Smith & Wesson SD VE Smith & Wesson SD VE The Smith & Wesson SD VE is a polymer-framed, striker fired semi-automatic pistol series introduced in 2012 by the American company Smith & Wesson. The SD VE is a direct evolution of the Smith & Wesson SD and Smith & Wesson Sigma designs. The SD VE design has an improved self-defense trigger and a comfortable, ergonomic, textured grip. The SD VE also features an improved stainless steel barrel and slide which the SD did not include. The SD VE is a striker fired semi-automatic pistol. This trigger system prevents the firearm from discharging unless the
Smith & Wesson these profitable moves made Smith and Wesson "the envy of the industry" according to Business Week. Despite all of these advantages, however, Smith & Wesson's market share began to decline in the 1980s. As the war on drugs intensified in the United States, police departments all across the country replaced their Smith and Wesson revolvers with European semiautomatics (such as Glock, Sig Sauer and Beretta). From 1982 to 1986 profits at the company declined by 41 percent Company ownership changed twice during the decade. In June 1987 Tomkins plc paid $112.5 million to purchase Smith & Wesson. Tomkins modernized the