The S&W SD40VE features everything that a gun should have: safety, reliability, and comfort. It was introduced in 2012 as a substitute for the Sigma line. It represents a Self Defense (SD) 40 caliber (40) Value Edition (VE). It’s a full-size striker-fired semi-auto handgun, designed to be a budget-friendly alternative to the Glock 22 or 23, with similar characteristics and design. It’s 7.2 inches long. It has a lightweight polymer frame, and stainless-steel slide and barrel. The frame is textured in front and on the sides, with aggressive and non-interchangeable backstraps, in order to provide a firm grasp during recoil. The magazine release button is easy to reach, but it is not ambidextrous, so the left-handers might look for another option. The dovetail 3-white-dot front and back sights are replaceable, while the loaded chamber indicator is atop the slide. There are serrations on the slide, in front and behind the ejection port. The SD40VE uses a captive recoil spring. The Picatinny accessory rail allows attaching lasers or lights. There’s no external safety, but the double-action trigger is self-defense-designed and provides excellent security. Thanks to its ergonomics, the pistol is highly controllable and greatly accurate, up to 25 yards.