At a guess?
Wouldn't surprise me if they keep the Sigma Series and add an intermediate pistol line between the Sigma and the M&P Series. Something affordable for folks with a bit more money that what a Sigma costs, but who want a few more features than come on the Sigma.
The front night sight is a decent idea. Ditto the steel sights and the Melonite treated through-hardened stainless slide.
Interesting thought to provide an index point for the trigger finger when a shot isn't intended.
The trigger pull is what I was told was intended for the revision done to the Sigma Series a while back, where they were looking to give it a 8-9 lb trigger pull. Not too heavy and yet not too light. Pretty much in line with what's desired for some service users of the Glock line when the "+" connector is selected.
Nice to see a more widely accepted accessory rail in case some owners want to add the expense of a white light or laser.
Doesn't seem too thick for what is often seen for double column mag defensive-type pistols. It's not like it's a single column/stack compact intended to attract CCW customers looking for a small pistol.
This actually looks like a reasonable evolution of what the Sigma could have been if they hadn't rushed it. As a matter of fact, it looks like a decent inexpensive service-type/defensive pistol of common size/dimensions for something using a double column magazine. Not something intended for the LE/Gov market as much as for the budget-minded private owner.
Of course, I'd still prefer the M&P myself, for the enhanced strength of the sub-chassis and the other features, but this new model line might well fill a spot between the plain vanilla Sigma and the refined M&P for those folks who aren't necessarily 'gun enthusiasts', but are just looking for an inexpensive defensive handgun.
I guess we'll see, and the market will speak.
S&W has always enjoyed strong sales of the Sigma Series, despite internet firearms enthusiast detractors, but then the Sigma wasn't really marketed to the 'gun crowd', but to the budget-minded folks who didn't want to spend much on a pistol they probably didn't shoot much, anyway. Maybe this new model line will start to bridge the gap and attract more of the folks who enjoy occasional shooting but who are still on a tight budget.
Might be a good thing all the way around.