Sigma Magazine differences?, and Carbon Fiber Frame?

[adamocc]

Hello All:
I recently obtained a used 9mm Sigma, and have been busy reading up on all the related threads in the archives. I read that the early "F" 9mm Sigmas have a magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while current "VE" Sigmas have a capacity of only 16. I wondering what the difference(s) are between the two (follower, spring, overall length, etc.), and if the higher capacity magazine will work and fit properly in a later model Sigma?


I also saw this auction on Gunbroker.com for a "Carbon Fiber" (finish) frame Sigma, supposedly one of 1000.

S&W Sigma 9mm RARE Carbon Fiber only 1000 made : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com

Was this a factory model, what year was it offered, and does anyone have any other information on it? (I am not affiliated with the seller, btw). Just curious.

Thanks.

[jr19703]

The "Fast and the Furious of Sigmas". I have a hard time believing that Smith would resort to painting plastic to look like Carbon Fiber? I could be wrong but looks like a gimmick.

[40cal]

+ 1 on the gimmick. It looks like on the auction page at gunbroker.com is says,
"this gun is not made of carbon fiber, just made with a finish to look like carbon fiber"
So its just someones pet project, not a rare factory S&W.

[pilot99]

F mags fit in VE Sigmas I had to sand a bit off the top of the 17 rnd base to let the mag fit in the VE however.

[Knightrider03m]

I wouldn't put any other mag in my 9VE other than mags that is made to fit in my 9VE...... just to easy for something like that to make the gun jam on me.

[Spotteddog]

I doubt #17 will be anymore effective than the previous 16 were?
I wouldn't for a moment sacrifice 100% function on the altar of capacity.
When given the choice between the two, many GI's long ago and far away chose to under load magazines to assure more reliable functioning.
YMMV?

[WildCard ZX6R]

My F mags have been 100% reliable. The magazine body is slightly longer than a VE mag and thats where the extra round comes from otherwise they are the same.

[Spotteddog]

Now that makes sense!
Thanks WildCard!

[WildCard ZX6R]

Heres a comparo

F mag is on the left, VE on the right:

[bwade]

The carbon fiber Smiths actually have a finish that S&W has put on at least three different models from the factory in a limited series. The 22a with the carbon fiber finish is listed in the big S&W collector's book as only 1000 made. The three that I know or have heard of that have that finish are the 22a, Sigma, and M&P models. I have purchased the Sigma and a 22A and should receive them in a week or so. I will try to get some pics up with the factory box labels.