Sig P238 Safety Recall

Some Sig P238 sub compact pistols have a defective safety that will, if the trigger was pulled when engaged, fire a round when the safety is then disengaged. Now that would scare the crap out of me!

SIG SAUER, Inc. has initiated a Mandatory Safety Upgrade pertaining to our new Model P238™ pistols. We have determined that a small number of P238 pistols may have safety levers that are not manufactured to factory specifications. Under certain conditions, it may be possible for the lever not to be completely engaged in the safe position. In this condition, the gun will not fire when the trigger is pulled. However, when the safety lever is moved to the off position, the hammer may fall, with the remote possibility that the gun could fire unintentionally, thus creating a risk of injury or death.

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If you have a SIG SAUER P238 with a serial number between DA000501 and DA003216, please cease use of the firearm immediately. Not all P238s within the identified serial number range are affected; therefore, it is imperative that you contact us via the UPGRADE HOT LINE at 1 (866) 446-1914. An operator will take your information and confirm if your firearm is required to be returned for Upgrading. If necessary, you will receive a certified package from SIG SAUER that will contain a UPS shipping return label, a Return Merchandise Authorization Number, and a box to return the firearm

More information at Sig Sauer.

Thanks to Tony for letting me know about the safety upgrade.

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Steve Jul 31st 2009 handguns Tags: , , , 6 Comments

6 Responses to “Sig P238 Safety Recall”

  1. Tom Stoneon 31 Jul 2009 at 12:26 pm link comment

    So keep that muzzle pointed in a safe direction,always.

  2. Zmanon 31 Jul 2009 at 12:46 pm link comment

    A Colt Mustang Plus II I owned many years ago had the same issue. Went back to Colt Many times before it was sold. It was dangerous junk. Hope this is not the same for the SIG.

  3. Burneron 31 Jul 2009 at 2:29 pm link comment

    You mean a safety recall, right? Let’s not repeat marketing junk here.
    Cheers.

  4. Steveon 31 Jul 2009 at 2:40 pm link comment

    Burner, point taken. I have changed the title.

  5. DaveP.on 31 Jul 2009 at 3:26 pm link comment

    I’ve seen 1911’s that would do the same thing.

  6. Tomon 01 Aug 2009 at 12:59 am link comment

    DaveP: That’s because the P238 is essentially a 1911! It’s VERY similar to the Colt Mustang 380s from years ago, and as Zman mentioned above those were prone to safety fitting problems.

    A great many safety designs can have this issue if improperly fitted. Too much sear movement before it’s blocked can put the sear very close to dumping the hammer. Then the movement of the safety can jar it off if your angles are incorrect, or if friction holds the sear there you’ve got a pre-loaded hair trigger, more or less. This safety check (safety on, pull trigger, flick safety off) is a core function check that shouldn’t have been missed in the factory. It’s something that I was taught very early on in my gunsmithing career to check in each gun, and fix immediately. Especially if you’re doing trigger work, checking the safety is extremely important when you’re done!

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