Hi, I just got my pistol permit... I went and picked out a handgun last night. I set my budget to 450 but was pleasantly surprised when I went over a few different models and came across the S&W 9mm SW9VE for 349.00

I realize this is a lesser model handgun but I do not want to spend the 700 for a SIG right now. How will this gun perform? It seemed very nice when comparing to the ruger P series and the springfield XD's..

The S&W Sigma series guns originally came out about the same time the Glocks did.
They are basically the same thing with minor differences in ergonomics’.
The Sigma series competed with Glock to receive the Police contracts and during the trials Glock sued S&W for copy right or patent issues.
As a result S&W had to pull their gun from the trials until a court could rule on the case.
I think Glock has a better trigger pull but really the guns mechanically are the same.
A lot of people don’t like the Sigma series but it’s been my experience with my Sigma 40 that it will perform just as well as my Glock 40.
Glocks run around 500 – 600 $$ where I live, Sigma around $300.
I had a new barrel put on my 40 about a year ago after firing around 90,000 rounds thru it.
I am very hard on by guns and I can easily fire 1,000 to 2,000 rounds on a weekend.
My opinion is a Sigma is a good choice for a first time purchaser looking for a great deal.
This is not a lesser model just not as expensive due to lack of interest in a Glock ruled world.

thank you 5150...

Almost on topic...I have the .40 version of the sigma and I LOVE it.

1500 rounds so far and only 3 jams and I shoot a lot of reloads.

:-)

I've heard good things about the new production sigmas.
However i have had very bad experience with the older 1st generation sigma. It defined the term
"jam-o-matic" and was a nightmare with any ammo and any factory clip. Smith as i understand it corrected this later on down the line.

I went out to pick up the pistol yesterday after getting my permit from the sheriffs office. Is it normal procedure to be put on a 3 day wait even after 7 months of FBI background searches? That law is a bit counter productive don't you?

I've heard good things about the new production sigmas.
However i have had very bad experience with the older 1st generation sigma. It defined the term
"jam-o-matic" and was a nightmare with any ammo and any factory clip. Smith as i understand it corrected this later on down the line.


Duputy125 - I got a first generation SW9F Sigma (9mm) from a LEO who used to carry it for work for 10 years.

I guess I lucked out as I've but about 1100 rounds through it without a failure of any kind. I guess the 1st generation might have been hit or miss. I took the chance becaues I figured the LEO wouldn't have carried it if it was defective.

Glad to hear you have a good one. My 40 i tried with 4 different factory clips and different ammo but is was not reliable enough to trust for duty. Maybe they had better luck with the 9mm? I think i still have a LH security holster somewhere for that one gathering dust.

Salty,
Sorry but I think your problem is New York. In Texas 1 must just present their CHL and away they go when purchasing.
Way to go anyway,
Greg

The current production S&W Sigma series is a great well priced pistol. Trigger is a little on the strong side but they're good pistol. I've never owned one because I can get brand new GLOCKs for $398.00. They go for that price where I live. Sigmas go for $150-$200. Many of my friends carry Sigmas for conceal carry. I've shot them and I enjoy them.

Congrats on joining the club. Stay armed and stay safe.