Smith & Wesson Sigma 40: A Comprehensive Overview of a Budget Handgun

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40, often stylized as the SW40VE, is a polymer-framed, semi-automatic handgun chambered in .40 S&W. Introduced in 1994, it was intended to be a budget-friendly option for law enforcement and civilian markets. While it has faced criticism and controversy, the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 remains a notable firearm in the history of handgun development. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40, examining its design, features, performance, and legacy.

History and Development

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 emerged during a period of intense competition in the handgun market. Following the expiration of Glock’s patents on its polymer-framed pistols, Smith & Wesson sought to enter the market with a similar design. The resulting Sigma series, including the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40, drew heavily from Glock’s design, leading to a patent infringement lawsuit. The lawsuit was eventually settled, with Smith & Wesson agreeing to make design changes and pay Glock a settlement fee.

Despite the controversy, the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 was marketed as an affordable and reliable option. Its low price point made it attractive to law enforcement agencies with limited budgets and to civilian shooters looking for an entry-level handgun.

Design and Features

Frame and Slide

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 features a polymer frame, which contributes to its relatively light weight. The slide is made of stainless steel, providing durability and resistance to corrosion. The polymer frame helps to absorb recoil, making the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 more comfortable to shoot than some all-metal handguns.

Trigger Mechanism

One of the most criticized aspects of the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is its trigger. The trigger pull is long, heavy, and often described as gritty. This is due to the Sigma’s trigger mechanism, which was designed to be simple and reliable, but at the expense of trigger feel. While some shooters find the trigger acceptable, many consider it a significant drawback. Aftermarket trigger kits are available to improve the trigger pull, but these add to the overall cost of the handgun.

Sights

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 typically comes with fixed sights. These sights are usually adequate for basic shooting, but they are not adjustable. Some models may come with optional adjustable sights, but these are less common. The sights are generally three-dot sights, which consist of a dot on the front sight and two dots on the rear sight. These dots are often white or luminescent, making them easier to see in low-light conditions.

Magazine

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 uses a double-stack magazine with a capacity of 14 rounds. This provides a good balance between capacity and concealability. The magazine release is located on the left side of the frame, near the trigger guard. The magazines are relatively easy to load and unload, and they are generally reliable.

Safety Features

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 incorporates several safety features, including a trigger safety and a firing pin block. The trigger safety prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is fully depressed. The firing pin block prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled. These safety features help to prevent accidental discharges.

Performance and Handling

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is generally considered to be a reliable handgun. It is capable of accurate shooting at reasonable distances. However, its heavy trigger pull can make it challenging to shoot accurately for some shooters. The recoil of the .40 S&W cartridge can also be significant, especially for those who are not accustomed to shooting handguns.

The ergonomics of the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 are generally good. The grip is comfortable and provides a secure hold. The controls are easy to reach and operate. However, the slide can be difficult to rack for some shooters, especially those with weak hands.

Criticisms and Controversies

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 has faced several criticisms and controversies. As mentioned earlier, it was the subject of a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Glock. The lawsuit alleged that the Sigma series infringed on Glock’s patents for polymer-framed pistols. The lawsuit was eventually settled, but it damaged the reputation of the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40.

Another common criticism of the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is its trigger. Many shooters find the trigger pull to be too heavy and gritty. This can make it difficult to shoot accurately and can be frustrating for experienced shooters.

Some critics have also raised concerns about the quality of the materials used in the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40. While the slide is made of stainless steel, the frame is made of polymer. Some critics argue that the polymer frame is not as durable as an all-metal frame. However, the polymer frame has proven to be durable enough for most applications.

Legacy and Current Status

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is no longer in production. It was replaced by the Smith & Wesson SD series, which features a redesigned trigger and other improvements. However, the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 remains a popular handgun on the used market. Its low price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters.

Despite its criticisms and controversies, the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 played an important role in the development of polymer-framed handguns. It helped to popularize the concept of affordable and reliable handguns for law enforcement and civilian markets.

Is the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 Right for You?

Deciding if the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is the right handgun for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable and reliable handgun for self-defense or target shooting, the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 may be a good option. However, you should be aware of its limitations, particularly its heavy trigger pull. If you are a more experienced shooter, you may prefer a handgun with a better trigger.

Before purchasing a Smith & Wesson Sigma 40, it is important to handle it and shoot it, if possible. This will allow you to determine if the trigger pull is acceptable to you. You should also compare the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 to other handguns in its price range to see which one best meets your needs.

Alternatives to the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40

If you are looking for alternatives to the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40, there are several options to consider. Some popular alternatives include:

• Glock 22: A polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun chambered in .40 S&W.
• Springfield XD: A polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun chambered in .40 S&W.
• Smith & Wesson M&P 40: A polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun chambered in .40 S&W.
• Ruger SR40: A polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun chambered in .40 S&W.

These handguns offer similar features and performance to the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40, but they may have better triggers or other advantages. It is important to research and compare different handguns before making a purchase.

Conclusion

The Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is a budget-friendly handgun that offers reliable performance. While it has faced criticism for its trigger pull and other issues, it remains a popular option for budget-conscious shooters. If you are looking for an affordable and reliable handgun, the Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 is worth considering. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and to compare it to other handguns in its price range.

[See also: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Review]

[See also: Glock 19 vs Glock 23: Which is Right For You?]