The vast majority of my firearms experience is centered around high powered rifles. However, I am looking at adding a semi-auto handgun to my arsenal and I've always been a fan of Smith and Wesson. I love the fit, feel, and looks of the Sigma, but I don't personally know anyone who owns one, even among all of my gun nut buddies. I would like some reviews on the Sigma, pros and cons if you will. Any input is greatly appreciated.
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DJBiker
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Most opinions I have seen of the Sigma are less than stellar. If you want a great gun go with the SD and if you want a fantastic one, get the M&P. There is a reason that the Sigma is $350 and the others are more. You get what you pay for.
I don't have any experience with the Sigma other than my Brother in law has one, and he has not had any problems with it that I know of, but most people hate the triggers. It may be a reliable gun though, anyone else want to chime in here?
I don't have any experience with the Sigma other than my Brother in law has one, and he has not had any problems with it that I know of, but most people hate the triggers. It may be a reliable gun though, anyone else want to chime in here?
BOBD71
US Veteran
I own both the 9ve and the 40ve i take both of them to the range every other weekend love them both. Have not had any problems with either one and have way over a 1000 rounds shot through them. The trigger pull had to get use too but after overcoming that i would not trade them for anything.
i have both 9 and 40 and they are great guns but the trigger pull is not the best, but for the money? take a look at the m&p 9 and 40c there a little smaller and a tad bit lighter and have a nice 6.5 pound trigger pull, although they are about 150.00+ more. if this wasn't a s&w forum i might even suggest glock.
Ed45
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Good advice here.
None of them are magic. If you apply the basics of marksmanship with a Sigma, it'll shoot as well as anything else. Mine has been flawless.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...3969-new-allied-forces-40ve-range-report.html
Titegroups
Member
The sigma is an entry level gun, I would go with a M&P if it's in the budget.
Maximumbob54
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I didn't care for the first generation of Sigmas and sold mine off. Now the new ones feel much better. The trigger feels vastly improved. I question why they felt the need to change the magazine size though. But mine has no issues with my cast SWC bullets and has been nothing but reliable once I got the amount of powder dialed in from working the load up to match the gun. It was affordable and got me back into a .40SW gun without cutting my wallet in half. I do like the built in options on the SD more though and I really wish they would just merge the design of the two.
leejack
Member
Pros and cons?
First, welcome to the forum!
The only real "con" of the sigma is the long and heavy trigger pull. Many people just don't like it.
I don't consider it a con at all. For a DA only gun without a manual safety, I believe it's ideal. It is a very safe design for a self defense gun. Accidental/negligent discharges are unheard of with the sigma.
Some of the nay sayers simply don't have the skill to shoot it well or the patients to master the required technique. Light triggers have people spoiled; easier to shoot good targets with, and good for the ego. I have had people ask me "what did you do to that gun?"; the answer is, nothing.
I have found the sigma to be simple to operate, rock solid reliable and fun to shoot. Best gun in the world? Nope. Huge bang for the buck? Indeed!
The ergonomics are splendid!
First, welcome to the forum!
The only real "con" of the sigma is the long and heavy trigger pull. Many people just don't like it.
I don't consider it a con at all. For a DA only gun without a manual safety, I believe it's ideal. It is a very safe design for a self defense gun. Accidental/negligent discharges are unheard of with the sigma.
Some of the nay sayers simply don't have the skill to shoot it well or the patients to master the required technique. Light triggers have people spoiled; easier to shoot good targets with, and good for the ego. I have had people ask me "what did you do to that gun?"; the answer is, nothing.
I have found the sigma to be simple to operate, rock solid reliable and fun to shoot. Best gun in the world? Nope. Huge bang for the buck? Indeed!
The ergonomics are splendid!
The Sigma is a good pistol, M&P is a better pistol, that's my quick take on it. My Sigma review:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...23505-sigma-9mm-range-review-trigger-job.html
Welcome to the board longgun!
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...23505-sigma-9mm-range-review-trigger-job.html
Welcome to the board longgun!
marlin.357
Member
You've gotten some excellent feedback here, BUT you didn't tell us WHY you wanted a pistol--home defense, concealed carry, precision bulls-eye competition, IDPA, occasional plinking at tin cans. Makes a difference.
The Sigma is a good fit for some of these applications, for others, not so much.
The heavy and long trigger, isn't a problem (IMHO and advantage) for self-defense applications. It does take some getting used to, but when you do you will find yourself a better shooter. Most people who handle one will comment on the great feel and the "pointability".
I wouldn't recommend it for competition, not because it isn't accurate or reliable (it is) but for the same reason I wouldn't recommend running the family mini-van against the muscle cars on the drag strip, it ain't a race gun and there are no easy ways to make it a race gun. If you are into competition get something that can be easily tweaked such as the M&P. This forum gets a lot of questions on Sigma trigger, grip and sight upgrades, but there isn't much out there, you will be time and money ahead with something like and M&P if you want to compete.
The Sigma is a great gun for the money for self-defense home defense and carry applications. With some practice you will impress your gun nut buddies with the Sigma.
The Sigma is a good fit for some of these applications, for others, not so much.
The heavy and long trigger, isn't a problem (IMHO and advantage) for self-defense applications. It does take some getting used to, but when you do you will find yourself a better shooter. Most people who handle one will comment on the great feel and the "pointability".
I wouldn't recommend it for competition, not because it isn't accurate or reliable (it is) but for the same reason I wouldn't recommend running the family mini-van against the muscle cars on the drag strip, it ain't a race gun and there are no easy ways to make it a race gun. If you are into competition get something that can be easily tweaked such as the M&P. This forum gets a lot of questions on Sigma trigger, grip and sight upgrades, but there isn't much out there, you will be time and money ahead with something like and M&P if you want to compete.
The Sigma is a great gun for the money for self-defense home defense and carry applications. With some practice you will impress your gun nut buddies with the Sigma.
For these purposes, the Sigma should do well. It was not designed as a long-range or bullseye gun.
Go buy one and enjoy!
New here too and just bought my first handgun and it was the SW9VE. I shoot Mosin Nagants and I actually love the trigger pull. My stomach dropped when I googled the gun after I bought it and saw a lot of negative things about it but then I saw that it was more from people who preferred glocks. I bought mine for shooting at the range and I guess self defense. I've been hitting 12"x 12" targets at 25 yards and hitting the sheet with all 16 rounds. My only complaint is the last few rounds in the clip is a mother to get in the new clips. I love the feel of it and the ease in taking the gun apart for cleaning. I think it makes a great entry level gun as it is my first handgun and I feel very comfortable with it.
Also I love the make up as in the plastic lower and metal upper. I have a tendency to shoot high and the top heaviness of it helped my accuracy.
Also I love the make up as in the plastic lower and metal upper. I have a tendency to shoot high and the top heaviness of it helped my accuracy.
warrconn
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I think you nailed it. I'm not real qualified to defend the Sigma, as I just got mine and have barely over 100 rounds through it. However, I didn't buy it for competition, or long range accuracy. It's for CCW self defense and home defense. Your mini-van/muscle car analogy is correct. Another way to put it, you wouldn't buy a Sportster 883 and then gripe that it won't do the quarter mile in low 10s. It's not meant to!
Personally, I like the trigger. Of course, I've been a revolver guy.
adnahoundsman
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For a ccw pistol the Sigma is a great gun. Personally I have had no issues with the trigger. I think too many people get spoiled or wrapped up in match triggers. Even my wife and kids have had no problem with the trigger.
As far as reliablity goes. I have put just over 4000 rounds through mine. And have had no malfunctions of any kind.
Mine took the place of my Glock 19 due to the ergonomics of the grip. And I have not looked back.
The best advise I could give you. Would be to find the closest range with rental guns. And shoot as many as possible. In your prefered caliber. Find what fits YOUR hand. And go from there.
Best of luck.
As far as reliablity goes. I have put just over 4000 rounds through mine. And have had no malfunctions of any kind.
Mine took the place of my Glock 19 due to the ergonomics of the grip. And I have not looked back.
The best advise I could give you. Would be to find the closest range with rental guns. And shoot as many as possible. In your prefered caliber. Find what fits YOUR hand. And go from there.
Best of luck.
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