Sigma 9mm or .40SW?

[brianrn]

Modraker, if you are looking at a Sigma I assume you are looking at one because they are a tremendous value right now and not because they are the latest greatest pistol on the scene. That said, 9mm, it is a good CC round or home defense round and it is cheap, so its easier to practice. I have two Sigma 9's one is my wifes and one is mine. I also have a 1911. But the Sigma is better for carry. If money isn't a issue buy something else. Not because Sigma's are bad, just that there are better choices out there.

 

[gmchenry]

I bought the SW9VE to take advantage of the cheap 9mm at the time. I enjoyed shooting it so much that I bought a SW40VE that same evening.

I'd start with the 9mm and get the 40 if you really like the platform.

On paper the energy statistics may look similar, but bigger holes are better than smaller holes and heavier projectiles have better momentum.

 

[Alan1929]

Just bought one today (9 mm)or rather left a deposit as the dealer sold out (more arriving on Monday) on sale for $339.00 less S&W $50.00 rebate and 2 free 16 round mags.
I chose 9mm as I needed an inexpensive to shoot car gun. I couldn't see leaving my shorty 9 or shorty 40 in the car.

 

[MrApathy]

both if you can afford it.

I couldnt decide I enjoy shooting both.
good reliable guns.

 

[animalmother]

Given ammo prices there days, I'd get the 9mm.

 

[tigerfans2]

let's see, I have 3 9's and 2 40's...... I think it's important to have even numbers so if I spring for a Sigma it has to be a 9.

Tiger's logic 101

 

[Forester]

It's good to see this old thread again. Since my last posting I have started reloading. Without buying bulk components, I can load a box of 50 .40 caliber for about $6. That price does not include brass which I have gotten from previously purchased factory rounds.

 

[RedHouse]

I got both also!.....too good a deal to pass up with the current rebate offer.

 

[SgtMoe]

Hey Modraker, I had a Glock 19C and I now carry a Sigma40gve,I have to say the Glock wasn't to bad, but I like my S&W 40 better, sweet gun and I've had no problems with mine,and the ammo is only a couple bucks more than a 9mm. I like what Gmchenry said: Bigger holes are better than smaller holes!
SGTMOE
USMC RETIRED

 

[modraker]

Since I posted the 9mm vs. .40 poll, I have purchased a .40 because I want the extra stopping power. I do find that a box of .40s is more than just a couple of bucks more expensive than a box of 9's. So my next purchase will a be a Sigma 9mm. I wholeheartedly agree with those who recommend buying both calibers.

 

[LordRahl]

+ 1 for 9mm
Cheaper ammo for target practice and good hollow points or hydroshock makes it a good home defense weapon.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by modraker:
I am thinking of purchasing a Sigma.

I always look at the purpose to which the gun will be put. As the SIGMA is, first and foremost, a defense weapon, I voted for the .40 S&W caliber.

Now, I realize there are those who say the 9mm is "just as good" as a .40 or .45 or whatever.

For defense purposes, I do not know anyone who says the 9mm is better.

Thus, the .40 is the better choice. Almost any off-the-shelf .40 ammo you buy at any Wal-mart or gun shop will do well for defense. To do well for defense for 9mm, you need LE only +P+ or at least some form of premium +P.

Thus, I say that if ammo cost is a problem, get a 22 pistol for practice and go with the .40 for defense.

 

[conn ak]

Have to agree with Shawn, 40 is the choice. As the owner of a 1st generation 9F and a 40VE and recently having sold my 9VE,all 3 guns are close in trouble-free operation and average accuracy, but what other high-cap 40 is out there comparable in price to the 40VE? Ruger is close in price to the 9VE, but I haven't found a comparable 40 for the money to the 40VE. I bought a mint 40VE used for $200. If you're going to depend on a Sigma if the SHTF, the 40 will leave a slightly more impressive platform. If you like to shoot all day with cheap ammo, the 9VE is the choice. 9 will easily stop a threat, slightly easier with a 40 and game over with a 45.

 

[LordRahl]

22s may be fine for plinking on a budget. However if you have a weapon for home defense you should practice with it. Having to deal with a maniac hopped up PCP coming through your front door in the dead of night is not the time to become accustom to your weapon.

 

[Gamer]

Hi, I vote for the .40 cal. I bought a 40 this past weekend and did consider what you guys said about the 9mm being more affordable to shoot. I already own a couple of other 9's so i went with the 40 for CC and knock down.

Actually, I had no intention of buying a gun but you guys know what happens sometimes when you find yourself holding something you like.

Really, I felt like the Sigma was an excellent value and I got a rebate to boot.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[pennyjd]

147 gr 9mm should be just as effective as 40 cal.

 

[MK]

Originally posted by pennyjd:
147 gr 9mm should be just as effective as 40 cal.

Well... Either one is going to hurt. Either
one can kill you with one shot.. If planted
in the right place.
But.. The .40 does have quite a bit more power.
Being I'm likely to tangle with four leg
animals, the extra horsepower can come in handy.
Also, the shape of the nose is different in most
cases. The blunt flat nose of the .40 is more
damaging, leaves a cleaner larger hole, and is
more likely to bleed out faster.
If you go by the Taylor scale, which I happen
to think is "fairly" accurate, there is a good
bit of difference between a 147 grain 9mm, and a
180 grain .40.
Here is an online Taylor scale calculator for
those that want to play "what if"...
http://www.handloads.com/calc/quick.asp
I compared a 147 grain 9mm, which I plugged in
.3550 as the "cal in inches", which I think is
right.. I placed the velocity at 950 fps,
which I think is about average for a stock
load and 147 grain.
I placed the .40 at 985 fps, and a dia of .40
inches.
The results?

Energy 9mm -294 .40S&W -387
Momentum 9mm -19 .40S&W -25
Taylor KO 9mm -7 .40S&W -10

A 230 grain .45ACP will do:
Energy -356
Momentum -27
Taylor KO -12

So it's even mo better. Wait till you
try some rounds like .357 mag, .44 mag, etc..
Makes a 9mm look fairly puny.. .40 too
though.. :/
But saying all that, you can kill someone
with a .22 fairly easy. I don't feel at all
defenseless with my .22 rifle. They can do
surprising damage despite the puny size and
horsepower.

 

[sigma 9 & 40]

I bought both. My wife primarily carries the 9mm I carry the 40. We both love our Sigmas. I like the long trigger pull and even my wife has no issue with the heavier trigger. The difference in price of ammo is not that great. Both work extremely well and are pretty accurate.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I just like 9mm.

 

[Walthernut]

I like the .40, have one but have a weak wrist (a touch of arthritis). The first 5 are right on but after that the gun weight goes down and can be somewhat painful even with WWB (winchester) ammo. Cost of ammo does not enter the picture for WWB, but when you go to 180gr hydra-shock it can be costly.
I do like the accuracy on my .40.