I recently acquired a .40 handgun from a formal naval officer, whose wife would not let him keep it. Stamped SW40F. Don't have any information on it, and apparently S&W no longer manufactures the same model. Wondering why, if there's anything about it I should know, what's the current equivalent, etc.

closest current item is the SW40VE.
Interchangeable mags, different barrel length.

40F, 1st generation Sigma. I own a 9F. The issue with the original 40F was frame failure. I shoot with a guy at the range who bought a 40F new, in 2000. He has had no issues. Like the 9F, the 40F has a 1/2 longer barrel than the newer generation Sigmas. Not as pretty, either. Like my 9F, the F series has a better trigger for sure. I bought a 40VE because it is easier to conceal/carry than the F series and the acknowledged frame failures of the 40F. Good gun, I think. I just wasn't willing to risk buying a used 40F.

I appreciate it.

Should add...the 40F, which I've shot, is more accurate (for me and my friend at the range) than my 40VE. It has been stated on this and other forums, that the F Sigmas might have infringed on the Glock trigger/striker patent. All I know, having shot the 9 and 40F and having owned a 9VE and the current owner of a 40VE, is that the F series has a much better trigger, that is, shorter travel, lighter and crisp release. The primers also show a different foot print. The F series leaves a chisel-like (Glock-like) indentation. The longer barrel doesn't hurt, either. Given my choice, I'd go with the VE series, but there ain't nothing wrong with the F series Sigma. I bought my 9F used and abused for $150. Can't kill the thing and more accurate than either the 9VE (I owned) or the 40VE I own. About 2 months ago, I shot over 300 reload 9mm rounds in a sitting with the 9F without an issue and uncleaned for at least 5 or 6 previous trips to the range where I rarely shoot less than 200 rounds of reloads. I still haven't cleaned the 9F. I'll get around to it this Fall. Maybe. Well over 2000 rounds since I bought it used.

I have a SW40C that's in good condition I bought it used and it want shoot any suggestions or remedy that could fix the problem?

Hi JayhawkInFla:

Welcome to the Forum. The Sigma SW40F was S&W's entry into the polymer pistol world. It's roughly the same size as the Glock 17 (the 40c is about the same size as the Glock 19). When they first came out, I had a friend who was a cop, and was part of a team on the local PD that were evaluating the Sigma. He told me that one of the armorers was messing around, and wanted to try fitting a Glock slide on top of a Sigma frame. To everyone's surprise, it evidently fit without any problems. No one, however, wanted to try to shoot this hybrid.

I bought a Sigma SW40F after test firing one at a local gun range. It is a very soft firing pistol (my theory is that the polymer frame "flexes" on recoil). I paid too much for it, and learned a valuable lesson about buying something new before it has been thoroughly tested in the field. It has never failed me, and is certainly accurate enough. I like to shoot the 180 gr. loads out of mine. The stock plastic sights are terrible - the rear sights on mine would freely slide side-to-side in the dovetail slot. I eventually found a set of steel night sights that I replaced the stock sights with and have never looked back. The Sigmas don't have much resale value - used price for them around here is about $200.00 or so, but they are solid, dependable pistols that make good nightstand or "truck" guns.

Regards,

Dave

I picked up two SW40F pistols back when they were throw-aways. As I heard it, they did infringe on the Glock patent, and Glock won a judgement against them, ending production.
I'd be happy to hear any clarification of that.

The Glock slide will fit on the S&W frame, but it won't function. I tried it. That fit was part of the success of the law suit.

Others have said they're OK with the trigger, but I thought it was horrible, along with the sights.

I haven't fired them a lot, maybe 500 rounds through each at most. They are accurate and reliable to that extent.

The Apex trigger kit does a nice job of improving the trigger. As someone else said, they make good truck or garage guns. If I were to carry one, I'd want much better sights. They'd be competing with my S&W M&P357, which I am unlikely to replace.

I am a fan of the 357Sig cartridge and intend to look into barrels for the guns. If I can get them, and better sights, they'll go up considerably in my estimation and get to the range more often.

Question for users: Has anyone measured the muzzle velocity of the .40S&W 180-grain cartridges? Just wondering how they compare to Glocks.

I bought a SW40F new in 1994 and still have it; it has served me well as a carry and nightstand piece. Although it has been retired to the gun safe, I still feel that its grip and point-ability are among the best around. I would say its current equivalent is the S&W SD40 VE Std Capacity.

The worst trigger I have ever had on a S&W was on a SW40VE. The only S&W I've ever sold was that same SW40VE...

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