S&W Sigma SW40VE 1st range trip

901-Memphis

901-Memphis

New member
Took my SW40VE to the range for its first trip. Shot about 70 rounds with no real issues. Shot 20 of my Speer Gold Dot hollow points and the rest was Winchester FMJ range/target ammo. First 50 box was 180 gr, but i broke into 2 magazines worth of the 165 gr Winchester too.

Seems to be a very friendly range, he didn't have any problem with anything i asked him and was more than courteous. He even only charged me for 1 hour and said i could stay as long as i want as long as i was done before close.

My only problem was the range is the same temp as outside because they have a lot of ventilation. So it was below freezing, which after 20 minutes my hands were about numb.




I had only 1 little problem and it was one of the 180 gr FMJ rounds that failed to eject all the way out of the chamber. It got stuck facing in the same position as it was in the barrel; it wasn't a stovepipe.

Not sure if this had anything to do with it but the way it happened.... i was checking the magazine to see if it was empty and it was. But there was that last round in the chamber so i fired it with no magazine in the gun and thats the round that failed to eject.

If anyone knows if that could have caused the FTE let me know so i don't have to worry about the cheap Winchester ammo having a feeding problem in the future with my gun.
 
901-Memphis said:
Took my SW40VE to the range for its first trip. Shot about 100 rounds with no real issues. Shot 20 of my Speer Gold Dot hollow points and the rest was Winchester FMJ range/target ammo. First 50 box was 180 gr, but i broke into 2 magazines worth of the 165 gr Winchester too.

Seems to be a very friendly range, he didn't have any problem with anything i asked him and was more than courteous. He even only charged me for 1 hour and said i could stay as long as i want as long as i was done before close.

My only problem was the range is the same temp as outside because they have a lot of ventilation. So it was below freezing, which after 20 minutes my hands were about numb.




I had only 1 little problem and it was one of the 180 gr FMJ rounds that failed to eject all the way out of the chamber. It got stuck facing in the same position as it was in the barrel; it wasn't a stovepipe.

Not sure if this had anything to do with it but the way it happened.... i was checking the magazine to see if it was empty and it was. But there was that last round in the chamber so i fired it with no magazine in the gun and thats the round that failed to eject.

If anyone knows if that could have caused the FTE let me know so i don't have to worry about the cheap Winchester ammo having a feeding problem in the future with my gun.
Click to expand...


Some firearms are equipped with a magazine disconnect. This would prevent the pistol from firing if there is no magazine locked into place. If your pistol is so equipped, it could be a malfunction of this device that could have interfered with the firing.



gf
 
My brother has the 9mm version of the sigma. His jammed the first time he shot it because he didn't clean out that grease
that comes on a gun when you buy it. After he cleaned it hasn't jammed since.
 
You field stripped, and thoroughly cleaned, and oiled your brand new firearm before using?

It is not unusual to have feed problems with a firearm such as yours. It should be find after 300-500 rounds.

How did you like that trigger on the sigma?

The indoor range near me is ventilated, and climate controlled . Of course where I am at, it gets very cold. Heating the range is mandatory.
 
The gun says right on the side it can fire with the magazine disconnected. I do not believe it has this disconnect issue, but it might since it was the only time it even tried to jam.


Also yes i did clean it before i took it to the range the first time. It was not very oily like some day they are coated with anti-rust compounds. I cleaned the barrel, feed ramp, and anything else i could. Oiled it on the 4 slide pieces that are metal on the frame and the other 2 places it recommends.

Also had to clean it after i got back from the range as the Winchester rounds i fired seemed to leave a lot of powder.


As far as the trigger is, its heavy and hard to aim steady and squeeze evenly. I found myself near the end of the trigger pull but not able to pull it and keep it completely steady a few times. It could obviously be better as everyone gripes about it, but it shoots very well at 10 and 20 yards if i hold it steady.
 
I had one as well and sold it because I couldn't stand the trigger.

On a positive note though, you can learn to deal with the trigger. I saw someone make Distinguished Graduate with a Sigma at Front Sight. I'd recommend lots of dry practice.
 
I had one and it shot low left. I know, some say it was me, but after i bought my XDm, i took both to the range. I was shooting great with the XDm, but the Sigma was low left. I could have sent it to S&W but i sold it. Yes, i did tell the new owner about my findings...
 
I held it still on a rest and it was dead center if i lined the sights up even at 10 yards, but the trigger pull doesn't break clean enough to shoot it that accurate at first.

Hope to get used to it so i can keep it more steady. I have felt a lot smoother triggers, but if i have to i will do the spring swap and just never carry it +1
 
901-Memphis said:
I held it still on a rest and it was dead center if i lined the sights up even at 10 yards, but the trigger pull doesn't break clean enough to shoot it that accurate at first.

Hope to get used to it so i can keep it more steady. I have felt a lot smoother triggers, but if i have to i will do the spring swap and just never carry it +1
Click to expand...

Find out from the dealer if he knows of a gunsmith who does trigger work. Chances are he will know of at least one or 2. It may cost a few extra bucks, but it will make the trigger feel better and will make it a better carry piece.
I assume (yes I know what happens when you do that) you bought it to carry? Ask around and listen to the names. If you hear 3 or more people mention the same person then chances are he has done some good work.

I read the procedures and talked to a few guys who had done the trigger rework on the M&P. In MA they come with a 10 + lb pull and the break was not clean at all...

I decided to dig in and take it apart. 4 steps and some time later, I now have a trigger pull at 6 lbs with a short reset and a feel that I like. I ran all the functional tests and put another 150 rounds through it after the rework with no issues. I carry with one in the chamber and feel good about it.

Food for thought. Just make sure you like it before you make adjustments. No sin to say "not for me" if it's the truth..

Peace...
 
I don't like the trigger but i only fired 100 rounds i might get used to it.

I practice dry firing with my snap caps, but its still something i would like to lighten. I will have to ask around about gunsmiths.
 
You didn't give any details on the FTE, but I'll guess it was because the magazine follower (or next round) wasn't there to give a little vertical kick to the case that was being ejected. Ever notice that with auto-pistols that will eject brass into a neat pile that there is always one case that lands well outside that pile? That will be the last one. Doesn't have a round in the magazine to give it that extra kick. With no magazine, well, FTE....
 
What details did i miss on the FTE?

It was the last round already chambered and there was no magazine when i fired the round. It got stuck in the ejection port in the same position as it was in the chamber. The front was facing the front of the gun and the primer was facing in the same position as it would have been in the chamber. It was basically sideways in the ejection port.

So it was stuck in the ejection port with the force of the slide holding it from coming out all the way.
 
I'll stick with my guess that the fact there was no magazine was the root cause of the failure to eject, that plus the fact that your hands were nearly numb from the cold you may have not had a proper grip which did not give the gun enough support to recoil against (think limp wrist).
 
I will keep an eye on it from now on. Not having a magazine in there was my first guess since it was the only time it did it. When i get my 2 free magazines in the mail i will be firing a lot more rounds through it.
 
Just purchesed mine yesterday my dealer sold it to me with high praise been practicing field stripping and learning all the parts. I like the weight and the trigger pull isent that bad for someone with a strong grip. can't wait to hit the range this weekend and REALLY get to know my weapon.
 
TheJackBauer2 said:
Just purchesed mine yesterday my dealer sold it to me with high praise been practicing field stripping and learning all the parts. I like the weight and the trigger pull isent that bad for someone with a strong grip. can't wait to hit the range this weekend and REALLY get to know my weapon.
Click to expand...

I had one in .40, and it was a good shooter. I think Smith and Wesson changed the style a bit on the Sigma for 2011 year. At least my buyers guide shows what looks kinda like the Sigma, but with a face lift and a different name. Good luck with the pistol, I'm sure it will work good for you.:biggrin:
 
I find my Sigma to be as accurate as i can pull the trigger and the heavy trigger pull is great for me because i love to carry +1 and never have to worry about it with that double action revoler like feel.
 
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