S&W SDVE CA 9mm

[Number9]

I saw the SD9VE with fiber optic sights at Sportsman's and reviews seem mostly favorable for this handgun. However, as I pressed the magazine release button; the magazine would not come out. The magazine would disconnect just enough so I can pull it out from the well after pressing the mag release. I asked the store attendant about the issue in which he pressed the mag release just as I did to see if there was a issue. His response was, "that's just how the gun is".

Are there differences about the CA compliant version or was it user error on my end?

[SoCalSammy]

Thats very interesting. I have a SD9VE -- bought it years and years ago before the CA compliant garbage and I have never had an issue with this handgun. Smooth action with the mag release. With both the original 15 rnd mags and the aftermarket 10 rnd mags (which are still from S&W of course)

If the price is low enough -- I mean new these guns sell for what 375 - 400? then perhaps it just needs some good cleaning and lubrication.

Just my 2 cents

[Number9]

Thats very interesting. I have a SD9VE -- bought it years and years ago before the CA compliant garbage and I have never had an issue with this handgun. Smooth action with the mag release. With both the original 15 rnd mags and the aftermarket 10 rnd mags (which are still from S&W of course)

If the price is low enough -- I mean new these guns sell for what 375 - 400? then perhaps it just needs some good cleaning and lubrication.

Just my 2 cents

I haven't bought it yet but I really liked how it felt in my hands and the price can't be beat. I currently have it on layover at MSRP $349.99.

[crufflers]

I hear they are decent, but for $150 more I could get a real Glock. Kind of how I feel about my XD9 that was also dirt cheap. Coulda had a Glock. I'm glad I have the XD9 though. I let people shoot it when they are trying to decide what to buy and I advise them Glocks are better. Glocks sell themselves. IMHO.

[Califpatriot]

They should drop free. Not user error--just needs break in or lubrication If the problem persists, you should sent it to S&W. They're pretty good about taking care of you.

[Califpatriot]

I hear they are decent, but for $150 more I could get a real Glock. Kind of how I feel about my XD9 that was also dirt cheap. Coulda had a Glock. I'm glad I have the XD9 though. I let people shoot it when they are trying to decide what to buy and I advise them Glocks are better. Glocks sell themselves. IMHO.

I have a early 90s Sigma G17-clone. I do not regret saving $250 instead of an actual G17. Smith and Wesson has great guns. The trigger isn't great, but neither is Glock's stock trigger.

[aca72]

it just needs some good cleaning and lubrication.

I agree!

The CA compliant SD9VE has the "Tactile Loaded Chamber Indicator" and the 10-round magazine(s).

But do you really want a copycat GLOCK?

[SoCalSammy]

If you are buying it NEW and after some cleaning and lubrication then just contact S&W for warranty service. They are pretty good about it. But from my experience purchasing a new gun doesn't mean you can go straight to the range and put 100 rounds through it. I have always highly recommended stripping it down and cleaning and lubing it up before you first fire.

SD9VE was my first handgun (many more since then lol), do not regret it, still use it to this day at the range. Love it.

[TMB 1]

It is the mag disconnect safety keeping empty mag from dropping. I removed it and they drop free fine, I also changed the loaded chamber indicator for an Apex no profile block. Apex makes a trigger spring kit that is suppose to make trigger lighter, but I'm going to keep trigger stock on mine.

[elSquid]

I saw the SD9VE with fiber optic sights at Sportsman's and reviews seem mostly favorable for this handgun. However, as I pressed the magazine release button; the magazine would not come out. The magazine would disconnect just enough so I can pull it out from the well after pressing the mag release. I asked the store attendant about the issue in which he pressed the mag release just as I did to see if there was a issue. His response was, "that's just how the gun is".

I have the exact same gun w/ fiber sights.

I see the same behavior on mine: it looks like the mag safety lever drags on the back of the magazine body.

Drop the mag, lock the slide back and look down through the ejection port and the magazine well. You'll see a thin ejector off to one side, and a thicker mag safety lever in the middle. Slowly insert the mag and note that the mag will fall free up until the point where it meets the safety lever.

Just the way it is I guess. I don't worry about it. Enjoy the gun!

-- Michael

[elSquid]

As an addendum, I started playing around with dropping empty mags on mine.

My pistol is fairly new.

If I hit the mag release and move the pistol slightly up or down, the mag hesitates but drops free.

If I hold the pistol statically/motionless in front of my face like I was going to retain the mag, and then hit the mag catch, the mag doesn't drop free.

It looks like it may be "breaking in", because the magazine sure seems more biased to dropping free than it was when it was new.

Oh well, just another thought to consider.

-- Michael

[Hunt]

[crufflers]

I have a early 90s Sigma G17-clone. I do not regret saving $250 instead of an actual G17. Smith and Wesson has great guns. The trigger isn't great, but neither is Glock's stock trigger.

I got my Shield instead of a G26... then got the G26 too.

S&W autos are good... would I trade the Shield for a Glock single-stack? Yeah.

M&P series have nice fit and finish. I might put a no-red-ramp on my Shield, but the trigger is ok.

I have a few CA mag safety/CA loaded chamber indicator guns... you tell yourself they are just as good, but they are pretty annoying. Remove the mag safety if you can.

[sealocan]

Here's a used one for only $200.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=22975782&highlight=Smith+Wesson#post22975782

I know it might not help you if you're not in that area or if someone buys it before you but it just shows they can be one of the better deals in the used handgun market.

[Christopher761]

I have 2, and they both never had any issue dropping mags. I have recently removed the dangerous "mag safety." And they still drop free.