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.

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.

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.

Former users