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| Model | Sigma 380 | Sigma 9 | Sigma 40 |
| Caliber | 9 mm | 9 mm | 10 mm |
| Cartridge | 9 x 17 mm (Shot/.380 ACP) | 9 x 19 mm (Para) | 10 x 22 mm (.40 Auto) |
| Dimensions and weight | |||
| Total weight (with empty magazine) | 690 g | ||
| Overall length | ? | ? | 184 (197) mm |
| Barrel length | 115 (101) mm | ||
| Fire characteristics | |||
| Bullets initial speed | 270 m/s | 400 m/s | 309 m/s |
| Practical rate of fire | 30 rpm | ||
| Magazine capacity | 16 rounds | 16 rounds | 15 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 50 m | 50 m | 50 - 100 m |
The "Smith & Wesson" is a well known "double-action" pistol family
producer since 1955. Earlier
models recommended itself as a perfect combat pistols. New "Sigma" self-loading pistols
feature new developer conception. Pistols are fed from two line magazine and
are manufactured using the latest technologies. However new conception significantly decreased
"Sigma's" as a combat pistol abilities comparing with the older
models.
"Sigma" self-loading pistol family mass production began in 1994. The first variant known as "Sigma 40" was chambered for 10-mm (.40 Auto) cartridges, however later developers presented pistols "Sigma 9" chambered for 9 x 19 mm (Para) and "Sigma 380" for 9 x 17 mm (Short/.380 ACP). Pistol has a very similar internal design to a well known Austrian produced "Glock" pistol family. Furthermore "Sigma" is even ascribed to "Glock" clones. The internal similarity was so obvious that the "Glock" pistol producing company raised a lawsuit against the "Smith & Wesson" company. In conclusion it was forced to pay an undisclosed sum in some millions of dollars to "Glock" for violation of their patents. However the "Smith & Wesson" received the rights to continue production of "Sigma" pistol family. "Sigma's" automatic works on barrel short recoil principle. Barrel locking scheme was originally designed by J.Browning and only slightly modified by "Sigma" producers. Hammer mechanism is "double-action" type only consequently pistol has no external manual safeties. It executes only single fire. Comparing with the early mentioned "Glock", new pistol has worse hammer mechanism. One more disadvantage is safety-lock, placed on the barrel's frame. Barrel has 6 rifles and is usually made from stainless steel. "Sigma" became the first "Smith & Wesson" company pistol made from a polymer frame. This feature made very comfortable handling and good balance. However frame is also made from the stainless or carbon steel with some pistol versions. Pistol has an opened
fixed sight. In 1999 "Smith & Wesson" "Sigma" pistols were improved. The main difference is a shortened barrel and lock in 13 mm. Other improvements include more comfortable grip, enlarged extraction opening and underbarrel accessory rail intended for tactical searchlights or laser pointers. Advantages Comfortable handling and good balance. Large magazine capacity. Low weight. "Double-action" type hammer mechanism allows to fire without any preparation. Compatible with accessories. Disadvantages Unsuccessful position of a safety-lock. Pistol fires in "double-action" mode only. This feature significantly decreases hit probability from the first shot.
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