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  #1  
Old 04-21-2014, 07:12 PM
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Question SIG 230 .380 advice needed

I just picked up a Colt DS at my FFLs shop.

He has a clean 230sig.

Priced at $300 on consignment.

I am not looking for a .380, but it is a slick appealing semi.

SIG guys, please advise.

Thank You
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Old 04-21-2014, 07:30 PM
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While I like Sig pistols, the P230/232 has never appealed to me. It is large, just a tad smaller than a Sig P239 and right about the same size as a S&W 3913. The weight is very close as well. It has the European style mag release, which is on the bottom of the grip frame. Sig refined the P230 and named it the P232. The most noticeable change was the slide serrations.

$300.00 would be a great price around here, but I have no use for such a thing. If you did not like it, it would probably move very fast, maybe even at a small profit.
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Old 04-21-2014, 08:08 PM
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That would be a good price here also. If complete with box even better. They came with a spare mag.
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Old 04-21-2014, 08:17 PM
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I have mixed feelings.

Seems like a great price, but it is about the same size as
compact 9s.

Thanks for the replies.
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Old 04-21-2014, 08:31 PM
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If I had a loose $300 and that's in nice condition, it would have a new home, fast. Esp. if it's stainless.

I don't own any SIGs, but my son and his wife have several, inc. a P-239 with a Hogue grip. They tend to be top heavy unless a loaded mag is in place, but some feel very good in the hand.

Like the Walther PP series, it has a fixed barrel and should be quite accurate. Snake head accurate, at reasonable ranges...

If one accepts .380 power, this is probably a sound gun. I bet it fits inside a waistband well, and the P-232 is supposed to be more reliable than the P-230, esp. with JHP ammo. I think I recall that they have a raised cant to the underside of the slide, like the Polish P-64. This probably helps to avoid slide bite on fleshy hands, a problem with the Walther equivalent.

If you get it, let us know how it works and how it shoots. It will be easier to shoot well than your snub Colt .38 and won't develop cylinder timing problems, for sure. But the .38 can use some ammo that will outclass anything sane to put in a .380.

You could sort of split the difference by carryng a Pistolet Makarova or Polish P-64 in 9mm Makarov.
But the ammo may be a little hard to find at times, and I'm not sure if foreign ammo is non-corrosive.

Short of the Beretta .380's, the P-232 may be the most reliable .380. German police studies of the 7.65mm Model PP found an average of one jam in 50 rounds. I don't find that acceptable, so prefer small .38 revolvers.

Last edited by Texas Star; 04-21-2014 at 08:40 PM.
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Old 04-21-2014, 08:35 PM
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I phoned a friend to ask for photos of his P230 with his P239, S&W 908s & Shield, Walther PP pistols. He gave his P230 to his S-I-L. I can post some photos of a Walther PP, S&W 908, Beretta 84 and then a Shield and a 3913 or 3953 if you like. GOOGLE the Sig P230 dimensions and then the other guns I have mentioned to see how little difference there is between them.

If you have the spare cash, you might enjoy the Sig P230. If nothing else, it will give you some experience and trigger time with a different handgun.

Last edited by ColbyBruce; 04-21-2014 at 09:03 PM.
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Old 04-21-2014, 08:40 PM
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S&W Shield and Walther PP.


S&W Shield and a S&W 3953.


S&W Shield on a Glock 32.


Beretta 70 and a Walther PP.


Walther PP on a S&W 908.


S&W 908, Walther PP, Beretta 84.

Last edited by ColbyBruce; 04-21-2014 at 08:55 PM.
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Old 04-21-2014, 08:45 PM
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There are other factors here than size. The PP is a selective DA auto and the Shield is a striker-fired item. I'm not comfortable carrying striker-fired guns.

If I carried a Luger for sentimental reasons, I'd leave the chamber empty unless I was pretty sure that I needed it loaded. I won't comment on Glock, etc. But I won't buy or carry them.
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Old 04-21-2014, 09:09 PM
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Walther PP on a Beretta 84.


My son's S&W 36 SB on the Walther PP.


Another forum members guns. A S&W J frame on a S&W 3913.

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Old 04-21-2014, 09:23 PM
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The above photos just show a comparison of size and firepower. $300.00 is not a lot of money for a handgun now-a-days, especially a name brand. I doubt you can find a decent S&W 10 for that price. If it is calling your name, give it a try.

Here are my Sig P225's and P228.


One final size comparison. S&W 39-2 and a Sig P225.

Last edited by ColbyBruce; 04-21-2014 at 09:31 PM.
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Old 04-21-2014, 09:29 PM
george minze george minze is offline
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My personal confession..After 40+years in law enforcement I never owned a Walther PPk/S Always wanted one but they were never authorized I bought one in blue this year,,,Dbl. action is like pulling teeth, single action is super and the 380 is a darned accurate little pistol..I'll admit the PPK series has sex appeal if that is the right word. I also bought a S&W Shield in 9mm it shots great, looks like a toy but shoots good..PPK-S looks great and single action shoots great, however I would not want to depend on it in a life and death situation, There is a certain pizzam to them,,I guess that Bond, James bond reputation,,,,In single action I would trust it and it would be better than a 32, especially using hard ball ammo....Better penetration and better ballistics IMO. The Shield is a little ugly but sort of like a dependable not so good looking wife will always be there and comes out a swinging every time so far.....a little blocky but not bad as a BUG..Accurate enough. Better looking than a Glock IMO......I yearn for guns I have sold or traded,,,First on that list is the H&K P7M8 and next the S&W 3953....I can be a dumb butt at times, or broke at times. If all heck broke loose my favorite would be my Actions by (T) BHP Belgium. However now long retired it is a little big as a BUG, but if needed I would feel as safe aS one in that situation could feel.......

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Old 04-21-2014, 11:34 PM
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Just today, I bought a Sig P232. A week, or so ago, I found a Colt Government .380, made in 1998. I've been carrying the Colt on occasion, and it's a very light, well balanced pistol.

The stainless steel Sig, on the other hand, is quite a bit heavier at 22 oz. vs. the Pocketlite at 13 oz. The Sig's recoil is a bit more straight back vs. the Colt which tends to recoil a bit more around the wrist.

I ran about 100 rounds through the Sig, today, and about 50 through the Colt. Both were very pleasant to shoot.
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Old 04-21-2014, 11:48 PM
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For $300 I'd grab that up very quickly. If down the road I decided to sell it, a few dollars will most definitely be made. (assuming very good condition/etc)
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Old 04-21-2014, 11:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis The B View Post
Just today, I bought a Sig P232. A week, or so ago, I found a Colt Government .380, made in 1998. I've been carrying the Colt on occasion, and it's a very light, well balanced pistol.

The stainless steel Sig, on the other hand, is quite a bit heavier at 22 oz. vs. the Pocketlite at 13 oz. The Sig's recoil is a bit more straight back vs. the Colt which tends to recoil a bit more around the wrist.

I ran about 100 rounds through the Sig, today, and about 50 through the Colt. Both were very pleasant to shoot.
Any jams at all?
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Old 04-22-2014, 12:07 AM
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Weactually my wife has the Sig P238. That's a small package 1911 style pistol she can shoot lights out. I have never fired a Sig 232. So I cannot compare.
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Old 04-22-2014, 12:16 AM
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When you're carrying a Sig 232 IWB (and you are, unless you have large pockets) it's noticeably smaller than a Sig 239 or Glock 26. It's about the same size as a LC9 or PF9. Of course it's 380 as opposed to 9mm, but the 232 is much easier to shoot than the compact nines.
Also, if the gun is in nice shape $300 sounds like a good deal.
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Old 04-22-2014, 05:07 AM
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Wow, this turned into an interesting thread.

Looks like 6nexus has summed it up for me.

Thank you all for the detailed posts.

John
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Old 04-22-2014, 09:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Star View Post
Any jams at all?
The P232 ran about 100 rounds of all types; Fiocchi, Winchester, Federal, Remington, and PMC. Not a single jam, FTF, FTE. I purposely mixed the brands within the mags, just to see the performance. I wasn't disappointed. Now, I did give it a bath in Shooter's Choice grease before I loaded it the first time. I run everything in stainless very wet.

The Government .380 was used when it came to me. So, no real round count. I've run about 200 rounds through it, of all types. It's also been 100% reliable.

For my needs, I wouldn't consider the P232 a real "pocket gun". It's pretty meaty, even for a small framed semiautomatic. The Colt, however, seems like it fits the "pocket" criteria.

I also have a Beretta Model 70, in .32 ACP. It's my definition of a pocket gun.

Last edited by Dennis The B; 04-22-2014 at 11:47 AM.
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Old 04-22-2014, 09:52 AM
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Default WORTH IT?

YES I SUPPOSE. For a good condition Sig 300$ is a bargain for any EXCEPT the mosquito IMO. The only reason I might buy it would be to flip it, as the 230 is now discontinued YOU MAY get more $ for it. I'm a Sig guy but never considered them sleek or sexy EXCEPT for the p 230/232 & possibly the p239 & all stainless 220, in that order. If it were the p 232, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat, just because the lines are so different from the other Sigs, & reports of better feeding in the 232. Even though I feel the p239 9mm has it beat hands down for a CC/SD pistol at VERY little extra size & wt. I normally only buy what I would want to keep & use for myself & NOT to flip, but I suppose you could buy it for the 300$ & flip it for 400$ easy enough, but I wouldn't go thru the trouble.

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Old 04-22-2014, 12:01 PM
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Not looking for a .380? That sums it up for me. Why buy a gun you weren't looking for? The .380 is a niche cartridge, it made a lot of sense at one time, now that there are so many compact 9mm's out there the .380's are in some ways obsolete.

For me I'd rather carry a air light j-frame.
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Old 04-22-2014, 01:52 PM
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Yes

I am usually not even slightly indecisive, and the last two
posts express my reservations.

It may in fact be a 232. Where I live, used firearms rarely
show up except between friends, so I am a GB searcher.

$300 for ANYTHING is also almost unheard of.

We will see.......................
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Old 04-22-2014, 02:23 PM
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You had best run back to that shop and buy the Sig. You will kick yourself if you miss out because some other pistolero snagged it while you contemplated the purchase. If it is in VGC, you will make some money off it if you decide to sell it. Now hurry. We want to see pictures.
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Old 04-22-2014, 03:15 PM
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I'd run back and get that gun. I love mine and $300 is a great deal.

Mike
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Old 04-22-2014, 04:19 PM
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I've been very pleased with the Sig brand.

I own a p238 and have not had any malfunctions at the range shooting multiple types of ammo. The gun is very accurate to be so small with very little felt recoil.

So to answer your question, for that price I'd probably buy it.
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Old 04-22-2014, 05:07 PM
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It's a 230.........box...two mags..........

I bought it.........$300 OTD

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Old 04-22-2014, 06:13 PM
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Probably a wise choice. Even if you do not like it, you should have no difficulty moving it. Got pics yet?
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Old 04-22-2014, 06:34 PM
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Very good move. I missed out on a Sig P232 over the past weekend, which is why I ended up with a new P232.
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Old 04-22-2014, 06:58 PM
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I have a 232 and it functions perfectly. I have put many different brands and types of ammunition through it without a hiccup. You won't be sorry. I keep it as a back up and carry a 9mm almost every day. You won't be sorry but it's not for everyone. Some will say it's only a .380 and that is ok. I figure it's better than the alternative.
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Old 04-25-2014, 09:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gaucho1 View Post
It's a 230.........box...two mags..........

I bought it.........$300 OTD

You know the drill...

Pictures or it didn't happen!
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Old 04-25-2014, 10:11 AM
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IIRC there were 2 versions..... steel and alloy frames.......16 oz. and 22-23oz.

I wanted/thought about getting an alloy frame one to replace my PPK in the late 80s...... ended up with an early 3913.

Great price....... I recently bought a PPK/s in .32apc for about $350 because it came w/ 4 factory magazines......sometimes it's good/fun to buy on a lark.........

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Old 04-25-2014, 11:10 AM
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I know this won't add much to this thread, but I bought a stainless P232 about 15 years ago for one reason. The "Cool Factor"! I find them to be among the most visually appealing of all modern small (or not so small) guns.

That being said, when it comes to CCW business my S&W Md. 649-2 has always been at the front of the line.

Last edited by loeman; 04-25-2014 at 11:11 AM. Reason: spelling error
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