New 'Allied Forces' 40VE Range Report

Newest addition is a .40 Smith & Wesson SW40VE 'Sigma' in the Melonite 'Allied Forces' configuration. Most of these come in two-tone with a stainless upper & black polymer lower, but I've always preferred an all black pistol.



For a tiny bit more I could have had the new SD40, but I wanted the SW40VE instead. Why? The gun is about the size of a Glock 23, which means it's getting carried a LOT. It is safe in any sane carry mode, to include slipping it in a waistband with or without a holster. This pistol has about a ten pound trigger and there's no way in hell it's going off unless you pull it deliberately. I like that.

A lot of people fuss about the Sigma's 'heavy' trigger. It sure ain't no Colt Gold Cup but it is shootable, if you'll spend a little time learning it. I took this gun straight from the box, verified that the bore was clear and began pestering my Chief to head out to the range with me. Since I'm the FTO, he verifies my qualification scores for me- and I wanted to get qualified with this handgun. Convincing him wasn't much work because he's a gun nut-and an excellent shot-himself. The target below represents –

•10 shots in 35 seconds at 25 yards
•10 shots in 25 seconds at 15 yards
•Three sets of double-taps in 4 seconds at 7 yards
•Two bursts of three shots in three seconds at 7 yards, from 'low ready'
•Emergency Action Drill, from 'Interview' Position at Six Feet- 3 shots from the hip, strong hand only & shift to weak hand for two more shots, weak hand only. Time: 4 seconds

All stages, except the low ready stage, are started from a locked down retention holster. Anything inside the 8 ring counts for 5 points and 7's count for 4 points; 185 are points possible.



I shot a 182 with the SW40VE, the first time out; maybe two points under what I do with a fullsize Glock. No, shooting a decent score on this course don't make you Rob Leatham but it's a good yardstick of basic skills. Heck, use it yourselves if you want. It ain't copyrighted.

Between the qualification and the wife and I shooting it this evening, it's digested 150 rounds of UMC 165 FMJ, Federal 165 HST (duty load), 165 grain JHP reloads and my junk-critter, lead SWC load that barely cycles most fullsized .40's. No malfs at all. I'm going to like this gun a lot.

I have both the SD and the Sigma. They are identical in size. Still a good grab though. I do agree on the trigger but think the 6-8lb on the SD is nice.

The SD is getting good reviews everywhere. I think it's a real decent pistol.

Congrats on the purchase!
I too admire the all black guns!

Oh & welcome to the forum!

Deliberate shooting at 25 yards confirmed that the 'Allied Forces' .40 was shooting a little to the right, so I tapped the rear sight over a tad to the left. While checking my progress I shot this five shot, 50 yard group with the Federal 165 grain HST. I was basically sitting on a mower (been raining here) and shooting over one knee, with my foot up on the dash, so it's not the solidest platform. Still, I think we are getting some useful accuracy here. Four shots in a little over 3 ¼ inches… not shabby at all for a DAO pistol derided all over the web as having the worst trigger since the PA63.

Carrying a Glock or a sigma or ANY handgun without a holster is not sane or safe IMHO.

I doubt any S&W manual would say to carry it this way. I bet you would be found liable of negligence if an accident happenned.

Thanks for sharing your HO, Amigo. I've packed pistols for 40 years, been a cop for 30 and worked in a prosecutor's office for 12 of those. Oddly, I never saw anyone found 'liable' of 'negligence' regardless of whether or not they shot themselves in the ass.

OK, that was a little harsh. Edited. Sorry Practical. I'm sure you meant well.

Thought I'd update this thread with yesterday's qualification target; same stages as above. I shot a little better this year, with a possible of 185, and didn't lose anything outside the nine ring.



No malfs to date and I am really liking this little gun.