Sig P938 - First outing range report and impressions

I have been looking for a concealed carry pistol for over a year. I tried and rented several types and models over that time. I looked at a few snub nosed revolvers. The lighter options like the LCR had a nice weight but recoil was a bit snappy with +P ammo. A good friend of mine let me shoot his SP101. I liked the solid feel but it was heavy and recoil was definitely harsh when using .357 loads. There were no S&W snubbies available for me to try during my search. Over all I decided to shelf the idea of a revolver as a daily carry piece but I may still add one down the road.

As for the autoloaders looked at some of the pocket .380s like the LCP and Bodyguard but they were a bit too small. I purchased a Sig P230 from a friend and it was the perfect size not to mention flat out great looking. But the thin back-strap of the grip and recoil from the blowback design made shooting a chore. I intend to practice a lot with whatever pistol I go with so after some hard thinking I put the Sig up for sale. A decision I may regret down the road but I was able to get a bit more out of it than I paid so I could use the funds to purchase something else.

So that led my search to the sub-compact nines. I tried the Beretta Nano, Shield, LC9, Glock 26, and the P938. After shooting all of these the choice was very clear. The P938 fit my hand very well. I shot it accurately and recoil was manageable. Unfortunately it was cost prohibitive. At least until Palmetto State Armory ran a $499 special on the SAS model!

So it arrived this week. It came in a very nice hard plastic case with a single 7 round extended magazine, lock, and sample vial of lube. The fit and finish are superb. I don't really care for the plastic trigger so a metal aftermarket part may be in my future.

I watched several YouTube videos on field stripping and cleaning. It is not the easiest gun I've ever had to take apart. And getting the spring and guide-rod back together and in place is a major chore. Probably not a big deal if you don't shoot a lot. I generally like to clean my gun after every range session and I try to get some practice in at least once a month. Hopefully this is something I'll get better at over time.

So now that it's been stripped, cleaned and lubed it's off to the range! I had a 100 combined rounds of 115gr FMG and 147gr JHP ammo. The little Sig ran though all 100 rounds flawlessly. I was also very happy with it's out of the box accuracy. I'm no sharpshooter but I do pretty well with my S&W 66 and Beretta 92fs. Shooting a sub-compact 9mm with shorter sight radius and snappy recoil inherent to the smaller guns in defensive calibers is definitely more of a challenge. But overall I was able to put all my shots in the target circle with one or two flyers that were definitely my fault. The nice thing about this gun is that the recoil is manageable enough that I can definitely use it for extended range sessions.

So far I'm very happy with my purchase. Now I just have to find a suitable IWB holster and it'll be ready for daily carry duty.

Is that a 22 round on the lower quarter? just kidding

the anti snag Sigs are good, I have a SAS p229 and love it.

Sig makes some great guns.

Love my P938. I'm getting another one. Blackhawk make a good comfortable synthetic IWB holster, size 8 fits perfectly. It's good for a J-Frame too.
Changed the backstrap to a Hogue aluminum one, they also do a G10 version. Gives a nicer grip. I wouldn't change the trigger very happy with mine.

Very Nice! Great price too! Never shot one before myself, but most of the sub-compacts are difficult for me to shoot. That one's pretty enough to make me want one though!

kraynky said:

Very Nice! Great price too! Never shot one before myself, but most of the sub-compacts are difficult for me to shoot. That one's pretty enough to make me want one though!

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I suspect it really depends on your hand size and shape. I have smaller hands with longer fingers. The first time I picked up the P938 it felt like it was made for me. I do get a bit too much finger on the trigger. It ends up right before the first knuckle. But this is pretty much where my finger ends up on most any gun I shoot.

It certainly is an attractive piece that's for sure!

Congrats!

My Nightmare P938 is my main carry option. Reliable, accurate, shootable, and very concealable. I've had it for about 18 months and a couple hundred rounds with no issues so far.

I carry it IWB appendix most of the time, but I have a nice OWB holster I'll wear at 4:00 and also carry in pocket (with the flush mag).

USAF385 said:

Congrats!

My Nightmare P938 is my main carry option. Reliable, accurate, shootable, and very concealable. I've had it for about 18 months and a couple hundred rounds with no issues so far.

I carry it IWB appendix most of the time, but I have a nice OWB holster I'll wear at 4:00 and also carry in pocket (with the flush mag).

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Can I ask what IWB holster you use?

Thanks for the report. I'm anxiously awaiting arrival of an order of 938's at my LGS. Owner reported arrival is expected in a couple of weeks. Have one reserved for me.

I just can't warm up to the striker fired guns. Though not a true .45 platform the similar design appeals to me. A little internet reading and a couple first hand reports from local owners helped seal my decision. Factory included night sights, 16 ounces and 7+1 of 9mm makes it tough to thumb your nose at these guns as a carry alternative.

Your post was timely. Thanks.

KLYDE good decision you won't regret it. The P938 is heavier than it looks and feels like a "real" gun, if you know what I mean. It's also real easy to strip and you'll be surprised how far it'll shoot accurately. The Equinox model with light wood grips is next on my list.

Speedieguy said:

Can I ask what IWB holster you use?

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I use a Sig Sauer X38 IWB holster or one of those cheap Uncle Mikes holsters.

I have had mine since fall 2013 and carry it most of the time. I added Houge wrap around grips and use an El Paso belt holster.