Sigma or Ruger SR9

[Rhema]

I know this is a stupid question for the S&W forum, but I will ask anyway...I am new here, and have been reading for a while about your satisfaction with the Sigma line of S&W autos. So my question is, I am trying to decide between a Sigma in 9MM or a Ruger SR9. It will be a range/plinker only as I carry a KahrPM9.
I like to tinker, so I would Dura Kote the SS slide, probably replace the plastic sights, do a trigger job etc. Ths Sigma's are about $100 less than the Ruger, with the 2 mag rebate, which is a huge plus. The only downside is the bad rap they have on the "net". They sure don't get that here, but give me some advice, both pro & con. Help would be appreciated.

[MitchellB]

I'm not familiar with how the SR9 shoots or it's trigger, but the Sigma would not be my first choice for a range/target gun because of the stiff, gritty DAO trigger however they are very accurate if you get used to the trigger. It is an excellent choice for SD (I'm very happy with mine) and one of the cheapest dependable pistols available with the rebate attached. Rugers are as a whole very stout well made firearms that most owners love (me included - I have a Vaquero) You probably won’t go wrong with either the SR9 or 9VE. Best thing you can do is go somewhere where they will let you handle both and see which one feels the best in your hands. Try the triggers on both guns if they will allow it.

[OKFC05]

I like to tinker, so I would Dura Kote the SS slide, probably replace the plastic sights, do a trigger job etc

There are very few aftermarket items for the Sigma, so I think you will be disappointed with trying to hot rod it. Sights, for example are limited to two that I know of: stock and night sights.

Lots more goodies for the M&P.

[JAGGUY]

I keep hearing about gritty Sigma triggers but mine is smooth as glass....

[writerinmo]

When surfing the internet regarding the Sigma comments, look at the dates on the posts. You will notice that most of them were regarding the old design which pretty much everyone admits were just accidents waiting to happen. If you happen to have one of the older ones and send it in to S&W, most times you get a new pistol back instead.

[leejack]

Originally Posted by JAGGUY

I keep hearing about gritty Sigma triggers but mine is smooth as glass....

Exactly! My only regret is that I didn't invent and patent the word gritty when the sigma first came out. Whoever first posted that word on the internet started a trend that will never die.

The internet is a very funny thing. Mine was as smooth as a babys butt right out of the box.

I say that if you don't like the sigma's trigger, don't buy it.

Lee

[leejack]

Originally Posted by writerinmo

When surfing the internet regarding the Sigma comments, look at the dates on the posts. You will notice that most of them were regarding the old design which pretty much everyone admits were just accidents waiting to happen. If you happen to have one of the older ones and send it in to S&W, most times you get a new pistol back instead.

Perfect! The sigma was born under a dark cloud; we all know that. The current production models are just fine, but the bad old reputation just won't go away.

lee

[leejack]

Sigma or SR9?

Either way, you'll get a good gun. I like the ergos better on the sigma.

Lee

[Rhema]

Thank you all for your input, I appreciate it. I will take into consideration the older Sigmas have the bad triggers, that was a concern that I had. I will do more shopping & handling, but the rebate is a definite deal maker I think.

["JJ"]

The SR9 is about a 1/4 inch longer with a 1/8 inch longer barrel.
This makes the SR9 weigh about 2 oz heavier than the Sigma.
None of this really amounts to a much difference.

A buddy just purchased a SR9C & I have a 9VE.
I may get to shoot his SR9C this week end. I assume they have a similar trigger.
I'll try to get back and post my opinion.

I have to tell you though, it will be hard to beat my opinion of the Sigma!

[Rhema]

That would be cool if you could post a comparison between the two! Another question I have that you guys could shen some light on is the use of plastic in the guide rod? Does this hold up well?

[leejack]

[QUOTE]Another question I have that you guys could shen some light on is the use of plastic in the guide rod? Does this hold up well?[QUOTE]

I think 357 mag can shed some light on this question.

[Backon4]

For the price of the ruger, get a SD9 or SD40. all the things you were planning on changing are already done and the price is about the same

[Rhema]

I had thought about that as well, but have yet to see an SD in this area. They should be at about the same price point as the Ruger from what I understand. This afternoon a friend & I are going to the range & I am going to try out his Sigma .40 so that will give me a better idea of what I want. At this point in life I think I am getting too picky about what guns I buy!

[.357 mag]

I've had my sigma for about 8 years and have over 15,000 rounds through it. The gun is stock and to thedaye I've never had a FTF.

The guide rod I have has no signs of of it even being shot. Barrel is still shiny and trigger is about 8 pounds.

Great gun for the money!!

I've shot an sr9 a few times. It's trigger is better, it's thinner,carrys more rounds,and has more grip. It's worth the money.

If I had to choose, I would still stay with the sigma. Only because of the track record mine as now.

[Rhema]

Thanks .357 Mag for the recommendation! I am leaning toward the Sigma. I have been around the game long enough to know that what you read on the "net" is to be taken with a grain of salt, and it is good to hear from people with first hand experience. I have been a member of the club I shoot at for 10 years, and have NEVER seen a Sigma there, lots of 1911's Glocks, XD's etc. that is why I am seeking info. It almost sounds that at that price the Sigma is too good to be true.

[MyLastRook]

Backon4

For the price of the ruger, get a SD9 or SD40. all the things you were planning on changing are already done and the price is about the same

Hush Backon4...The Sigma bunch has taken on the characteristics of a Jim Jones like Doomsday cult... The idea that the Sigma has been superseded by a better evolution of the design, that can be found at the same price point is to much logic for them to handle without reaching for the Kool-Aid packets.

They've spent so much time in the last 16 years defending the Sigma's flaws. That they can't wrap their heads around the fact that post Safety Hammer S&W finally fixed fixed them...So they're stuck in some bizarre mobius loop of repeating all the same tired Sigma defenses and buy recommendations.

It's like watching people trumpet the continuing great age of the dinosaurs... After the meteors already fallen and we're just waiting for the dust to settle and for last giant reptiles to quit twitching.

[Rhema]

Well guys I just got back into town from my first Sigma shooting experience...and it was not good. My friend has a .40VE that does not work! I loaded up a mag, good ergonimics, I liked the way the gun felt. So far so good. Insert mag, rack slide, pull trigger, NOTHING HAPPENS! I was able to get off a full mag, but the trigger would not do what triggers are supposed to do! I am not kidding, at one time I used both index fingers to pull the trigger to get it to fire!

I know this is not normal. In the gunshop I looked at a 9VE & they let me try the trigger, and I didn't think it was as bad as everyone thinks, but what in the world would make it that hard! It was not grit, or long pull, or mushy, it just would not release the striker. Actually I am kind of disappointed, because I am really leaning toward the Sigma, but this has me a bit "gunshy"! So what do you think?

[MyLastRook]

It's either been re-assembled wrong or someones monkeyed with the trigger as so many Sigma threads around here advocate. Would be my guess.

[Caribou Jack]

I've had the 40VE, nice gun didn't get me excited. I've got the SR9 I love it. In fact, I bought another. Trigger is good, the ergonomics are great. For me it points very well, shoots like a lazer, I've had no problems at all. I'm not a big 9mm guy but I trust that gun with my life.

[destroyah87]

i am here to speak i have a used sigma 40, it was used so I dont know how many rounds was through it the owner said he shot 100 rds through it. I shoot another 250 rds through my sigma the sigma trigger was very fine and I can rapid shoot the gun, no jam or anything. I belive if the gun trigger wasn't temper with the gun should have no flaws like your friend sw40 so please ask your friend to bring it to gunsmith or send it back to s&w for repairs?

[Rhema]

Thank you all for your help, but it is a moot point now. After work I went into the local toy store and bought a Glock 17, Generation 1 for $350...not just what I was looking for but I can't resist a deal like that! Thank you for your insight.

[Backon4]

I've got a Sigma, SD, and a M&P. I like every one of them better than a glock. I have a hard time shooting Glocks but my Smiths all shoot magnificently.

[leejack]

Backon4, I'd love to hear you thoughts on a direct comparison between the three triggers? VE, SD & M&P

Thanks,

Lee

[Backon4]

Sigma, long heavy pull with a surprise break and seemingly long reset. Trigger around 9lbs
SD, long smooth pull with definable break and good reset. Trigger around 6-7lbs
M&P (40c) average pull with very definable break and very short reset. Trigger is 3.5lbs (no trigger mods but lots of shooting)

The M&P has gotten to the point where I almost want to send it in for reworking but since I now have the SD I may just leave it as is and use it for IDPA and carry the SD. Either way I love all of my Smiths and they each have a place. Although I have to admit I gave my Sigma to my dad because he was wanting an auto in place of his 357 mag he was carrying. He was looking at a glock and I just can't let him do that now can I?

[leejack]

Backon4, thanks for taking the time to compare.

When I first started looking and learning about the SD, I thought that if it has sigmanomics with a lighter trigger, the gun would be a huge success. I stand by that prediction.

I've compared sigmanomics with M&Panomics and I prefer the way the grip feels on the sigma.

The SD has got the feel and perhaps the right trigger pull, not too heavy, fun range gun, but safe for a no safety, defense gun. I think my hunch was right. The SD could be the ideal gun!

Thanks for the report!

Lee

[Backon4]

I agree. The M&P is a great design and the trigger has broken in very well. The only thing that keeps me hanging on to carrying it is the CT grips. I love the idea and the way it fits to M&P and how well it flows with the design and looks like it was always supposed to be there. The feel of the M&P is great and the Sigma & SD are great as well. This is where the dilema is, They all feel so good that I can't make my mind up about which one I want to carry. I am also looking seriously for the first time at a 9mm and will probably end up with a SD9 before the month is up. The wife wants something to keep next to the bed that isn't so hard to rack the slide on. However I have told her she may just have to work on it and get used to what I have already. Only time will tell how this ends up.

[leejack]

Thanks my friend!

I think the SD will be a winner.

As soon as I pay off $10,000,000.00 to my girl's college, I'll get one! LOL!

[.357 mag]

Originally Posted by leejack

Thanks my friend!

I think the SD will be a winner.

As soon as I pay off $10,000,000.00 to my girl's college, I'll get one! LOL!

They need to buy you one if your spending that much.

[leejack]

LOL! I don't really owe that much; just enough to cut into my fun money though.

College textbooks are outrageous; even the rentals!

Lee