Need Advice S&W SW9VE(Sigma) Versus Stoeger Cougar, Both 9mm

[melD]

Okay, so I was out over the weekend browsing when I came upon these two pistols. They both fit my current price range, under $350, and I actually liked the feel of both guns in the hand.

This purchase would be both a carry gun and a high use shooter. Like using it to shoot 100rounds a week. So I like to have something that can hold up to some punishment.

I know the SW9VE has had a "bad" reputation in the past, especially for it's DA trigger. But I was wondering if anyone has heard of any frame or slide problems with the SW9VE series.

The Stoeger is made with Beretta tooling machines in Turkey. So the quality is there. And it is a SA/DA with a decocker which is feature I like. But extra magazines, holsters and other accessories seem limited. And it has no rail so laser, lights and such are out of the question, not that I may ever need them.

So if anyone is familiar with either gun, give me you input.

Thanks

mel

[Whiterook]

Get the Stoeger, that is just my choice. I would love to get one when I got cash. Holsters may be limited, but I'm sure they are out there, just like everything else. If it is primarily going to be a range/home defense gun it is perfect.

[medicjz]

I can speak for the SW9VE, I have put 1000+ rounds through mine and have yet to have an issue, and since I used my free sample of weapon shield on it the whole thing feels much smoother (not that it was horrible to begin with but felt the difference for sure). I also carry the SW9VE on a frequent basis and have yet to notice any wear on the gun from the holster (blackhawk serpa). I believe the bad rap you are talking about regarding the sigma series is from the orignal release models (search for sigma because I know I saw a previous post that covered this). Just my two cents.

[Rule10b5]

Get the Stoeger. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about them -- reliable, durable, good design, cheap. Pretty much the ultimate budget carry auto from everything I've read.

The SW9VE had problems in the past, and certain runs may have problems now. I say may because I recently watched a rookie officer "practicing" with his issue SW9VE. I say "practicing" because it FTF'd or FTE'd every couple of rounds. Even with hardball. Both the RO and I tried to put a couple of magazines down it, we had the same problems. The poor guy looked heartbroken -- he'd been carrying it for weeks and had no idea it didn't work. We both suggested he personally buy a Glock or M&P, but apparently his department required him to carry an issue gun and they only issued the SW9VE.

Anyway, I'll take a gun that has never had a bad rep, over a gun that used to have a bad rep, but has supposedly been fixed.

[sigarms229]

The Stoeger hasnt been around long enough to earn itself a reputation. While it might be the new cousin of the Beretta Cougar, it was made by Turkish labor and isnt the same quality as the Beretta. Dont get me wrong, I was happy with the fit and finish of two Stoeger Cougars that I held but I would need to put some rounds thru one to form a full opinion. Until then I consider the pistol with a grain of salt.

The Smith on the other hand is made by a USA manufacturer that has a reputation of backing up their product like no other. While some Sigmas have reported to be junk, I've fired several and had ZERO issues. These include the value line guns in both 9 and 40. The Sigma isnt the gun it was suppose to be (glock killer) but it isnt a Hi Point either. It is a quality budget gun that deserves a look. I also like the fact that if you have trouble, service from Smith is a snap. Who knows what Stoeger's is like because they havent been selling their Cougar for very long.

[Log9mm]

I do not know a whole lot about the Cougar. I only held one at a gun shop once, but I can say it felt nice and looked like a quality firearm. I do however own a Sigma and a search of my previous posts will turn up me raving about it a few times. For what the Sigma is (an entry level firearm) I do not think it can be beat. They did have major problems with the first gen Sigmas and some with the second as well, but have been more than fixed with the third gen models. If you ever saw one of the early models you wouldn't even recognize it. The only thing that S&W seemed to carry over was the name. Anyway my Sigma was my first firearm and I have since put 3000+ rounds through it (stopped counting). I have not had one FTF or FTE or any other malfunction and it is still one of my favorites. The trigger never bothered me (first gun) and training with it taught me a lot about trigger control. The pull is very comprable to a DA revolver. Anyway I don't have much else to say about it except I love my Sigma and think you might too. Although I think the cougar is decent too and you probably won't be dissapointed with either. Any further questions about the Sigma you can PM me and I will be happy to answer them for you. Good Luck!

-Logan

[Charlie B]

I’ve put well over 5000 rounds downrange in 6 months through my Sigma. I put 400+ rounds through it at an IDPA New Shooters Day Class with no problems. I clean it after each range trip, usually between 200 and 600 rounds. I have never had a single problem with it. If you look on the Smith & Wesson forum, you will be hard pressed to find many negative words about the Sigma from thousands of actual owners. A nice carry gun, especially for the price, and a lifetime warranty too. I don’t have any complaints, nice gun, nice price, great factory service, very reliable and accurate. What more do you need?

[rey]

I own a beretta cougar and a Stoeger cougar. As far as magazines.or holster's they are interchangeable. So far I have put about 1500 rounds through it with no problems at all.

[synergy]

I'd buy a used Glock and call it good!

The 9VE's today run great. They triggers are crappy, but the gun opperates well.

The Smith warranty and customer service is second to none, and only Springfield Armory comes close.

The Stoeger will not have as good of a warranty, will be harder to get parts/ mags/ holsters for, is NOT the same quality as the Beretta's (and that gun didn't even do that well for Beretta.)

I'd get a good used gun that you know you'll be happy with, or have plenty of confidence in carrying the 9VE...

[Mtbkski]

Originally Posted by synergy

I'd buy a used Glock and call it good!

Glock Smock. Sorry, I just had to do that. I'm sorry. Really I am.

Buy an XD