I'm new here but I feel compelled to reply to Erich's review. This is the best most comprehensive, honest review I have read...and I have been trying to read everything I can on the Sigma. As I said in the new members introduction I recently bought a Sigma 9 for my wife...ultimately it cost me $210 from Cabelas which was the main reason I bought it. However after examining it and shooting it...wow! I like my 1911 but from a pure practicality standpoint I'm not sure this pistol can be beat. Inexpensive, reliable, accurate, simple, easy to clean, light and easily concealable. Only wish I had enough for two of them...that 1911 gets heavy after a day. Maybe someday I'll get the M&P 9. If the Queen gets in maybe that day will be sooner than later!
I believe this is a real value (S&W Sigma)
- Thread starter Erich
- Start date
Ky Bob
Member
I have 6 Sigma's now with another on the way. With the rebate and mag deal you can't go wrong. I look for these to up in price not from S&W but demand and supply. 1911's are pretty but I have had nothing but trouble from every 1911 I've owned.
OP
Erich
Member
Brian, thanks so much for the kind words.
My head's swelling up.
OP
Erich
Member
Thanks!
I think I'll go shoot the Sigma some more tomorrow.
Larry from Bend
Member
Erich - What a well-thought-out and informative review. In about 1996 a local sporting goods store brought in factory reps from nearly all of the big firearms companies and, for a modest fee, we got to shoot any / all of them. This was a really big deal for Central Oregon at the time. I remember that I hit the clay pigeons with the "brand new" Sigma better than anything else I shot and I shot at least 20 different handguns throughout the day. The Sigma just felt "right" and now I understand why. I never did buy one as a striker-fired gun just didn't/doesn't seem as safe to me as traditional sa/da. My 3913 is a better choice for me. Thanks again.
SmithAndJohnson
Member
I was at the range/shop yesterday and saw the sign advertising this deal. I took note of it, but thats about it - I'm a revolver guy at heart.
But upon reading this thread and doing some research into prices, I think I'm sold - I can throw one of these into my collection for a few hundred bucks and enjoy!
I have one question for those more enlightened/experienced than myself. Personally I'd rather go for a 40S&W model because it's a little higher up on the stopping-power scale over the 9mm. But how different are the ammo prices? This is going to be 99% a range gun, so if 9mm prices are notably less than 40S&W, I'll be sold on the metric variety.
And as a corollary to the above question - what's your favorite online source for current ammo prices? I haven't found one I've liked or that can give me a definite answer what relative prices between calibers are.
But upon reading this thread and doing some research into prices, I think I'm sold - I can throw one of these into my collection for a few hundred bucks and enjoy!
I have one question for those more enlightened/experienced than myself. Personally I'd rather go for a 40S&W model because it's a little higher up on the stopping-power scale over the 9mm. But how different are the ammo prices? This is going to be 99% a range gun, so if 9mm prices are notably less than 40S&W, I'll be sold on the metric variety.
And as a corollary to the above question - what's your favorite online source for current ammo prices? I haven't found one I've liked or that can give me a definite answer what relative prices between calibers are.
MK
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2007
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Hummm. With the usual 9mm FMJ vs .40 S&W,
I'd say 2-3 bucks more per 50 rounds using
the .40 ammo.
Some variation with the hollowpoints, etc..
IE: 20 rounds of Gold dots for 9mm is $19
at one inline source.
The same for .40 is 3 bucks more at $22.
So a bit more, but not a huge increase.
I had a hard decision when I got mine.
I knew I could get ammo cheaper for a 9mm, and I
knew that you can get some pretty stout stuff
for 9mm.
But... Being I'm using mine for possible animal
problems, I decided I would be better off with
the bigger heavier slug, being it's moving at
a usually equal or faster rate than the equal
9mm version with it's lighter slug.
After all, I would really be better off with a
.357, .41, or .44 magnum to really get serious
with larger animals.
So I thought I better get the .40 s&w.
With just off the shelf FMJ's, the 180 gr from
the .40 is moving slightly faster than the
147 gr from the 9mm with most loads.
I can get hotter P+ loads for the .40 that
approach "standard" .357 magnum levels as far as
stopping power. IE: they register "11" on the
Taylor scale.. I know of no 9mm load that can
reach "11" on that scale. Maybe not even "10".
A standard 147 gr 9mm doing 950 fpm only rates
a "7" on that scale.
A standard 180 gr .40 doing 975 fpm rates a
"10". Of course , velocities will vary..
Anyway, if I had to ward off a mad hog/dog, with
a choice of the 9mm, or the .40, I'd want the
.40. The wider blunt slug is going to make a
bigger hole.
So that's the route I went.
For plinking, I actually like a 22LR, either
rifle or pistol.
Pretty accurate, and cheap to shoot.
BTW, I think I find cheaper ammo deals at the
local stores, than I do online.. As an example,
the box of 50/ win white box was about $12.99
where I bought the pistol at. I assume 9mm was
probably in the $9.99-10.99 range just
guessing..
Thats not too bad.. I also have Wal marts
close by.. But I think the sporting goods place
"Academy" was actually cheaper than wal-mart.
MK
I'd say 2-3 bucks more per 50 rounds using
the .40 ammo.
Some variation with the hollowpoints, etc..
IE: 20 rounds of Gold dots for 9mm is $19
at one inline source.
The same for .40 is 3 bucks more at $22.
So a bit more, but not a huge increase.
I had a hard decision when I got mine.
I knew I could get ammo cheaper for a 9mm, and I
knew that you can get some pretty stout stuff
for 9mm.
But... Being I'm using mine for possible animal
problems, I decided I would be better off with
the bigger heavier slug, being it's moving at
a usually equal or faster rate than the equal
9mm version with it's lighter slug.
After all, I would really be better off with a
.357, .41, or .44 magnum to really get serious
with larger animals.
So I thought I better get the .40 s&w.
With just off the shelf FMJ's, the 180 gr from
the .40 is moving slightly faster than the
147 gr from the 9mm with most loads.
I can get hotter P+ loads for the .40 that
approach "standard" .357 magnum levels as far as
stopping power. IE: they register "11" on the
Taylor scale.. I know of no 9mm load that can
reach "11" on that scale. Maybe not even "10".
A standard 147 gr 9mm doing 950 fpm only rates
a "7" on that scale.
A standard 180 gr .40 doing 975 fpm rates a
"10". Of course , velocities will vary..
Anyway, if I had to ward off a mad hog/dog, with
a choice of the 9mm, or the .40, I'd want the
.40. The wider blunt slug is going to make a
bigger hole.
So that's the route I went.
For plinking, I actually like a 22LR, either
rifle or pistol.
Pretty accurate, and cheap to shoot.
BTW, I think I find cheaper ammo deals at the
local stores, than I do online.. As an example,
the box of 50/ win white box was about $12.99
where I bought the pistol at. I assume 9mm was
probably in the $9.99-10.99 range just
guessing..
Thats not too bad.. I also have Wal marts
close by.. But I think the sporting goods place
"Academy" was actually cheaper than wal-mart.
MK
S&J;
Regarding ammo price difference between the 9 and the 40, yesterday at the local Academy I checked them out and the Remington 250 round box of 9mm is 10 bucks cheaper than the 40 S&W of the same ammo maker. Like the previous poster said, about 2 bucks per 50. To me, that is significant.
Ed
Regarding ammo price difference between the 9 and the 40, yesterday at the local Academy I checked them out and the Remington 250 round box of 9mm is 10 bucks cheaper than the 40 S&W of the same ammo maker. Like the previous poster said, about 2 bucks per 50. To me, that is significant.
Ed
I picked up a first gen sigma 9f with 3 17 round mags for next to nothing. I had seen the reviews and bad coments from many people online, but I also saw the same gun being offered for much more than I paid for it. I figured that if I did not like it, I would not be out a lot of money and might actually make a few bucks. I have never liked the glocks. They do not fit my hand. I mostly shoot my colt 1911A1. The 9F works wonderfully. It does not have a rail but I do not have a need for it anyway. The only thing is, I am having a hard time finding a holster currently available for it. Most available around here fit the VE and does not work with the 9F.
Ky Bob
Member
Welcome to the hangout Jayaustin. You bought yourself a fine pistol with a Sigma. At one time I had seven of them. The one I keep in my vehicle has seen the most action but only maybe 500rds or so throught it. I have not had a single FTE, FTF. They are the most under rated pistols out there IMO.
TNRV
Member
I have a 1994 vintage SW9F that's still ticking. It has been to S&W for upgrades and checkups 3 times. No problems with anything I feed it.
Also have an SW9VE that runs fine, although not as many rounds through it.
-BUD
Also have an SW9VE that runs fine, although not as many rounds through it.
-BUD
TNRV
Member
Don Hume still lists the 9F:
http://www.donhume.com/Products/ProductsList.cfm?action...yWeapon&WeaponID=214
Galco does, too.
-BUD
http://www.donhume.com/Products/ProductsList.cfm?action...yWeapon&WeaponID=214
Galco does, too.
-BUD
Erich,
Great review. I just acquired the 9SVE and was in need of some background. I was very impressed with both the history info and your range chrono reports.
The guy that I got this gun from I don't think knew that you are actually suppose to clean guns, argh! Kind of like asking a youngster how often they change the oil in their car and receive that blank look.
That being said, before I dig into this, any special cleaning and lubing suggestions? Also, any recommendations on tune-ups and/or problems to look for such an abused Sigma.
I'm considering this as a truck gun, any concerns with +P+?
Tim
Great review. I just acquired the 9SVE and was in need of some background. I was very impressed with both the history info and your range chrono reports.
The guy that I got this gun from I don't think knew that you are actually suppose to clean guns, argh! Kind of like asking a youngster how often they change the oil in their car and receive that blank look.
That being said, before I dig into this, any special cleaning and lubing suggestions? Also, any recommendations on tune-ups and/or problems to look for such an abused Sigma.
I'm considering this as a truck gun, any concerns with +P+?
Tim
OP
Erich
Member
It's not approved by S&W, but that's what I carry in mine (Winchester's 127-gr +P+, which does 1400 fps from the Sigma).
Thanks for the kind words; I'm glad this was of use.
Thanks for the kind words; I'm glad this was of use.
I don't care what the 1st gen Sigmas were like. My 1st ever new pistol was an SW9VE . I got it just about a year ago. I've put about 1000 rounds through it and never...had...a...jam. I've never had a misfeed. I've never had a FTF. I shoot it, clean it and shoot it some more.
It's my bedside gun. It's my carrying in the woods gun. I can't imagine anything being more reliable than this weapon. The DAO trigger helps ensure that a rookie like me fully intends to pull that trigger.
I recommend them to anyone who will listen. You want to win a pistol match? Buy something else. You want to hear a pop when you pull the trigger? EVERYTIME you pull the trigger? Get a Sigma.
It's my bedside gun. It's my carrying in the woods gun. I can't imagine anything being more reliable than this weapon. The DAO trigger helps ensure that a rookie like me fully intends to pull that trigger.
I recommend them to anyone who will listen. You want to win a pistol match? Buy something else. You want to hear a pop when you pull the trigger? EVERYTIME you pull the trigger? Get a Sigma.
Well it has been two months since I bought my wife her Sigma 9. Cabelas is running a sale on Sigmas again for 299.99 and S&W has extended their $50 mail in rebate plus two mags so I bought another one. As I said in an earlier post my 1911 gets heavy after a day. I think I just bought my primary carry gun. For those of you looking for a good deal... I don't think the Cabelas sale can be beat. If you start a Cabelas credit card they will give you an additional 25-40 bucks off as well. That puts the price of the Sigma to low to pass up. I know I already did it once, and no I am not in any way affiliated with Cabelas just want to pass along info on a good deal!
I'm going to go check one of these out... sounds like a good gun at a great price. Let's see....$250 (after rebate) w/4 high-cap mags. I know it's not a Glock, but sounds very worthwhile...particularly at half the price.
Erich, I'd like your opinion on another point. I've read a few reviews online...and one of them contends the trigger has a "flimsy" feeling. This is not regarding the trigger pull, but the actual trigger component, as if it's prone to being easily broken. I'm heading over to check one out, but will probably be late in the week.
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