Expert: Dean Speir - 6/10/2006

Question
Hi Dean, Thanks for your reply.

I tried to register with the forum you suggested but I kept getting an "unknown error occured" message.

I read the negative comments about the original Sigma models in some internet forums. Some of the problems mentioned were failure to fire, feeding, extracting, and ejecting problems, bad trigger, poor accuracy, broken parts, etc.

I'm interested in the SW9C due to its price, comfortable grip, and lack of external safety. I had a Ruger P-89 but I found it hard to reach the trigger while maintaining a proper grip. I also had to use my other hand to manipulate the safety since my shooting hand thumb could barely reach it.

I intend to use the pistol for home defense and some practice shooting at the range. Would it be suitable for this purpose?

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Followup To

Question -
Hi Dean, I’m interested in buying a used Smith & Wesson Sigma SW9C. However, I’ve read some comments on the internet that the older model sigmas had a few problems. Is this true? Are the older sigmas unreliable? What problems did they have? Is this the reason why Smith & Wesson doesn’t make the older models anymore?


Answer -
Without specifics I cannot speak to the "problems" you've "read about on the Internet."

I tend to dismiss most such reports about anything which comes from "the Internet," anyhow.

I had one of the original Sigmas (an SW40), and it performed exactly as intended.

I also put one of the compact SW380s through extensive range-testing to see if I could "burn it down." (My shooting hand gave out first!)

But more to the point, you need to discuss why you want an SW9C, and what you intend to do with it.. seems kind of odd that you'd have a hankering for an out-of-production handgun which, unlike the Edsel, will never achieve the status of a "classic."

I suggest that you come over to the Forum (http://www.ambackforum.com/viewforum.php?f=75) where four or five of us who were there for the March 1994 introduction of the Sigma product line, like to post, and discuss it there. It is an open registration Forum where users don't need to be a subscriber to any particular on-line service.

Hope to see you there.  

Answer
Sorry for the delay in responding, Gary, and I apologise for the error message you received from that Forum... I've forwarded your comment to the Technical Department there.

The sole negative point you cited in respect to the Smith & Wesson Sigma to which I would subscribe, would be the trigger.

The Sigma series utilizes an articulated trigger, and it takes some getting used to. It turns some potential users off, and probably was the primary reason the pistols didn't enjoy a greater acceptance in the commercial and law enforcement markets.

I don't feel that the other complaints you ran across were at all widespread or anything more than some individuals who experienced some problems.

But, the good news is that S&W handguns come with a lifetime warranty, and the last I looked, the company still stands behind that warranty.

And yes, for the purposes you stated, the SW9 would be suitable.

G'luck to you.