I’m putting two popular models head-to-head: the Taurus G3 Vs Smith & Wesson SD9VE.
As a professional shooter, I’ve spent countless hours on the range, testing various firearms to see how they stack up against each other.
Today, I’m sharing my insights on these two budget-friendly powerhouses to help you decide which one might fit your needs.
| Feature | Taurus G3 | S&W SD9 VE |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm Luger |
| Length | 7.3″ | 7.2″ |
| Width | 1.25″ | 1.29″ |
| Barrel Length | 4″ | 4″ |
| Sights | 3-dot; Front fixed, rear adjustable | Dovetailed, three-dot (M&P compatible) |
| Weight | 25 oz (with empty magazine) | 22.7 oz. |
| Capacity | 10, 15, or 17 rounds | 16 + 1, two magazines included |
Overview of Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 makes a bold statement as a versatile and affordable handgun in the 9mm category, designed for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 7.3″
- Height: 5.2″
- Width: 1.25″
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Sights: 3-dot; Front fixed, rear drift adjustable
- Weight: 25 oz (with empty magazine)
- Capacity: 10, 15, or 17 rounds
Overview of S&W SD9VE
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a reliable choice for those seeking performance and durability, embodying the essence of the 9mm Luger caliber with precision engineering.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Length: 7.2″
- Width: 1.29″
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Sights: Dovetailed, three-dot
- Weight: 22.7 oz
- Capacity: 16 + 1, two magazines included
Features Comparison of Taurus G3 VS S&W SD9VE
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 showcases an ergonomic design that caters to a broad spectrum of shooters with its well-contoured grip. Its aggressive texture ensures a non-slip hold under various conditions, providing confidence during operation.
The strategically placed manual safety enhances the firearm’s safety without compromising ease of access. This thoughtful layout contributes to an overall handling experience that’s both secure and intuitive.
S&W SD9VE
On the other hand, the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE offers an ergonomic grip with a more subtle texture, balancing comfort and grip security effectively.
Its ergonomic design extends to the well-placed slide and magazine releases, enhancing the firearm’s usability. These features, combined with its overall aesthetic appeal, make the SD9 VE a strong contender in terms of ergonomics and handling.
Winner
The Taurus G3 slightly outperforms in ergonomics and handling, primarily due to its aggressive grip texture and manual safety placement, which provide an added sense of security and control, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.
2. Sights and Accuracy
Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 is equipped with a practical 3-dot sight system comprising a fixed front sight and a drift-adjustable rear sight, allowing for quick and straightforward target acquisition.
This setup proves effective in a range of lighting conditions, though it may fall short in low-light scenarios. In terms of accuracy, the G3 demonstrates commendable performance, delivering tight groupings at distances typical for self-defense, showcasing its reliability and precision.
S&W SD9VE
Smith & Wesson’s SD9 VE also comes with a 3-dot sight system, but its compatibility with M&P sights significantly widens the horizon for customization and accuracy enhancement.
This adaptability not only allows shooters to tailor their sighting system to their preferences but also potentially improves accuracy through the use of higher-quality sights.
During testing, the SD9 VE matched the G3 in accuracy, with its performance further bolstered by the possibility of sight upgrades.
Winner
The S&W SD9VE secures the victory in sights and accuracy thanks to its versatile sight compatibility, which opens up extensive customization options, thereby enhancing its potential accuracy over the Taurus G3.
3. Aftermarket Support and Customization
Taurus G3
While the Taurus G3 stands as a solid choice straight out of the box, its potential for customization is somewhat hampered by limited aftermarket support.
Shooters looking to personalize their G3 might find themselves restricted by the availability of compatible upgrades, such as triggers and sights specifically designed for the G3.
This limitation could be a consideration for those who prioritize extensive customization in their firearm choice.
S&W SD9VE
Conversely, the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE excels in aftermarket support and customization opportunities. Its compatibility with a wide array of M&P series parts and accessories significantly enhances its appeal for shooters inclined toward customizing their firearms.
Whether it’s upgrading triggers, sights, or other components, the SD9 VE offers a plethora of options, making it a versatile platform for personalization.
Winner
The S&W SD9VE emerges as the clear winner in the realm of aftermarket support and customization. Its extensive compatibility with M&P series parts affords shooters unparalleled flexibility in tailoring the firearm to their specific preferences and needs, significantly outpacing the Taurus G3 in this domain.
Pros & Cons of Taurus G3
Pros
- Comfortable ergonomics with aggressive grip texture.
- Restrike capability.
- Audible and tactile trigger reset.
Cons
- Limited aftermarket options for customization.
Pros & Cons of S&W SD9VE
Pros
- Wide range of aftermarket support for customization.
- Intuitive ergonomics and handling.
- Compatible with M&P sights for easier upgrades.
Cons
- Stock trigger pull is heavier and longer.
Similarities Between Taurus G3 & S&W SD9VE
- Both chambered in 9mm.
- Similar overall dimensions and barrel length.
- Equipped with 3-dot sighting systems.
- Comparable weight with empty magazines.
- Designed with a focus on affordability and reliability.
Differences Between Taurus G3 & S&W SD9VE
- Taurus G3 offers a restrike capability; SD9 VE does not.
- SD9 VE has a wider range of aftermarket support compared to G3.
- G3 has a more aggressive grip texture compared to the smoother SD9 VE.
- The G3’s trigger has a shorter and cleaner pull compared to the SD9 VE’s stock trigger.
- SD9 VE’s sights are dovetailed and compatible with M&P sights, offering more flexibility for upgrades.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison of the Taurus G3 and the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE, the decision on which handgun emerges as the superior choice is a challenging one.
Each firearm presents its own set of strengths tailored to different shooter preferences and needs.
However, based on the comprehensive analysis of ergonomics, accuracy, aftermarket support, and customization potential, the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE slightly edges out as the preferred choice.
FAQ’s
What size magazine does the SD9 VE have?
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is equipped with a 16-round magazine.
Is the SD9 VE double-action?
Yes, the Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a double-action handgun.
What magazine will fit in an SD9 VE?
Magazines specifically designed for the S&W SD9 VE or compatible aftermarket options like mec-gar are suitable.
Does the S&W SD9 VE have a safety feature?
Yes, the S&W SD9 VE models may include features like a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine safety.
