Smith and Wesson SW40VE

[Cade]

I'm not sure if we're allowed to post gun reviews in here or not...if not, please delete.

I won't be reviewing the Sigma by listing the technical aspects of it...why? I'm don't remember them all offhand, and the work comp does not allow more than one window open.

First off, an SW40VE is the Smith version of a Glock...plain and simple.  Dual action, no external safety, polymer frame.

Where the original Sigmas were a joy to shoot...one lawsuit and redesign later, they lost the Glock reliability, and became something of a joke among the shooters I know. 

Fast forward to this year, on the hunt for a new defense handgun, and out of the thousands at the local gun store, I always gravitate to the Glocks.  Unfortunately, I've yet to find a glock that fits my hand the way a pistol is meant to. 

While there, the kid behind the counter, even younger than I, points out the SW40VE.

As soon as I hear Sigma, I must admit I started chuckling.

Picking the gun up, it's noticably larger than any of my Glocks.  With a hand measurement of 9 inches from wrist to finger tip, and 10.5 inches from thumb tip to pinky tip...this is most certainly a good thing. 

The gun feels heavy in the palm, even unloaded, but feels good.  Well built.

Fieldstripping it, other than the location of one of the springs...it is IDENTICAL to the Glock design.

More on a whim than anything else, I reassembled the gun, and had the kid bring me a new one out of the back for purchase.

45 minutes later I was out the door with what I had the sinking feeling was going to be a poor purchase.






When arriving home, I stripped it down. Cleaned every part with a light solvent. Applied a light coating of Lucas gun oil to all necessary points (and those highlighted within the manual).

Took the gun out and fired 15 rounds of Brass FMJ through it (one clip).  The trigger pull was TREMENDOUS and slightly odd if your'e used to the fast reset point of a Glock.  Definitely not something I would want to fire 1000 rounds through in a day.

16 rounds fired with zero malfunctions.

Disassembled again for cleaning.

Upon reassembly, 184 rounds of Brass FMJ fired as fast as I could load the 14 round clips with a speed loader. Zero malfunctions.

At the 200 round mark I realized that the handgun I was holding was not the same as the old redesigned Sigmas that were plagued with problems.

I decided to do a small test of my own to try to cause the gun to malfunction

First step was to purchase more clips.

I then limp wristed 100 shots in a row... trying to cause a jam, nonfeed, stovepipe...whatever.

The handgun basically laughed at me and kept right on doing what it was meant to do...function.

I have since fired upwards of 5000 rounds through this firearm, it has only been cleaned twice since the initial breakin cleanings.  Not ONCE have I had a jam or failure to fire.

The only issue I have with the gun, is that after 20 yards or so, the stock sites are very iffy.  At distances of 15 feet, the gun is accurate enough to place bullet on bullet...anwhere beyond the aforementioned 20 yards one shot is needed to figure out placement, and then a second shot can then be fired where you want it. I've missed targets by as much as 4 feet with the sights lined up perfectly on center mass.

I have since stopped carrying my Glock and stepped over to leaving the Sigma in the console.  It's heavier trigger pull is perfect for a carry gun, and it's slightly larger size is irrelevant to me as I have enough body mass to conceal an mp5 under the arm.



The good:
Reliable...I carry it instead of my Glocks.
Larger
Polymer and Stainless
14+1
Can be field stripped in under ten seconds
Very accurate within the range of most self defense encounters
Fits all holsters designed for Glock (21?) I believe that's the model number.
Warranty
299$ price tag in most places
Trigger pull is HEAVY!!!


The bad:
Accessory rail is not Glock standard
Stock sites are not up to par at longer distances
Nearly ZERO aftermarket support


All in all, it is a quality firearm that outperforms many of those that are priced significantly greater.  It is reliable.

It may not be able to stand weeks in salt water due to it's lack of Phosphate coating (Glock standard) but it isn't often you find stainless rust either.

I would not hesitate to reccommend this gun.

[Jerome from California]

Good review goat Goat but I wish you submitted this as an audio submission. It's been the highlight of my week to down load these podcasts. The reviews just come alive when you hear someone talk about it instead of just reading about it. Submitting it as audio also gives you a chance to send in pics. Take it from me the hardest part of doing an audio review is just getting the confidence to do it. Let me know if you have questions on how I did mine or we can refer your question to Mark.

This not a flame just an encouragement!!! 

[Cade]

To be honest, I was stuck with the saturday morning shift, had jack to do...and people who have never shot the new glock copy need to stop badmouthing it because of the old design.

I won't say I've beat the hell out of this gun, but I'm rough on it.  And I've gotten it hot enough to where the polymer frame was damned near too hot to touch.

No hiccups.

[Eric R Shelton]

Please, PLEASE submit this as an audio segment to the Gun Review Podcast!  It would be a great addition to the podcast, and we can only keep it going if we get more listener participation!

Great write-up!  Thanks!

[Cade]

well guys, I'll try to snag my girlfriends comp soon, I'll write something a little more extensive too.

Idk if I mentioned this...You better have the thumbs of an ox if you take apart one of these mags....good god, I still have spring indentions in my thumbs.

[Cade]

was bored at work playing on my phone...sent Mark a m4a and aac file from my phone of the review...I hope it works.  If not...I'll have to find a comp to record on.

The quality was better than I hoped using the Iphone mic.

[NavyBlue99TA]

Thanks for the info, Cade.  That's great stuff and I can't wait to hear the full report.  I hope to get a couple reports done myself in the next couple months.  I'm on hold until the Navy movers bring my computer stuff from VA next month.

[Kingofthehill]

I love my sigma's!.. Yes SIGMA's!...

I have 5 of the .40 Cal. And 1 is PINK!.. (g/f gun).

I have 4 placed within my house JUST INCASE!...

They all have approx 1000rounds through it and I swear I have not have had 1 issue… not 1!...

I have approx 25mags now between the 5 and the 1 I shoot a whole lot of and introduced a lot of new shooters with has just under 8 THOUSAND rounds through it and like I said.. Not 1 malfunction!... The most expensive one I have was $325!!!!!!!! Ive picked up 2 for 200/piece and 1 for a trade of .45 ammo!!!!!!!!!!  Amazing really.

Its not my favorite gun but it’s a hell of a great deal!... It fits my hands pretty well too.

I highly recommend them for an Inexpensive gun and especially a center console/backpack gun… the heavy trigger is moddable to bring it down to 5lbs if you want… but that heavy trigger makes sure you don't accidentally pull the trigger in a tense situation.

Love em'!

JOe

[Cade]

just wondering if my sexy voice is ever gonna make it on the airways?


Cade

[sketchytattoos]

Great review. I just purchased a WASR 10/63 and it was nice to learn so much about it. thanks