New P238

[Cal44]

Recently I acquired a Sig P238. This is a very small pocket sized 380 acp.

I got the all stainless version which weighs about the same as a S&W M36 snub.

In my first range trip, I found it quite easy to shoot. I could put a full magazine into a 5" circle at 7 yards right from the start.

After a couple magazines, I could do better.

Also, kept all the rounds in a paper plate sized target shooting one handed (strong hand).

With my weak hand, did nearly as well one handed.

7 round magazines, so 8 shots on tap.

The higher weight compared to other small aluminum or plastic 380s (like LCPs) pretty much eliminates muzzle flip and recoil, and makes holding the gun steady much easier.

I see in the "Is 380 enough" thread, lots of people think 380 acp is a poor choice.

But hitting the target with multiple rounds quickly has to partially mitigate the lower power problem relative to larger calibers.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I also bought one of the stainless SIG 238 and like it. Shoots very nicely though I could wish the butt was a tad longer for easier grip and one extra round.

One word of warning (I found out the hard way). When you wipe the frame down after cleaning be VERY CAREFUL not to snag the pigtail spring that holds the slide lock. If you bend the spring you have to replace it, and it is not real simple to do. It is staked in place.

 

[labworm]

Purchased my Sig P238 Equinox 4 years ago.

Great carry gun, even though the bullets will just bounce off the intended target.

 

[BB57]

I've carried a Kimber Micro as a back up the last couple years. Sig P238, Kimber Micro, Colt Mustang - all of them work well for pocket carry or back up use.

Like the alloy famed variants of the P238 the Kimber Micro is about 5 oz lighted than the steel frame variant of the P238.

Kimber and Sig both offer finger extension magazines that offer 7 rounds rather than 6.

I've found the pistol shoots very well even at the lighter weight due to the locked breech design, with recoil that is comparable to a 30 oz blow back operated .380 ACP pistol like the PPK/S or the RI Baby Rock.

If there is a negative to the its in the 2.7" barrel which gives up some ballistic efficiency compared to a 3." PPK or PPK/S or the 3.9" barrel of a PP or a Baby Rock. Still, I can squeeze about 975 fps out of a 90 gr Hornady XTP and that's fast enough to give reasonably reliable expansion in other than heavy clothing.

 

[Jonzim]

Recently I acquired a Sig P238. This is a very small pocket sized 380 acp.

I got the all stainless version which weighs about the same as a S&W M36 snub.

In my first range trip, I found it quite easy to shoot. I could put a full magazine into a 5" circle at 7 yards right from the start.

After a couple magazines, I could do better.

Also, kept all the rounds in a paper plate sized target shooting one handed (strong hand).

With my weak hand, did nearly as well one handed.

7 round magazines, so 8 shots on tap.

The higher weight compared to other small aluminum or plastic 380s (like LCPs) pretty much eliminates muzzle flip and recoil, and makes holding the gun steady much easier.

I see in the "Is 380 enough" thread, lots of people think 380 acp is a poor choice.

But hitting the target with multiple rounds quickly has to partially mitigate the lower power problem relative to larger calibers.

Congratulations on your new P238. I am one that does not feel the 380 is a poor choice. I think you made a wise choice. For you, it is an accurate, comfortable gun that you can count on.

 

[smithrjd]

Had mine out to the range for the second time this weekend. Amazed at how accurate the little thing is. 5 1/2" NRA pistol bullseye at 25 yards 24 of 26 in the black.. Transfer that to a silhouette target and even the tiny .380 would be more than adequate. Bonus is the wife can rack the slide and likes it. First semi auto to do that.

 

[LVSteve]

Had mine out to the range for the second time this weekend. Amazed at how accurate the little thing is. 5 1/2" NRA pistol bullseye at 25 yards 24 of 26 in the black.. Transfer that to a silhouette target and even the tiny .380 would be more than adequate. Bonus is the wife can rack the slide and likes it. First semi auto to do that.

If you are doing that freehand standing you're a better shot than me for sure.

 

[Citiboy289]

Not to bad mouth my revolvers But in my opinion the sig p 238 is the finest micro carry hands down !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[5-Shot]

I have a question for you guys. I've shot one of these little fellows and agree with everything already said. I've even decided to get one several times but backed out each time. Do you dare pocket carry it cocked and locked? I doubt I could.

Ed

 

[bigwheelzip]

I have a question for you guys. I've shot one of these little fellows and agree with everything already said. I've even decided to get one several times but backed out each time. Do you dare pocket carry it cocked and locked? I doubt I could.

Ed

My P238 came with this SIG wallet pocket holster. I don't pocket carry at all, but my husband will occasionally carry my P238 with this holster, and with the flush magazine.

 

[Cal44]

Do you dare pocket carry it cocked and locked? I doubt I could.

Ed

I worried about that too.

I have a small Glock (Model 27) that many people pocket carry.

Doing a side-by-side trigger comparison, the Glock trigger and the P238 trigger (with the safety off) are almost the same. The Glock trigger may even be a bit lighter.

So I figure with the safety on, the P238 should be much safer than a Glock for any type of carry.

It's a bit worrisome to see the hammer cocked back on a pocket gun, but really the Glock striker internally is "cocked" also -- you just can't see it.

I think with a good pocked holster that covers the P238's safety lever, I'll be OK.

 

[Telecaster]

I had a 238, it was really pleasing to shoot. I only sold it because I didn't want a single-action in that size.

Not to change the subject, but has anyone tried out the new 938 in .22LR?

 

[gnystrom]

Lot's of good stuff here.
At our range nearly everyone that shoots the P238 shoots it well.
Anyone that says the 380 is not enough is unaware of advancements in ammo choices in that caliber. It will do the job with the right ammo.
My objection to that 1911 platform in a small gun is the necessity of carrying cocked and locked. Not from a fear of a ND, but I question the potential snagging on clothing during a draw.

 

[5-Shot]

Anyone fooled with the Springfield 911 yet? It appears to be a clone of the Sig.

Ed

 

[smithrjd]

I had my 52-2 and Model 41 out at the same time so I was rather dialed in, I was standing free hand (both) first trip was not quite as good. The trigger is not as good as the Smith's but still breaks very crisp but heavier. I don't really like carrying cocked and locked, but the safety on the Sig is very stiff, I can't see how it could get swiped to the off position accidentally.

 

[ameridaddy]

I have a question for you guys. I've shot one of these little fellows and agree with everything already said. I've even decided to get one several times but backed out each time. Do you dare pocket carry it cocked and locked? I doubt I could.
Ed

Been doing that for years with my P238 IN A POCKET HOLSTER, and recently moved up a tad to a P938 for more power and the slightly bigger grip fits my arthritic fingers better. You must cover the trigger, and maybe the safety lever too to be safe in pocket carry.
That's this guy's opinion.

FWIW, the P938 comes with an ambidextrous safety, fully interchangeable with the P238 safety. In all my pocket and OWB holsters for the P938, the weak side safety lever was exposed, and after finding the safety lever accidentally bumped to the "fire" position three separate times from me moving around my shop and house, I converted the gun to single safety. No further problems. I'd suggest making sure your holster covers all safety levers, whether single or ambi.

 

[ameridaddy]

I had my 52-2 and Model 41 out at the same time so I was rather dialed in, I was standing free hand (both) first trip was not quite as good. The trigger is not as good as the Smith's but still breaks very crisp but heavier. I don't really like carrying cocked and locked, but the safety on the Sig is very stiff, I can't see how it could get swiped to the off position accidentally.

As I noted in my post above, that happened to me three times with my ambi safety P938, but never with my single safety P238.
I think the ambi having an outboard lever is vulnerable to bumping to 'fire' and is a hazard if it's not covered by the holster.

 

[BB57]

I have a question for you guys. I've shot one of these little fellows and agree with everything already said. I've even decided to get one several times but backed out each time. Do you dare pocket carry it cocked and locked? I doubt I could.

Ed

I don't believe in pocket carrying any pistol or revolver unless I'm using a properly designed pocket holster for it.

Even with a cocked and locked 1911, the holster is the first line safety.

With the Kimber Micro, Sig 238 and Colt Mustang, the safety does not lock the slide, like it does on a full sized, commander sized or officer sized 1911. That's a plus in that you can lock it before you load it, but it's a negative in the sense that the slide can be pushed back out of battery. It's another reason to use a holster with it.

I worried about that too.

I have a small Glock (Model 27) that many people pocket carry.

Doing a side-by-side trigger comparison, the Glock trigger and the P238 trigger (with the safety off) are almost the same. The Glock trigger may even be a bit lighter.

So I figure with the safety on, the P238 should be much safer than a Glock for any type of carry.

It's a bit worrisome to see the hammer cocked back on a pocket gun, but really the Glock striker internally is "cocked" also -- you just can't see it.

I think with a good pocked holster that covers the P238's safety lever, I'll be OK.

This is exactly on point. Way too many shooters who own them fail to realize that the striker in a Glock is about 95% cocked with just a tiny bit left for the trigger to accomplish. Since all the safety mechanisms are tied to the trigger it's much like carrying a 1911 in Condition 0. And yet you see people pocket carrying the smaller Glocks and you even see them carrying them with those stupid clips on the slide that allow them to be slipped over a belt with absolutely nothing protecting the trigger when they slide it into their waist.

Many of these same folks ironically get nervous with a 1911 just because it has a hammer in the cocked position.