Do I want a Smith and Wesson Sigma?

[tedburns]

I don't know where people get these super-low prices on Glocks, M&P's etc. And the Sigma new runs about $370.00 out here. A Glock is at least $550.00, the M&P is at least over $500.00.

I own a Sigma in 40. It is totally reliable, and I paid $319.99 for it on sale. The trigger has gone through a lot of dry-firing and I have shot about 600 rounds through the gun. The gun is better than new because the trigger has been broken in. You don't even have to clean or lube it. Trigger is a lot better now. The only concern I have is with the muzzle flip on the 40. Since purchasing it, I obtained a CZ-75B in 40, the Sigma was purchased before because that is what I could afford at the time. CZ is a better range pistol. Buy what you can afford. If you want a cheap self-defense weapon in 9, get the SW9VE. I bet muzzle flip isn't as pronounced as in the 40. I was even thinking about getting one in 9, myself, but I'm getting a new Taurus Stainless 92 because I want a better target pistol. Contrary to what others have said about looks of the Sigma, I think it's quite appealing. It's a lot of fun to shoot and it will not let you down. I'm not aware of ejection, extraction, type problems. Plus there's a lifetime warranty from Smith, and I believe they are now offering two extra mags for a total of four. This newest offer of additional mags went into effect on Oct 1.

But if you can afford more, go for it. But the Sigma is a good value. And it fits my hand better than any other handgun. It points well, too.

 

[Srigs]

I have and use a 40VE (3rd Gen) as my HD gun with a light on it. It is dead reliable with 4k+ rounds, great ergonomics and 15+1 or 14+1 mags in a full size gun. I trust it completely.

Other good options are:

MP40
Stoeger Cougar

Choose one that feels right in your hands, points naturally and is reliable.

 

[Euclidean]

I don't know where people get these super-low prices on Glocks, M&P's etc. And the Sigma new runs about $370.00 out here. A Glock is at least $550.00, the M&P is at least $479.

Internet. Buying used.

 

[karz10]

I wouldn't buy the Sigma if you haven't shot it, IMO. If you shoot it and you like it, and he'll sell it to you for $269 + tax, then consider it. I would not pay $300+ for that gun, just knowing it can be gotten for less.

If you're in the $400 range, try an M&P. Similar to the Sigma, more balanced in my opinion, comes w/ optional S/M/L backstraps to fit your hand, comes in both standard and compact options, that compact would probably be more concealable than the Sigma, and feel/shoot better. The M&P will hold it's value better. It has more accessories available for it, is better built and has a better trigger.

My local shops charge too much too. They wanted almost $400 for a sigma, and $550 for an M&P. But I saw better prices at gun shows and online.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_39_71 For some reason, it seems some shops have better prices than others on certain guns. This place, Bud's Gun Shop, typically has good deals on S&W stuff. They were selling the Sigmas for $270 at one time, and the M&Ps for $399 or less at one time.

Right now, on those two pages I sent, either a 9MM or a .40 are selling starting as low as:

M&P $439 DELIVERED
Sigma $317 DELIVERED

(no tax on the Internet sale)

If your gun shop has a crazy FFL fee, find a pawn shop that will do a transfer for $20 or less. In my area, I heard transfer fees between $30-$70, then I found 2 pawn shops that would do it for $25, and an FFL that did training but not yet had a store, did it for $20.

Do your own research, there's lots of shops out there, but at these real quoted prices, you could have a NIB M&P for $459 OTD after delivery and FFL transfer, or that Sigma for $337 OTD

Now if you add Night Sights, or some other mod, then the price goes up.

Someone also mentioned Glocks, and the abundance of used or reconditioned Glocks, at places like CDNN Investments, or another popular glock source is Summit Gun Broker http://www.summitgunbroker.com/1927793.html where you can see they have used/rebuilt various models starting at $400 for regular sights, or he was selling NIB G19s for $459 + shipping, still get OTD for less than $500

I personally liked the M&P a lot. For some reason, I shot the Gloick better at the range, and bought a Glock 19. In case your interested, the size from biggest to smallest of these, say in 9MM is

Glock 17 9MM (standard frame)
M&P 9 (standard frame)
Glock 19 9mm (this is there compact frame model)
M&PC 9 (compact frame)
Glock 26 9 MM (sub compact frame)

So, the G19 is a little smaller and concealable than the M&P, then the M&PC is a little smaller than the 19, w/ the G26 being the smallest.

I think the G19 or the M&PC are the best all around size, big enough to hold, small enough to conceal, YMMV

I chose the Glock coz it shot better for ME, and more accessories available at the time, including 33rd magazines as a standard option

Good luck

Karz

 

[Coronach]

Do I want a Smith and Wesson Sigma?

No.

 

[Wayne G.]

Sigma triggers suck compared to other comparable designs like glock, xd, and m&p.

Do I want one? NO WAY. Do YOU want one? Totally personal preference. Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavors for a reason.

 

[crazed_ss]

kungfuhippie -

Where do you live in Cali? Are you in SoCal? If so, go down to your closest Turner's and pick up a blingin PT92.. Much cooler than a Sigma

http://www.turners.com/engage/displayads.php

 

[Striker]

I have a Sigma 40, and it has been reliable through 4k rounds or so to date.
As already stated, the trigger was a bit rough initially, but has smoothed out nicely.

It's not my go to gun, but I would not hesitate to make it so if it were my only option. I used it as a primary handgun down in New Orleans after Katrina.

Bottom line: Test drive it as you plan, if you like it, then go for it.

 

[wally]

Quote:
I don't know where people get these super-low prices on Glocks, M&P's etc. And the Sigma new runs about $370.00 out here. A Glock is at least $550.00, the M&P is at least $479.


Internet.
Buying used.

Gun shows too. New Sigmas are generally $290-$300, sometimes $280 at the larger shows here. M&P models run $100-$200 more depending on the caliber and if it has the mag disconnect or not and the external safety or not.

I like my Sigma for what it is, an inexpensive, reliable firearm. But if you want a gun good for both defense and range games I'd save up and get something else.

I prefer gun shows to Internet buying so I can see what I'm actually getting. I can usually match or beat the internet price + shipping + transfer fee at larger gun shows around here. BUT it definitely pays to check internet prices on what I'm interested in before going to the gun show, as for every good deal at a gun show there are usually three or four bad ones.

--wally.

 

[CajunBass]

I've been tempted to buy a Sigma based on all the bashing I've seen on the internet. I saw the same thing about Hi-Point. People who don't have one hate them. People who actually own one like them. My Hi-Point has run like a watch.

I've never fired a Sigma, but I have dry fired them. For all the talk about how bad the trigger is, the ones I've handed were no where near as heavy/long as my Kel-Tec, P-11, and the P-11 smoothed up a lot after a few hundred rounds.

If I find a Sigma in 9mm, one day when I have the money, I might get it.

 

[wally]

I've been tempted to buy a Sigma based on all the bashing I've seen on the internet.

Basically what I did, the two free mag offer sealed the deal. Actually shooting it far exceeded my expectations. But clearly the trigger is the worse thing about the gun. Sights and ergos are very good.

Do understand that they had problems initially, but then so has the M&P, but with S&W's outstanding warranty you are out only the inconvience of sending it back, won't cost you a penny extra for them to make it right should you get a bad one.

Few other makers match this unless you spend a long time on the phone trying to somehow reach the "right" person -- eventually if you are a big enough PITA to them they might agree to pay shipping to get rid of you

I sent S&W an Email when my M22A broke, they replied with the FedEx return number and instructions on where to send it. That's support!

--wally.

 

[Rob1035]

I've come close to picking one up many times. They simply feel great, and the trigger is no worse than most wheelguns (save for a tuned S&W), and worlds better than the DA pull of the USP triggers I've felt...

Granted, I do have glocks and CZs instead, but I wouldn't discount the SW9VE based on internet opinions of the early models.

 

[kungfuhippie]

Well this is fun to read. It seems like all things firearm related it is a love/hate with little middle ground thing.

The thing I must reiterate is that I want a gun that will go bang ever time for home defense. Not for CCW and not for target shooting. It's so when something goes bump in the night my gun goes bang and not click. Or for when someone decides to invade my home. Or when I'm out in the desert exploring old ghost towns and some meth-head gets the idea of stealing my truck. I agree that I need to test one before I buy (just like any large purchase-car, TV, computer, etc.)
I'd get that Taurus 92, but I really didn't like how it shoots, like I said a while back in this thread. I sure wish my local gun shop stayed open late.

 

[romma]

I would recommend either a Keltec P-11 or a PF-9. Don't know anything personally about the Sigma.

 

[jahwarrior]

my sigma goes bang everytime, and my groups are 3" at 20 yards. 'nuff said.

 

[zakmartin]

I owned a SW9VE for a few years and admit it's a good self-defense handgun. Never once did it misfire on me. Shortly after purchasing the weapon, I ended up buying a stainless Springco recoil reducer (in retrospect, I don't know why, it was a $80 part for a $350 gun), and it noticeably improved the recoil.

Still, it wasn't very accurate, even at 20 feet. It was however, very light and very ergonomic. In the end though, it just felt too cheap for me to want to hang on to it. I ended up replacing it with a S&W PPK/S, which is smaller but a LOT heavier and with a Beretta M9, which is larger and heavier still. Suffice it to say, I'm now poorer, but happier.

I wouldn't say DON'T buy it, since it's a reliable, lightweight weapon that carries a LOT of ammo, and it makes for a good SD and even CC gun. Also, you can't beat S&W's lifetime warranty. What I WOULD say is to try out the many offerings that are only $100 more before settling on it.

And oh, if you decide to get it and you want to upgrade with a recoil reducer, shoot me a message, cause I'll give you a helluva deal on one.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I don't own a Sigma, but I did shoot one (9mm) at a range not long ago. The trigger pull was kinda heavy, but I found it extremely easy to shoot accurately. The trigger did not cause me to pull my shots right or left and rapid aimed shots were no problem. I'd say if you try one and find it fits your hand comfortably and you can deal with the trigger then get one.

On the other hand, if this gun is to be for home defense and field carry then why not get a full-size pistol in .45ACP? Is there some reason why you think a 1911 won't make a good, practical HD weapon? I own a S&W 1911 and my wife has a S&W 457 (.45ACP DAO) and I consider them both practical for HD and SD purposes.

 

[kungfuhippie]

I like the 1911. Want one, and would be fine with one for HD. But I like having more capacity than a 7rd magazine and honestly I don't like the grip safety. My Star does not have a grip safety. I know I can get the grip safety pinned but that would probably make the gun become a range only gun for me. I like the idea of getting something in .40s&w for the added capacity (10 rds. now, 14+ when I move) and I like how .40s&w shoots. I also want a DA trigger for a HD gun if I can get it, I know accuracy will suffer but few steps involved in a self defense situation sounds good to me.

 

[MR.G]

My SW9VE pistols have been 100% reliable. Several of my friends have purchased Sigmas after handling mine. When they first came out I bought a
9F, and one of the .380 Sigmas. They both were junk. The SW9VE, and
40VE, are much better guns than the original Sigmas. Check with S&W about a couple of free magazines with the purchase of a new Sigma. They were running the offer last time I checked their website.

 

[Jeff Timm]

The Sigma is the lowest common denominator of pistols. The equivilent of the S&W Model 10. A good basic gun for security guards. My wife liked the grip and when the gun went on sale I bought it, put 250 rounds through it without a problem.

My wife can rip the center out of a silhouette target at seven yards. That's all she wants.

Geoff
Who prefers the S&W M&P 9c.

 

[tnieto2004]

Definitely look at the CZ's .. I would stay FAR away from the Sigma's

 

[19-3Ben]

Um....how about the Taurus 24/7. I have never even held one, but am looking into them, as I am also looking for an inexpensive hi-cap 9mm.
They have a rail, and it is a standard rail, rather than the proprietary one on the Sigma, 15 round.
I've heard very good things as well.

 

[bdhawk]

this friend of mine is always doing a lot of gun tradin'. he keeps me green with envy with the guns he shows up with. then i think he has flipped is lid when he trades off or sells a real keeper.

anyway.....he shows up with a sigma. it was one of the funny colored ones, with the 'ladysmith gray' frame and stainless looking slide. well, my first opinion wasn't all that favorable. that is 'till i started shooting it. i do the lion's share of my handgun shooting at 7 to 15 yards. the sigma was a real shooter!!! i warmed up to it quick, felt real good in the hand. pointed well and it was derned accurate. it never failed to function, even with lead reloads. i was tempted to make him an offer, but i really did not need it.

i do not know if his sigma was better than most, but if it is a normal speciman, you could do a heckva lot worse than a sigma.

 

[cog099]

I still say Sigma.

Some folks have suggested their favorites such as CZ, Kel-Tec and Taurus 24/7. The CZ is a great pistol and super accurate but real world prices are about $100 dollars more than the Sigma. At that price you can get some much better autos, of which the Beretta PX4 is my current favorite($420). I am no gun snob by any means, I have a Kel-Tec P-11 and love it. It however, is my third one and the first to be 100% reliable. I have shot the 24/7 but don't own one, on reputation alone and customer service to boot, I would stick with the Sigma. Taurus has come a LONG way, but still has a ways to go.

 

[dralarms]

I own 2 of them both in 40 S&W, buy it go to wally world and buy 500 rounds of ammo and shoot it all through, clean and lube before, halfway through, and after you finish, the trigger smooths out as mush as you can expect from a DAO. My wife is also deadly accurate with it. I bought them for an inexpensive SD BOB gun, they are loaded with 4 mags each and a extra 50 rounds, locked in a case that is ready for me/us to grab at a moments notice. Got mine before the price increase, paid 289 each for mine, they are now 329.99 still not bad for a reliable firearm.

I wished I had the one I bought and then sold because I listened to the arm chair quarterbacks telling me how bad of a gun they were. Then I'd have 3 of them, actually thought about getting another but when I went in looking at them my gun dealer says "I have something to show you", that ALWAYS costs me money, had a 92FS Police Special Beretta brand new sealed in the box so no one has touched it except the man. I know it's not a "collectors item" but I've always wanted a "police special" 92fs so now I have one.