I am thinking of purchasing a Sigma.

Question:
Which caliber would you recommend?

Choices:
9mm
.40SW

 

Many Sigma purchasers opt for the Sigma as a money saving measure. Ammunition for a 9mm is less expensive than .40SW rounds, so I'd say that the 9mm would probably be the winner.

I had one in .40 and it was a good shooting gun that was problem free. However, the trigger pull was 12 lbs! (Spec on this gun) I had a smith work it down to 7 lbs, where it was comfortable to shoot.

My suggestion is to save up a little longer and get an M&P. Much easier gun to shoot due to the lower bore axis, and an immensely improved trigger. Plus, it looks cooler!

That being said, there's nothing wrong if you have your heart set on a Sigma.

Gator makes a good point. 9 is cheap. 40 ain't.

Ditto what Gator said.

Depends on what you want to use it for. Personally I'd rather have the extra punch if you're using it for a carry or self defense weapon. Not that 9mm won't do the job, I just like the insurance that a bigger round gives you.

That said, I'd think most ranges have this gun. Shoot them both and see what you like better.

Rent both at a local range... if you are able, and see which one fits your needs and wallet better.
The recoil and cost of 9mm rounds is lower as the other members pointed out, but the 40SW round is more powerful and a little expensive.

They are both great inexpensive defensive weapons. I own both a 40V and 9VE and I actively use both at the range. My "purty" EAA Witness 10mm sits in my safe because the rounds for it costs more than a box of 9mm and 40SW combined!

Thank you, mcholak and madmax, for your excellent suggestion of trying both at the range.

Yesterday, I saw a used SW40F at the local gunshop. What is the difference between the inner workings of the 40F and that of the present day 40VE?

I chose the Sigma for the price. I chose the 9mm for the price of ammo.

Same as everyone above. I chose the 40ve for the extra power, but miss my old 9mm for cheaper ammo.

quote:

Originally posted by kg4tyr:
I chose the Sigma for the price. I chose the 9mm for the price of ammo.

I agree!!!! 100%
G

I love my 9VE. Easy access to inexpensive ammo has allowed me to practice much more than I could with the .40. I'm quite happy with Blazer Brass 9mm @$6 to $8 per box, and Hydrashoks for SSI. Both are accurate and reliable.

quote:

Originally posted by modraker:
Yesterday, I saw a used SW40F at the local gunshop. What is the difference between the inner workings of the 40F and that of the present day 40VE?

Long story short, the earlier Sigmas are the ones that will have more issues, including breakage. The current ones are simply relatively inexpensive entry level pistols that will usually work (trigger pull isn't great, the degree to which this matters depends on if you're a Sigma fan or not).

If you're looking at used guns, the SW 3rd Generation autos will likely be a better value, at least if you're willing and able to simply replace a set of springs.

I had the same question a few months ago. I went with the 9. I'm glad I did because I love my 9ve and find myself putting alot of rounds through it. It's easier to justify shooting more when it's cheaper to do so.

I bought my 9mm right before the mag ban in CA.Its about 8-9 yrs old and works great. All I've had to replace was the magazine catch and that was sent to me free.

I bought a .40 earlier this yr with a $30 rebate + was on sale for $319 and 2 free mags and a free range bag. Couldn't resist it.
Works great, the trigger needs breaking in. I do like my 9mm more though, easier to handle, more accurate. The 9mm kicks less, and the .40 is more "snappier", but nothing like a .45
I say buy both when you find them on sale with free magazines.