S&W Sigma 9mm and .40

[heritage1865]

They've got the $50 mail in rebate going on until 4/30. I'm thinking about getting one. Any thoughts on which caliber I should get? Also, this will be my first pistol. Is this a good choice? My budget is really limited...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[BlueNinjaGo]

This usually doesn't end well.

I would recommend the 9mm.

Reasons:
1) Ammo is cheaper. (Although I've heard the gap between the two is getting smaller and smaller.) Both ammunition seems to be plentiful compared to other calibers. Cheaper ammo = more practice.

2) More rounds per magazine.

3) Less recoil. .40 calibers seem to be more snappy. This is all user dependent though. I can do follow up shots quicker with a 9mm, but that is me.

Shot placement is key. A .380acp to the chest is going to be more effective than a .50AE that misses completely. Anything you shoot someone with is going to hurt. I've yet to hear a story of a BG who is ok with being shot with a smaller caliber round.

You'll hear a lot of guys tell you that bigger is so much better, and that it's extremely important. And while I won't deny a .45 ACP will do more damage than a 9mm, I think they will both get the job done. It's like deciding to buy a 4 cylinder car or a 6 cylinder car. They will both get you to where you want to go just fine. A car with more horsepower might do it a little quicker, but they'll both get the job done.

As for the Sigma series, I've yet to read any serious complaints against it. I think the only issue I can recall hearing about is the trigger spring, but S&W will mail you a lighter spring. I know there was a lot of Sigma bashing when it came out, but I rarely read "fail reports" like a lot of other, better known, brands.

[reyno2ac]

This is a great first pistol! It was my first and I loved it. I eventually upgraded to a springfield xd9sc when the money was available. I chose the 9mm because ammo was cheaper. The gap seems to be narrowing but I would still lean towards the 9mm version.

The Only real negative to the sigma is it's trigger pull, it is pretty long and gritty. That said, I have shot probably 1,500 rounds through mine without a single error. If you can, get the 16rnd version.

Cleaning the sigma takes all of 5 minutes because it field strips as easily as a glock.

You fan improve the trigger if you want, through polishing and spring changes, but I would leave it alone.

[SIXTO]

Buy the 9mm. 40 is a great choice, but 9mm is far better for a new shooter.

[1959]

Buy the 9mm. 40 is a great choice, but 9mm is far better for a new shooter.

I have the Sigma 9mm, and am very pleased with it.
I have a Walther PPS 40 that I bought before the Sigma, it is a fine gun but is a bit snappy.
The 40 ammo. seems plenty plentiful but is about 25% higher than the 9mm.

[jp3276]

I would say go with the 9mm as well for the reasons already stated. Easier to shoot, cheaper, more ammo capacity.

[GM]

I should go with the 9mm. But that is me, because I really like the caliber.

[b1780]

I have the sigma 40 and absolutely love it. The recoil is not bad at all and it is a dream to shoot. The trigger pull takes some getting used to but it is not a problem at all. There is very little difference in amo cost now and I like a bit more power to get the job done. You can't go wrong with this firearm. Enjoy.

[AtlantaSW40]

You shouldn't buy a Sigma.... It's a piece of crap. I had one, owned it for 2 months...it spent two weeks back at the warranty center because of faulty extractors and a mis mounted front sight (it was shooting low a MF)

As soon as it came back I immediately delivered it to a person for purchase.

Go on the smith and wesson forums and read the endless amount of people complaining about their faulty Sigmas and limited aftermarket accessories.

[razor02097]

The S&W sigma is a wonderful entry level pistol that is a very good value. As far as caliber... its really up to you.

You really couldn't go wrong either way.


P.S. I HAVE owned a sigma. SW9VE the trigger was heavy but it shot well. In fact its what I used for my CCW class. the sigma never let me down.

[adaman04]

I’d go 9mm.

Unlike many Sigma bashers, I had a SW9VE for several years. I shot roughly 7-8k through it (I’d have to check my log) and never had a malfunction of any kind.

The only complaint I had (as most do) is that the trigger is heavy and generally gritty. It gets better with use, but not great.

For a new gun in the $300 range I don’t think it can be beaten.

[razor02097]

You shouldn't buy a Sigma.... It's a piece of crap. I had one, owned it for 2 months...it spent two weeks back at the warranty center because of faulty extractors and a mis mounted front sight (it was shooting low a MF)

As soon as it came back I immediately delivered it to a person for purchase.

Go on the smith and wesson forums and read the endless amount of people bitching about their faulty ----mas and limited aftermarket accessories.

your gun had more then 1 extractor?! You must have had a freak factory gun huh?

The front sight has 2 modes on the sigmas (similar to Glock). Installed and removed. It can not be "set" or "off"

Sounds like typical "bashing"

[frankmako]

good gun and will get the job done. as for which one, that is up to you. either cal will get the job done.

[Jbabbler]

Most complaints on this gun are preference based. They have to do with "how" it shoots not "if" it shoots". They are simple, reliable, no-frills guns with a great price point.

[Knightrider]

I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything. Shoots every well and I put tons of rounds down the pipe. The recoil is smooth even with my carry +p+. I have the 9mm because I hate .40s.