gabarber1-
I will tell you that the SW40VE is an excellant gun for it's cost. I have one which cost me $289 new, have used it on groundhogs and informal plinking with over a 1000 rounds thru it. It is very accurate and hasn't malfunctioned with hollow points or ball. Some folks have trouble shooting it accurately due to it's heavy trigger, but I'll also tell you that the trigger gets much better as it is used and practiced.
This is not a serious target pistol, but a great plinker and carry gun.
I own a Sig and a Beretta and Rugers and have had a Glock 19 too-all nice, and while I prefer the Sig and Beretta, they are at least twice the cost, and the Glock is nearly twice also. Many people also have the first impression of the Sigmas from the 1990s in their minds-these were not as aestetically appealing, and the feel was not great, but it was not all bad. Also, the early Sigmas had some trouble with the dust cover on the lower frame tube area creating cracks, which S&W would replace, and they will upgrade those older broken frames with the new enhanced pistol-I'm told.
I would go and handle the gun if I were you. The grip is awesome now and shares the same angle as the 1911a1, and feels great in both hands, and you won't be out much-$289 for a great shooting compact .40 cal gun is a nice deal to me anyday.
Best-MC