• Grip: Textured
• Trigger Pull: 6.5 lbs.
• Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
• Slide Material: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Black Melonite
Popular Accessories
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- Magazines
- Holster
- Laser Sight
- Laser Light Combo
- Extended Magazine Release
- Grip Extension
- Recoil Spring Kit
- Modified Magazine Floor Plate
- Flashlight
- Replacement Sights
Accuracy
Smith & Wesson SD40 VE is a relatively accurate gun for its class. It features a 3.2" stainless steel barrel which provides relatively good accuracy at close ranges. This accuracy is further bolstered by a light weight slide that allows you to stay on target easily. Many users report that the gun can hold 1.5" groupings at 7-15 yards, and around 2-2.5" groupings at 25 yards. This accuracy come at the cost of somewhat higher recoil, however it is still manageable. In summary, the SD40 VE is a great choice for those who need an accurate yet affordable handgun for target shooting or home defense.
