Sig P238

[BB57]

Sig P238, Kimber Micro, or Colt Mustang, it's all pretty much the same - a delayed recoil locked breech mechanism.

That's significant as the delayed opening of the breech spreads the recoil out a bit more with an initial stage of barrel and slide locked together followed by much lower chamber pressures requiring a much lighter recoil spring to keep the slide velocity manageable.

Objectively, a 17 oz alloy framed Kimber Micro or Sig P238 will have about the same felt recoil as a 27 oz steel frame straight blowback operated PPK/S. The PPK/S recoil is actually less, but feels much sharper due to the blow back design, and requires a much heavier recoil spring, making it much harder to rack the slide.

Sig offers a steel framed version of the P238 which will run around 23 oz, and further reduce the felt recoil.

The RIA Baby Rock is also a miniature 1911 in .380, but it has 3/4" more barrel and uses a straight blowback operating system. At 25 oz, the felt recoil is very close to the PPK/S. FEG used to make the SMC (imported by KBI) which was a straight blowback PPK clone but in an alloy frame, where the recoil could be objectionable for some shooters.

One advantage with the P238, Kimber Micro, Colt Mustang and Baby Rock is that the slide can still be operated with the safety applied as the safety doesn't lock the slide. That lets the shooter clear the weapon without taking the pistol off safe.

Clockwise from top RIA Baby Rock, Ranger made Walther PPK/S, FEG SMC, PPK/S, Kimber Micro and CZ 2075 RAMI (a 9mm pistol).

 

[ameridaddy]

Sig P238, Kimber Micro, or Colt Mustang, it's all pretty much the same - a delayed recoil locked breech mechanism.

....

One advantage with the P238, Kimber Micro, Colt Mustang and Baby Rock is that the slide can still be operated with the safety applied as the safety doesn't lock the slide. That lets the shooter clear the weapon without taking the pistol off safe.

I really like that feature. I wish my 1911 was like that.

 

[dr. mordo]

Objectively, a 17 oz alloy framed Kimber Micro or Sig P238 will have about the same felt recoil as a 27 oz steel frame straight blowback operated PPK/S. The PPK/S recoil is actually less, but feels much sharper due to the blow back design, and requires a much heavier recoil spring, making it much harder to rack the slide.

I have to strongly disagree with this. I had a PPK/S and have owned many 9x18 Makarov pistols, and the recoil from them is far worse than from any non-blowback 380. Even my 380 Bodyguard is a *****cat compared to a PPK.

 

[M29since14]

I really like that feature. I wish my 1911 was like that.

That IS a good feature, IMO. M&Ps are like that, as is the M17 P320, but I have a hard time retraining myself to use it. Old 1911-habits die hard.

I have a friend who owned a 238. When the 9mm version came along, he replaced his 238 with a 938. Once in a while he will remark it might have been a bad move.

 

[ameridaddy]

That IS a good feature, IMO.
I have a friend who owned a 238. When the 9mm version came along, he replaced his 238 with a 938. Once in a while he will remark it might have been a bad move.

I did the same thing for the extra power and more variety in ammo choices.
I still have my 238, shoot it once in a while, but carry the 938.
Any idea why he thinks it might have been a bad move?
I have no regrets, but can fall back if I do have one someday.

 

[mr-mom]

I purchased a Sig P238 several years ago to use as a pocket carry piece. My Bride spied it on the bench one day when I was out back shooting. She said "Gee that's a cute little gun, can it shoot it?" She picked it up, racked the slide and put all rounds in the center ring at 5 yards. I haven't had that gun since. It resides permanently in her purse.
Dave
SWCA #2778

 

[keithhagan]

As others have said, slide racks easily and the 380 recoil is tamed in the locked-breech operated p238. I have the p238 Legion (generally considered the top of the line for Sig) and currently they can be found new for about $431 shipped.

The HD models weigh about 5oz more (20.5 oz vs 15.2 oz) and I'd imagine the recoil impulse would be even less, but I can't say from experience.

Another single action option she might consider is the Browning 1911-380. They can be had in 3 5/8" barrel (16 oz) or 4 1/4" (18oz). They are true 1911's scaled down about 85%. I have the 4 1/4". It shoots like a dream (less snap than p238) and I'd say it's readily concealable because of its light-weight and thinness, even more so the 3 5/8" barrel. Plus, it's much more fun at the range than the p238.

 

[ralph7]

I have heard reports of lint tying up the action with that tiny hammer trying to fall through the stuff when it is worn inside the pants daily, long term.
Of course one could carry it not cocked, but that kinda defeats the purpose. Maybe ok for someone that checks it daily.

 

[RoyM52]

Keep your lint in a different pocket.

{I have both the 938 and the 238, the size difference seems small, but for some forms of carry, it makes it easier} I am more accurate with the 938. Probably because I shoot it more.

 

[BB57]

I have heard reports of lint tying up the action with that tiny hammer trying to fall through the stuff when it is worn inside the pants daily, long term.
Of course one could carry it not cocked, but that kinda defeats the purpose. Maybe ok for someone that checks it daily.

That would take an awful lot of lint - several weeks worth.

I guess if you never clean it...

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I carry a Ruger EC9s with a Hogue Handall. It's a little bigger than the SIG 238, but it's easy to work the slide. Accuracy is fine. I carry it with the 7 round magazine with two 9 round extended magazines for reloads.

Just another option.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

 

[squidsix]

The question at hand

Was about the Sig P238. As usual, we devolve into talking about some other gun.
Bringing it back.