Revolver for CCW vs P238

[mansysinatra]

Down the road, would like CCW. This would be one option; I already know what my other 2 would be.

I really want the p238, but I'd need the ambi safety, as a lefty. Haven't had much luck finding the kit.

So now I'm including a revolver, with the caveat that of being the same/similar size...just don't want an exposed hammer.

Would like to stay at or under the p238 price if the p238 doesn't work out.

Thanks for suggestions (the relevant ones)

[morrcarr67]

Ruger LCR

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[jdben92883]

Glock 42. It's one of my most used CCW guns.

[JS41989]

P238 would be my choice. Though my go to is a Glock 43.

[Ora Serrata]

I have a Sig p238, Ruger LCP, and Sig p290rs in my license. I carry the LCP most of the time. Since you're considering a hammerles dao revolver anyway I'd go with an LCP if I were you. If you don't mind a little larger gun an LC 9 is another option.

[Notpc]

So now I'm including a revolver, with the caveat that of being the same/similar size...just don't want an exposed hammer.

I have the Ruger LCR .357, rides nice between 3-4 O'clock position in a Talon IWB. I keep it loaded with Golden Saber 38's. Figure if push comes to shove, I can get more 38's on target. I have shot it with .357's and it is not too bad. I purchased the .357 model due to it's weight. Heavier than the 38 version, better recoil management.

[Strykeback]

I couldn't handle the premium price point of a 238HD and took advantage of smiths rebate and went with a shield for apendix carry. The sig is a sweet gun though if you are used to a 1911 manual of arms

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[Pofoo]

I have both, and I carry the Sig. It is easier to front pocket carry and recoils less. Lightweight 38's kick a bit. Not a problem for me for defensive shooting, but for plinking, the Sig is actually fun to shoot.
About the ambi safety. I believe that the Sig has a fireing pin safety that blocks the fireing pin unless the trigger is pulled, so theoretically, you should be able to safely carry it with a loaded chamber and the hammer down, safety off.
If you go to a revolver, I believe that the Ruger has a smaller diameter cylinder.

[aceman2224]

I would go with a revolver of Sig P238 purely because 38 special over 380 auto.
Kimber k6 357 mag or Smith and Wesson 638. Both hammerless

[Title1guy]

P238. You say you already have 2 others in mind for CCW, so get what you want. Keep checking for the ambi safety kit and/or put in a WTB request for one.

[9mmContagion]

You’re talking a complete different manual of arms here... Single Action vs Double Action Trigger, Safety vs No safety, .38/.357 vs .380... that’s a lot to decide between. All comes down to preference.

With that said, I vote for 238. I’m not a revolver guy though. I love taking my 238 to the range, it’s a fun little gun to shoot

[Sapperforward]

I personally already have the P238 for ccw but I recently bought an LCR in 38 special that I plan on putting on my permit. I really need my I.A. to allow 5 guns. They keep saying it is coming but hasn't happened yet. I may drop my shield for the LCR because I want to keep a G19 on my permit with the P238.

[mansysinatra]

Just got off the phone with Sig.

Install quote: $99...he didn't specify if that was kit+install
Shipping: $55
Grips: was unsure if I'd need to buy ambi grips.

So possibly around $200... really want the p238. Never owned a revolver. Sig is something I can see myself being more likely to carry, so I guess there isn't too much discussion.

I'll update when I eventually get this done. Just got my XD tactical, so time to go not suck as much at the range.

[AFTII]

I have a S&W 640 Pro and a Sig 238 HD on my permit. The Sig sees more use. It's definitely better for pocket carry, however, appendix carrying the S&W in my GI Silent Thunder is nearly as comfortable and concealable. Both are great guns, revolvers destroyed my hearing at a young age and I do have my doubts about the .380s fight stopping ability. There is really nothing you can do about the loudness issue, but, I "think" I'm compensating for the "stopping power" issue by loading the P238 with Underwood Xtreme Penetrators.

Of course, you might be able to circumvent all of these issues if you can find a reasonably priced P938. Until you posted this, I hadn't even realized that my P238 has a single sided safety, because I am more accustomed to looking my P 938's ambi setup. The P938 is the best CCW pistol out there IMO.

[trackcage]

I have both, and I carry the Sig. It is easier to front pocket carry and recoils less. Lightweight 38's kick a bit. Not a problem for me for defensive shooting, but for plinking, the Sig is actually fun to shoot.
About the ambi safety. I believe that the Sig has a fireing pin safety that blocks the fireing pin unless the trigger is pulled, so theoretically, you should be able to safely carry it with a loaded chamber and the hammer down, safety off.
If you go to a revolver, I believe that the Ruger has a smaller diameter cylinder.

Odd suggestion. The 238 is single action - as you know, so hammer down/hammer at rest against the firing pin isn't going to do you any good. You'd still need to thumb the hammer back before firing, so if you're going through that extra step, might as well disengage the safety from the 'wrong' side for a lefty. My point is, either way it's slow and an extra intentional action before the firearm can go bang.

If you actually meant hammer back, then that's also a pretty brash suggestion and probably not the best safety habit. But it's your leg/dick/whatever the gun is pointed at, not mine.

P.S., another lefty here who only carries firearms without external safeties for this exact reason. I opted for a j frame in the size range you're looking for.