Smith & Wesson announced two new pistols: the SD9 VE and the SD40 VE. These pistols are an addition to the SD line: a budget Self-Defense series of handguns. The SD9 VE is chambered in 9mm, while the SD40 VE is for the .40 S&W cartridge. (See my prior review of the Smith & Wesson SD40.)
The new VE versions of the pistols offer a two-tone appearance with a silver-colored finish to the stainless steel slide. Prior SD pistols had a black Melonite finish. All of the guns use a polymer frame.
Another difference from the prior SD9 and SD40 pistols: the front sight on the VE guns is a plain white dot. The prior SD guns had a single tritium night sight to allow for easier aiming in low-light conditions. Both versions uses a two-dot rear sight. Sights are dovetailed allowing for replacement.
