S&W Sigma

Question
Kyle,

Again, thanks for your earlier answer.  Let me tell you about my latest exploit...I went to a gunshow here in MD (yes one of the worst anti-gun states) where it was overly crowded, and overpriced to boot.  Most of the guns I saw were close to in-store prices.  Anyway, after about an hour I narrowed my choices to two guns (at 2 different tables).  The first was my choice Taurus 24/7, they were asking 339, so I asked them to appraise my S&W 4006 (former LEO carry and in pretty good shape).  They offered 150!  I thanked them amd walked away...I'm not the best negotiator, but at that low start off price I didn't even feel like bartering up.  I went to the next choice...a table that seemed to have a small inventory (15-20 pistols)compared to other tables (20-40 guns).  About half of the pistols were new and the rest were police turn-ins (S&W 5909, 4509, 4006, Sigma 40P, and two SIG 228).  The SIGs seemed pretty beat looking and I didn't inspect the interiors.  I didn't want another all SS S&W (too heavy for CCW).  So that left me with the Sigma (these were also older models w/o the latter additional checkering, BUT they were pre-ban high capicity mags).  Inspected interior and all seemed well...Long story short, we traded straight up.  This was a little un-nerving since he didn't ask for any $$ to sweeten the deal...Have I been HAD I thought?  Spent most of this evening googling the older SIGMA models, and there were some negative comments but mostly positive.  Not being a Glock fan due to the Safety trigger (or lack of manual safety) it seems this Sigma is very similar to the Glock.  I must now make an extra effort to ensure safety (never keep a round chambered), which I guess is a good thing.  So do you have any advice or comments for me.  Thanks!

Rob G.
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Followup To
Question -
Kyle,

I have a S&W 4006 (former police carry) that I bought from a local dealer a year ago.  The gun fires well, and I am able to attain groupings no closer than 4 inches apart at 25 yds.  My friend has an Astra A-100 which I can easily attain 3 inches and less groups.  Could it be the caliber or the gun?  Groupings from both guns are in the same area.  Also, is a gun dealer likely to trade a .40 cal for a similar quality 9MM without cash?
Answer -
Rob,

There could be a variety of factors that are affecting the relative accuracy of your S&W vs. your friend's Astra. The 9mm is a fairly inherently accurate cartridge, more so than the .40 S&W, all things being equal. All guns will end up liking certain types of ammo better than others. It could be that the .40 S&W loads you're feeding your 4006 don't agree with it. Try changing the bullet weight, shape, and/or maker and see if you get better results.

As for what a dealer will do in trade, there are a lot of variables. A S&W 4006 is a good gun, in good shape it should fetch a decent trade-in value. There is little inherent price difference between most 9mm pistols and most .40 S&W guns; most of them are built on the same frame. Glock's model 17/19/26 platforms are the same size as their 22/23/27 platforms, likewise, the 9mm Beretta 92F has the same external dimensions as the .40 caliber 96F.

Long story short, you may need to sweeten the trade with a few bucks to make a lateral trade. You wouldn't want to turn in your S&W .40 for a Kel-Tec or Ruger or Hi-Point 9mm.

Hopefully I've been of some help. If you've any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kyle

Answer
Rob,

The Sigmas are very similiar to the Glock, to the point where Glock sued S&W over it. They've since settled, with S&W getting a "Trade Dress License" from Glock. At any rate, I don't think you've been "had" at all.  

Internally, the guns are rather similiar, down to the safe action trigger which the Sigma incorporates in a slightly different way than does the Glock. I know one guy who owns a Sigma and likes it quite a bit.

I wouldn't worry too much about carrying it with a round in the pipe. If you're using a quality holster that covers the trigger, you shouldn't have a problem. They will not discharge unless the trigger is pulled completely to the rear. Of course, if you're not comfortable with carrying that way, you can always carry it without a round chambered.

At any rate, should you go shopping for additional magazines, stick to the factory models, the after-market ones tend be of dubious quality. The ban expired on September 13, 2004, so you can order full-capacity magazines for your Sigma from any gun dealer.

Hopefully I've been of some help, if you've any other questions, feel free to ask.