Smith & Wesson Sigma Series Trigger FIX!!! (SW9VE, SW40VE)

[junkdogg9781]

Umm, wow, I didn't realize the last post was back in 2005. I googled this thread last week. I'm not trying to sell anything, just thought there might be someone out there who could benefit from the info.

 

[jighed]

"Umm, wow, I didn't realize the last post was back in 2005. I googled this thread last week. I'm not trying to sell anything, just thought there might be someone out there who could benefit from the info."

I'm a newbie here and glad you brought this up. I too found it doing a search on sigma. I am looking to buy and considering an SW40VE. Like the original poster said, the only REAL complaints I can find on the web is the trigger pull. I am not a gun guru but I do know name brands and S&W is a good one. I just don't get the bad rep on this gun. Would it be a better weapon if it was priced higher? I am just looking for a valid reason as to why I shouldn't purchase this gun. To me, trigger pull is not enough. I am not looking for hardcore problems with the gun. Hope I am not making enemies with this.
Thanks for your input

 

[mljdeckard]

I prefer pistols that don't need the trigger rebuilt to be handled by the average human being.

It wasn't just the trigger. Heck, when I got mine, I was so green I didn't really know what a good trigger was. It was the fight that fell out and the feed ramp I had to have milled to feed any JHP ammo that REALLY made me decide to scrap it.

 

[jighed]

thanks mljdeckard, I don't know what a good trigger is, thats how new I am. I do hunt and shot rifles and shotguns but pistols are somewhat new to me. Just looking for input, Thanks for the input

 

[mljdeckard]

Sight, not fight, oops.

 

[skeptiq]

People seem to either love or hate the Sigma, it all depends on who you talk to. I have had mine since November and I really like it. I have fired 300 rounds through it so far and after the first 150, the trigger smoothed out considerably. I have had zero issues with it. I have fired only Blazer Brass / WWB 115 FMJ rounds through it. I will soon me looking at some SD ammo for it once I get my carry permit. So for now, it's locked up and only comes out when I head to the range. I will agree that there are guns out there that have a much better trigger, but honestly I am of the ilk that if you learn to shoot the Sigma well, you'll be great at any other gun you pick up. Also note as stated in this post previously, there is a reason why the trigger is 'heavy.' This was done on purpose from S&W because there isn't a manual safety on the gun. You want to make sure that the gun ONLY goes bang when you tell it to. I have posted a couple range report with pics of targets from my Sigma and it's pretty accurate even while I was still getting used to the trigger (still am getting used to it, but currently I don't have time to hit the range more than once every couple of weeks). Anyway, I would recommend going to a local shop that has one and handle it and see if you like it.

First Outing with Sigma

Second Outing with Sigma
*** NOTE ***
You can disregard the "accuracy" of the second outing (with exception of first photo), because I was trying different grips (strong hand / weak hand) and stances to see what happens holding the gun differently. The first photo is basically a normal two handed stance at 7 yards. The others were pretty much something to tell me to practice more

JM.02

 

[wsps1990]

Sigma 9VE

Say what you want as far as the 9VE goes, I feel pretty good and pretty bad about it. The good part is that I bought one on 12/28/08 and to date not one jam, FTE, or FTF on Remington UMC. I paid $310 for it new and not from my uncle the dealer or something.That bit about shooting where you point your finger, well, I don't know about that, but it does drop 4 inch patterns at 10 yrds.consistently. Now for the bad part, pay attention here, DO NOT put too much oil on it, it will leak like a Democrat on cheap liquor. The other bad part, and it's not the trigger, go squeeze some tennis balls, cupcakes, is that the early models apparently had some quality issues and it put a bad smell on the newer ones. I have a P85 Ruger that is truly a fine piece, but for a quick grab and go, I'll take the 9VE first.

Ruger GP-100/357
Ruger P-85/9
Ruger Mini-14
Ruger Mk III 22/45
Taurus 85/38
Marlin Camp-9
Savage 111/30.06
Mossberg 500/12
Ithaca 37/12

 

[gglass]

Wow! What an old thread. Windows XP was still considered a new computer operating system when this thread started. Keep this one going guys, we might be getting into Guinness World Record territory.

 

[Bullnettles]

I just ordered a reduced striker spring and new guide rod assembly for my SW40VE. I have shot at least 500 rounds through this pistol and have had only one stovepipe (g/f was still fairly new and limp wristed it.) I've never had feeding issues or had to do anything to make this a fine pistol. I got some Pachmayr grips that helped considerably, and ordered the new spring to check this light-strike problem for myself. I ordered the new guide rod because the stock one is plastic and I wanted a new one . Trigger pull is an issue for me and I'll report back when I have some ifo for you guys. Night.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

junkdog9781: "Umm, wow, I didn't realize the last post was back in 2005. I googled this thread last week. I'm not trying to sell anything, just thought there might be someone out there who could benefit from the info."

gglass: Wow! What an old thread. Windows XP was still considered a new computer operating system when this thread started. Keep this one going guys, we might be getting into Guinness World Record territory.

See. THIS is what happens when someone uses the much-vaunted & mystical "Search" feature, instead of just asking a straight-out question!!

BTW, I LOVE my Sigma .40VE

Sam

 

[Claude Clay]

old thread but i still have my 40VE original. its a house or under my winter coat carry gun and i want it to stay in factory condition. the trigger isn't so bad it needs fixing so much as practice. i cant speak for where you live but in CT if you use a modified firearm [even if/when it is found to be justified] your legal cost pretty much double. less so if you have the paperwork from the certified gunsmith--more so if you don't.

 

[Sato Ord]

I still don't see the problem. I can fire a fifteen round group at 25 yards that you can cover with the palm of your hand. That's normal shooting, not taking lengthy breaks between shots, or using a rest. I can run double tap drills all day long and keep all the shots in the kill zone.

My Sigma is kept the way it came from the factory. I knew about the trigger pull before I bought it, and I have no problem with it. I can't see paying the expense of having an already fine weapon messed with.

The trigger pull is 12.5 lbs, and it has a long pull. However, like all Smiths the trigger on the Sigma is smooth as glass from the time you apply pressure right up until it goes bang.

Since it's my opinion that counts when I purchase a firearm, I am not unhappy that I spent the money on my Sigma, and I don't feel any need to alter a weapon platform that works.

 

[hammerattack]

The Never Ending Thread?

I think a good reason for this thread's most recent resurrection would be the election of one of the most anti-gun governments in the last... forever. I purchased my first personal firearm in 10 years yesterday because I have a rational fear that I won't be allowed to after 2009. And, I found this site, registered and this is my first post.

I chose the SW40VE based on ammo availability, terminal ballistics of the round, concealability and the feel of the gun. And, admittedly, also because it looked cool. I had been warned about the trigger, but I wasn't fully prepared until I got to the range. I don't need more muscle strength in my fingers, I need a smooth easy trigger pull. The smithing advise at this site put my mind at ease about the trigger issue, and everything else about the weapon is spot-on. (My next choice was a $900 Kimber. I can buy 2.6 SW40VE's for that.)

My only other concern - still about the trigger - I'm not sure I trust this small piece of plastic. I'd like to replace this articulated, two piece, six potential failure mode piece of junk with a solid trigger. Is this possible (or even legal, since I am defeating a safety device on a firearm)?

 

[krs]

Well, the guy who brought the thread back said he found it in a google search using "Sigma" as his keyword so at least we don't have to imagine that there is anyone churlishly poring over the bazillion threads that would arise using the in site search tool.

But.....what's with the "Allied Forces" version of a Sigma? Is it different or just carrying a rollmark?

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I called S&W told them my problem with the Trigger and they had me send it in and fixed it for Free. It breaks now at 5 1/2 pounds not 10 as it did when I got it.

 

[GizmoHD]

I would have to agree with hammerattack.. that is the EXACT same reason that I purchased mine today, Of course with it I purchased a handgun safe and a hundred rounds of 180 grain jacketed rounds to hit the range with this weekend.. I liked the price, and it felt good in my large hands.

DeltaBoy.. what was the turn around on the reworked trigger from S&W??

 

[denfoote]

The SW40F that I had way back when is still with me.

 

[legion3]

I called S&W told them my problem with the Trigger and they had me send it in and fixed it for Free. It breaks now at 5 1/2 pounds not 10 as it did when I got it.

Well why don't they just make the trigger this way to begin with!

 

[spentshells]

I got my sigma two weeks ago.So far I've put 500 rounds through it with four ftf's I believe caused by cheap ammo.ftf's only happened with silver bear russian ammo.So far the gun has preformed great.I read alot about the gun before i purchased it, mostly negative.I've chalked most of it up to glock owners wanting to rip it cause it looks similar.I bought a blackhawk serpa holster an now carry the sigma as my CCW.I read about ppl hating the trigger, my previous CCW was a taurus 850 I find the two trigger pulls close.I have no problem with the trigger pull though i noticed it has gotten a lil smoother after running a couple hundred through it

 

[cAlvis]

A lot of the sigma bashing you read about is for the older models. I have rarely seen anybody bash the VE series. S&W stepped up the quality control on the new models. Just worth noting that the horror Sigma stories you have heard are probably not stories about the one you're eying on the shelf at the gun shop.

 

[dwhite]

My 40VE is going on two years since purchase. Probably close to 2,000 rounds through it. It's been an outstanding weapon. No FT*'s of any kind even with my own reloads. I keep thinking about working on the trigger though.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[dwg27]

sigma9ve

well guys help me out please i cant find very many accessory for my sigma 9 anybody got some good websites for me.

 

[HippieMagic]

I actually kinda like the trigger... it is definitely stiff but actually not all that bad. The one I was playing around with is my friend's and he just picked it up a few weeks ago and it had a stiff pull but it was clean and smooth... nice feeling trigger just a little on the hard side.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I called Frank Smith at the S&W board who is a S&W Gunsmith for repair and warrenty work he fixed my Sigma trigger for free. Here's the good news for those who may not already know SW warranty centers will work on your Sigma trigger and its FREE ...yep Here's what you do on the back of your Instruction manual their are four warranty centers listed. The last one is in Texas LSG Manufacturing.
Contact Frank Smith phone: 325 885-2700. Tell him the problem you're having...he will give you instructions and shipping number to get the gun to him.

My turn around was 7 work days because he got sick.

 

[bucaneer88]

"A lot of the sigma bashing you read about is for the older models. I have rarely seen anybody bash the VE series. S&W stepped up the quality control on the new models. Just worth noting that the horror Sigma stories you have heard are probably not stories about the one you're eying on the shelf at the gun shop."

How can I tell if the Sigma I purchase is the latest generation, in which the trigger problems (and other quality issues) were resolved? Do the older "problem" versions have a different model number?