Sig p238

B

bikerbill

New member
Two weeks into ownership of a Sig p238 Scorpion (one of the seemingly million variants of this model). It's a sand color with composite grips. It's based on a 1911, with a manual safety and no grip safety.

I pocket carry most of the year, usually in cargo shorts. Since I got my plastic 12 years ago, my EDC has been a Kahr PM9. Recently, I decided I wanted something a bit lighter and smaller. After handling several .380s, including models from Kahr, Smith, Glock, etc., I decided on the Sig.

It's been to the range twice, with about 300 total rounds through it, including 50 of my SD round of choice, Hornady's Critical Defense. There have been no failures of any kind, no issues, no problems. Recoil is surprisingly mild; it's easy to keep the sights on target. Accuracy is excellent, almost all shots inside the nine ring at 7 yards. Shooting for groups at that distance is 3 inches and under, every time. The gun comes apart easily for cleaning and was delivered with night sights.

One thing that surprised me; the gun was delivered oozing oil from every pore. I've never had a new gun arrive from the factory so wet.

I still carry the Kahr, in a paddle holster when it's cool enough to wear a jacket or fleece pullover, and when I'm home, the Sig is stored and I carry an NAA Pug. But the Sig is a delight to carry and shoot, and it's now my go-to gun for everyday use.

Be interested to hear your experiences ...
 
P238

Don't remember my Equinox being that wet out of the box but I would agree with everything you said. I have since bought a 938 but am not near as accurate as I am with the 238.
 
I pocket carry most of the year, usually in cargo shorts. Since I got my plastic 12 years ago, my EDC has been a Kahr PM9. Recently, I decided I wanted something a bit lighter and smaller. After handling several .380s, including models from Kahr, Smith, Glock, etc., I decided on the Sig.

It's been to the range twice, with about 300 total rounds through it, including 50 of my SD round of choice, Hornady's Critical Defense. There have been no failures of any kind, no issues, no problems. Recoil is surprisingly mild; it's easy to keep the sights on target. Accuracy is excellent, almost all shots inside the nine ring at 7 yards. Shooting for groups at that distance is 3 inches and under, every time. The gun comes apart easily for cleaning and was delivered with night sights.
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As one who is in the market for a pocket pistol I appreciate you sharing your impressions and experience. At 7 yd, 3-in groups are great. I assume that is a slow-fire result that will open up considerably under stress, but well within the size of the thoracic vital organ zone.

I find it interesting that your search for a lighter, smaller pocket gun led you to choose a barely lighter (by an ounce) and somewhat bigger P238. The big difference between the P238 and PM9 is the cartridge they are chambered for. Out of similarly sized guns the free recoil energy of the .380 Auto out of the P238 is less than half that of the 9 Luger out of the PM9. The substantial reduction in recoil likely accounts for the precision you are justifiably impressed with. It makes sense to pair frame size with an appropriate caliber.

If money were not an issue, the P238 would be my clear choice for a pocket .380. You get me thinking the price is worth it given the design, performance, and how it is equipped.

Think about scrapping your Hornady Critical Defense, as they do not penetrate adequately from pocket-length barrels (per ShootingTheBull410's .380 Ammo Quest on YouTube). Rounds sporting a Hornady XTP bullet have been shown to work. The flaw with most .380 JHPs is that they expand too much, which in turn limits penetration to an inadequate depth.

I assume you use a pocket holster. What kind?
 
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Limnophile- the crossbreed microclip iwb is outstanding. Just one, adjustable clip for easy on/off and super comfortable to carry. Makes the p238 vanish.
 
I have and carry the older Colt Mustangs . Yours is a copy of the Mustang They only look like a 1911 . Mustang or Sig. Both nice pocket pistols or IWB
Iam wearing mine in a Don Hume IWB at present . We Can argue over ammo choice all day long. I like Corbon DPX and JHP.

Civilian needs are different than FBI. That 12" plus is for service calibers The FBI more worried about shooting thru car bodies, doors ,walls, windshields . Than the damage the HP does. Boarder patrol says 10" works
I can't find any place and no one has ever showed me proof . Where 1 or 2 380 in chest. That the attacker either killed or seriously the person defending them selves with the 380.

Iam sure some where in the world it has happened in the 100 + years of the 380 history. Just seems not all that common . Appears most so called bad guys. Leave in a hurry and try to get medical help .Some don't make it.
I bet same could be said of the 32acp also
 
I also carry my P238 front pocket. I carry it in a cheap Walmart holster don't remember the name. I have about 400 rounds through it. Some Federal, PMC, Magtec. Defence ammo is Horandy defense and Automic.
 
Limnophile, you raised an interesting point about the comparative size and weight of the PM9 and 238 ... not sure I can really explain my choice, except to say that it felt the best in my hand. After shooting an LCP, I decided I really did need more weight to help control the gun. While the Sig and Kahr are close in weight, the feel in my pocket is totally different. The Kahr feels like a much larger gun; in a Desantis Nemesis, the Sig is less noticeable and easier to conceal. Another reason for the choice is that I like the 1911 design and the manual safety. I've read some concerns about pocket carrying an SA gun, but I don't share them. And the Sig just looks cool.

As for the Hornady load, I use it in all my defensive semi-autos. Maybe it's just in my head, but the bullet design seems like it should feed more easily. I've never had one jam or fail to feed in half a dozen guns I've fired it from.
 
Bill, yes your Sig P 238 is a bit of a copy but it is not of the Mustang however both are copies (or at least based upon) the Star DK which in turn owes it's concept to J Browning's wonderful 1911. No matter the parentage you have acquired a fine pistol for your concealed carry purposes. I have had 238 and 938 pistols for many years and put a bunch of trouble free rounds down the tubes. The extended magazine is a real boon while firing the pistol which as you have found is unlike many in it's class by being quite easy to shoot with manageable recoil. Having fired many of the small 380 pistols available today a few are downright unplesant to shoot ( no names or the brand loyal boys will scream foul) but the Sig pistols are not among those offerings. The Glock 42 also is a boon to the small handgun market being super easy to shoot and carry. Enjoy your Sig, you have chosen wisely.
 
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