Meet the new boss, same as the old boss: the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE. Smith & Wesson announced last week the launch of the new SD9 VE pistols, which will replace both the Sigma and the SD pistols in their lineup. On its surface, it appears to be a slightly redesigned SD9 (the same goes for the .40 variant) which also carries around the VE surname from the last generation of Sigma pistols.
A quick glance at the features list of the new SD9 VE shows that it does away with one of what I thought was the best features of the SD series – they came from the factory with night sights. I liked that on a defensive gun, because all too frequently someone will buy a carry gun, and then have to spend time and money shopping around for night sights for their new carry gun. Including them on the SD series was smart…and probably cost more money than just putting the regular 3-dot sights on. The new SD9 VE just has standard dovetailed 3-dot sights.
The good news is that it appears that any SD accessories will work with the new SD VE pistols, so in theory you should be able to put the Apex SD trigger in the gun to drop and smooth the trigger pull out. For more information here’s the full press release:
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 1, 2012) – Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that it has unveiled two new handgun models designed to assist with self protection and home defense needs. Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W, the new Smith & Wesson SD9 VE™ and SD40 VE™ semi-automatic pistols combine value with enhanced features that deliver top-grade performance into a reliable option for both home and personal protection uses.
Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales, said, “With the introduction of the new SD9 VE and SD40 VE pistols, we have taken the best features of the SD and Sigma pistols and evolved them into a new generation of firearms that meet our customers’ requirement in terms of both functionality and price.”
The foundation of each SD VE pistol is based on a lightweight polymer frame, designed to deliver in the areas of comfort and durability. On the stainless steel slide, the SD VE pistol features a distinctive two-tone finish along with aggressive front and rear slide serrations for improved firearm handling. Among the key features found on the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE and SD40 VE is the Self Defense Trigger (SDT™). Providing a smooth, consistent trigger pull, the SDT design helps to enhance accuracy while providing users with increased confidence. To further aid in accuracy, the SD VE is standard with a white-dot front sight and a white two-dot rear sight.
For optimal comfort and control, the SD VE pistol has been fitted with an 18° natural point of aim, ergonomic grip with aggressive front and back strap texturing. The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE and SD40 VE have both been built with a textured finger locator, which is placed directly above the trigger guard on the left and right side of the frame. Underneath the barrel, a universal Picatinny-style equipment rail is standard for optional tactical lights, lasers and other popular accessories.
The SD9 VE is available with either a 16+1 or 10+1 round capacity while the SD40 VE is standard with either a 14+1 or 10+1 magazine capacity. Both pistols have an unloaded weight of 22.7 ounces and a slender width of 1.29 inches. With a 4-inch barrel and an overall length of 7.2 inches, both models are fully compatible for personal protection or home defense measures. Each pistol comes with two magazines and the Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy.
The SD9 VE and SD40 VE have a suggested retail price of $379 and are currently shipping. For more information on the SD VE pistols, please visit www.smith-wesson.com/SDseries.
A number of high-quality accessories are available for the SD series. A partial list of accessory manufacturers follows. Please contact these or any of your favorites to inquire about availability: LaserMax®, LaserLyte®, Crimson Trace®, Galco® Holsters, Fobus Holsters & Pouches, DeSantis Gunhide® and BLACKHAWK!®.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company’s brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
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