Sig Sauer P238 .380 1911
Rumors of the Sig P238 have been floating around the ‘net for a while now. They have turned out to be true. Sig Sauer P238 is a remake of the single action Colt Mustang which was discontinued just over a decade ago.
Sig Sauer P238 .380 ACP. Two tone. Click to expand image.
Colt Mustang .380 ACP. Photo by HiVelSword.
It is a single action pistol with an aluminum frame and a steel slide. From the press release:
With an overall length of just 5.5 inches a height of 3.96 inches, and weighing just under a pound, the SIG SAUER P238 is the ultimate firepower in an all metal frame concealed pistol. The P238 is built on an anodized alloy beavertail style frame with fluted aluminum grips for comfort and a secure hold during rapid-fire usage. The stainless steel slide features the popular SIG SAUER slide serrations and improves overall performance and accuracy.
It will come in two finishes, Black Nitron and Two Tone. Two sights will be available: contrast sights or SIGLITE Sights. This makes a total of four models. Pricing is below:
238-380-B MSRP $ 515.00
Black Nitron finish, Contrast Sights238-380-BSS MSRP $ 558.00
Black Nitron finish, SIGLITE Sights238-380-T MSRP $ 529.00
Two Tone, Contrast Sights238-380-TSS MSRP $ 572.00
Two Tone, SIGLITE Sights1200773 – Extra 6 round magazines MSRP $ 44.00
This should really appeal to 1911 fans, especially Colt Mustang fans. Time will tell if it is enough to compete with the plethora of sub-compact .380 pistols out there.
I will update this post as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: High quality photo from Ken.
Photo Copyright Ken Lunde. Used with permission.
UPDATE: The specs from the press release:
Frame Material: Aluminum
Frame Finish: Black Hard Coat Anodize
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: Nitron or Natural Stainless
Length Overall: 5.5”
Height Overall: 3.9”
Width Overall: 1.1”
Barrel Length: 2.7”
Sights: Post & Dot Contrast, SIGLIGHT Night Sights
Sight Radius: 3.8”
Weight w/out mag: 15.2 oz.
Mag capacity: 6 rounds.
Reacting to many requests from the marketplace for a subcompact SIG SAUER pistol, engineers designed the new P238 as a smart looking, small handgun built with the same accuracy and reliability as large frame SIG SAUER pistols. With an overall length of just 5.5 inches a height of 3.96 inches, and weighing just under a pound, the SIG SAUER P238 is the ultimate firepower in an all metal frame concealed pistol. The P238 is built on an anodized alloy beavertail style frame with fluted aluminum grips for comfort and a secure hold during rapid-fire usage. The stainless steel slide features the popular SIG SAUER slide serrations and improves overall performance and accuracy. Additionally, the contrast or SIGLITE® Night Sights are removable and adjustable for windage. The sear and trigger return spring are redesigned to prevent spring over-ride of the ejector during assembly. Two finishes are available; Two-tone and corrosion resistant Nitron®. The new SIG SAUER P238 is shipped in a lockable hard case with one 6 round magazine at an MSRP starting at $515.00 for the Nitron® with contrasting sights. For more information, log on to www.sigsauer.com.
Press release photo
Hat Tip: 1911Forum, SigForum and GHG
Will the new version take magazines or other parts from the old version?
You’re right, this makes me happy.
That… that… that thing, good sir, is hardly a 1911! Just look. Compare. See the graceful curves of the Mustang. Now, see that… Lego gun. Not the same thing. Nuh-uh. Both .380 pistols of the same size and similar controls, maybe, that I’ll give you. But Sig Sauer has failed to recreate the beauty and grace of the Colt Mustang.
(One big problem might be those grip panels… And that duo tone coloring does not help.)
Please note that I am, of course, discussing only the esthetics of the pistol. The Sig might be a nice gun for all I know, I am in no way disputing that.
I’m pretty excited about it all. I had a Mustang Plus II. Had it customized and really loved it. It was accurate and especially nice in the recoil department because it wasn’t a blow back design but locked breech. (Is the new Sig locked breech or blow back)? One day the extractor broke. It took numerous calls to Colt, and many calls to parts dealers all over the U.S. They all said the same thing, the extractor was back-ordered. What this really meant was that it wasn’t available (like so many other parts for the little Colt .380 pistols). Finally after more than a year I sent letters to Colt Manufacturing, the President of Colt and the C.E.O. I Finally was sent an extractor, (free of charge) but not in my choice of finish but workable. Shortly after, I sold it for a Kahr K-9. I wasn’t going to risk having a firearm which I couldn’t repair. The Sig P238 seems to me to be a great alternative to the Colt .380. Maybe not as refined as a Colt but preferable to all of the .380s I see for sale currently. Although GUNSAMERICA always have a large selection of Colt .380s for sale, you still have the parts issue which will be no problem with Sig.
I am digging the prospect of purchasing this new Sig… Looks great to me, it has a space age look to it. It will make an interesting addition..
when will we be seeing these bad boys for sale????
.380 is a junk caliber. most .380 pistols have cycle problems on and off because .380 just doesnt have enough power for a consistent cycle no matter what.
either get a .38 special 5-shot or get a small sub compact 9mm…
there is no reason to get .380 in anything.
I think this pistol is ugly compared to the Colt mustang. Sig seems to be going downhill with their designs. They rush junk through now and it shows. The perfect .380 would be someting like the Sig Mosquito, only in a high capacity.380. The P232 is OK except for its length and obsolete heel clip release. Their side mag release buttons are in awkward places also. They need to modernize their designs back to the WWII Walther ppk,s. The Walther is an outdated quality pistol with perfect positioning of the mag release button. If Sig could eliminate the feed ramp problems and digestion of hollow points some Walthers have, they might have something. Just like CZ did when they refined the Browning High Power. Sig needs a new 380 and guys this ain’t it.
Good luck selling this Lemmon. Sig just screwed up their 556 rifles and now are introducing the Sig 556 Classic which everyone wanted in the first place.
The new Sig 556 Pistol is comming out with Rails and should have a slim line polymer handguard offered also. Sig finally realized everyone wanted these also after Samson and Troy started making them. I don’t know who’s running the show at Sig, but they sure don’t have the brains or feel for the market anymore. The stainless 9mm P226 is my favorite. I dont know how this new pistol functions compared to the Colt Mustang but it sure is butt ugly and could have at least resembled the grips of the P series pistols. I am reluctant to buy anything they make because of constant blunders. You almost have to wait a couple of years now to see if they discontinue or revamp their products.
My new SIG .232 is a great gun. Can’t see having yet a smaller handgun than the .232. Perhaps for the ladies?
i think this shit is sweet. its a new futuristic lookin beauty…and to the jackass up there that said .380 is a “junk caliber”…thats completely untrue….380 has more penetration then a .45acp…and if you have a nice powerful hollowtip in there it will do the job…and he said 380s dont “cycle right??” lol have you ever even shot a gun?? unless your playin around with a highpoint 380 the majority of 380 sub compacts cycle FINE…look at the new gen kel tec p3at…never had ONE malfunction after about 500 rounds…and obviously the colt mustangs r great…and the walther ppks r great (until smith n wesson started making em) and if you have a 45,40,9mm or even a 44 mag as ur primary…and a 380 on your ankle…im sure it will do its job if ur ever in a life or death situation…and if u hit someone in the forehead with a .380 hydroshok…im sure theyr not gunna fight back…theyr gunna fall the fuck down lol but as far as this new sig i think it looks great…still has a 1911 (locked and loaded carry) style…nice slim singlestack….cool trio tone elite type look…i think it’ll be sweet…but i’ll wait to get it ofcourse…u never know…they could automaticly recall it…peace
~MDZ of RedZonE
While I have no wish to participate in a caliber war, some of the claims written by MDZ do need commenting on.
“.380 has more penetration then a .45acp”
Considering how the 9×19mm (when comparing NATO rounds) has a whopping 5cm/2″ more penetration than the .45, I am finding it hard to believe that this less powerful but yet equally wide 9mm round could do the same. But then, not that it really matters – when penetration in ballistic gel is a couple of feet (65cm for the .45, 70cm for the 9×19mm) all that needs to be said is that there is quite enough of it.
“never had ONE malfunction after about 500 rounds”
Wow! That’s… Not very much, actually. I’ve always thought that the first 1000 to 1500 rounds with a new gun are just breaking it in and establishing whether or not the thing works or not.
(On the other hand, the earlier posters claim that “.380 just doesn’t have enough power to cycle reliably” is… interesting, too. Would this not be merely a matter of designing the gun to function at the power levels provided for by the cartridge?
)
“and if u hit someone in the forehead with a .380 hydroshok…im sure theyr not gunna fight back…theyr gunna fall the fuck down lol”
Umm… You do know that the forehead is the most heavily armored spot in a human, right? Hit someone there with a pistol, any pistol – including my beloved .45 – and there is a pretty good chance they will fight back. You might want to aim a tad lower for better results.
All very interesting to be sure. But for those of us less interested in displaying our firearm/ballistics expertise (or lack thereof in my case) and more interested in holding and actually firing this new sig .380 before formulating an opinion, any word yet as to an approximate date these are suppose to hit the market?
All these people worry about the wrong things when it comes to whats the greatest round. Instead of whats the greatest round how about you worry about what round can you hit the target with. And i dont mean all over the target but were you want the bullet to hit or tight groups. The gun is only as good as the shooter shooting it and the 380 will do the job as long as there is good bullet placement and the same goes for a 22mag if shoot placement is right. So these guys preaching whats the best caliber well the one that you put in the right spot will always do the job. I think the new Sig is a nice looking gun and with time if it proves itself like any other new gun then the people writing bad things about it will end up jumping on the wagon like people do. Almost everyone who carries wants something easy to carry so they dont have to dress to the gun and with its size it will end up being a great product in high demand as the ruger LCP has become. So let the gun prove its self with time before you give it a bad rap. I have been teaching firearms training for years and the only guys you here this caliber shit from is guys who have no clue. Give the P-239 a chance and be glad that this country still has rights to own firearms and any new gun to me is welcome but as with any new product it does have to prove itself.
I think this is a pretty cool item, and I’m going to buy the first one I find.
I have a couple Colt Mustangs that cost me more used than what these list for new, and I like those Colts a lot. But I’ll sell one and buy this Sig.
Update on my p232 experience. I have fired close to a thousand rounds through it without fail. The only thing I don’t like is that .380 ammo is in short supply due to people stocking up for whatever the Obamanation brings our way. Simply order in bulk ahead of time and you won’t have any problem.
Two things I really like: The trigger release. You can have 7 +1 in the chamber and the first pull will be double action. Much easier to carry and keep by the bedside safely. Also the Tritium nighsites. It is very comforting at night to look over and see those three little green dots looking at you.
The question you have to ask Sig is why they are trying to resurrect old single action designs when other companies are modernizing theirs. Their current 380 is fine except for the out of date heel mag release. If they’re going to do anything retro then they need to go back to the walther ppk and polish the feed ramps and make refinements. North American arms makes a nice 380 compact with laser grips and side button mag release. Lately Sig has been turning out bad designs IMO. I own the P226 in stainless and it is a great pistol. Their 380’s leave alot to be desired. When you look at the Colt mustang and their 380, the quality of the Colt is way above their pistol. If they want to do a simple thing, they need to get rid of those ugly grips and look for replacement grips for these in the future to replace these dogs. Some have said this pistol looks great. If they looked at this side by side compared to a Colt Mustang, then I think its time for them to get an eye exam or pay a vist to the fashion police.
I think it is good to defend a good built and designed weapon, but some people will defend anything a company puts out just for brownie points.
Sig P238 – new for 2009 – really just what I’ve been looking for. Sig has a winner here for sure. I’ve looked for a small semi for quite awhile now, hefted the P229 and P239, and for their .380 caliber the both of them are too long, too tall, too wide, too heavy, and too pricey. My other choice was a Kahr PM9. In California it may take 6 months to a year before the manufacturer gets approval from the Attorney General and their testing laboratory before a model is approved and allowed to sell in this State of highest Brady marks. I hope you guys in Freedom States realize how freelucky you are – so far!
That is one UGLY pistol. Might look alright in a womans purse.
I like the looks of this gun, though I would get it in Black, not two-tone. The thing that concerns me is that the safety is not a slide-lock safety, like a standard 1911. It is only a mechanical safety, although the Colt had the same design. I think I would be reticent to carry locked and loaded without the 1911 safety I’m familiar with, but it sure would make a nice back up gun. First thing I’d do, however, is change the grips to some nice dark, polished wood.
I like the look of this 380 but also agree the grip needs to be changed, with or without I’ll have one when they hit the gun store cases.
Ralph, you are entitled to your opinion but I must disagree.
I’ve got a Walther PPK/S and a Keltec P3AT. I’ve fired the Keltec nearly 2000 times and have never had a feed or any other issue. The Walther is almost new and has been fired 300 times with no issue whatsoever.
I am a 1911 fan but the little .380s carry better at the office and around town. I actually had the opportunity to see the effect of 90 grain Hornady hollow points last year. I shot a small Buck with a compound bow and found him still alive but I was able to sneak up to within 10 – 12 feet and put him down with my P3AT with a head shot. The damage was extensive and there was no need for a second shot.
Bigger is better when it comes to personal defense pistol carry but…
Even a .22 Short is better than a shocked look and an attempt at flight from a scumbag assailant.
The P238 is certainly a combination of Sig’s style combined with Colt’s functional design. While style is a matter of opinion, reliability and accuracy are not. Provided that Sig has put the quality into this little guy that we’ve all come to expect, the P238 will be a great back-up and/or summer time concealed carry weapon.
I have personally carried a Stainless Steel Colt Govt. 380 off and on for a little more than a decade. I love that weapon. I look forward to acquiring one of these P238s and running it through a side by side test with my Colt.
I think this is one gorgeous gun, so much so that when stopping by the shop to purchase ammo today I had them include a two-tone P238 even though the ammo is hard to come by in these parts. I personally like the look of the grips! If we all liked the same things, imagine how boring life would be!
I just had the opportunity to check out the new P 238. Since my carry gun is a Colt Mustang PocketLite, it was interesting to compare the two side by side. For me, natural point of aim is a critical factor, and for me the P 238 has the same natural point of aim as my Colt. Also, we compared the magazines between the Colt and Sig. A Colt Mustang factory magazine fits the Sig, locks into place, and the slide locks back on empty. Is it possible that the Mustang mags are interchangeable with the Sig?? I have not yet tried firing the Sig with a Colt magazine . . . yet. Will let you know when I get my new P 238. Side note, a .380 with frangible ammo will do the job just fine.
A side order of eggs, rosewood grips and catsup please.
The secret to the kingdom is not caliber my children but shot placement.
I bought this gun in a hurry at a gun show – it appears I payed way to much for it. I wish I would have researched more for a primary off duty weapon. I don’t buy a lot of guns and just wanted an off duty gun. I’ve never carried a SA pistol and I’m not sure how I feel about it. The magazine I purchased would not seat with six rounds in it. Also, the gun doesn’t eject the last fired cartridge – I have to remove the magazine first and then shake it out. I haven’t shot it a lot yet but its hard to get the pistol to chamber a round sometimes it gets jammed against the ramp. It may be that I need to shoot it a lot to get it broke in.
I feel that people are forgeting the fundemental reason why we carry firearms….its to protect ourselves when things get ugly. As a officer I stress this to people every day. On the same note, I like to carry a reliable firearm that is not going to carp out on me when i need it. Ive owned a Kel-Tec and will never buy another one again. Yes they are cheap but not reliable. I would love to see Glock come out with a small frame handgun, and I mean much smaller then what they call their boat anchor of the Glocks 27’s. I own several glocks and never has one jammed, miss-fed, stove piped, etc. Due to the environment that I live in (sunny S. Florida) concealed carry is somewhat of a challenge year-round. This is why I am looking into the Sig 238. It is not as bulky as the glock but still carries a reliable name to it. I have shot several Sig’s but never have owned and looking to expand my collection. I have read other reveiws which have complained of the caliber size. On that topic, I say to them, ITS BETTER THEN NOT HAVING A GUN AT ALL. I know the .380 Cal does not carry the most knock down power but when your popping rounds off at a bad guy who wants to hurt you, I highly doubt he is going to stand there and care what size round it is. I love the SAO trigger because that is what im accustomed to. I further more like the 1911 look to the firearm. If anyone has any real insight to this firearm and wishes to share, please write back. for the $500.00 price tag and the Sig name, I cant see why this would not be a good to go firearm.
I fired my P238 this weekend, and I am hooked. No problems at all, and plenty accurate at 7 yards, which is about the maximum I expect in a gunfight.
The magazines from the Colt Mustang are identical, and I used one this weekend with absolutely no problems at all. The only difference is that the base on the Mustang magazine sticks out past the frontstrap a little, but since this is a two finger grip, it was not a problem.
I bought my 238 just over a week ago. I bought the two tone with night sites. I LOVE THIS GUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It shoot great. Accurate for such a short barrel. Recoil is not an issue. All and all, it is a Sig. just like my 229 and 239 it does what it is supposed to do and does it very well.
Like several other people have posted, learn to shoot. Then and only then, worry about caliber. If you can’t hit a 4″ circle 5 times in 8 seconds from 7 yards then don’t stop anywhere but the rimfire counter. Once you master the rimfire grab something bigger and learn again.
As for me…I’m a surgeon with my 229 but my favorite is my five7even.
Hi:I have to know one thing, why don’t you people put your age along with your thoughts and comments.When I read that bullets will bounce off your forehead please don’t put your forehead in front of one to find out,this must some kind of urban legend for morons.With all the 380 ammo on the market today a 380 is a great pocket gun for your every day person to carry to and from work or the store. Over the years I have carried every style and type of hand gun made and that goes for caliber also.I have to disagree with not enough recoil to work the slide of a 380,you got to be kidding.99.9% of the time you are using ammo too hot for the gun.380 is an old proven round used by lots of law enforcement departments world wide.The new ammo(Cor-bon,DPX,Big Boar Buffalo all+p and+p+ way too hot for PPK,PPKS for a few have recoil springs not set up for it. (it won’t function with it…)You need Win. silver tips in older380’s.I have a Ruger LCP 1,000 rounds no problem.But here is the difference,Kahr,Sig for a few,need three to four hundred rounds to brake them in.Kel tec,and other light weights are wore out not broke in after 3-or 4 hunderd rounds. just traded my LCP For SIG-P238 now this is nice piece of craftmenship,even the grips are aluminum. once I get a few hundred rounds down range this will be my carry gun. and please keep your forehead out of the way of any type of bullets. Please start to use your age when you make statements,so we can better understand where you are coming from. Tony C. 06/15/1952
I see Mr. Capone has demonstrated to us that age does not indeed bring wisdom.
There are too many amateurs on this forum, first and foremost…
I picked one of these P238’s at a gunshow today and it seems like a slick little gun. My department carries P229R. I am an armorer and Sig is in the top tier of manufacturers. They will stand by their product.
Capone, I’m not sure if you were saying a bullet won’t bounce off of someone’s forehead or not. If you are saying it will not you are wrong. Read the book Blood Lessons. There is a story about a female cop that slaps a guy right square in the forehead and the bullet bounces right off. Bled like hell but didn’t penetrate the skull.
Some of you have hit it on the head. Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement… Those of you who don’t believe in the .380, that is fine shoot something else. I had the opportunity to eat lunch with Lt Col David Grossman a while back and he said something very profound to me. We were talking, I like this gun, I like that gun, and he said that amateurs talk hardware and operators talk software. Meaning, you can talk this gun or that gun, this caliber or that claiber. Using a weapon (gun, knife, stick, hand, whatever) is more about MINDSET than anything. The old saying ‘fear an old man with one gun’ phrases it well. Are some of you saying that if someone shoots a 90 grain .380 slug at you, you aren’t going to duck? Fools…
Pick a reliable carry gun and train like a madman.
Rivera
And I’m 29 and an LEO pistol, shotgun, and patrol rifle instructor. I am on a SWAT team. I also instruct in the private sector and contract for Cohort International. Is that enough credentials?
I spoke to a guy from a reputable gun dealer, when I was at the gun show visiting my buddy who also owns a shop, about this gun. He said he has a very long waiting list of people for the P238.
I carry a Keltec P3AT as a BUG. So far, it worked without any malfunctions even with +P Corbon ammo. I like Sigs, so I am intrigued by the P238. If it has less recoil than my P3AT, it would be something to consider.
Others have already covered the basics:
Have gun
Have reliable gun
Have mindset to use the gun
Train with the gun
And please, don’t take internet posts too seriously. Life is too short.
Well said Burner, keep things in perspective and mindset and skill are the real weapon, the gun is a tool. I have to point out how preposteros it is to claim: “Hit someone there [forehead] with a pistol, any pistol – including my beloved .45 – and there is a pretty good chance they will fight back.”
Possible? Sure, anything is possible, but that is plain silly.
Well said Erik,My point being please don’t hope a bullet no matter the size will not go through your forhead.Then you have some moron that tells you he has had experence with every thing from a sling shot to an atomic weapon also say that it could.Play the big ticket lottery you will win the money before the bullet will bounce of your forehead. A 380 pistol is a very very good carry round.
Just hoping that the new 238 doesn’t replace the 232. I own a 232 and love it. Never any problems, and everything about it is good except for the heel magazine release.
And the 232 dead-sexy too. Now this 238 might be a great shooter, but it is UGLY. (This is coming from somebody who owns 5 Glocks) And what’s the idea of a single action on a pocket pistol?
Now if only Sig had made a 232 with a button mag release and double column magazine instead…
I have got to say that this is an absolutely gorgeous weapon right there, even with the al grips.
As per the last post, I agree, 1911 style sao triggers don’t belong on pocket autos. I am of course exempting glock/xd style sao triggers, which imo suit nearly all pistols except target guns.
OTOH any 1911 would look pretty stupid, even a ‘futuristic’ 1911 like the p238, with a DA/DAO trigger.
Just my 2 cents.
Lots of SF types on here huh?
-rolls eyes-
Oh one last thing; I believe the ‘outdated’ heel mag release is well suited to mice. If not then the HK/Walther style would make a good trade-off.
I really like looks of this new sig. I’m not really wild about the look of the grips but I’m sure that there will be some wood grips available.
I don’t feel you need to be a self proclaimed expert to understand some basic ideas about power and different size rounds. Shot placement number one most important. And being able to put that round there.
Summer time I feel the 380 a good compromise carry round. But winter time brings heavier clothing and more layers. Now I’m not ready to stand there and let someone shoot me center mass while I’m wearing my harley leather riding jacket and a heavy sweater. But If I was going to get shot at with a 380 I would really like that leather and sweater between me and that round. My grandfather was a world class gunsmith. And his learned opinion bigger was always better only problem is you can’t carry a rifle around with out making people nervous. His choice was a magnum round or a 45. Funny he never left the house without droping that 32 in his pocket. He said one thing and did another. When asked about it all he would say is that the 32 worked for him. He liked the 380 and the 9. He told me to carry what I was really good with. And learn to understand what it takes to use that round efficently and it’s limits. Where and how to use that round to its fullest. Your attitude and brains were just as improtant as the round your carrying. Sounds just like some the opinions I read here. At the moment I handle the 380 best and when I carry, the 380 is the frist thing I grab. I like my colt mustang sorry I sold it. Frist chance I get I’ll one of these new Sig p238.
Posting this to see if anyone has had the same problem i have with my new SIG P238. It fails to fire. It will fail to fire on 50% of the shots. Hammer goes down but does not contact firing pin. Pull the hammer back, pull the trigger – still does not fire. Try again and it might fire. No pattern. My son , who is a weapons expert and firing range officer could not believe it either. We used the same ammo and then tried it with his bersa – no problem. Used magtech and PMC. I returned to my dealer who sent off to SIG yesterday. I am shocked that I have had this problem and I am hoping SIG replaces the weapon with a new one that has been tested.
Has anyone else had this problem with this new 380? You can contact me at paulmstovall@bellsouth.net.
thanks
I also own the new SIG p238, I wasn’t a SIG fan but my wife talked me into getting this for her to carry. I am SO upset with SIG, just as I had figured, nothing but problems. I have shot around 150 rounds through it, cleaning it constantly and re- oiling it, “but not to heavy per the manual” and have tried 3 different brands of ammo. Still the same POS as it was right out of the box.
It tends to mostly be with the last round in the clip, it leave the last fired casing in the chamber, it stove pipes the casing and or the last unfired round, and the slide won’t close all the way with the hammer cocked back pull the trigger the hammer goes forward but no fire it misses the firing pin totally. I am not going to let this slide and im not going to keep buying $30 boxes of ammo to R&D sig’s weapons that for sure. I am hoping to get reimbursed for the 150 Rds. I’ve put through it already.
SIG should give FREE lessons on how to use their pistol’s to beat someone with them due to the unreliable guns they make
I ordered one and waiting for it to come in. Bottom line…. It will be in my pocket on the left side. You try for my primary weapon and your life will cease on the spot. .380 or not… a pocket pistol is ideal for LEO back up. Every one says ankle holster and big caliber… Ever tried standing on one leg to get your ankle gun while defending your primary weapon in its holster?
Think about it!
It wont help you any on your ankle holster or in your pocket if it shoots like mine right out of the box. Read my post above first before you get your hopes up!
I own a colt Mustang and have had it 16 years. I never had a misfire, unlike my Sig or Glocks. the P230 looks identical to the mustang and I will give it a try! I was surprised to read so many blogs that were down-grading the Sig. I shoot the Sig better than my glocks and my colt better than my Sig (p239) 40 cal. Go figure!
I replaced my Colt Mustang Pocketlite with the Kahr P380.
I considered the Sig, however the Kahr is;
Over 1/2 ” shorter
3/8″ narrower
over 1/4 lb lighter
Smooth double action trigger. Works every time.
Nuf Said
I got my Sig 238 two weeks ago and was promptly hit with a recall notice. Fortunately, a call into SIG revealed that my mouse gum was good to go.
A box of .380 later I was quite impressed with the little shooter. Since I carry a 9mm Springfield EMP as my primary equalizer and .45 cal Taurus 1911s when needed, I don’t have a problem with SA guns.
I practiced Condition I,II, and III presentations without too many problems, getting my thumb to memorize the location of the diminutive safety was the greatest challenge. The sights were the best of any mouse gun I have shot, including the Kahr.
All in all not a bad gun, I do like the Kahr better for pocket carry and recommend that those unpracticed in the art of Single Action play, consider the Israeli style presentation technique with this shooter. Keeping a round out of the chamber and manipulating the slide on presentation will probably keep a bullet out of your leg.
One final caveat, the gun did seem to object to hollow points for the first 25 rounds, then started cycliing fine. I imagine after about 500-1000 rounds through the gun it will hiccup no more.
I am still eyeing the KAHR 380.
Got one a couple days ago. First 50 rounds were with Magtech 95 gr FMJ. At 10 yards two hand hold standing timed fire (5 shots in 10 seconds). I had a few missfires where manual cocking the hammer and refireing worked (after waiting to be sure it wasn’t a hangfire). One case failed to eject and was jammed half way out the side port but was easy/quick to clear. All 50 rounds were in the 8 or better ring of a standard pistol target. About 60% were in the black and about 20% were in the bull. I am an average shot — nothig special — so I felt that was good for the first time I used the gun and it being new. I expect I/it will improve with additional rounds. Recoil is way less than the Walther PPK it replaced — about like the Colt Agent 38 I also use as a carry gun. My belief is the gun will break in nicely and do well for me. So far I’m glad I got it and looking forward to getting it fully broken in and seeing how accurate I can become. My feeling is I will be more accurate than I was with the Walther — probably like I do with the snub nose Colt and my wife’s S&W 38 Airweight.
I have been fortunate to work at a very active range in Dayton Ohio. As such I have had the opportunity to fire almost every firearm that comes through the door.
When it comes to “pocket protectors” in 380 the choices have been left between the Keltec, the Ruger LCP and then Kahr came out with theirs. They all have one very nasty habbit, they are not firearms to practice with. They HURT.
I was lucky to be the first at my range to fire the P238, and immediately purchased it and openly shared it with all who wanted a try. Its accurate, comfortable to hold and practice is a breeze. This one, though twice as expensive as the Keltek or LCP is fun to shoot, doesnt hurt the hand.
I am looking for a second one as my wife was one of those who got to try it out and staked claim to it, figures.
Wow! So many experts. I was going to pick one of these things up. Glad I read these postings. I once made the horrible mistake of buying a 1911 platform handgun – the Kimber Custom Eclipse for over a $1,000. That thing was a piece of crap! After sending it back to Kimber twice, I dumped it at a loss. Now I see this little P238 is similar to a 1911 and the problems people are having with them sound like the same exact issues I had with that 1911 Kimber piece of crap. I will not make the same mistake twice. I am extremely happy with my little Kahr 9mm Elite 98 (MK-9). No need to downgrade to this P238. Thank you all for your comments, experiences and opinions!
I picked up a P238 about 2 weeks ago and was initially not real thrilled. That has definitely changed. My initial problem was 1st no ammo available except for highend – real high $ – hollowpoints that didn’t want to load and 2nd the ramp wasn’t exactly what it should have been. Mail ordered 200 rounds. Fixing the 2nd problem solved the rounds hanging.
A Dremel tool, some polishing compound and that ramp went from a black surface that had very very minor milling marks to being as slick as a baby’s butt. Mine was one of the factory recalls that had just made it back to the dealer that day. Sig should have done their own polish job on the ramp………
This morning I went to the range for the first time and ran 150 FMJ rounds – 50 rounds Winchester and 100 rounds of Aguila – thru it. I had one round where the brass didn’t eject properly and one that it didn’t extract the first time but did eject when I cycled it again. Both of these were at the 150 round point and the gun was definitely dirty. I prob did a limp wrist on the 1st one that didn’t eject properly, so I’ll take the blame for that one.
Without cleaning I then ran 40 HP rounds thru it, the same ones that would not load properly the first day. NO problems. I was confident enough in the HP rounds that I loaded both mags with them before I headed home.
For a small frame weapon, my groupings were good at 25 feet, most were within 3-4 inches. Punched a frown face on the head of the silhouette that my wife said looks like me. Double taps were within 5 inches which is about as good as I do with any weapon. I fired a dozen rounds at about 75 feet and stayed within the 7 ring, at my age that is as much as I can expect with my eyesight while firing a pocket rocket.
The nay-sayers need to put one in their hand at a range before complaining. Oh, I suggest tightening the grip screws. One of mine worked its way loose and I had to hunt the screw. The other 3 were loose.
All in all, I am pleased with my new toy. Does what I want it to, and worth the money paid. I can drop it in the front pocket of most of my pants and you can’t tell its there.
I got mine after a long wait. My wife had a look at it and then made me go back and get another one for her. We are waiting on an order of 500 rounds of .380 to take to the range.I did cycle a few clips of ball ammo through the gun manually to “buff” the feed ramp. I did order some extended clips for them. I found some 7 rounders made for the Colt Mustang and they fit perfectly, making it a 7+1 and adding an extra bit of grip also. I’ll let y’all know how it goes and the range!
I JUST BOUGHT THE BLUE ONE TODAY. IT IS AWSOME. SHOOTS GREAT!!!! EXILENT. THIS IS A NEAT GUN.
In 1990 I hade home invasion I shot two people with my colt mustang 380 both of the people died they were both head shots in the forhead I will never doubt this pistol or cal for this saved my life unfortuntuataly not my family
I just bought the Sig 238 a couple of weeks ago and have put 130 rounds through it on two different occasions. I had a little trouble with the first 70 rounds using JHP from walmart, it failed to feed once, stovepiped, once failed to fire twice.
I had the same problem Mr. Stovall had, the slide failed to return all the way forward and when the hamer fell the firing pin didn’t hit the primer. Called Sig and they told me to try cleaning it and use different ammo.
I bought two different types of FMJ at a gun shop took it out and fired 60 rounds and it worked perfectly. I personally like the way it looks and bought it because of Sigs reputation for quality firearms and it’s easy to conceal size.
Time will tell if it will be a good, dependable gun. I don’t think a semi-auto will ever be as dependable as a DA/SA revolver for a personal protection weapon, but they are easier to conceal.
FYI: I am 45 years old and have owned about 30 handguns, my favorite being the Magnum Research Dessert Eagle.
I posted a while ago that my SIG 238 had multiple failures to fire. It was sent back to SIG for the recall as well as the original firing issue. It was returned with an additional complimentary clip.
Neither clip would hold 6 rounds and fit properly into the pistol. Tried different ammo. No go. Took back to the gunshop I purchased from and they agreed to trade for a S&W 38 airweight revolver. The gun dealer was returning to SIG.
I am only posting this because if you have purchased this gun you really need to go shoot it to determine if its going to work for you. I hope I just had a bad gun because I am fully aware of SIGs reputation and thats why I purchased the gun in the first place. My wife loves the S&W and I will use my H&K 45.
thanks for all the additional emails folks have sent me with similar problems.
WOW – A lot of interesting opinions.
First – I just bought one of these yesterday, nitron with rosewood grips, and it is a pretty little gun.
second – I have not fired it yet, but if I had to guess (which is all I can do right now), I’d guess that in keeping with Sig’s overall quality, the gun will be a good shooter. The Mustang is a great shooter and from what I hear, the improvements make this an even better one.
I do own a colt mustang, I love it and will keep it in my collection, I like it so much that having this one as a regular carry gun made sense.
The one improvement most notable I think) may be the correction of the ejector dropping during re-assembly, I had this happen with my Colt and it was a real pain …. I understand this has been addressed by Sig.
Also – as far as knockdown power is concerned, a well placed round will do it’s job in almost any caliber, the 380 will certainly get the aggressors attention. and if you want to read up on an interesting product, try http://www.rbcd.net then read up on it, try youtube for some demonstrations. I carry this in my 9’s and 380’s.
I must admit I am not much on carrying “cocked & locked” but I will make this decision later.
I’d love to hear more directly from owners of this gun.
I recieved my little beauty last week. Nitron with Rosewood grips…real sharp!
Cycled about 100 rounds through it after a light cleaning and before I hit the range. Seemed to cycle a little rough at first. After about 60 or 70 cycles (without fire) the rounds seem to feed much better. I used both American Eagle and Wincheser FMJ. The American Eagle has a round nose and the Winchester a flat nose.
At the range I shot 104 rounds. I had 2 Failures to feed early (probably in the first 40 rounds) and one failure to fire. The FTF had a good strike in the the center of the primer so I suspect it was a bad round.
This thing is truly a joy to shoot, It has such a solid but low recoil feel that makes you want to keep shooting all day! I have fairly large hands and this thing still shot like a dream for me. I can’t wait to get back to the range with it! My buddy at worked joined me and his eyes light up and he couldn’t keep the smile off his face after emptying his first mag.
I also own a P239 Elite 40 S&W with Rosewood grips which is also very enjoyable to shoot (and drives nails when I’m doing my part), but I like to shoot this little p238 beauty even more!
Sounds like there have been a few issues for others, but if you give this little piece a chance I think you’ll find something you won’t want to leave home without.
So I sent my SIG p238 in for the, “Mandatory Recall”, about 10 days later I get it back. My wife excited to go to the range and shoot her “fixed” pistol, we get there and the first clip fires all 6 round with no problems!! This is good right? I mean before it never fired a whole clip without a malfunction.
But I was wrong, We had only gotten lucky on that clip and back to the same old Schnanagins. I don’t know what else to do, I guess ill eventuly have 10 free complimentary clips from SIG by sending it back and back to them time after time. This time I don’t want it back in 10 days, I Don’t care if it takes them a whole month I Just want it Fixed. This is my wifes carry gun and If It doesn’t get fixed I will demand a full Refund and put her back in the arms of KAHR. They never let her down.
SIG “Reliability the first time, every time.” Yeah What A Line Of Shit.
Will Sig make a longer barrel version just like the original Gov. model Colt .380. That’s what I have and I’m considering selling it with the original box and paperwork and buying 2 Sigs but I would really like to have the longer barrel of the original colt.
Just got my P238 today, was excited to shoot it and went straight to the range. Unfortunately it failed to chamber several times. Being a new auto, I oiled it and tried again…Same thing. Figured it was the hollow-points I was using. After the first round would fire, the rest followed suit.
Bought a box of round tips and dry cycled several mags and didnt have a problem. It is a great concealer, lightweight, slim and very tight. I was a lil leary about the 499.00 price tag, but decided to purchase on the reputation of Sig. I am hoping that after a couple hundred rounds go down the barrel it will be more reliable.
41 yr old, Oklahoma.
Have had my P238 for three weeks have put 250 round down the barrel one failed to chamber. So far so good and just a plesure to shoot.
I purchased my sig p238 over a month ago now when I first took it out I shot remington jhp, winchester fmj, and american eagle fmj plus a clip of hydro shock. at first things went well then after a couple clips the hammer would drop and not fire. I pulled the hammer back same thing it did this repeatedly with all but the hydro shock that was my first clip. I took it home cleaned it real well ( I did this before I took it out the first time as well) and thought I would try again the next time same thing so I sent it back to sig about 10 days later I got it back (no extra clip like many are mentioning) took it out and shot some winchester fmj first 35 went well no problems after that random problems three times out of 85 total rounds failed to fire but would when the hammer was pulled back a second time, three failures to go back into full battery and twice the slide locked open when there were still bullets in the clip. I called sig got a jack ass of a customer service that told me I used the wrong lube they told me that last time. to clean I use hoppes 9 and lube used rem oil after getting it back I still used hoppes 9 but switched to CLP for lube. Not being happy with his attitude or response I called twice more to see what others would say. second one really had no answers told me that the colt had issues it was designed from but sig improved on these. I know a few that own the mustang and never heard complaints. the third guy told me the gun is built to such tight tolerances you have to put 500 rounds through it to break it in. when I got the gun back they said they had to fix the extractor and when they did put some rounds through it ( priv partizan, and american eagle) if that is the case I still need to put about another 100 rounds through it I guess. I have been a sig fan for a long time now but lately it seems their quality has gone down, I have a sig 556 holo that the sight for is worthless and I am on my third one having sig replace. I hope they arent getting gready and hoping to just make money on their name. the sig p238 is also not designed they stated to hold 6+1 but 5+1 instead and they said to have the slide open to insert a full clip I ordered 2 colt mags hoping this would solve that issue having heard success from others. If the next hundred rounds go through and I am still having issues it looks like I will have to send it back again.
First to all the, thanks to the owners for the info. It is great to hear about the experiences you have had, I followed those of you that made initial and then subsequent posts. So it generated a couple of questions:
Those that initially has FTF’s or FTE’s, was this eventually resolved by ammo change, more break-in techniques or was the last resort a factory/shop visit?
Lastly, when I read “double tap” in a gun forum it speaks volumes about the knowledge of a poster. Range Rangers “double tap”, CQB/self defense experts shoot a “controlled pair”.
Robert
I am very interested in the Sig P 238. I do not feel comfortable with “Cocked and Locked”. I feel safer with DA/SA
I realized the safety problems have been resolved, but what do you think about this?
I am also concerned with several comments about not ejecting final round and will not accept full clip with one in chamber.
Are these isolated problems?
Buy the Khar P380. Match Grade Walther barrel. Dovetailed front and rear sights, less the a pound fully loaded, slide CNC machined from large bar stock. Smooooooooth double action trigger. Hits where you point it.
It does take 200 rounds or so to break it in. The Sig looks like a great compact. But like you I am not fond on cocked and locked in my pocket. However my primary is a 1911.
I purchased a two tone P238, a box of Federal Premium Personal Defense rounds and some PMC FMJ range rounds yesterday. After cleaning the Sig, found that the Federal hollow points won’t even hand cycle through the weapon. Each Federal round hung up on the barrel ramp. Had better luck with the FMJ. At this point I am questioning my reasoning for spending $600 for gun, ammo and holster that I have no confidence in. Hoping for better success at the range.
BOUGHT ONE RECENTLY. RAN 200 ROUNDS THRU IT WITH NO
PROBLEMS. SHOT BOTH FMJ AND HOLLOW POINT. ACCURATE FOR ITS SIZE. EASY TO SHOOT.
GOT THE ALL BLACK MODEL WITH “BLACKWATER” GRIPS AND “NIGHT SIGHTS” (LIKE THEM). LIGHTWEIGHT AND
EASY TO CARRY IN FRONT POCKET OF JEANS. DESANTIS MAKES
A GREAT POCKET HOLSTER FOR IT.
TO EACH HIS OWN………I’M HAPPY WITH IT & GLAD I BOUGHT IT !!!!
I just picked up P238 on Oct 17th for $469. I test fired the Ruger LCP, the Kahr PM9 and P380, and the Smith & Wesson 442 before deciding to purchase the P238. The P238 is the only gun in this group that was actually comfortable to shoot. The recoil is very manageable, and the gun shot very accurately. The other guns in the group all hurt my hands when fired. I decided that if I am going to carry a weapon, then I will practice with that weapon often. The difference is night and day. Today I shot it at the range, 50 FMJ and 6 JHP with no problems. I will comment further when more ammo becomes available. Right now finding ammo is my only issue with this gun. I know the P238 is slightly larger and heavier than the LCP and others, but it is still very comfortable in my pocket. The P238 is also about $170 more expensive than the LCP, but I think it is well worth it.
just purchased the p238 very nice gun for conceal carryloaded with 105 hp.that should do the job .very well balanced gun.its the first sig that i owned rest of my guns ard 45 cal.
I like the P238 but Sig has been terrible to deal with. Why do manfacturer’s just blow off their existing customers and only want to focus on the new sale? Well Sig……..I have a choice of gun brands and you just lost a very active gun collector. I won’t buy another one of your products. Buyer beware….Sig isn’t the company it used to be!!!!