I believe this is a real value (S&W Sigma)

Ky Bob · #**101** 10-08-2008, 06:29 AM

Very good review Erich

Erich · #**102** 10-08-2008, 06:36 AM

Thanks!

Sparkyshooter · #**103** 10-08-2008, 11:06 AM

Thanks for he great review, Erich.

I think the Swocks get a bad rep from their older days. I've seen the old ones and they just don't look and feel as solid. Although I admit I want to fire the longer barrel older models and see if there is any difference.

I've had a Sigma SW9VE since summertime. I absolutely love this thing. It is fun to shoot, and once I figured out the sweet-spot on the trigger, it is pretty accurate. Not revolver-accurate, but accurate enough to do its job as a semiauto defensive pistol.

My favorite part about it, besides the affordability of course, is the cheap and plentiful 9mm ammo. Holy cow. You can easily pack a whole gunfight into a single magazine. For very low cost. 250 rounds of .40S&W can cost up to 90 bucks around here. I don't ever see the same for 9mm for more than 50 bucks. 9mm hardly bucks, isn't very loud, and is a joy to shoot.

And let me say that for a "plastic gun," this thing looks pretty slick.

I've had a couple minor problems with mine, though. I am convinced that the barrel and the extractor are *slightly* defective. My extractor chipped (but it still ejects rounds fine for some reason) and when dirty (I mean *DIRTY*) the bullets sometimes won't slide up the feedramp. I'm going to send it back to S&W for a new barrel and extractor as soon as my 686SSR gets here (not going to be caught gunless for even a day in this house in this neighborhood, sorry criminals!).

MK · #**104** 10-08-2008, 12:23 PM

For a tool, I think they are about the best
buy on the market. With the rebate, I paid
$249 for the 40VE. Where else you gonna find
a major name .40 for $250? And with a lifetime
warranty to boot.
I had a minor issue with mine, as far as the
sear/striker, but I seemed to have got that
bug worked out. It's working good now, so far.
Mine has never failed to fire when actually
shooting it. No ejection problems yet either.
Not a one..
Sure, I'd really rather have a 4006 or whatever
3rd gen, but I ain't likely to get one for $250,
with 4 mags total.
I just wish they made a .45 ACP version.
Mine is for defense, more likely animals than
people, and I want the biggest hole I can
make..

The ammo costs more, but it makes me feel better
if say I run into a mean hog or something.
I use my .22 if I want to plink on the cheap..

RRH · #**105** 10-09-2008, 03:24 PM

Eric,
Thanks for a great review of the Sigma. I generally read a lot on this forum and post occasionally. I have purchased new Sigmas in .40 and 9MM and a lightly used .357 sig caliber over the last few years. However, after purchasing a 5906, 4006, and 4013 this year, I was contemplating selling my Sigma group. Now, after your review, I think that I will just puchase some snap caps for dry fire trigger practice and may have decided to keep them all. Thanks again for an outstanding (and mind changing) Sigma review.

RRH · #**106** 10-09-2008, 03:27 PM

Erich,

Ooops. &@#%. Sorry about misspelling your name.

Erich · #**107** 10-09-2008, 05:17 PM

Thanks for the kind words, amigo!

BIG DOG · #**108** 10-10-2008, 05:41 AM

Erich, excellent review. I have been on the fence about getting one of these pistols to go with my collection. I have seen several for sale at great prices with all of them that was bought up with the rebates last year .....Im guessing???
I now feel easier on picking up one to have. I like the way your green and stainless looks. Is that the factory scheme?
G

Erich · #**109** 10-10-2008, 07:55 AM

Hi G,

Thanks! Yep, that was the way this one came from the factory.

cheers, erich

Camprunner · #**110** 10-10-2008, 11:37 AM

I got on the Sigma kick this summer I bought mine for a woods gun on my long hikes. The problem with it is I don't shoot any of my other 9's anymore I just shoot the Sigma! It fits my hand better than anything I own and always goes bang. The trigger on mine did not take much to break in maybe 300 rounds and it was real nice. The only strange thing with mine is it will chuck brass across three states!

I do think the early Sigma's had a bad rap but the current ones are quite good I have talked three other people into getting them.

I also would like to thank you for your review Erich. When it came down to my woods gun (now my all the time gun) I was going to get another Glock but I just could not stand that grip feal and recall why I sold it in the first place some time ago. This review of the Sigma and the great S&W offer made me give one a try and it was the best move I could have made.

Double-O-Dave · #**111** 10-10-2008, 12:44 PM

I think the great ergonomics of the Sigma can be improved by the installation of a Hogue Hand-all grip.

Regards,

Dave

Erich · #**112** 10-10-2008, 01:16 PM

Wow, Camprunner, that's cool to hear that this was of some benefit to you.

Makes me feel useful!

Dave, whatever fits your hand, amigo - I tend to find that thinner is better for me.

But it's all about the individual fit!

mulehide9 · #**113** 11-21-2008, 03:00 PM

I am aware of 2 Sigma's available at the local pawn shops under $300.

What serial numbers can I use to tell what generation they are?????

MK · #**114** 11-21-2008, 03:23 PM

You can tell by the looks which gen they
are. The "F" series has a 4.5 inch barrel,
where all the later versions are 4 inch.
The 2nd gen is about the same as the current
VE version, except that I seem to remember that
one having no rail for lights, etc.
The current VE version has the 4 inch barrel,
and has the proprietary rail for lights, etc.
With the rebate, you can buy a new one for under
$300 in most cases. IE: the going local rate
the last time I looked was about $329-$339 new.
With the $50 rebate, that would put you a bit
under $300. I'm not sure if the warranty covers
only the original purchaser, or covers all
future owners. Might be something to consider,
and look into.
I think I'd just as soon get a new one if the
difference in price was low.

The "F" is probably the best actual shooter, but
I'd be wary of the frame crack issues with that
line. I bet more of an issue with the .40 vs
the 9mm..
The Sigma was originally designed for .40 S&W
though. Pretty sure anyway..

Bekeart · #**115** 11-21-2008, 05:50 PM

With current prices and the two HIGH CAP mag rebate, I think Sigmas are a decent investment.

How much do you think HIGH CAP mags will be worth after the next ban?? Certainly more than the $50.

Bekeart

4x4x454 · #**116** 02-28-2009, 01:29 PM

Did I read this right a 357 Sigma? And if so do they still make it?

Harris304 · #**117** 02-28-2009, 07:36 PM

Great article Erich. Mk I have the SW9F which was bought as a police trade in. It was a detectives service pistol for over 10 years.

I have put about a thousand rounds through it with no failures. It's hard to think that the frame would crack on the 9mm. I have only seen one owner complain of this (on the 9mm). This is after reading evrything I can find on the Sigma.

MattB · #**118** 02-28-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4x4x454:
Did I read this right a 357 Sigma? And if so do they still make it?

There was a Sigma SW357V made for a short time. They're all 4" barrel, two tone, black frame, and no rail guns.

WoodyUSSLUCE · #**119** 03-05-2009, 09:46 AM

Thanks for the excellent review ERICH ! I have to agree that for the money the Sigma is the best deal put there.I bought a SW40VE late last year and have had great sucess with it. i hope that S&W brings the rebates back so that I can get the 9mm version at a great deal also !

Erich · #**120** 03-05-2009, 10:10 AM

Thanks, you guys.

It's gratifying to see that people enjoyed the write-up.

This really has proven to be a great gun.