S&W Sigma .380acp......yeah or nay?
- Thread starter JERRY
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Man With A Gun
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SIGMA had problems with the first production but I hear S&W fixed them and they are good to go. Why not get it in 9mm if the same size applies?
I think the 380 Sigma didn't fly for three reasons I can see:
1. You need a special tool to field strip it.
2. S&W told everyone that the gun needs to have the slide replaced every 3000 rds (as I recall).
3. The magazine is not what you would want for a fast reload. You have to pinch both sides of the magazine to release it. Kind of complex to do in a hurry.
The biggest saving grace is the ability to function on any kind of ammo. I know of a LE agency that was testing 380s to figure out which to adopt. The SW 380 was the only gun that fed and fired every brand of ammo it was given. I mentioned this in a previous thread and yes the SIG and Walther seemed to be more ammo sensitive. Never shot the SIG much but I agree my PPK/S does not like certain brands of ammo. Even some FMJ seems underpowered to operate the action. I have a SW 380 I purchased (almost new) that has worked fine with the six or seven brands of ammo I've fed it.
Due to the magazine release I wouldn't suggest one as a primary carry gun but it makes a fine back up as far as I'm concerned.
The 9mm was a little bigger and I really don't have any experience with it to offer an opinion. I have heard there were reliability problems with it but have only heard not experienced.
1. You need a special tool to field strip it.
2. S&W told everyone that the gun needs to have the slide replaced every 3000 rds (as I recall).
3. The magazine is not what you would want for a fast reload. You have to pinch both sides of the magazine to release it. Kind of complex to do in a hurry.
The biggest saving grace is the ability to function on any kind of ammo. I know of a LE agency that was testing 380s to figure out which to adopt. The SW 380 was the only gun that fed and fired every brand of ammo it was given. I mentioned this in a previous thread and yes the SIG and Walther seemed to be more ammo sensitive. Never shot the SIG much but I agree my PPK/S does not like certain brands of ammo. Even some FMJ seems underpowered to operate the action. I have a SW 380 I purchased (almost new) that has worked fine with the six or seven brands of ammo I've fed it.
Due to the magazine release I wouldn't suggest one as a primary carry gun but it makes a fine back up as far as I'm concerned.
The 9mm was a little bigger and I really don't have any experience with it to offer an opinion. I have heard there were reliability problems with it but have only heard not experienced.
BADUNAME13
Member
Nay
field70
Member
I have a first production that a POS. It will feed two rounds and jam...It's been under my bed in it's box for 10 or 12 years. Maybe longer..I bought it about 1 month after they came out...
Glockfan.45
member
I have a new one (SW40VE) and it has been 100% reliable. I have fed almost 2k rounds to it now with zero, nada, no malfuctions at all. It has more than acceptable combat accuracy, and fits my hand great. The only downside to this gun is the trigger thats about 4lbs too heavy. You can fix the trigger issue like I did by removing two springs, or just learn to live with it. Either way if you are looking for a defensive piece thats reliable and cheap go for it. Pay no attention to the naysayers on this board that either don't own one, have never shot one, or have only shot the old models. They know not what they say and speak from their rears.
tbreed725
Member
how much can you get it for? if its in the 250 range and i was going to stay with 380 it would be a keltec p3at for me all the way
SouthpawShootr
Member
OK, first for everybody who is a bit hazy on this: S&W introduced the regular Sigma line in 9mm, .40 SW, and (uncatalogued) 357 Sig. These designs had some teething pains and the 357 never made it into standard production. These were service sized guns and S&W continued to refine the design. The newest models are the Sigma E and VE guns, caliber goes in front. S&W also introduced compact models, the Sigma 380 and 9M. These designs look Sigma-inspired, but are completely different. I don't know about the 9M but the 380 had a zinc alloy slide and a very limited service life. The 9M was of a similar design. The 380 quickly earned a reputation as a junk gun, little better than a Jennings. Never heard anything nice about the Sigma 380 or 9M.
To answer the OP's question. Not no, but hell no!. It's sacrilege that the Sigma 380 bears the S&W marque. Much better 380s on the market for decent prices. Bersa for instance.
LT 102
Member
+1 for the hell no, had one for a 5 or 6 years. Hardly ever fired it, it was a pain to strip and clean, had multiple FTF/FTE and just felt like an overall POS. Never could truly trust it. Bought it for $180 and got $170for it when I traded it in an a KT P3AT ( 6 years later) Kel Tek has been flawless and I would highly recommend it for CCW over an SW380
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
NAY
Most were PROBLEMATIC, I would suggest staying away from these at all cost.
Most were PROBLEMATIC, I would suggest staying away from these at all cost.
Jorg Nysgerrig
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I remember taking a good hard look at these when they were new. It did not give off the impression of quality in any way, shape, or form.
guitararmy
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- Sep 16, 2006
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sigma 380
I bought mine new and still carry it from time to time. It's pretty light and
compact (I guess it compares to the KelTec 3AT). I bought two spare mags for it, not that a speed reload is possible with the way the mag comes out!
Haven't had any problems with ammo (HydraShock, Golden Saber). There is at least one review article on the web that praises it...
I bought mine new and still carry it from time to time. It's pretty light and
compact (I guess it compares to the KelTec 3AT). I bought two spare mags for it, not that a speed reload is possible with the way the mag comes out!
Haven't had any problems with ammo (HydraShock, Golden Saber). There is at least one review article on the web that praises it...
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