Original S&W Sigma: am I crazy for wanting it back?

[1KPerDay]

http://www.armslist.com/posts/33592...ns-for-sale--original-unfired-s-w-sigma-sw40f
http://www.mouseguns.com/glockall/glockall.htm

This was (I think) the first pistol I ever bought. New, in 1994. I was 22. I bought one of the original Sigma .40s and a used but VGC Taurus PT101AF .40, because, well, it was 1994 and .40 was the new hotness. Gun store gurus would practically mock you into submission if you even considered the wimpy, worthless, Euro-trash 9mm. Yes, yes, Mr. Expert Operator, I nodded, as I handed over my hard-earned cash. I also bought a Gen 3 Glock 23C around the same time, but I think the Sigma was first.

I even paid like $80 for a "pre-ban" 11 round magazine for the Taurus. Boy, the gun shop knew a sucker when they saw one. LOL I often think how much that extra round cost me. I could have bought at least 4 new 10 round mags instead but dadgummit, I wanted that "full capacity" magazine.

Anyway, the Sigma was pretty hideous but it fit my hand well, it was 100% reliable for the time I had it, and it had a good trigger. Too good, according to Glock, who promply sued S&W and make them crappify all later variants. But the original was a nice shooter. I sold it to a friend who wanted a handgun and he moved to another state and I haven't seen it since. I often wish I had it back. Is that weird? Is it just nostalgia?

Ah the salad days when I was young and stupid(er). I had no idea about reloading so I didn't save any of the brass I used either.

 

[bannockburn]

No, not weird but it would be kind of like me wanting my first gun back (I don't really); an Astra Model 600. At the time, many years ago, there wasn't anyone around to tell me a straight blowback 9mm. was not exactly a great idea. I was good for about 50 rounds box before the pain in my wrist and hand was too much to keep shooting.

I would just chalk it up to a bit of nostalgia and tell yourself there are bigger and better things out there for you.

 

[JONWILL]

Not at all. They are great guns. Pretty cheap also. I got one early this year for $179 at the local gunshop with original box. It was in 40

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I guess it’s like wanting a first car back.
We have a certain affinity for things that may not be as great as we thought at the time, but the thing was ours so hence the love.

So if it’s important enough to you, go hunt one down, or try to find the friend if it must be that one.

If not, go get an M&P 2.0 and laugh as you get an amazing new gun.

 

[scaatylobo]

The ONLY reason I own one is that my agency bought them and had them laser engraved with our departmental badge.
So when I retired I just had to have one.With that badge engraved on it.
I went to FBI firearms instructors school with one as my issue gun,I passed the course with my 'allowed' Glock 23 as that Sigma was a sad gun for shooting an STR [ slow ,timed,rapid ] course that we HAD to pass.
Mine is in the safe,I take it out and look at it -------------------------- then put it back !
You want one,buy it.

 

[Hangingrock]

Sigma followed by SW99 (joint venture with Walther) and MP 1.0/2.0, so you want to go back to a Sigma? Are you chewing and or smoking something strange? Sleep on it thus wake up in the morning with a fresh perspective!

 

[Zerodefect]

Was the Sigma the one with the 20 pound trigger? The one all over the worst gun show tables for $225.

 

[entropy]

I understand. Id love to have my first handgun back. Trooper MkIII. Well, actually, I do have the first handgun I ever had a .45 Colonial M/L, received as a kit on my 13th BD. It's not fireable anymore, but it still hangs in my shop.
I was never a fan of the Smegma, but if you want one, go for it!

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

I have a Sigma VE in .40; if for some reason I could keep ONLY one handgun, it would be the one-16 rounds of .40 in a never-has-failed-me pistol.

Sam

 

[1KPerDay]

Was the Sigma the one with the 20 pound trigger? The one all over the worst gun show tables for $225.

That was after the Glock lawsuit. All the V/VE models have the extra springs and crap that make the trigger horrible. The original was very good.

 

[1KPerDay]

Sigma followed by SW99 (joint venture with Walther) and MP 1.0/2.0, so you want to go back to a Sigma? Are you chewing and or smoking something strange? Sleep on it thus wake up in the morning with a fresh perspective!

i have an M&P. Fantastic pistol. But you never forget your first, do you?

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

That was after the Glock lawsuit. All the V/VE models have the extra springs and crap that make the trigger horrible. The original was very good.

I guess ignorance really is bliss, because while I never shot the 1st generation of Sigmas, I’ve never understood all of the complaints about the Sigma trigger-it’s just never seemed to be an issue to me.

Sam

 

[Hangingrock]

i have an M&P. Fantastic pistol. But you never forget your first, do you?

If you must know 1911A1 Marine Corps Viet-Nam. Lesson which generations learned before me the pistol is a supplement to a rifle. "But you never forget your first, do you?" Its one of those memories you learn to live with.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Lets see, the happiest days of my life:
1. When I married my wife
2. When my daughter was born
3. When I finally traded off my Sigma

Ok, it doesn't rank quite that high, but I was quite glad to be rid of it. However mine was made after the lawsuit and the trigger was hideous.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I love mine Sigma 40VE!

 

[PabloJ]

http://www.armslist.com/posts/33592...ns-for-sale--original-unfired-s-w-sigma-sw40f
http://www.mouseguns.com/glockall/glockall.htm

This was (I think) the first pistol I ever bought. New, in 1994. I was 22. I bought one of the original Sigma .40s and a used but VGC Taurus PT101AF .40, because, well, it was 1994 and .40 was the new hotness. Gun store gurus would practically mock you into submission if you even considered the wimpy, worthless, Euro-trash 9mm. Yes, yes, Mr. Expert Operator, I nodded, as I handed over my hard-earned cash. I also bought a Gen 3 Glock 23C around the same time, but I think the Sigma was first.

I even paid like $80 for a "pre-ban" 11 round magazine for the Taurus. Boy, the gun shop knew a sucker when they saw one. LOL I often think how much that extra round cost me. I could have bought at least 4 new 10 round mags instead but dadgummit, I wanted that "full capacity" magazine.

Anyway, the Sigma was pretty hideous but it fit my hand well, it was 100% reliable for the time I had it, and it had a good trigger. Too good, according to Glock, who promply sued S&W and make them crappify all later variants. But the original was a nice shooter. I sold it to a friend who wanted a handgun and he moved to another state and I haven't seen it since. I often wish I had it back. Is that weird? Is it just nostalgia?

Ah the salad days when I was young and stupid(er). I had no idea about reloading so I didn't save any of the brass I used either.

Yes. It looks cheap and the trigger guard is pathetically small. I would look for used plastic-framed Steyr pistol. You should be able to get one for good price because they will not pay good money for anything they're not familiar with.

 

[[email protected]]

I can feel your pain. My first deer rifle was a Mossberg ATR100 in 270 win. I shot my first deer with it many years ago and I moved on to what I viewed as a better rifle. I ended up selling it to fund other gun purchases. As time passed life happened and I got married had had kids. Then one day the thought hit me of how nice it would be for my son to get his first deer with the same rifle I used. After a few calls I was able to find the current owner and he was willing to part with it. So now it sits in MY safe awaiting use for my son.

 

[1KPerDay]

Yes. It looks cheap and the trigger guard is pathetically small. I would look for used plastic-framed Steyr pistol.

Why would I do that? I don't need, or really want another polymer striker pistol. I just want the first handgun I ever bought.

 

[1KPerDay]

I can feel your pain. My first deer rifle was a Mossberg ATR100 in 270 win. I shot my first deer with it many years ago and I moved on to what I viewed as a better rifle. I ended up selling it to fund other gun purchases. As time passed life happened and I got married had had kids. Then one day the thought hit me of how nice it would be for my son to get his first deer with the same rifle I used. After a few calls I was able to find the current owner and he was willing to part with it. So now it sits in MY safe awaiting use for my son.

That's great!

 

[PabloJ]

Why would I do that? I don't need, or really want another polymer striker pistol. I just want the first handgun I ever bought.

Living in USA one must take opportunities to buy most for their money especially when it is so readily availble. You see in USA gun people only pay top dollar for names they're familiar with leaving them bargains for us. Stuff like Steyr, Grand Power of Slovakia, Daewoo,..... is where this game it at. No point of spending same or little less on inferior stuff.

 

[entropy]

Well, PabloJ, many in the US do buy such guns, but that's not what this thread is about. And no, one "must" do no such thing in the US. That's what's great about the US, we can choose what guns to own by any criteria we choose. Maybe I'll start collecting Raven .25's.

Now all we need is Sunray to pop in, post quoting three different posters with small bits taken (usually) out of context, and comment on them in a contrarian and derisive way. Then this thread will have made the big time.

 

[PabloJ]

Well, PabloJ, many in the US do buy such guns, but that's not what this thread is about. And no, one "must" do no such thing in the US. That's what's great about the US, we can choose what guns to own by any criteria we choose. Maybe I'll start collecting Raven .25's.

Now all we need is Sunray to pop in, post quoting three different posters with small bits taken (usually) out of context, and comment on them in a contrarian and derisive way. Then this thread will have made the big time.

I could pick up FEG smc .380 for $229 so there is no reason to buy something like a Raven,....I let you in on a little secret. I like G26 can you guess why? Since you will never guess I tell you it is the 33 round magazine. While I will never need 33 cartridges fully loaded they make wonderful clubs for H2H fighting.

 

[1KPerDay]

Living in USA one must take opportunities to buy most for their money especially when it is so readily availble. You see in USA gun people only pay top dollar for names they're familiar with leaving them bargains for us. Stuff like Steyr, Grand Power of Slovakia, Daewoo,..... is where this game it at. No point of spending same or little less on inferior stuff.

Your sarcasm is duly noted, if not appropriate... I don't know why you seem to be taking this personally but I have no DESIRE nor NEED for another striker fired polymer wondergun. If I did, the Steyr (or innumerable other pistols, some made in the US and some not) would be on my list of considerations.

 

[LoneGoose]

"crappify"....I like it.

 

[jmr40]

The original Sigma's made prior to about 2000 were junk. I don't recall the exact year, but it was around 2000 or so when S&W made some changes. I had one of the originals, it went back to Smith 3 times before getting one box of ammo through it. This was about the time of the change and I asked for a replacement gun, but only if one of the newer ones and Smith agreed.

I have since heard that those were much better, but after my initial bad experience traded the new gun in for a Glock without ever firing it. The shop where I bought the gun allowed me full value that I'd paid in trade for the Glock. It was a decent deal for him since he was getting a new, improved version that was unfired.