Some take the beaten path, while others follow rougher terrain. My experience in life, research, and education sometimes may be said to have a morose underpinning. Just the same, the subject of crime, criminals, and violence is fascinating.
One thing I have learned, is that it is best to be prepared — well prepared. This applies to medical kits and firearms, as well as vehicles. I am also aware that some of us are on a tight budget.
It isn’t difficult to find a quality firearm. Good quality handguns are not uncommon. However, purchasing useful, reliable, and effective handguns for less than $300 is a challenge. Some work well, and others don’t.
The primary requirement for a defensive handgun is reliability. A handgun with good reliability is a start. The Smith & Wesson SD9 is less expensive than the Military & Police 9mm, so there are less features and corners have been cut. Just the same, this polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol has a decent grip texture, good sights, and a light rail.
The SD9 retails for about half the price of the M&P9. The SD9 and SD 9VE variants were worth the tariff, just difficult to use well — due to the heavy trigger action. It evokes visions of the unlamented SIGMA pistol.
An unfortunate assumption is that people purchasing an inexpensive handgun may be unsophisticated or willing accept poor quality, and that they may not be willing to master the handgun. Some shooters of modest means shoot as often as they may afford. Some will show us how to shoot. It is, after all, the Indian not the arrow.
Just the same, there is only so much that may be done with a heavy trigger. The S&W SD9 is something of a sleeper, in this worthy line of pistols. The pistol is reliable, and with its recent redesign, it has been made even better.
The slide is upgraded. The serrations in the top of the slide, along with classic sights, provide an old school look similar to the S&W 5906. The big difference is a new flat-bladed trigger. It resembles the M&P 2.0.
The SD9 2.0 trigger breaks cleanly at 5.6 pounds. Reset is sharp. The trigger is a huge improvement in the SD9 series. A polymer-frame pistol, with a stainless slide, the SD9 is attractive. The sights are a white three-dot offering a good, fast sight picture.
SD9 2.0 Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1rounds
- Width: 1.29 inches
- Length: 7.2 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Weight: 22.7 ounces
- Barrel length: 4 inches
- Size: Compact
- Number of magazines: 1
- MSRP: $349 (Cheaper Than Dirt $295)
Firing Tests
Unless you have training, some concepts are not available. I didn’t just fire at targets, I elected to determine how the SD9 responds to fast shooting in a combat situation. I lubricated the bearing surfaces, and then loaded the magazine with American Eagle 9mm ball ammunition.
The pistol is delivered with one magazine — a minor gripe in a $299 pistol. I homed in on man-sized targets beginning at 5 and 7 yards. Combat accuracy was good, and the SD9 proved to be a light kicker. It wasn’t difficult to keep all shots in the X-ring of a man-sized target.
I fired as quickly as possible and enjoyed good results. Moving to 10 yards, a fist-sized group wasn’t difficult. The pistol’s sights are well regulated for 124-grain loads.
On a lark, I put a Shoot-N-C target at 25 yards. I fired Blazer 115-grain FMJ loads for a five-shot group, offhand. I was rewarded with a four-inch group… good for any striker-fired pistol. The SD9 fired high at this range. A six o’clock hold in the next string of fire had the groups landing in the center of the bull.
I also fired a quantity of Speer’s 124-grain Gold Dot. Feed reliability was no problem. The pistol fed, chambered, fired, and ejected normally. The pistol is well suited to defense use. Most shots will be close, very close. The pistol is fast handling and gets on target quickly.
No need to get into the sunken depths of the criminal world; they are dangerous, and we all need protection. Practice and maintain unconscious competence, so that delirium tremors do not cripple your conflict response. Concentrate on the basics, and the SD9 2.0 will see you through.
Further Testing
I was able to test the pistol with Federal HST 147-grain loads. Feed and accuracy were excellent. I deploy these loads in an outdoors use 9mm. The SD9 and HST combination seems a good all-around combination.
I also mounted a TruGlo sight line combat light. This neat little light is easily mounted and adjusted. I am increasingly happy to own lights with rechargeable batteries. This light offers that option. It is lightweight and offers good utility for home of field use.
Holstering the SD9 2.0
I have on hand several holsters for the Glock 19. Some of these holsters fit the SD9 2.0 and others do not. The Galco Sto-N-Go is a favorite leather IWB that worked well. For most of the firing tests, I used the Stryker OWB.
This rugged Kydex holster offers a sharp draw. The angle is ideal for a rapid presentation. The belt-to-holster interface is rigid. This is a good range holster, suitable to competition use and concealed carry with a covering garment.
At a retail price under $300, it is hard not to pick up a SD9 2.0. What role would the S&W SD9 fill for you — carry, home defense, training? Share your answers or review in the Comment section.
The author used the TruBrite from TruGlo as an aid in dim light shooting with good results. 
Late in the test program, 147-grain loads were used with good results. 
CCI Blazer is accurate and burns clean. 
A TruGlo TruBrite combat light was added during testing. 
The pistol is supplied with one magazine. The disassembly procedure for the SD9 is similar to the Glock. However, unlike a Glock, you do not need to pull the trigger. While affordable, the SD9 2.0 has good features. 
The SD9 is a clean design with much to recommend. Galco’s Stryker is a first class, all around holster with much to recommend. 
With the 6 o’clock-hold, long-range shots were centered. 
The author let his 25-yard groups run high due to muzzle flip having a greater effect as range increases. It is one thing to test a firearm while shooting from the bench or with slow fire. The SD9 proved its excellent accuracy in fast combat shooting.
Comment for the author, NOT for group comment.
FYI:
Delirium tremens. Related to Alcohol withdrawal.
Delirium tremors . Not a thing.
Adrenalin dump can cause the shakes.
Regards,
Brad
I purchase a SD9VE in 2013 and shot over 5000 rounds with only one problem the slide release level.
I’ve had the SD40VE for a little over a decade. Only thing I did to it was drop an Apex spring kit in. Lowered the pull from close to 9lbs down to about 5.5lbs. Couldn’t tell you how many rounds it’s put down range, I lost count a long time ago. It eats whatever it’s fed. Brass, aluminum, ball, HP. It’s solid sidearm that was $250 back then. As I’m not a Glock fan because grip angle this thing is a Glock killer both in price and reliability. The new serrations and trigger are nice updates. Wish they’d do something different with the stippling though. Kinda sucks that they’ve increased price (but guess that’s to be expected) but dropping to just ONE mag…? C’mon S&W. @Bob Campbell… I noticed you mention that field stripping doesn’t require a trigger pull. How? Doesn’t appear they changed anything that would make it different from the SDxVE series in that regard… in which you DO have to pull the trigger. Drop mag, clear weapon, lower slide, safe direction, PULL TRIGGER, ease slide back slightly, pull down on takedown tabs, move slide forward and lift off frame. So what’s different on the new one? You have to have a way to decock the striker assembly to be able to clear the sear. Thanks.
Bought 1st one June of 2016 with the KALIFORNISTAN required features, Magazine drop safety and Loaded Chamber indicator. It was the SD40VE, I also fitted an SD9VE barrel to it, they both worked great. I beat that pistol up over a 4 1/2-year period. Only issue was a broken Slide Lock during a Law Enforcement course, finished that day and brought in a Glock 17 for final day. Slide Locks ARE NOT SLIDE RELEASES. I used the SD9 magazine bulked up with some tape at bottom to lock mag into the magwell. Unlike some 40 mags, these won’t feed the 9mm. Pro-mag 9mm mag will lock-in to the SD40VE frame. As opposed to the normal $600.00 tag for a Glock 17 or 19 this is a fine pistol. Make sure to get a good break-in period done, reliable practice ammo and reliable Defense Ammo. I used thousands of Winchester Steel 9mm through mine with only minimal issue. I bought 2 more SD40VE’s during the COVID LOCK-DOWN and got a pretty good price on them. KALIFORNISTAN will always cost more because of extra junk attached. When I gave away 1st pistol I had over 4300 rounds of 40sw and 7300 rounds of 9mm cycled through it with only the pre-mentioned breakage, which was a result of my own doing. Many of the CCW Shooters who come through training use the SD series pistols and seem very satisfied with their choice. I refer to it as a ‘Glock & Wesson’ for obvious reason.
MR Giant Brain
My experience with SW has been the opposite. They fixed a sight on a thirty year old gun at no charge. But then I dont have a giant brain.
Boots
https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/truglo-sight-line-handgun-light-green-led-rechargeable-batteries-pistol-rail-mount-polymer-black/FC-788130031551.html
George Dean
Here you go
Bob
Frank
I would rate SW better- but would have to shoot out each side by side
Nicholas
SW MP magazines will not fit- it would have been easy to
get this one
Bob
Bob, I’ve been looking for a pistol light, can I ask specifically what model Truglo light you put on the pistol in this article? I’ve searched all the web for a light that resembles the one in the photo, but I can’t find it
S&W makes great pistoles. I bought a 9mm wheel gun & it only came with 2 moon clips so I called them for more & they told me over eight dollars plus s&h each. Then the rude lady, whats her face, hung up on me. S&W has made a terrible mistake with the razor razorblade marketing philosophy. As a master marketing retiree I could save the sinking industry if they would show respect for the people paying them, the consumer.
will the S&W M&P 2.0 magazine clips fit ?
Would you put this above say a Taurus G2c or G3c as they are in the same price point? I’m not sure if S&W has a better quality record or not. I have both brands and have had to send back for repairs a S&W 3 times and never have had a repair for any Taurus. I do think this SD9 is a very attractive gun and well worth the $299. If it was optic ready
this would be a no brainer for everyone to pick one up even if only for a go bag.
I have often wondered about these S&W SD9’s, as it is after all a S&W, but the price always seemed to good to be true. It appears to be S&W’s answer to the Glock 19, but at a bargain price.
“The pistol is delivered with one magazine — a minor gripe in a $299”. Many that cost MUCH more also come with only a single magazine. To me, semi-autos should always be provided with a minimum of two magazines, as two = one, and one = none. The ONLY acceptable excuse for coming with a single magazine, is in the case of PCC’s that are also provided with a Glock magazine conversion, in which case the OEM mag gets parked. LOL