If you own a Smith & Wesson SD or SDVE pistol and want more rounds without buying a whole new mag, the Extended Capacity Base Pad for SDVE is your budget-smart move. For $45, you get a rock-solid aluminum base pad that adds three rounds to your 9mm factory mag (or two rounds in .40 S&W). No springs, no followers, no gunsmithing—just a direct swap that gives you a better grip surface and a capacity boost. This is the kind of upgrade that pays for itself the first time you don’t have to reload in a competition or defensive scenario.
| Manufacturer | Unbranded (aftermarket, per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Plus 3 Magazine Base Pad Extension |
| Material | Aluminum (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | Smith & Wesson SD, SDVE, Sigma series (SWVE, Sigma C/F/VE), SD 2.0 Series 16-round magazines |
| Finish | Black anodized (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | 0.8 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- +3 Rounds in 9mm / +2 in .40 S&W — Why it matters: You get a meaningful capacity increase without changing your magazine body or spring. It’s the cheapest way to go from 16 to 19 rounds (9mm) or 14 to 16 rounds (.40 S&W).
- Direct Drop-In Fit — Why it matters: No modifications, no filing, no fitting. Remove your factory base plate, slide this on, and you’re done. Even a first-time shooter can install it in under 2 minutes.
- Aluminum Construction — Why it matters: Polymer base pads can crack under hard use or if you drop a loaded mag on concrete. Aluminum holds up better over time and adds a little heft for more positive mag seating.
- Extended Grip Surface — Why it matters: The pad gives your pinky a place to rest, especially on compact SDVE frames. That means better recoil control and a more natural draw stroke.
- Caliber-Specific Options — Why it matters: You pick the right pad for 9mm or .40 S&W, so the capacity increase matches your magazine’s internal geometry. No guesswork.
Who It’s For
This base pad is for anyone running a Smith & Wesson SD, SDVE, or Sigma pistol who wants more rounds on tap without dropping $35–$50 on a new OEM magazine. It’s also a solid pick for competition shooters in IDPA or USPSA who need a legal capacity bump, or for concealed carriers who want a backup mag that holds an extra round or two. If you’re on a budget and still want reliability, this is your sweet spot.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Easy install, adds capacity without new mags, aluminum is tougher than plastic, works on multiple S&W models, costs less than a factory extended mag.
- Cons: The pad adds about 5/8 inch to the magazine length, which may not fit flush in some compact holsters. Also, it’s an aftermarket part, so QC can vary between batches—check the fit before you load up.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Extended Capacity Base Pad for SDVE | Zev Technologies +2 Base Pad | Agency Arms +3 Base Pad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $45 | $65 | $70 |
| Capacity Increase (9mm) | +3 | +2 | +3 |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Compatibility | SD, SDVE, Sigma, SD 2.0 | SDVE only | SDVE only |
| Installation | Drop-in | Drop-in | Drop-in |
| Warranty | 30-day return | 1-year | 1-year |
Bottom line: The Extended Capacity Base Pad for SDVE gives you the same +3 capacity as Agency Arms for $25 less, and it works on more S&W models than Zev’s offering. The trade-off is a shorter warranty, but for a $45 part, that’s a fair deal.
FAQ
Will this base pad fit my Smith & Wesson SDVE 9mm magazine?
Yes, it is specifically designed for the SD and SDVE 9mm factory magazines. It also fits Sigma series magazines (SWVE, Sigma C/F/VE) and SD 2.0 Series 16-round magazines. For .40 S&W, it adds 2 rounds instead of 3.
Do I need to change the magazine spring or follower?
No. The base pad extension works with the factory spring and follower. Just remove the old base plate, slide on the new pad, and reinstall the retaining pin. No extra parts needed.
Is this base pad legal for competition use?
In most USPSA and IDPA divisions, yes, as long as your total magazine length does not exceed the division limits (usually 141.25 mm for USPSA). Measure your loaded magazine to be sure. It’s also legal for range use and self-defense.
Will this work with a standard legal pad size holster?
The term ‘standard legal pad size’ is unrelated to firearms—it refers to a 8.5×14-inch paper pad. For holster fit, the base pad adds about 5/8 inch to the magazine length, so it may not fit flush in compact holsters designed for flush-fit mags. Test it with your specific holster.
How do I install the base pad?
Use a punch to push out the retaining pin at the bottom of the magazine. Slide off the factory base plate. Slide on the new base pad until it clicks into place. Reinstall the retaining pin. That’s it. No tools beyond a punch and a small hammer.
Ready to Add Capacity?
For $45, the Extended Capacity Base Pad for SDVE is one of the best value upgrades you can make to your Smith & Wesson pistol. More rounds, better grip, and a 2-minute install—all without buying new magazines. Click ‘Add to Cart’ and get yours shipped in 1-2 business days.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Browse more upgrades in our Smith & Wesson SD & SDVE Upgrades or check out our Magazine Parts category.
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.