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 a new facility and began experimenting with a new cartridge design more suitable than the .22 Short that it had been using. At the same time, the company's design was being infringed upon by other manufacturers which led to numerous lawsuits filed by Rollin White. In many of these instances part of the restitution came in the form of the offender being forced to stamp "Manufactured for Smith & Wesson" on the revolvers in question. White's vigorous defense of his patent caused a problem for armsmakers in the United States at the time as they could not manufacture cartridge revolvers.