P238 Question

[cdnpuck]

I'm going to get a P238 for CCW when I want to pocket carry. Can somebody explain to me the difference between a California Sig P238 and an off roster P238? (The guy at Turner's today said there was no difference) Thanks in advance.

[SkyHawk]

There is a difference. As you might expect, the CA version has nanny-state features. Mag disconnect safety and chamber loaded indicator. The free state version has none of that garbage.

[damngato]

^ he speaks the truth

[madmike88]

No magazine disconnect and be loaded chamber indicator on the free state versions.

[cdnpuck]

There is a difference. As you might expect, the CA version has nanny-state features. Mag disconnect safety and chamber loaded indicator. The free state version has none of that garbage.

The chamber indicator is not a deal breaker as my Shield has that. Not sure about the mag disconnect safety. Does that just mean the gun wont fire if the magazine is out?

[SkyHawk]

The chamber indicator is not a deal breaker as my Shield has that. Not sure about the mag disconnect safety. Does that just mean the gun wont fire if the magazine is out?

Yes. Or not seated all the way. And if you are super lucky, Murphy wont visit you at the worst moment (like he is known to do). Because both of those ‘features‘ (superfluous parts garbage really) have failure modes that render the gun completely useless. Has happened, will happen again.

[HUTCH 7.62]

Off roster also = a kaleidoscope of colors and styles to chose from

[cdnpuck]

Yes. Or not seated all the way. And if you are super lucky

Thanks all for the info. Looks like I'm going to need to keep searching for a free state version.

[9mmContagion]

You can remove the mag disconnect feature

[9Cal_OC]

You can remove the mag disconnect feature

But may not sit well with the IA if OP uses it for CCW.

[FlyingShooter]

My CA version P238 runs pretty flawless, and I haven’t had any issues with the CA garbage on it. I personally would not pay a premium for an off roster one. It will be a used & abused pocket ccw gun, not a show piece.

[9mmContagion]

Agreed. Mine has run flawlessly as well

[Title1guy]

If you buy the California version, be sure to change out those god-awful gray grips for some more aesthetically pleasing and functional. Also, be sure to locktite the grip screws or look up the o-ring size for the grip screws, as they tend to pop out occasionally with use. Turners had the California version on sale recently for ($540?). Might want to check if they still have the sale going. Be warned, if you get a P238, you are gonna want a P938 later. No California version exists, so save your pennies as it will be a PPT most likely. Unless you have an immediate family member who resides out of state and wants to gift you one (Look up intrafamilial transfer). Good luck!

[GlockN'Roll]

Thanks all for the info.

Looks like I'm going to need to keep searching for a free state version.

This a great gun which I pocket carried for years.

It isn't especially thin or light when compared to other .380's or modern 9mm's.



I eventually upgraded to a Kahr p380 (also a free state version) for pocket carry and never looked back...

[Pofoo]

As stated above, the Commiefornia version is not a deal breaker. Mine has been 100% reliable from round 1. Yes grips are ugly and I changed mine for just a few $. If I wanted one now, I would not wait for a off roster one for a premium price.
As for the Kahr--I have one, but I carry the Sig. The Kahr is smaller and lighter but harder to shoot well. The slide/recoil spring is pretty stiff and if you want to unload and reload, say as to lock in your car, etc. it's bothersome. Also, as with all Kahr's, the trigger is different. Especially with the 380's small size, it was very hard for me to shoot accurately. It's also hard to train with if you shoot other guns with more conventional triggers.