Sending my sigma off for warranty work round two

[airman]

Shooting woes

I had many problems too, and sent it back for a redo. They replaced the trigger assembly and the retractor and polished the feed ramp. About a month. It's good now.

The trigger pull is hard. Although I've fired my BB pistol (with the same long hard pull) 9000 times the trigger pull is still hard and affects accuracy.

 

[jwollam]

I'm about a month now after sending it off, and not a peep from smith and wesson or the gun shop in regards to what's going on with it...
Is there a number I can call to see what's going on?

 

[8emem]

When I had my .40 Sigma, it was failing to fire quite often. I was using reloads exclusively, so I did some careful checking of load dimensions. I found out that Winchester brass was consistently about .005" shorter than any of the other brands. Once I culled these out the misfiring problem wnt away.

I no longer have the Sigma. It was shooting 12" high at 25 yards and after a trip back to S&W it shot 8" high at the same distance. That, and a horrible trigger made the "get rid of it" decision easy.

In my experience Glock and Springfield XD are very much superior to the Sigma.

 

[Backon4]

All guns are prone to problems. Including glocks. I personally know at least 5 people who have had catastrophic failures or the gun wouldn't consistently fire a magazine. One of my friends is in a low suit against glock right now because his G22 exploded in his hand and caused significant injuries. I'll take a heavy trigger over kaboom.

 

[Jim H]

Is there a number I can call to see what's going on?

You can call the Customer Service number and see if they can track your gun's status. For what it's worth, we recently sent my wife's Beretta NEOS in for a recall, and they said up front to expect a minimum of a 6 week turnaround.

To say this gun is frustrating is an understatement. The trigger is horrible, and heavy. ...To say this gun has been a frustration is an understatement... It will not sight in for anything! ...there is no rhyme or reason to where the rounds go. I can be high and right one time, low and left the 2nd time. ...with my friends XD-40 I can make a 1-1/2" group at 15 yards. I can make a 2" group with my Wife's 9mm Kahr CW9 at the same distance.

While you wait for its return, I will suggest that you rent a .22lr revolver. Yes, an Old School wheel gun. The barrel length does not matter, since what you need to experience is the revolver's double-action (DA) trigger pull. The Sigma trigger was designed with a long, heavy pull similar to DA revolvers that many law enforcement personnel were still carrying, making it easier and faster for them to cross-train. Then too, just like a revolver, the Sigma was ready-to-use when drawn from a holster without the need to disengage 'safeties' before shooting, and the first shot and each follow-up shot required the same DA pull. Very revolver-like!

It takes time to get comfortable with a DA revolver trigger. It takes a bit of time for your trigger finger muscles to develop, and to pull the trigger in one smooth, continuous, deliberate action while keeping the gun steady. With the any DA .22 revolver you can practice all day for next-to-nothing in ammo costs! Then, once in a while, you can relieve your boredom, give your trigger finger a break, and cocking the hammer back to use the shorter, lighter SA trigger pull.

For these reasons, an S&W 617 .22 revolver is on my list of Guns-To-Buy.

When it gets back from warranty is there anything I can do to make this gun usable? Or just toss it in the safe and get pissed off everytime I see the thing?

Well, you are welcome to toss it into my safe, and I'll get pissed off for you...

 

[HspncElvis]

Then you can get rid of the Glock and buy a Springfield XD-M.
Just Saying...


Learn to master what you have... When you master the Sigma, you will be a better shooter.
Dry fire the hell out of it. Practice holding gun on target, you tend to pull off target with heavy trigger.
Master the gun, don't let it master you. When you get pissed-off walk away from it. Clear your head and try again.

Kenster, couldn't agree more. Good point!!

 

[ET.]

I bought my Sigma almost 3 years ago. I couldn't hit the target with it. I kept hitting the dirt left & short of the target. It was bad. I hated the trigger & the gun. I stuck with it until I could dry fire the Sigma without knocking a nickel off of the barrel that was resting there. I took it to the range again and grouped a mag 3" @ 10 yards. I now shoot every gun I have better because of the Sigma.

Last summer the gun stopped firing so I sent it in to get fixed. S&W fixed the stryker problem & tuned up the trigger . Now I'd rather shoot the Sigma than any of the other 8 guns I have. As a matter of fact it is in my night stand right now because my Glock 21sf is at the factory because of the ambi mag release problem. Who would have thought that my Sigma would be my "go to" gun?

 

[HspncElvis]

ET,

Great news! I agree the Sigma took some getting used to. As I've said before, practice!! I've come to really enjoy taking my Sigma 9 to the range. I'll be at the range next weekend with my buddy SW9VE.

 

[jwollam]

I finally got my sigma back from warranty!!! (Wednesday 12-8-10)
I'm taking it to the range this weekend, I'm really hoping that it's fixed. I was told to try some different ammo, they fired 50 rounds through it with no problems.
I'll let ya'll know how it does at the range, I've thoroughly cleaned and lubricated it, so it's all good to go.
I also bought a XD9 Sub Compact as a Christmas gift for my wife, she's going to love it!

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll be dry firing it and working on building up trigger control (obviously after first verifying it's unloaded!)

 

[portcitygps]

There are two flat spots that the guide rod could rest on. But only one is correct.

Hope this helps.

Good to know... But now that I know, witch 1 is the correct 1?

 

[jwollam]

Hi everyone!
So after getting my sigma back from warranty I was still having the light strike issue, discussed with Paul @ Smith and Wesson and they determined that it was the striker assembly.
I sent my pistol in for a 3rd time last week, I received a call from Mark @ Smith and Wesson this morning.
Mark was very nice and straight forward with me (as well as Paul whom I spoke with previously) I was told that essentially they could be chasing their tails forever on this pistol and the best option was for them to send me out a brand new sigma.
I agreed that it would be a great option, and thanked him for everything. About 20-30 minutes later I emailed Paul and asked if it was possible to upgrade me from the sigma series do to all the issues I've had.
I received a call from Mark about an hour later letting me know I would have to pay 200$ to move up to an M&P 40, I hesitated a little bit, but I would really like a nice reliable gun, so I gave Mark my CC info and I thought that was the end of it.

A few hours later while I was on my lunch break at work I got a call back from Mark, he made me aware that Smith & Wesson wanted to make things right with me for all the issues I had with my sigma and they would be sending out an M&P40 for me free of charge to my local gun store (after he assured me that all of my CC information had been destroyed).
Needless to say at that point my jaw was on the floor, I had given my CC info and approved the charge, they called back and said we're taking care of it, sorry for the troubles.

In my opinion Smith & Wesson stepped up to the plate here and made a very upset customer happy again.
I can't wait to head out to the range with my gun and see how she does.

So now I'm left with a few questions as I've never been in this situation before... (I'm in Ca. by the way)
1. Do I have to do another 10 day waiting period since it's a new gun?
2. Do I have to pay for a DROS / Background check again?
3. How do I get the Sigma & the serial number out of my name since S&W is destroying the gun due to it being faulty?

Thanks everyone!

 

[turbo38gn]

WowJW, that is one heck of a story!! I live 10 minutes from S&W, for obvious reasons prefer their guns. But I have to tell yo, I love everyone of my S&W guns, I shoot the heck out of them regularly. My favorite gun is my M&P 40fs!! I beleive you will be more than impressed with it out of the box, it is in my experience as good or better than anything in it's class. The only work I have done to my 3 M&P's is replace some of the trigger parts, the sear and a few springs from a compamy called Apex Tactical. If you feel the need for some trigger work, check em out. Otherwise, good luck, safe shooting and if I can help ya with anything, drop a line...

 

[Jim H]

In my opinion Smith & Wesson stepped up to the plate here and made a very upset customer happy again....

3. How do I get the Sigma & the serial number out of my name since S&W is destroying the gun due to it being faulty?

First, I'm glad to hear that they continue their fine Customer Service.

Then, can you call them back and ask for a letter stating that the gun was destroyed, and then follow up with state 'officials.' Probably not much here to worry about, since that gun can never be used by evil-doers...

Still, I'd keep that letter forever in case the 'state' ever asks you about that gun.

 

[russp1]

I bought my Sigma almost 3 years ago. I couldn't hit the target with it. I kept hitting the dirt left & short of the target. It was bad. I hated the trigger & the gun. I stuck with it until I could dry fire the Sigma without knocking a nickel off of the barrel that was resting there. I took it to the range again and grouped a mag 3" @ 10 yards. I now shoot every gun I have better because of the Sigma.

Last summer the gun stopped firing so I sent it in to get fixed. S&W fixed the stryker problem & tuned up the trigger . Now I'd rather shoot the Sigma than any of the other 8 guns I have. As a matter of fact it is in my night stand right now because my Glock 21sf is at the factory because of the ambi mag release problem. Who would have thought that my Sigma would be my "go to" gun?

I see a lot of advice about dry firing the Sigma a lot to both make the gun and the shooter better. To do this though, the mag needs to be out and the slide reracked each time or am I doing something wrong?

 

[Jim H]

...the mag needs to be out and the slide reracked each time or am I doing something wrong?

You are not doing anything wrong.

I guess you've been leaving it out to keep the slide from locking back...

Well, if you like, leave an EMPTY magazine in the gun and move the slide only about 1/4 inch or so to the rear. You do not need to pull all the way. You will hear and feel the striker reset, and can confirm this as the trigger works again. This saves your arm.

 

[jwollam]

WowJW, that is one heck of a story!! I live 10 minutes from S&W, for obvious reasons prefer their guns. But I have to tell yo, I love everyone of my S&W guns, I shoot the heck out of them regularly. My favorite gun is my M&P 40fs!! I beleive you will be more than impressed with it out of the box, it is in my experience as good or better than anything in it's class. The only work I have done to my 3 M&P's is replace some of the trigger parts, the sear and a few springs from a compamy called Apex Tactical. If you feel the need for some trigger work, check em out. Otherwise, good luck, safe shooting and if I can help ya with anything, drop a line...

Turbo,
I would assume there is only one model of the M&P 40 series legal in Ca. SKU #109200 (M&P40  .40S&W - Smith & Wesson)
If it shoots as good as I've heard it sounds like it will very quickly find it's way into my favorite gun category. I've seen a few video's on youtube in regards to the Apex trigger, is it a noticable difference? Can you recommend a good website to get the parts?

Thanks!
John

 

[russp1]

I see a lot of advice about dry firing the Sigma a lot to both make the gun and the shooter better. To do this though, the mag needs to be out and the slide reracked each time or am I doing something wrong?

That's why I like good forums like this one, there is always someone ready with a good answer or good advice. Thanks JIM H!

 

[LTMEMORY]

Just wanted to pass a bit of information ...........

Fed-Ex just delivered my SW40VE after I sent it back to Smith & Wesson for "adjustment".

Yeah ------- the trigger was a bit heavier than my other SIGMAS I have owned.

True to form --- it came back with the trigger ABSOLUTELY TRANSFORMED and (as far as I am concerned) --- PERFECT.

Yet again, they (S&W) confirm what I have learned after so many years as a police officer, and now in Executive Transportation and Protection -- they are a class act and will do everything they can to make the consumer happy.

I carry both my Sigmas for my "work" weapons, and now with the modified and reworked triggers --- I would pit them against anything else in the marketplace and world.

One thing for sure, Smith & Wesson knows how to change the trigger "workings" if need be --- and BELIEVE ME --- these changes make the SIGMA something to reckoned with as a completely new (and improved) firearm.

----------- Just wanted to post a tid-bit of information for those SIGMA owners who may have some reservations about sending their weapon for a trigger "revamp".

LTMEMORY

 

[ET.]

OOPS! Question was already answered. Never mind.

 

[chu1]

Hello all,
I have a Sigma 40VE, at first I hated this gun. Shot low and left every time. Had a local smith do a "trigger job" smoothed out a bit, but still had accuracy issue. I knew it was me and not the Sigma. Well today I am very pleased with my grouping. I believe the Sigma has made me a better shooter, I carry the Sigma every day and would trust my life with it. I have never had an issue, it feeds every type of ammo with no issues. I personaly like the heavy trigger for CC. Next purchase will be the M&P 40c.
Glad to read the OP was taken care of by S&W customer service.