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 some controversy and speculation as to the legality of the pistol's patents.
| Smith & Wesson SW | |
|---|---|
 S&W SW | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Smith & Wesson |
| Designed | 1993–1994 |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Variants | SW40F, SW9F, SW40C, SW9C, SW40V, SW9V, SW40E, SW9E, SW40VE, SW40GVE, SW40Ti, SW357V, SW9VE, SW9P, SW9G, SW380M, SW9M |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 26 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) |
| Length | 7+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 length | 4+1/2 inches (114 mm) (SW40F, SW9F) 4 inches (102 mm) (SW40C, SW40V, SW40VE, SW40E, SW357V, SW9C, SW9V, SW9VE, SW9E, SW9G, SW9P) |
| Width | 1+1/3 inches (33 mm) |
| Height | 5+1/2 inches (142 mm) (SW40F, SW9F) |
| Cartridge | .40 S&W .357 SIG 9×19mm Parabellum .380 ACP (SW380M) |
| Action | Short recoil |
| Feed system | 16-round box magazine 17-round box magazine (SW9F) 15-round box magazine (SW40F, SW357V) 14-round box magazine |
| Sights | Fixed 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 manufactured. A limited number of these pistols were also chambered for the .357 SIG cartridge.[1]
Legality
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
- Western Australia Police[3]
- Afghanistan National Army, Border patrol and police (22,000+ handguns)[4]
See also
References
- Boorman, Dean K. (1 December 2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot Press. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-58574-721-4.
- Judge dismisses lawsuit against gunmaker, S&W and Glock settle suit | Shooting Industry | Find Articles at BNET
- http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/hansard/hans35.nsf/16ab30a0303e54f448256bf7002049e8/3bb419a339c2425448256612000e833c?OpenDocument
- Guns and Ammo, Stan Trzoniec, October 2010