need advice: Sigma or M&P 9mm?

[Double-O-Dave]

Greetings,

I need advice on a pending purchase...I have a Sigma 40F that I really enjoy. I've been looking for a used Sigma in 9mm for some time now, but the local market price has been in the $325.00+ range, which I think is a bit too high. My only planned modifications to it would be steel sights - night sights would be okay, but not a have to have item. A local has been trying to sell his M&P 9mm for $540.00, and it comes with Trijicon night sights, and a Streamlight TLR-2 light and laser unit along with the case, back straps, etc. His M&P is the full-sized pistol, and it looks to be in very good condition. I know a bit about the Sigma, and have no issues with it, but I don't know much about the M&P. My intent was to have a good utility semi-auto in 9mm that I could feed cast reloads or steel-cased ammo that I can't shoot in my H&K P7. The M&P seems like it would serve well as a nightstand gun, but I don't know if it has the utility of a Sigma. What do ya'll think?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[SheepNutz]

I can't speak for the Sigma, but the M&P 9mm is a great handgun. I'd call that a pretty good price for it, considering that it has nightsights and the laser/light combo. The triggers aren't the best on the M&P, but they do break in a bit if you get lots of trigger time (dry firing with snap caps is what I do). I'd also highly recommend the Apex Tactical sear and firing pin safety upgrades. I know you mentioned that you wouldn't modify it, but these upgrades don't cost much at all, are easy to install, and make the M&P that much better to shoot!

 

[leejack]

Dave, The M&P lineup is the pride of the company these days.

I don't own one, but have the 45 on my list.

Having said that, I do own a 9VE. It is flawless, and it is the best money I've ever spent.

I paid $319 at Academy Sports (-$50 rebate).

I am surprised that 500 people haven't jumped in, telling you how much better the M&P is. They are very popular guns, indeed.

Having said that, the M&P does cost more money. If you're happy with your 40F, consider the 9VE. Mine is accurate, reliable and fun to shoot.

You will find that the price of sigmas is sneeking up around the country because more and more people are standing up and saying what a good gun it really is. The ol' dark cloud is slowly lifting.

Good luck,

Lee

 

[Atlanta_SW40]

Dont waste ur time on the sigma....buy the M&P (if you must have a plastic gun)

edit: although new M&PS can be had for around $540, the $100 sights and $100 streamlight definitely makes it worth it...esepcially if it's LNIB.

 

[novalty]

I would recommend the M&P over the Sigma as well. I have shot a Sigma 9mm, the M&P 40, and M&P 45. Althought the Sigma functioned fine, and was pretty accurate out-of-the-box. I muuch preferred the shorter trigger stroke of the M&P's. With the additional accessories of the M&P you mentioned I would say it is a better value than the Sigma.

 

[jaysouth]

I have a 45c. Great gun right out of the box. As popularity of the M&P line grows, more and more aftermarket accessories are being offered and
more smiths specialize in M&P custom packages.

I don't think that will ever happen with Sigma. I get the feeling that Smith just wishes the whole sigma thing would go away and everyone forget about it.

M&P, no question.

 

[leejack]

Here come the 500 people I told you about (did I call it, or what?).

My sigma works.

Lee

 

[Atlanta_SW40]

Here come the 500 people I told you about (did I call it, or what?).

My sigma works.

Lee

To me I'm surprised there aren't 5000 people trying to justify to themselves that the sigma they bought isnt just a rock in a box.....

But then again I guess that's why there is a sub forum for that type of useless banter.

 

[leejack]

All I did was say something nice about the sigma based on my positive experience with it. Apparently, some people just can't stand the fact that somebody else is having good luck.

Nowhere, did I say anything negative about the M&P. I did mention that there is one on my list (I must like them), and I referred to the M&P as the pride of the company.

You can insult my gun all you want sir.

Lee

 

[TLG]

To me I'm surprised there aren't 5000 people trying to justify to themselves that the sigma they bought isnt just a rock in a box.....

But then again I guess that's why there is a sub forum for that type of useless banter.

Do you ever think about peoples feelings before you type a reply? This is a S&W forum and I have never seen a more snobish bunch of people in my life.

Yes, I am a Sigma, SW9VE owner. The price was right, (cheap). The quality was "NOT CHEAP"!!! I bought it because it was a Smith. It feels good in the hand. It goes bang when you pull the trigger. I think half the people on here have never had a (new generation, latest model) Sigma in their hands.

Now, Mr. Atlanta_SW40, I will go back to the "sub forum". I have only been a member here for a month. I joined because I bought "another", newer model Smith firearm. I am more than pleased with it and I would recomend it to anyone. "this is MY opinion!!!"

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks for the advice and opinions - and the winner is...

Thanks to all who responded. A lot of good opinions and thoughts. I went to my favorite local gun store today and actually got to do a side by side comparison with the Sigma and the M&P. I have heard and read a lot about the current generation of Sigma - especially the trigger pull. I've never really paid attention to it as I'm content with the trigger pull on my 40F, and besides, I'm primarily a revolver guy, so I figured there would be no problem. Boy was I wrong! The trigger pull on the Sigma is almost impossible for me (I have arthritis in both hands, and bilateral wrist injuries as well). I had assumed that the trigger pull would be the same, if not slightly better than what I have on my 40F, and it just isn't so. It looks like I'm going to have to scratch the Sigma off of my list and go after the M&P. Again, thanks to all who responded. If I'm able to buy the M&P I'll follow-up with an update and photos.

Best regards,

Dave

 

[alpinegeo]

Having carried an M&P 40 for the past 3 + years and fired 5000+ rounds through it, I can say you won't be sorry with your decision. I'm actually considering a 9mm just to have one.

 

[CF2]

I own both a Sigma 9ve and an M&P.40 compact. Both are great guns, so then one POV would be to look at costs. If you go with the Sigma, you can then take care of the other stuff you'll need and keep your costs lower. You can do the same with the M&P too .... at a higher price.