Why would anybody want a SIG P230/232?

[FUD]

Just returned from the gunshop. With S&W falling into disfavor, I've been looking at the SIGs more & more ... Looked at a P239 and a P232 side-by-side today. While the P239 is a little bit more blockier and slightly taller, it is exactly the same length as the P232. And this got me to thinking as to why anybody would buy a P232 in .380 (7+1) when they can have a P239 in 9mm Parabellum (8+1)?

Now, I recognize the fact that some people are recoil sensative and a 9mm might be too difficult for them to shoot accurately but a fuller-size (when compared to other .380 pistols) .380 pistol would do the trick.

I'm not critizing, but just trying to understand why anybody would buy a P232 IF recoil was NOT a problem?

Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD

 

[Tecolote]

I can think of several reasons:

Ergonomics, perhaps the P230/232 fits some people better than the P239.

Slimmer, the P230/232 are slimmer than the P239, and in some situations every little bit of concealabilty (as in for licensed carry) helps.

Ammo, in some countries "military and police" calibers are outlawed. Therefore civilians have little choice but to opt for .380 or smaller.

I placed a P230 next to a P239 next to a P228. I got the last because the difference were small from one to the next.

------------------
So many pistols, so little money.

 

[FUD]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tecolote: ... the P230/232 are slimmer than the P239 ...[/quote]Good point -- a factor that I completely overlooked. My 3913 & my 4013 are exactly the same size except for the width (the 4013 is double stack) and that makes a BIG difference as I hardly ever carry the 4013 and the 3913 spends a considerable amount of time on my hip. Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Regards,
FUD

Share what you know, learn what you don't.

 

[Oleg Volk]

232 is slimmer and somewhat lighter, also more streamlined. However, it has much more recoil because of the simple blowback breech. I opted for a Kahr P9 over the 232 mainly because of lower recoil.

 

[Jeff OTMG]

If someone were to want a .380, the Sig P23X is one of the best .380's on the market. It also has a grip MUCH better than the P239. It is too big for me so I have a Walther PPK for a .380, but the blue one only weighs 14 oz, is slimmer than a like size and weight, S&W mod 37, yet holds more ammo. I think someone would choose it over a .38 airweight revolver for holster carry.