Smith & Wesson SD9 with an Advantage Tactical Sight
It has always been an enjoyment to discover exemplary firearms, especially when their exemplariness was, at first, unforeseen. Such was the case of the Sig Sauer 2022, either in 9mm or .40 cal and the S&W SD9 and SD40. Because we make sights for the Smith & Wesson M&P and Sig Sauer pistols, it was serendipitous to discover that our M&P sights would also fit the S&W SD9 and SD40, and our Sig sights would also fit their 2022, either in 9mm or .40 cal. I further happily discovered that these modestly priced pistols were hardy, flawless in operation, accurate, and had easily acclimatized to trigger systems.
I am now the proud owner of an SD9 and two 2022’s — one in 9mm and the other in 40. cal. The SD9 holds 15 rounds and is little slimmer than a Glock 19. Its trigger is somewhere between a double action and single action experience, though most would say it’s closer to a single action. It’s like an extremely short-stroked revolver and has a very consistent feel with each shot. It also lets off softly, without the shimmy and clunk associated with some polymer pistols. Accuracy wise, I get about the same size groups as I do with my Glock 19. I paid $425 for the SD9.
Of the two 2022’s the 15-round 9mm had a better single trigger out of the box than the 12-round.40 cal, though the .40’s double action was smoother. The 9mm’s double action did get smoother with wear and the single action was crisp out of the box. Again, the accuracy of 9mm 2022 was about the same as my 9mm Glocks. The 2022 40 cal., on the other hand, had a very smooth and relatively light double action stroke, though the single action was a bit mushy for me. So, I sent the .40 off to Grayguns (grayguns.com) for an action job. Their 2022 package includes a crisp single action, shorter trigger re-set, and a plating of some of the internals. I’ll get it back next week and let you know how I like it. The 40. cal 2022 was extremely accurate with all rounds that I tried. I could shoot a 2” group, off-hand, with certain brands of ammo. The price for each 2022 was, again, $425. The action job on the .40 cal was $225. The 9mm was good enough for me out of the box and the .40 will be a custom tuned pistol, still cheaper than any other brand new DA/SA Sig.
Have you had positive experiences with these pistols or other sleeper pistols? Let us know in the comments below!
…stay tuned for the next topic, “night sights”–sure to raise some controversy!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Don’t like that funky hinged trigger on the S&W pistols. Don’t know why they made them that way?
Matt, the trigger is different, though my finger doesn’t drag on the bottom of the trigger guard, like it would on a Glock. If I don’t shoot a Glock for awhile, I have to build up a callus before the Glock gets comfortable again. Until that time, it’s painful to get acclimated to Glocks again, as much as I do like my Glocks.
Richard
Hi Mr. Nasef,
Have you considered releasing versions of your sights for FNHUSA pistols, specifically the FNP-9 and FNX-9? The former is going for around $400 now and represents a great bargain. It has reasonable capacity (10rd to 16rd), DA/SA operation with ambi controls (including the decocker), is light, and points well. Your sights, particularly with the illuminator, would really add to the ease of handling what is already a great gun.
That’s just my $0.02. YMMV.
Thanks,
Stefan
Stefan, thank you for these comments. This is an excellent idea, as we have FN pistols on our “to do” list. All references to FN pistols have been excellent and it would be an easy application for us. I thank you for pointing this out. The Hi-power, CZ 75, HK, the Beretta Storm, and FN pistols, are all on our project list.
Richard
Richard, Thanks for your message and sorry for the slow response. I’ll keep my eyes open for when you release these sights.
Stefan