Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

The SW40F is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol of conventional double-stack configuration. It uses a black polymer frame with the aggressive texturing of the first-generation Sigma and a dark-blued steel slide. There is no accessory rail. The trigger is a long, relatively heavy pre-set striker pull, and the sights are fixed three-dot.

Production

Production ran from 1994 through 1998.

Market value

MSRP at production was around $450–$500. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $200–$350.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.40 Smith & Wesson
Alias:	N/A
More Info

Analysis

Smith & Wesson introduced the SW40F in 1994 as the first model in the Sigma series and the company’s initial polymer-framed pistol. The platform was purpose-designed around the then-new .40 S&W cartridge to compete with the Glock 22 in the expanding striker-fired service and defensive market. Like the parallel 9 mm SW9F, early examples drew criticism for reliability and a heavy trigger, and the overall design similarity to Glock pistols resulted in a patent-infringement lawsuit settled in 1997. Production continued a short time longer than the 9 mm F-model before the line transitioned to the revised VE series with updated ergonomics and trigger characteristics. The SW40F remains one of the earlier and less common first-generation Sigmas.