I just received my new SW9VE. Initial impressions:
-- Overall very good quality evident in innards and exterior finish.
-- Great grip (grippy surface, good grip angle, nice width).
-- The trigger seems smooth, just a little heavy (may do a mod later), not nearly as long as I had expected from reading all the web articles.
-- Very smooth, precise magazine release and insertion.
-- Disappointing front sight. The white dot is painted and on the surface (not recessed). The sight is plastic with melted backing. Seems like the first thing that would break in heavy service, holstering often, etc. Not mentioned in any of the reviews on the SW9VE that I read beforehand, but a definite yuchh factor. May order a replacement part just to have one on-hand. Anyone know of a better variant that is available? Will a Glock (metal) front sight post fit here?
-- Chambers the first round (a snap cap in this case) readily - no need to "slingshot" the slide to pick up that first one.
-- Overall first impression: a very good value at $250. Do others who have the SW9VE agree or disagree with the above?
Range testing to follow this weekend. Will put a couple hundred mixed FMJ and a small selection of JHP -- reliability is the #1, #2, and #3 factor in whether I like (and keep) a pistol.
The sights are definately one of the places where they skimped on quality. The other IMO is the weak magazine release spring, seems to easy to bump the mag out inadvertently, though this might be me being used to the extra heavy springs i keep in my 1911 mag releases.
But as far a sights go, Meprolight, Trijicon and MMC all make replacement sights for the Sigma. I have a Merpolight bead on shotgun that is quite nice and i had a set of MMC sights on a 1911 that were exceptional, i don't know how these products fair on the sigma however. I would assume good since they are from reputable companys.
My personal pick is the MMC which i will be getting sometime though i can't decide between fixed or adjustable.
MMC fixed :
They don't have a pic of the adjustable on thier site unfortunately.
Overall I'm very happy with mine. The front sight is a little large for my taste, however It's good enough for such an affordable pistol. After the gun is broken in (1000-2000) rounds, I plan on having the trigger polished. No magazine problems exept it's kinda of a tight fit with 16 in the magazine. Anyone know what might cause this?
The sights are definately one of the places where they skimped on quality. The other IMO is the weak magazine release spring, seems to easy to bump the mag out inadvertently, though this might be me being used to the extra heavy springs i keep in my 1911 mag releases.
But as far a sights go, Meprolight, Trijicon and MMC all make replacement sights for the Sigma. I have a Merpolight bead on shotgun that is quite nice and i had a set of MMC sights on a 1911 that were exceptional, i don't know how these products fair on the sigma however. I would assume good since they are from reputable companys.
My personal pick is the MMC which i will be getting sometime though i can't decide between fixed or adjustable.
MMC fixed :
They don't have a pic of the adjustable on thier site unfortunately.
No magazine problems exept it's kinda of a tight fit with 16 in the magazine. Anyone know what might cause this?
New spring. Springs are designed to relax about 10% (down to normal), so just keep using it.
Quote:
The sight is plastic with melted backing. Seems like the first thing that would break in heavy service, holstering often, etc. Not mentioned in any of the reviews on the SW9VE that I read beforehand, but a definite yuchh factor.
Never broke one, never seen one broken. It is made of the same nylon as the frame.
Suggest you try shooting it awhile before you redesign it; you may be surprised.
Fired 200 rounds of 115 gr FMJ, of various manufacture.
First impressions:
-- Fed everything (Brown Bear, Blazer Brass, S&B) flawlessly. Feeds the first round very readily when the slide is pulled back and released, without the need to slingshot the slide.
-- The trigger is tricky. Had best success staging it back, then holding, then pulling the last bit to release the striker.
-- Accuracy is better than it seems. I was conscious of the gun moving a bit as I pulled the trigger, which is heavy and a bit long -- but the results on the target paper weren't that bad! More work required to master this trigger.
-- The barrel is thicker/heavier than my other 9mm's (P228, P6, FNP-9) and got hotter -- presumably because it holds the heat more.
-- The pistol is easy to disassemble and clean. The stainless receiver and barrel make it easy to see where the dirt is! Particularly important when shooting less expensive ammo. (Added: The groove for the slide rails is not very wide. My standard cleaning technique for this area on my pistols is a Q-tip, but Q-tips don't fit the Sigma in this place! I'm going to have to get some pipe cleaners!).
My every day carry is a 9VE and I just ordered one for my wife as her CCW should arrive in a few days. She wants mine, broke in (1200 down the pipe), been to S&W for polish the ramp, open the throat and a trigger job. All free including shipping. They made the trigger very smooth but still was long and hard. I think she likes it because it's "shiney", I polished the slide to a mirror finish. I'll do hers too if she wants. I took the torsion spring out from the sear assemble and the pull is 7-8# now. Still long and hard enough to prevent a "Plaxico" discharge. I would rather she have the new one with the heavy trigger for now being new to daily carry. I'll probably send her's to S&W for the same mods they did to mine and after she gets more experienced with the gun I'll pull the spring out. The trigger is perfect for a carry gun with no safety now. Not too light, not too heavy and still very long. It stages great. This spring does absolutely nothing but increase trigger pull. It has nothing to do with the striker springs and won't cause light primer strikes. It takes about 5 minutes to do with a big paper clip and can be put back in 5 minutes if you so desire. It's on You Tube as "S&W trigger job"
To put in perspective how good of a deal the Sigma is at $250, I seriously considered purchasing a Sig P6 today for $400. And the Sig was 29 years old and had some wear on it. If I didn't already have an M&P I'd seriously look at a Sigma for a DAO 9mm.
KyWstJoe's SW9VE looks stunning with the shiny slide.
The SW9VE is a GREAT deal at $250. I removed the extra trigger spring from mine today, and the trigger is not as heavy, though just as long. This appears to be a good mod -- no affect on the striker itself, and no impact on safety. Will test it on the range shortly -- also need to run some JHP's through to test function with ammo other than FMJ.
To put the Sigma trigger in perspective... it is NOT like the crisp single action of a good M1911 or Sig SP2022 ("like a glass rod breaking") but it is very serviceable. In fact, my SW9VE trigger feels a lot like... my M&P 45. Not that the M&P autos get great reviews on their triggers, but they don't attract the criticism the Sigma gets. They are rightfully considered very serviceable.
And as long at this pistol feed, fires, and ejects 100% of the time... which this one has so far... it is a winner, and a great value at $250
I am satisfied with my SW9VE. No problem with the sights or the trigger pull. KyWstJoe's polishing job is outstanding...I may try that. I am seriously considering getting another, this time, though, in black. The only nagging thing is that voice in the back of my head saying, "Go for the .40"...I may or may not listen to it.
I just purchased my SW9VE for $250 with 2 mags. I purchased a fobus paddle holster which seems to work well for me. I have not had any problems with the sights or with anything else for that matter. The gun shoots straight and yes the trigger pull is harder than my other guns but I kind of like it that way for safety reasons. I would recommend to gun for any gun enthusiasts.
I am satisfied with my SW9VE. No problem with the sights or the trigger pull. KyWstJoe's polishing job is outstanding...I may try that. I am seriously considering getting another, this time, though, in black. The only nagging thing is that voice in the back of my head saying, "Go for the .40"...I may or may not listen to it.
I have developed arthritis in my wrists and on damp days I find the .40 a bit of a challenge. Just some food for thought.
Thanks, Walthernut, I will take this under consideration. I am turning 50 this year (oh no!) and am having trouble with one of my knees. I have been a coach for years, but have not done much lately. The last thing I would need would be to limping around, AND feebly clutching my pistol as I try to line up that front sight...
Thanks, Walthernut, I will take this under consideration. I am turning 50 this year (oh no!) and am having trouble with one of my knees. I have been a coach for years, but have not done much lately. The last thing I would need would be to limping around, AND feebly clutching my pistol as I try to line up that front sight...
You could go for the .40 and if it tires you switch to the 9mm. I notice with the .40 when I start with a full mag the gun isn't too bad, but as I continue firing and the overall weight of the pistol decreases it gets for lack of better words 'snappy'. On the lighter side I got about 16 years on you.
I have a friend in the Delaware, Ohio Police Department who tells me that the officers like the 9 mm, but swear by the .40. I just might do that...and my hat is off to you, sir, my elder!
I have a friend in the Delaware, Ohio Police Department who tells me that the officers like the 9 mm, but swear by the .40. I just might do that...and my hat is off to you, sir, my elder!
Nothing wrong with the 9mm, but I prefer the .40
between the two. A lot of my use is in the woods, and I like
as much horsepower as I can get.
It's bigger, goes just as fast or slightly faster, and the blunt nose
cuts a mean hole that doesn't close up as easy as a sleek nose
9mm.
I would say repeat shots are a tad slower with the .40, or at least
for the average person. It can pop up a bit.
But myself, it doesn't bother me to shoot it.
Heck, I'd have a 10mm if I had my way when in the woods. :/
That's got a good bit more pop than a .40 S&W, so if you look at
it that way, the .40 doesn't seem so bad.
Your SW9VE looks GREAT!! What did you use to get such a shine on the slide?? I have a SW9VE and would like to shine mine up like yours. Thanks.
Brian
I used wet sand, started with 600 to get the bead blast finish off. Then 800, you need to stay with the 800 until all the scratches from the 600 are gone. Then 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500 then Mothers Mag polish. Just remember not to rush it and move up in grit until all the scratches are gone from the previous grit. It took about 4 hours. You can get these grits at an auto body shop supply.
I was considering one of the 9mm. You can't beat the price with the rebate. However, I can get a slightly used .40 in box with papers and paddle holster for $225. My concern is the recoil. With both actually. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands, and am wondering if the .40 would be too much. I've always preferred a wheelgun, but the price of these Sigmas is very tempting. Any thoughts, besides the posts above, on the difference in recoil between the two? One other thing, my concern isn't just with recoil, but also racking.
I was considering one of the 9mm. You can't beat the price with the rebate. However, I can get a slightly used .40 in box with papers and paddle holster for $225. My concern is the recoil. With both actually. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands, and am wondering if the .40 would be too much. I've always preferred a wheelgun, but the price of these Sigmas is very tempting. Any thoughts, besides the posts above, on the difference in recoil between the two? One other thing, my concern isn't just with recoil, but also racking.
Rack one at a dealer to see if you can handle it. As far as recoil goes see my previous posts.
Bud's Guns had them on sale for $299 (minus $50 rebate) at the beginning of October. Bud's is now listing them for $330 for all-black Allied Forces version, $354 for bright stainless (and that is the 10 rd mag version).
Bud's Guns had them on sale for $299 (minus $50 rebate) at the beginning of October. Bud's is now listing them for $330 for all-black Allied Forces version, $354 for bright stainless (and that is the 10 rd mag version).
No-- the stainless model with two of the 15 round mags is just $299 . . .
I've had mine for a few weeks now. I like it a LOT more than the first time I shot it. The first day I could not hit a 3" circle at 7 yards: all rounds were low and to the right in a pattern a volleyball might cover. I picked up my Heritage SAA (cowboy) sixgun and put 5 .357 Mag into that 3" circle. I then tried a (get ready for this cheepo) Hi Point 45 Auto and all but 6 of 7 in the 3" circle with that monster boat anchor-like hand gun.
After shooting a couple of hundred rounds and polishing the trigger parts and removing the ''pig-tail" spring, I tried it again Well. still could not hit the 3" disc aiming at it-- but my pattern was much, much smaller and not to the left-- about center -- but I was till LOW. Can the rear sights be raised a little or can I lower the front sight some. I'm very please with the size of the pattern now. and the trigger pull is not my problem anymore. I like this pistol a lot.
I can hit that 3" disc all day now if I aim about 4 /12 inches high-- I really don't want to try to remember that, should I ever really NEED to fire this pistol as a weapon.
Rick did you buy your sigma new?? If you did you should not need to mess with the sights. My guess is you are breaking your wrists down when you pull the trigger. We all know about the sigma trigger so I am not going there. But what you can do is try to keep your wrists from breaking down and dry fire your sigma until you get the hang of it. A nice little trick I have been doing is put some live ammo in a bowl and mix in some snap caps or dummy bullets. Load them without looking or get someone else to load them for you in random order. Now take your time and go through the mag slow and steady, when you come up to a blank you will not know it and then you can tell if your breaking your wrists down. I shot my sigma LOW when I first got it. After some practice and some time behind the gun I have gotten really accurate with it.
I was considering one of the 9mm. You can't beat the price with the rebate. However, I can get a slightly used .40 in box with papers and paddle holster for $225. My concern is the recoil. With both actually. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands, and am wondering if the .40 would be too much. I've always preferred a wheelgun, but the price of these Sigmas is very tempting. Any thoughts, besides the posts above, on the difference in recoil between the two? One other thing, my concern isn't just with recoil, but also racking.
Misty,
I have osteoarthritis in my hands, so a bit different from your issue, but I still feel your pain. I have a 4006, which is an all stainless steel 3rd generation S&W semiauto in .40S&W, in fact, I believe it was their first semiauto offered in that caliber. I also have a Sigma 40F, which was the first generation Sigma and is no longer in production. Surprisingly, between the two, the Sigma is easier for me to handle and shoot than the 4006. I think it is due to the polymer frame that flexes under the recoil. It's not pretty, but it will put a whole magazine full of bullets in a fist sized group at 25 yards without any problems. Manipulating the slide hasn't proven to be a problem, but I think field stripping it under "stressful" conditions isn't going to happen. I've been looking for a used Sigma in 9mm for a while now so I can shoot ammo out of it that I can't, or won't shoot out of my H&K PSP. My two gripes with the Sigma are easily fixed: 1) the grip doesn't fit my hand comfortably - fix: Hogue Hand-all; 2) cheap, plastic sights that shift side-to-side under recoil - fix: after market sights, either night sights or not. By the way, if you get a chance, you should try the H&K P7. It has very low recoil and "whip", and due to the front grip safety, your grip actually improves under recoil - you actually only need about 1 pound of pressure to keep the safety engaged. Is there a range close by where you could rent some 9mm handguns to try out first?
Yes, It was purchased new (last month a few days before the rebate . . . ). Only had it the range 4 times-- but have dome some polishing on the internals-- much smoother now and not so hard-- but it is a Looog pull and I guess that is its nature,
jmdriver8, thanks for the link to the excellent video. I will work on this and see what I can do to improve my aim. As I indicated, a small amount of trigger work has shrunk my pattern from volleyball size to softball size and moved it to the near center. I just need to get the tennis ball size up into the middle. It may take some time.
I do not have this "antisciptation" problem with the large, heavy 45 ACP or with the SA 357 Mag revolver. I also have a small K-T P11 that also has an ever more difficult trigger pull and "kick" even more than a Sigma. But it is small and reliable and I need to learn to control it well. Practice, Practice. Problem is , I LIKE to SHOOT-- but this "practice with the Sigma and Kel-Tec P11 is not a lot of FUN on an indoor range-- really boring and expensive.
Great knock-around gun for that price. I got 2 at that price. Just can't beat something to leave in a toolbox or anywhere for that price. Best buy for 17 rounds.
It's about time we've had a thread on the SW9VE where folks liked the gun. I've had mine about 6 weeks and am very pleased with it. I've only run about 350 rounds through it, but I've had ZERO failures of any sort with the 5 different types of ammo used, including Hornady Critical Defense (my preferred SD) on the high end and Atlanta Arms which is factory reloads of who-knows-what casings at the low end. It also fed Blazer Aluminum perfectly. As another noted, in a SD situation, reliability is priority #1, #2, and #3. If you miss the first shot, you can try again. If it doesn't go bang the first time you don't get a chance for a second , possibly more accurate, shot.
I will probably have S&W polish the trigger at some point; I'm not crazy about the 'gritty' feel, although it seems to be smoothing out (or is it just me?) The pull is long and stiff, but my wife's 642 tires my finger more than the Sigma. As a CCW without a safety, I'm OK with the long stiff pull.
Accuracy is good. I also seem to shoot slightly down and to the right, especially when my hand starts getting tired. I'll take the advice given and practice some more. The amount I'm off would be like aiming for a BG's right ventricle and only hitting the left one. I could live with that accuracy because the BG could not...
Great video, jdmdriver. Next time I go to the range I'm going to try your exercise.
Thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdmdriver8
Rick did you buy your sigma new?? If you did you should not need to mess with the sights. My guess is you are breaking your wrists down when you pull the trigger. We all know about the sigma trigger so I am not going there. But what you can do is try to keep
your wrists from breaking down and dry fire your sigma until you get the hang of it. A nice little trick I have been doing is put some live ammo in a bowl and mix in some snap caps or dummy bullets. Load them without looking or get someone else to load them for you in random order. Now take your time and go through the mag slow and steady, when you come up to a blank you will not know it and then you can tell if your breaking your wrists down. I shot my sigma LOW when I first got it. After some practice and some time behind the gun I have gotten really accurate with it.
Rick-F, if you don't know about them, check out ktog.org for a Keltec forum. I have a P-11 as well. For those that don't know, it will also use 59 and 69 series double stack 9mm Smith magazines.
When purchasing my sw9ve pistol I read alot of reviews about the gun. The only issues I saw were the heavy and gritty trigger and it jamming up. I fixed the heavy trigger by changing the outter double spring in the trigger mechanism and filling down the medal on the trigger connector attatched to the spring. You can find a step by step process on youtube.com on how to do this. I have expended over 1,000 rounds through the pistol at rapid fire and slow aiming shots. I have never had it jam on me. When I took my wife out to shoot though it did jam on her the first two shots she took. After examining how she was shooting I came to the conclusion that it was jamming because she was not decompressing the trigger after she would fire the weapon. Meaning she would not let go of the trigger after she would shoot it. After I informed her on this she never had an issue with it jamming after that. So I would say after fixing the trigger I love this gun even more. The best part is, is that I only paid $250 for the pistol and its just as good as an M&P, just not with as many options. But I'm not an options kind of guy, I just point and shoot and thats all i need.
Table-top review of new SW9VE ($250)
Sw9ve
Looks Great!!
Linear Mode
