Just bought my first firearm, SW9VE

[Joe Cool]

Hello everyone. I just recently purchased my first firearm, a Smith and Wesson SW9VE. I have not ever had any experience with guns and this past weekend I went out to the local mountain range to go shooting with a coworker who invited me along. I fired a few things..

1 - SW9VE
2 - Browning .22 pistol
3 - .22 Rifle
4 - Single barrel shotgun

While I was most confident with the .22 pistol and most accurate with the .22 rifle, I was informed that as a measure of home and self defense it would be in my best interest to have at least a 9mm. I considered .40 but I decided that I would be content and safe with a 9mm loaded with a hollow point for now. PLUS I picked up this thing brand new for an absolutely killer deal. I do not plan on carrying it around. I will keep it in my house and in my car, but I do not have a concealed carry permit yet so I can't tote my baby around town quite yet.

I do not have much knowledge on firearms, especially ammunition. I've learned 99% of what I know over the past few days. I would like to learn more. I plan on taking some safety classes and going to some indoor ranges to better familiarize myself with my weapon and how to use it effectively.

I would really appreciate it if anyone could give me any helpful advice or information about my specific firearm or even about guns in general. I'm open to all input and I look forward to becoming as educated as I possibly can.

I'm also interested in purchasing some accessories for my gun. I looked through the thread that lists some gear and I have an interest in the following two items:

STINGRAY for S&W SIGMA - STINGRAY for S&W SIGMA by ArmaLaser Inc.

Meprolight Tru-Dot Sight Set S&W Sigma Steel Blue Tritium Green - MidwayUSA

I would like to know what the thoughts on these items were? Are the practical? Accurate? I'm leaning more towards the laser because I'd imagine that would be the most convenient and having the night sights would just be redundant. How do the night sights even work? Is it like a glow-in-the-dark kind of technology or do they have batteries?

I'd really love to hear feedback on those two particular items.

And although they all look alike, and you've all seen it, but I'd like to share a few photographs I took of my gun.

 

[DLL10mm]

Congrats and good choice.
I have never tried the Stingray laser, but I am sure it is a good product. The meprolight nightsights would be a great addition to your M&P. I have had meprolights on other guns. No complaints. Anyways, Welcome and enjoy your new gun!

 

["JJ"]

Welcome to the forum, to the Sigma & to firearms!!
You purchased a great gun to "cut your teeth on"!
It WILL teach you proper trigger techniques.
If you let it , the Sigma will teach you how to shoot!
Work out your trigger finger regularly by dry firing the gun many, many, many times.
Just make sure the chamber is clear EVERY time you pick up the gun!! Nothing like ND(Neglectful Discharge: AKA accidental discharge) to tarnish your firearm experience or life!!
Dry firing will condition your finger & the trigger.
While dry firing, hold the sites steady on a target. A light switch, the TV or even a paper target placed on your dry firing range will do!!

Don't forget to get that rebate in the mail!!
It can make that "absolutely killer deal" even better!!

You came to the right place for knowledge!
Just make sure you keep your filter on & properly adjusted!
Sometimes opinions or hear say can be reported as facts!!
Browse all the forums! There is a lot of information here!
Don't over look the search button on the top right side of the tool bar.
It may keep you from asking the same question that was just thourghly discussed two weeks ago!
Plus it can help gather info for any questions you may have!

CONSIDER THIS A WARNING!!
FIREARMS ARE ADDICTIVE!!

Shoot & post often!
Best of luck!

 

[leejack]

Welcome to the club Joe! Thanks for joining!

Great advise from JJ as always!

I'd like to add:

Read your owners manual from cover to cover, then read it again. Familiarize yourself with your gun. Practice field stripping it. Clean and lube properly. The sigma is "not" an oil hog.

The sigma takes some practice to master. Dedicate yourself to doing just that. Be patient; you'll do just that. The sigma gets better everytime you pull the trigger. Practice, practice and then practice some more. A self defense gun should be a part of you.

We hope you post often and keep the great pictures coming. Sigmas may look alike, but we just can't seem to get enough pictures around here!

Best of luck,

Lee

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum and gun ownership also. I'll let others answer some of the questions, but here are a few thoughts.

The Sigma is a solid choice for a first handgun. You've already noted it has a longer heavier trigger pull than the Browning .22; this will take some practice to master. Make sure the gun is unloaded, aim in a safe direction at a specific spot and practice using the trigger such that the sights move as little as possible when the firing pin hits. This is called "dry fire"...you do not want to make this "wet fire" in your living room, so double check the gun is unloaded and no ammo in the area at all.

As a defense gun, you will need a strong, portable light for night use. You can mount one on the rail in front of the gun or have one separate. There are pros and cons to both methods. I would opt for this prior to night sights or a laser but others may differ.

Practice often. Cheaper full metal jacket (FMJ) loads mostly, and a 115 gr jacketed hollow point for occasional practice and defensive use. All defensive ammo has to function 100%. There are a bunch of great choices and others (especially with law enforcement backgrounds) can give you their preferences.

A concealed carry course is a great idea. It will familiarize you with the laws in your state and allow you to carry legally.

Other things to consider. Always have a phone handy. Read on the subject of self-defense (Massad Ayoob has several great books). Consider DVD or in-person training.

 

[leejack]

Just thought of something else; the old "dime" trick.

Place a dime (or other coin) on top the slide when practicing dry fire. The idea is that when you fire the coin doesn't move. This has helped many a shooter.

There isn't a bad guy on TV that I haven't taken out with my sigma! LOL!

BTW: you're awesome with the camera my friend!

Lee

 

[.357 mag]

Welcome to the forum!!

You have found the right place for info. There are lots of us Sigma die hard fans here.

Great gun, great pictures!! Thanks for posting!! Look forward to gabin with you.

.357 mag

 

["JJ"]

Just another thought; if you are going to go by Joe Cool, you shouldn't make another post without including a It should be in your signature!!

 

[Backon4]

Tritium sights contain a minute amount of radioactive material that glows. No batteries needed. You are correct a laser would make them redundant as long as the batteries are working. Also be careful if you keep a handgun in your car. Many sates require it be unloaded, including magazines, and locked. Still a good choice for your first firearm. Mine was a 40v and like others have said, if you are determined the sigma will make you a better shooter. I speak from experience when I say that I am much better now because of it.

 

[Joe Cool]

Wow, thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I didn't expect such a response. I'm glad to be a member of the community and I appreciate all of your advice and input. I look forward to learning as much as I can.

Thanks again.

 

[Buford57]

Welcome to the most helpful bunch of people since the Boy Scouts.

 

[keyguy]

Hello and welcome.

I just purchased a crimson trace Laserguard for my 9mm Sigma.

Laser Sight For Smith & Wesson Sigma LG-406 :: Crimson Trace

You can install it in 5-10 minutes and this will stay on the nightstand. You may want to check it out.

Street is about $180 (midwayusa.com)

Regards,
Mike

 

[HspncElvis]

I agree with LeeJack. First trip to the range was so so with my new Sigma 9mm. My good friend is active duty Law Enforcement of 23yrs. He's done it all. So I go to him for advice. I mentioned to him about the hard trigger pull. He said my trigger is fine. Take some time, put rounds through it, and I'll get used to it.

2nd and 3rd trip to the Police range with my Law Enforcement buddy I continue to get more comfortable with my Sigma and accuracy is great. I'd recommend the SW9VE to anybody.

 

[HspncElvis]

Didn't make it to the Range today. Looks like tomorrow afternoon. My Sigma 9 is calling my name. =)