Considering a S&W Sigma (SW40V)

[Capt Jeff]

Howdy All!

My neighbor up the street has a new Sigma 40 he wants to sell. Been researching in various forums and seeing mixed results. Any opinions? Been leaning twards an M&P .40, but if the price were right, I'd look at the Sigma.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Teamless]

I had a SW Sigma 9mm (SW9VE).

As my first automatic, I liked it. But once I shot something just remotely better, I realized how bad the Sigma is.
the trigger, IIRC, is 12lb, very long pull. compared to a Glock about 5lb. My Springfield XD9SC is probably 5-6lb, but much easier to shoot.

If you want it for home protection, and you are not going to get any other handguns, the Sigma is fine.
If you want it for CHL, IMO, its too big. Get a 4" or 3" Springfield or Glock

it shoots straight, has a good magazine capacity (16rd for the 9mm), so the only negative is the trigger.


However, if you decide you want another pistol, you will regret spending the money on the Sigma now, as you will end up selling it and losing money compared to your used purchase price.


Edited to add: Mine SW Sigma 9mm, new was only $329+tax, and it came with 4 magazines, so to buy one used, if it came with 4 mags, I probably wouldn't pay more than $250 but would offer $200 as a starting point, assuming it is in good condition.
For each missing mag, reduce the price by $25

[E.Marquez]

My Sigma 40VE 40SW is a nice enough range gun, but nothing to write home about. It goes bang when I squeeze the trigger, I hit the target at hand gunning range every time I shoot....


If your interested in trying one at a decent price used ($210 ) with three mags.. I have one sitting in my Safe..

There is nothing wrong with the Sigma as a second gun, night stand, center console, etc..... But it's not refined enough for me as a use every day gun.

[Capt Jeff]

Thanks for the offer bronco, but if I don't buy my neighbors, I'm not going to be in the market for any others. Appreciate the info, though

[Excaliber]

Howdy All!

My neighbor up the street has a new Sigma 40 he wants to sell. Been researching in various forums and seeing mixed results. Any opinions? Been leaning twards an M&P .40, but if the price were right, I'd look at the Sigma.

Thanks in advance for any help.

You won't find a Sigma in the holster of LEO's in any agency that sees a lot of street action. That is a huge red flag. I only know of one LEO who tried to qualify with a Sigma. He did manage that feat that day, but the range officer still talks about that as something of a miracle.

You'd be wise to save your money and buy a better quality gun - Glock, S&W M&P Series, Sig, Springfield XD, etc.

[Grog]

I had a friend who picked up an original .40S&W version from another cop, we put 1000rds or so through it and never had any issues. Neither him or I would carry it on duty but it was good enough for a truck or house gun.

A local place had two used .40S&W versions, one for $175 and the other for $200 and they sat several weeks until they finally sold.

[Salty1]

I would suggest to save up some more cash and buy a quality firearm. If it will only be a range gun I possibly may consider it, if it is for any type of defensive scenerios I would personally pass....

[G.A. Heath]

I used to own a SW40VE (pre internal lock model) and it was an ok gun until it hit around 5k rounds, then it began needing things replaced. Springs and mag followers were not a problem, the first real component to need replacement was the slide stop, this was followed by the mag release, and the final straw was the extractor breaking. After that I ended up getting rid of the gun and haven't really missed it. My biggest issue with the gun was the factory trigger, to say it was terrible is akin to calling Qaddafi humanitarian of the year. But it is nothing you can't have a smith correct or train around.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

Capt Jeff:

All the friends above have made good comments.

You mentioned that the 2 guns you are considering are both Smith and Wessons.
The Sigma is the "bargain" gun and is always on sale at Academy for cheap money,
and maybe a $50 rebate to sweeten the deal. If it was a better gun, its reputation
would precede it, and it would command a better price.

The Smith and Wesson M & P is a much better pistol. These are the Smiths that some
LEO's actually carry as their service weapons. There are several forum members who could
buy any brand of weapon, and they are quite fond of their M & P's.

IMHO, just because something is cheap (your pal's Sigma), doesn't make it a good value.
Of just the 2 guns you mentioned, you will be much happier with the M & P .40.

SIA

[HotLeadSolutions]

Capt Jeff:

All the friends above have made good comments.

You mentioned that the 2 guns you are considering are both Smith and Wessons.
The Sigma is the "bargain" gun and is always on sale at Academy for cheap money,
and maybe a $50 rebate to sweeten the deal. If it was a better gun, its reputation
would precede it, and it would command a better price.

The Smith and Wesson M & P is a much better pistol. These are the Smiths that some
LEO's actually carry as their service weapons. There are several forum members who could
buy any brand of weapon, and they are quite fond of their M & P's.

IMHO, just because something is cheap (your pal's Sigma), doesn't make it a good value.
Of just the 2 guns you mentioned, you will be much happier with the M & P .40.

SIA

And I currently own 2 M&P's (a full size and a compact), and just recently got rid of a Sigma (at a financial loss)

[Texas_Tactical]

Capt Jeff:

All the friends above have made good comments.

You mentioned that the 2 guns you are considering are both Smith and Wessons.
The Sigma is the "bargain" gun and is always on sale at Academy for cheap money,
and maybe a $50 rebate to sweeten the deal. If it was a better gun, its reputation
would precede it, and it would command a better price.

The Smith and Wesson M & P is a much better pistol. These are the Smiths that some
LEO's actually carry as their service weapons. There are several forum members who could
buy any brand of weapon, and they are quite fond of their M & P's.

IMHO, just because something is cheap (your pal's Sigma), doesn't make it a good value.
Of just the 2 guns you mentioned, you will be much happier with the M & P .40.

SIA

I have to co-sign on this one. I own an M&P and have shot a Sigma .40 a few different times and the trigger is just awful. Sigma in my opinion is essentially a saturday night special.

[The Annoyed Man]

Get the M&P. I have yet to read here or anywhere else of a dissatisfied owner. I have a full sized .45 variant, and it is a great gun.

[RPBrown]

I have a SV 40 that I use as a truck gun. It oes to the range every time I do just to make sure it still works. It shoots every time but it is only a truck gun and thats where it stays. I do not have a M & P so I cannot comment but I do have an XD and several 1911's that are easier to shoot and that I use for every day carry (altrnating of course).

[HotLeadSolutions]

I have a SV 40 that I use as a truck gun. It oes to the range every time I do just to make sure it still works. It shoots every time but it is only a truck gun and thats where it stays. I do not have a M & P so I cannot comment but I do have an XD and several 1911's that are easier to shoot and that I use for every day carry (altrnating of course).

Alternating? Why not stick with one pistol that you always carry, or at least carry different pistols that have the same controls?..ie thumb safeties etc...
(please do not take this post as a negative one, that is not the way it is intended)

[olafpfj]

Get the M&P. I have yet to read here or anywhere else of a dissatisfied owner. I have a full sized .45 variant, and it is a great gun.

I have the compact .45 and love it.