TTAG Reader Joel Thompson writes:
S&W has re-released the original SD9/40. As you might recall, the original SD9/40 was released with a black, Melonite-treated slide, rear metal sight, and a front night-sight. This was later revised into the SW SDVE, (Value Enhanced), series pistol with a Stainless Steel slide, standard front sight, and a plastic rear sight. Yankee Marshal famously (or infamously) called it the SDVE series “better than a Glock!” and recommended it for the budget gun buyer, or for someone who wants to keep it in their truck or “get-home-bag.” According to the cleric [sic] at Academy . . .
it’s a new Academy exclusive, so you aren’t likely to see a new one at your LGS.
This new/old version has metal front/rear sights equipped with fiber-optics (green/front, red/rear) sights. It also takes advantage of Smith & Wesson’s new proprietary wonder-coat (Armornite-treated slide vs. the Melonite-treated original).
The grip of the new/old SD pistol also has a re-texturing of the front and rear backstraps. The new texturing takes diamond-shape pattern of the original, but the tips are longer and sharper than the original. It is definitely-gripper than the original, but some might find the texture a little too sharp depending on personal tastes. Also noticeably different about the frame, is the removal/reduction of an unsightly seam line that plagued the original polymer mold.
I was unable to test the trigger, the biggest complaint about the original SD and SDVE, due to Academy’s trigger lock policy. The clerk told me that he believed that the trigger was the same as the original SDVE. I will note that if it is the same, then S&W seems to have trademarked the trigger as an “SDT™” trigger on the description. The SDVE store page does not list a trademarked trigger name. So it’s hard to say.
My first gun was an SDVE, and I always lamented not being able to purchase the SD series. It’s worth noting, used versions of the original SD series pistols have generally retained their aftermarket value where the SDVE’s have not. Since this is currently an Academy exclusive, it will likely also retain some value. In any case, those who like the SDVE series, and have always lamented not purchasing the original SD series, here’s your second chance.
Price for a new/old SD at Academy: $349
Price for an SDVE at Academy: $299.
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