Sig P938 vs P238

[Pofoo]

In my quest for the perfect pocket carry ccw, I have progressed from a Kahr P380 to a Sig P238. It's a little bigger and heavier, but still fits in my front pocket and I shoot it a lot better. I actually consider it a fun gun to shoot, rather than the Kahr, which I considered more of a strictly defensive weapon.
Since the 380 acp is so easy to shoot/control, I'm wondering if I should upgrade to it's 9mm cousin.
So, anyone have any experience with both the 938 and the 238 Sigs?
How much of a recoil difference is there?
Is the slide a lot harder to rack?
Thoughts in general?

[Blade Gunner]

There difference in recoil is minor and you get used to it very quickly. Just don't feed it plus P rounds. Racking it about the same.

[Barbarosa]

I disagree about the difference being minor. For me there is a big difference in shooting the P238 vs P938. With the .380 there is almost no recoil; the 9mm is much more snappy. While the 238 is truly a "pocket gun" the 938 is better suited to an IWB carry as it is just big enough to make pocket carry uncomfortable. Either is a great gun, and as always the correct answer is get both (except you can buy two P238 for the asking price of one P938).

[dfletcher]

In my quest for the perfect pocket carry ccw, I have progressed from a Kahr P380 to a Sig P238. It's a little bigger and heavier, but still fits in my front pocket and I shoot it a lot better. I actually consider it a fun gun to shoot, rather than the Kahr, which I considered more of a strictly defensive weapon.
Since the 380 acp is so easy to shoot/control, I'm wondering if I should upgrade to it's 9mm cousin.
So, anyone have any experience with both the 938 and the 238 Sigs?
How much of a recoil difference is there?
Is the slide a lot harder to rack?
Thoughts in general?

I have the 938 and use it out of state for carry pretty much exclusively. It fits in the same DeSantis "Mini Scabbard" holster for the 238, the thumb snap still fits over the hammer too. The 238 is smaller but not by much evidently. I also have an MTR OWB looped holster. When I get lazy I drop the holstered pistol into my cargo pants pocket, stabilizes in there well although I admit it's not exactly cutting edge efficient.

The 938 definitely has a little jump to it, I don't find it all that hard to shoot. If you buy the 7 round magazine with a finger rest it's a bit easier to shoot. And Sig sells a 22 upper for practice.

[Maht_g]

There difference in recoil is minor and you get used to it very quickly. Just don't feed it plus P rounds. Racking it about the same.

I agree with the minimal difference, my dad recently acquired a 938 (we both already have 238s) and it's a joy to shoot. Much softer recoil than I expected out of a small 9mm, and feels amazing in the hand! Just wish they weren't so hard to find, I'd have one too!

[AFTII]

Admittedly, I haven't shot my 938 indoors in quite a while, but I did shoot the 238 indoors last week. Wow, lots of noise and flash - things I don't recall with the 938. Recoil wise they are about the same to me, but both of mine have Hogue grips and 7 round mags and are easy to control.

According to the Sig website, an alloy P238 weighs 15.2 oz. The HD version weighs in at 20.5 oz. The P938 splits the difference weighing in at 16 oz. With the exception of the P238HD, there is very little dimensional or weight difference between the two. In fact the Sig pocket holster fits both and I don't see any difference when pocket carrying.

Its such a shame that the P938 isn't on the roster.

[Pofoo]

Its such a shame that the P938 isn't on the roster.

Well, this shoots the hell out of my question. I should have checked the roster first.
Thanks anyway.

[JTROKS]

My S&W BG380 has a sharper recoil than the G43 and P938.

[Soginator]

In a pistol that small I would do anything I can to minimize recoil. I have the p238. I wouldn't fire 9mm out of anything smaller than a shield.

[ma1988]

I've got both and the P238HD is my favorite. Marginal recoil with standard grips and fits easily in a pocket holster. Trained myself to shoot it one handed with both hands and it's really a pleasure to shoot.
Also, the 938 is now off roster so you're looking at a PPT if you go for the 9.

[rogervzv]

I like the P238 non HD -- it is the best pocket gun I have found so far. Accurate as heck at the range, and small enough *and light enough* to comfortably carry in a coat pocket. Plus it is a fun range gun. I like a CCW pistol that is also fun to shoot. It means that I will practice more with it.