I ended up with a bunch of ammo really cheap for a 40. I have a 45, but I always kind of wanted a 40.
Well, now I have an excuse to buy one.
I searched this forum and found some information on several models.
What is the opinions on the Sigma models. I do not know the difference between the older ones and the newer models. I did read that they had trouble with the early ones with the frame cracking. How can I tell the older model from the newer ones? I understand that the trigger pull is not real great on them.
I am looking at the SW40GVE, SW99OL and I see that they make them in large and compact.
I do not have any older catalogs that are over a few years old, so I can not look them up.
I am also looking at the 4013TSW and the M&P 40.
Also the 4053TSW and the 4040PD but they are kind of pricey.
I do not want a real large auto, but something medium sized or compact. Something that I can carry fairly easily. May never carry it as I am a wheel gun guy, but who knows?
Any information would be appreciated.

cobra44:

I own a 4006, 3rd generation, all steel pistol, and a 40F, 1st generation Sigma. Of the two, I prefer the Sigma. I haven't had any problems out of mine. It weighs less and has less perceived recoil and muzzle flip than the 4006 - in my opinion. Additionally, it has greater magazine capacity than the 4006. The 4006 is more accurate and is built like a tank. I'm waiting for my CHL to arrive and once it does, I'll probably carry the Sigma in the winter, and while traveling. By the way, if you are into the wheel guns and you have patience and money, you could always buy a 610 revolver.

Best of luck,

Dave

Thanks for the reply. Do you know how to tell the early models.
Have you heard of any problems with cracked frames.
I will check out the 610 revolver.

I just checked out a couple 610's. They are nice, but they are on the heavy N frame platform. Kind of heavy for carry.

There are several threads on how to detect frame cracks, and again, I've not experienced this yet. If I were to find this, I would return the pistol to S&W for repair, and I'm sure they would simply replace it with the newer version of the Sigma (the 40F is obsolete and no longer in production.) The 40F was comparable in size to the Glock 17. I'm told they changed the striker and trigger as well to make it more reliable. Yeah, the 610 is an N frame, but it is a hell of a gun and I wish I could afford one.

Good luck,

Dave

Thats good information.
Thank you Dave

I have been doing some research today.
I found a couple 610 revolvers. They all had the lock on them.
I have narrowed the search down to the 4013TSW, 4053TSW, 4003, and the plastic guns. I have the specs on the plastic pistols but none of the others.
Would anyone have the weight and size on these three - 4013TSW - 4053tsw - 4003, and the round capacity.
I never realized that S&W made so many different 40's.

This is just my opinion...Go with the all metal handgun or revolver...I personally do not like the plastic pistols...There are ay too many lite metals out there now that are stronger and will last longer than any plastic gun out there...

Yep, if an old one cracks, they will just
swap it out and give you a new VE.
One other difference.. The F had a 4.5 inch
barrel. The VE has a 4 inch.
Some claim the F had a better trigger feel
than the post lawsuit VE, but I've never tried a
F, so I dunno..
I have a 40VE and it does what I bought it for.
Which is to protect me if something tries to eat
or molest me. It's a tool, much like one of my
chainsaws...
To me, plastic guns are ok, but I don't see them
as a semi art form like some of the all metal
pistols.
I bet 100 years from now, an all metal pistol
will be worth a lot more than the plastic ones.
So if it's something you plan to keep for a long
time, and maybe pass on to the children, I'd
go all metal.
If you just want a tool, I guess it doesn't
matter.
I bought a 40VE cuz I got it for $249 after
rebate with two extra mags. At that time I
didn't really know of any comparable all metal
pistols for that price locally.
It was the best bang for the buck at that time
being all I needed was a tool... And the light
weight of the plastic pistol is an advantage as
a tool.
But now the prices have edged back up to where
you could probably find all metal pistols pretty
close in price.
If the prices were close, I'd go all metal any
day if that was an option. I think they will
hold value better, and often they feel and
shoot better.
Course, some may prefer a plastic version.
The M&P's seem to be selling ok.

quote:

Also the 4053TSW...

This is one of my very favorite pieces and current carry gun. You can get yours for $319.00 from J&G Sales like I did...

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/handguns/smith-...211/products_id/1948



A BIG thumbs up for the pre-rail 4053TSW...

I recently acquired a LNIB 4006. This is the original gun made for the 40 S&W round. Yes, it is all metal and for some too heavy, but it is extremely accurate and its weight means softer recoil.

+1 on Animalmother's comments regarding the 4006. I resisted the siren call of the .40 for a very long time, sticking with my .45ACP pistols with a vengence. I ended up with a NIB 4006 in a deal along with a 4506-1 with the intention of passing the .40 along. I am glad I didn't! Man, does that 4006 shoot like a dream! And the nice thing, all the gear I had for my 5903 also fit the 4006, so I was ready to go.

Buy a 4006, there are many good deals out there on PD surplus and trade-in guns, and you will never regret your decision.

I checked around today, and did find a 4006 and a 4053 TSW. Does anyone know the specs on these two as far as weight, barrel length and measurements?
Thank you

dizzying array of choices in 40 ain't it.
the 4006 was smith's original built from the ground up for the 40cal pistol. I bought a CDNN police trade-in because I wanted a pistol that I wouldn't worry about putting tons of range time on, or carrying holstered on my property when I'm out working. The gun came in like new condition and I can't say enough good things about it. It came with the adjustable night sites. Yes it'd be too much for me to carry concealed in most situations, but it's great as a holstered pistol. I've even taken it out to play at the local IDPA..it's more accurate than I am.
I would like a 4053 tac pre-rail. But couple years back I came across an NOS deal on a smith Chief's Special 40 DAO. Store under new ownership. Gun missing papers, case, spare mag..sold it to me nos/new for $300. He called later to tell me they finally found the box, paper, spare mag so I wound up with a new CS40 for $300 so that negated the excuse to buy a 4053. only downside is that the two smiths won't take the same mags. The CS40 comes with the big hogue rubber grip, making it a bit chunky for conceal carry. my big paws like that large grip and in fact I added one to my 4006 making it a Lousiville slugger of a gun.
After having been drawn away by the sex appeal of a springfield 1911 style 45, I have to say I probably coulda done well just to stick with the 40cal and the smith value. If anything i may ultimately sell the 45 and invest in another 40 smith metal gun at some point. they just flat work.

Check www.auctionarms.com you canprobably find ome fairly decent buys there. If you are not deadset on a S & W look for Sig p229 in a CPO. you can probably find one of those for about five hundred or so, also look there for the seller summit gun broker he has some pretty good buys in S & W trade ins.

Hey Cobra44 ,
I ain't gonna tell you what to do, but I will share with you that I bought a Sigma 40GVE three years ago at a gun show here local and its been one heck of a pistol....I have had No problems out of it.......I re-did the trigger assembly put a wolf spring kit in it. polished the barrel....and put a hogue grip on it....and its one shooting mechine....I'm now saving up for a Sig Sauer P245 to add to my collection....but I'm not getting rid of my Sigma 40, I'm keeping that baby...Its been a great gun and I carry it everyday.....so I say to the Best of luck and you'll find what your looking for just take your time........

SGTMOE
USMC RETIRED
FCSO..Evil fears those who wears the Badge......
Sigma 40GVE..Beretta Tomcat....Remmington Sniper Rifle...Mossberg Tactical 590 12 Gauge