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 Model 3 Wesson–made revolvers (which Smith & Wesson had already produced), and delaying (or refusing) payment for the handguns that had already been delivered. The U.S. Army adopted the .44 S&W American caliber Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver in 1870, making the Model 3 revolver the first standard-issue cartridge-firing revolver in US service. Most military pistols until that point were black powder cap and ball revolvers, which were (by comparison) slow, complicated, and susceptible to the effects of wet weather. In 1875, the US Ordnance Board granted Smith & Wesson a contract to outfit the military with Model 3 revolvers incorporating