SW9VE: Yea or Nay?

Redcoat3340 · May 4, 2021

Local fella has a 9mm SW9VE for sale for $280; includes 3 16rd mags, couple of holsters and for another $20 (asking) a crimson trace laser.

Two questions: Is the price okay? Seems to me it ain't bad. He says about 600 - 1,000 rounds through it and the trigger is working in.

What's the story with these? I see a lot of ify internet junk, but have never asked here. I did a quick search and will be reading the stuff tomorrow. But I thought I'd ask.

Alsol, is the Apex trigger worth it and will it take a few pounds off the trigger? Or this M Carbo "S&W Sigma SW40VE / SW9VE Trigger Spring Kit" (which seems to be just one spring) worth the money and does it do the job?

I've got a full-size M&P .40 with a 9mm barrel and mags, so I really don't need another striker-fired gun, but I don't mind a bargain.

Thoughts?

OKFC05 · May 4, 2021

I used the Sigmas as trainers and loaners for nearly two decades, and they are reliable, durable and provide service accuracy. I nicknamed the triggers "Algebra" because they are long and hard. I tried every non-destructive mod, and IMHO they are not worth it, since they either risk reliability or don't do much. I liked them as trainers for beginners because I could instantly spot a "trigger yanker" and provide help. The trigger is much like a revolver, requiring good technique.
Buying a Sigma and trying to modify to be like an M&P is ill advised.
My best advice is either use it stock and love it, or don't buy it.

Bozz10mm · May 4, 2021

My BIL has one. I think he paid $311 for it new, but that was way before the current situation. No problems with it. It is somewhat like a Glock, but with an 8 lb. trigger. So, if you don't mind a heavy trigger pull, definitely yea. Don't know about the Mcarbo trigger kit, but BIL has put Mcarbo hammer spring in his AR and is happy with reduction in pull weight on that.

Seven High · May 4, 2021

Because of the current shortage of pistols and revolvers I would say buy it. Ask the seller to throw in a couple of boxes of ammo. If you decide that you do not like it, it should be easy to sell.

Geno44 · May 4, 2021

If you can convince the seller to throw in two boxes of ammo right now he had better be unaware of the cost and scarcity of ammo. The way things are right now, he is offering a fair deal as is.

GT_80 · May 4, 2021

I have an SD9VE and I love it. I put the Apex kit in mine, because it had a nearly 11 lb trigger to be complaint in my state. Well worth the $21 in my opinion!

Mine has been reliable with every ammo except aluminum cased. Hollowpoint, Ballistic tip, round nose, flat nose...

It's basically a copy of a Glock, S&W even got sued for it.. The price is great- there are two near me for sale, $299 I think with no ammo.

That's a great price. I almost bought a second a few weeks back, but why do I need two?

Echo40 · May 4, 2021

Considering that it comes with a few magazines and accessories, I would go for it, but seeing as you already own an M&P which is a straight upgrade over the Sigma, I would pass under similar circumstances.

I paid $199 for an SW40VE that came with only one 10 round magazine back in 2019 with no regrets, so $300 for a SW9VE with 3 magazines, holsters, and a laser sight sounds like a fantastic deal to me, especially considering current pricing.

As for trigger upgrades, if you're going to buy it, then I say leave it stock. Yes, the trigger is long and heavy, (10-12lbs) but it's still very usable, and in my opinion makes sense on a gun without a manual safety. From what I've heard, Apex Triggers and the like only shave a pound or two off the pull weight, and often come at the cost of making the pistol ammo sensitive, so it's better just to learn how to shoot it as is.
If you want a better trigger, then carry your M&P, the Sigma Series are intended to serve as inexpensive yet high quality carry guns, and that's where they shine. They're not range guns, and no matter how much you fiddle with the trigger, it still won't measure up to the M&P, much less a firearm with an otherwise fantastic trigger like a Walther PPQ/PDP.

Bullet Bob · May 4, 2021

I have an old one with the stainless slide and grey frame, it's been great. I'd show you a picture if *&%$% fototime hadn't stolen away in the night.

This is just me, but I'd never buy a used gun someone else has modified.

Edited to add that since I bought a Colt SAA a year or so ago someone had modified in the past, never is not correct. It rarely is.

But still, generally no.

GT_80 · May 4, 2021

Forte Smitten Wesson said:
Considering that it comes with a few magazines and accessories, I would go for it, but seeing as you already own an M&P which is a straight upgrade over the Sigma, I would pass under similar circumstances.

I paid $199 for an SW40VE that came with only one 10 round magazine back in 2019 with no regrets, so $300 for a SW9VE with 3 magazines, holsters, and a laser sight sounds like a fantastic deal to me, especially considering current pricing.

As for trigger upgrades, if you're going to buy it, then I say leave it stock. Yes, the trigger is long and heavy, (10-12lbs) but it's still very usable, and in my opinion makes sense on a gun without a manual safety. From what I've heard, Apex Triggers and the like only shave a pound or two off the pull weight, and often come at the cost of making the pistol ammo sensitive, so it's better just to learn how to shoot it as is.
If you want a better trigger, then carry your M&P, the Sigma Series are intended to serve as inexpensive yet high quality carry guns, and that's where they shine. They're not range guns, and no matter how much you fiddle with the trigger, it still won't measure up to the M&P, much less a firearm with an otherwise fantastic trigger like a Walther PPQ/PDP.

I shot my SD9VE a lot before and after the Apex kit- you only replace the trigger return spring and one other, and it seems like the pull is down to about 6.5 lbs, but because it is such a long trigger pull it is still 100% safe to me. My Shield 1.0 has an Apex Duty Carry kit in it as well and the SD9VE still has a longer pull, and a little heavier.

Redcoat3340 · May 4, 2021

Thanks everyone, I think I'm gonna pass on this one.

I've got very good carry guns (thanks BMCM) and a sufficient quantity of range toys so I think I'll invest in overpriced ammo or bit coins (not).

Echo40 · May 4, 2021

GT_80 said:
I shot my SD9VE a lot before and after the Apex kit- you only replace the trigger return spring and one other, and it seems like the pull is down to about 6.5 lbs, but because it is such a long trigger pull it is still 100% safe to me. My Shield 1.0 has an Apex Duty Carry kit in it as well and the SD9VE still has a longer pull, and a little heavier.

The SD9VE is a Gen 4 Sigma whereas the SW9VE is a Gen 3, one of the major improvements of the 4th Generation Sigma was an improved trigger arrangement which reduced the weight of the trigger pull substantially by roughly 4lbs. Furthermore, the 4th Generation Sigmas triggers have a greater margin for improvement with aftermarket modifications.

I was speaking specifically of the 3rd Generation Sigmas because that's what the TC was considering buying.
However, I admittedly made a slight error, it's specifically the .40cal variant which becomes ammo sensitive when its trigger is lightened, (trigger fails to reset with full-power 180gr loads) ergo that much doesn't apply to the SW9VE, only the SW40VE.

SW9VE: Yea or Nay?

Redcoat3340

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OKFC05

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Bozz10mm

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Seven High

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Geno44

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GT_80

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Echo40

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Bullet Bob

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GT_80

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Redcoat3340

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Echo40

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