New S&W SD9 2.0: Did S&W Make the Best Budget Handgun Better? (And How Did They Mess It Up?)

Published on January 3, 2024
Duration: 8:14

The Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 is presented as an improved budget-friendly handgun, building on the strengths of the original SDVE series. Key upgrades include a significantly better trigger, deeper slide serrations for improved grip, and anti-glare texturing on the slide top. Despite these enhancements, the slide release remains a point of criticism. Notably, the MSRP has been reduced, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The primary drawback highlighted is the lack of an SD40 2.0 variant, suggesting a trend towards caliber consolidation by the manufacturer.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 offers significant upgrades over the SD9VE, including a much-improved trigger and enhanced slide serrations for better grip and glare reduction. Despite a criticism of the slide release, the 2.0 model also features a lower MSRP, making it a compelling budget-friendly option.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: SD Series & SD 2.0
  2. 01:20Fundraiser Reminder
  3. 02:19Evaluating the Changes
  4. 02:43SD9VE vs. SD 2.0: Visual Comparison
  5. 02:49Trigger Upgrade Analysis
  6. 03:23Slide Changes: Serrations & Glare Reduction
  7. 03:59Criticism: Slide Release
  8. 04:24Value Proposition: Price vs. Features
  9. 04:34Price Comparison: SD9VE vs. SD9 2.0
  10. 05:04Carry Gun Potential
  11. 05:11The SD40 2.0 Issue
  12. 05:30Manufacturer Caliber Consolidation Trend
  13. 06:27Verdict: Is the SD9 2.0 Better?
  14. 06:53Final Thoughts & The Big Fail

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main improvements in the Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 compared to the original SD9VE?

The SD9 2.0 features a significantly improved trigger, deeper slide serrations for better grip, and anti-glare texturing on the slide top. Notably, Smith & Wesson also reduced the MSRP for the 2.0 model.

What is the biggest criticism of the Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0?

The primary criticism is that the slide release was not updated and remains a point of contention, feeling cheaper and less refined than desired for a modern firearm.

Did Smith & Wesson increase the price of the SD9 2.0?

No, Smith & Wesson actually lowered the price. The SD9 2.0 has an MSRP of $349, which is $50 less than the original SD9VE's $399 MSRP.

Is there a .40 S&W version of the SD 2.0 series?

As of the video's release, there is no SD40 2.0. This is seen as a significant drawback and part of a larger trend by Smith & Wesson to consolidate handgun offerings into fewer calibers.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from TheYankeeMarshal

View all →