Any thoughts on the difference between standard SW9VE & Allied Forces version?
How about 10+1 vs. 16+1. It seems like the 16+1 is less expensive. Is it less reliable with this type of magazine?
The standard SW9VE has a stainless slide. That's the version I own. The Allied Forces version has a black slide. I think that's the main difference, if there's something else different, hopefully someone can chime in on that.
I've owned an SW9VE since '04. Mine is the 10+1 version (high-cap ban was in effect at the time). I love mine, and it's a very reliable shooter. I don't see any reason why 16+1 would be any less reliable. My groups tend to be a little low and to the left, but it fires whenever i want it to, and i've gotten pretty accurate with it. I shoot it like a DA revolver, with a long trigger pull. I like the long trigger pull a lot - less chance of accidental discharge.
The only things I don't like about the Sigma:
1) weird (proprietary) rail under the barrel. This is resolved with a $10 adapter easily obtained from any gun website. But why does S&W not just make the rail something standard? Not really a big deal, just an odd choice.
2) Front sight is melted onto the slide on mine (believe this is the case for them still). If you want to replace your sights with night sights, the old front sight will no longer be usable, as you'll have to knock it off of the slide, destroying it (i guess you could re-melt it on there somehow). Not really a big deal. Most folks probably don't swap their sights out much (or care about their stock sights if they get new sights).
I find this pistol reliable and definitely accurate enough for self defense. The grip is far more comfortable in my hands vs. a Glock, which is what sold me on it. I can't recommend the Sigma enough for a reliable, affordable pistol.