Smith & Wesson SD

The Smith & Wesson SD, formerly known as the Sigma, was Smith & Wesson's first venture into using synthetic materials in pistol construction, using high-strength polymer material for the frame. The pistol is similar to a Glock safe-action pistol in both its design and operation, leading to controversy and speculation regarding the pistol's patents' legality.

Smith & Wesson SW
S&W SW
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerSmith & Wesson
Designed1993–1994
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
VariantsSW40F, SW9F, SW40C, SW9C, SW40V, SW9V, SW40E, SW9E, SW40VE, SW40GVE, SW40Ti, SW357V, SW9VE, SW9P, SW9G, SW380M, SW9M
Specifications
Mass26 ounces (740 g) (SW40F, SW9F)
24 ounces (690 g) (SW40C, SW40V, SW40VE, SW40E. SW357V)
24+1/2 ounces (700 g) (SW9C, SW9V, SW9VE, SW9E, SW9G, SW9P)
20 ounces (SW40Ti)
Length7+3/4 inches (197 mm) (SW40F, SW9F)
7+1/4 inches (184 mm) (SW40C, SW40V, SW40VE, SW40E, SW40Ti, SW357V SW9C, SW9V, SW9VE, SW9E, SW9G, SW9P)
Barrel length4+1/2 inches (114 mm) (SW40F, SW9F)
4 inches (102 mm) (SW40C, SW40V, SW40VE, SW40E, SW357V, SW9C, SW9V, SW9VE, SW9E, SW9G, SW9P)
Width1+1/3 inches (33 mm)
Height5+1/2 inches (142 mm) (SW40F, SW9F)
Cartridge.40 S&W
.357 SIG
9×19mm Parabellum
.380 ACP (SW380M)
ActionShort recoil
Feed systemDetachable box magazine; capacities:
  • 6 rounds (SW380M)
  • 14 rounds (.40 S&W)
  • 15 rounds (SW40F, SW357V)
  • 16 rounds (9x19mm Parabellum)
  • 17 rounds (SW9F)
SightsFixed 3-dot notch sights

Description

Created in 1994, the Sigma incorporates a pre-set striker firing mechanism. It is available in both .40 S&W cartridge and 9×19mm Parabellum, being one of the first pistols purpose-designed to handle the .40 S&W. Similarly styled sub-compact designs in .380 ACP and 9×19mm were also produced. A limited number of these pistols were also chambered in .357 SIG.[1]

Patent Issue

The Sigma series pistols were so similar to the competing Glock pistols that Glock sued Smith & Wesson for patent infringement. The case was settled out of court in 1997, with S&W agreeing to make alterations to the Sigma design and pay an undisclosed amount to Glock.[2]

Former users

See also

References
  1. Boorman, Dean K. (1 December 2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot Press. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-58574-721-4.
  2. Judge dismisses lawsuit against gunmaker, S&W and Glock settle suit | Shooting Industry | Find Articles at BNET
  3. http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/hansard/hans35.nsf/16ab30a0303e54f448256bf7002049e8/3bb419a339c2425448256612000e833c?OpenDocument
  4. Guns and Ammo, Stan Trzoniec, October 2010
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