Looking for all your good & bad input on P238

[Dano3467]

Just like to here from CG crowed on the Sig P238.

I don't have any tiny guns like this, so am considering a new purchase.

What say CGner's....have something to post on this subject ?

If possible little info on Ploy vs Alum vs SS frames, I know about weight, more concerned with good life expectancy.

Will this get carried.. that would be yes at times.

Thanks in advance...

[mr2ndamendment]

I now live out of state and carry a full-size 1911 everywhere all day (read my story here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=969190), so I'll admit some things first.

I generally don't like the idea of carrying a small-caliber pocket pistol (.380s, snubby .38s). If you're going for a run or wearing extremely light clothing doing a physical activity, that's one thing, but for every-day primary defense I don't advise it. If you're in a contest for your life, you want all the advantages you can get -I vote for full-caliber, full-firepower service pistols and "war guns" to give yourself an advantage. When it's on, it's on, bring a "war pistol" to your personal "war" and time of need. You either make your gun selection based off the 99% of the time or you select a gun for that 1% of the time when you really need it -your choice.

With that said, first and foremost above all else, I advocate for people to carry a pistol period, even if it's a snubby .22 like a Ruger LCR. If it's too big and heavy, you won't carry it every day reliably and I don't want that, so if it takes a small gun for someone to have a high percentage of carry, then so be it -at least they'll have something on them and that's all that really matters.

If it's a high-volume gun, I obviously insist on steel over aluminum frames. If it's specifically meant for carry but you still practice with some frequency (as you should), then aluminum may be an attractive option. Polymer guns like Glocks/M&Ps/XDs are in a separate class of their own and I think they've proven themselves as extremely successful high-volume options -but then again they all have steel inner frames that take the stresses.

The P238 is already small and lightweight generally speaking, I don't see the issue with investing in a steel-framed P238, especially with the recoil-reduction benefit on such a small frame to get grip purchase with.

My only real misgivings about the P238 is the fact that it's basically a 1911 and has the battery of arms that comes with. I'm a 1911 fanatic and I shoot them often and train all the time to successfully work with the exposed hammer, manual safety, single-action only setup but I understand it's not the easiest gun to work with for many, especially if you're not training often. You should properly carry the P238 "cocked and locked," with round in chamber, hammer back, weapon on safe. If you're not comfortable with carrying the gun how it was intended, I might advise you to look elsewhere. Keep in mind, the safety on the 238 doesn't lock the slide in battery, so if your holster/pocket device isn't up to the task, you may have issues re-holstering without popping it out of battery or even ejecting a round at the worst end of the spectrum.

The gun itself is quality, but I see the 1911 battery of arms being a blessing or a curse depending on what you're used to using.

[1CavScout]

I have an alloy framed P238 that I carry cocked and locked IWB when wearing minimal clothing. It's a great carry gun, but you have to train sweeping the safety when drawing the gun.

As far as reliability, I have about 400 rounds down the pipe and have not had a failure yet. This includes both ball, and 90gr buffalo Bore +p JHP (which is what I carry for SD). The quality of the gun is top notch. It comes with factory night sights, and it shoots well for a small gun.

[sd_shooter]

Are you Dano of Tere Hanges fame?



Take a look at the SIG P938 as well, virtually the same size as the 238 but in 9mm.

[Sharp Shooter]

Just like to here from CG crowed on the Sig P238.

I don't have any tiny guns like this, so am considering a new purchase.

What say CGner's....have something to post on this subject ?

If possible little info on Ploy vs Alum vs SS frames, I know about weight, more concerned with good life expectancy.

Will this get carried.. that would be yes at times.

Thanks in advance...

Have you considered a P938?

[1CavScout]

^^^ I would also look at the P938. I just bought one, but have not shot it yet. It's slightly larger than the P238, but still very small and should be perfect for a CCW gun.

[Dano3467]

I have considered it and may acquire one also before the end of year, considering I now can covert it to 22lr.

But the P238 is on my list to own, so just seeking all the CG's info I can get,, and make a well informed decision with y'all's help...

Time is running out for SSE, and needing to move on these or forget ever being able to own in this state...

[MisplacedTexan]

But the P238 is on my list to own, so just seeking all the CG's info I can get,, and make a well informed decision with y'all's help...

I really like my P938 - very nice little gun.

Also just DROS'd a Kimber Solo - another very small 9mm. all metal.

[mr2ndamendment]

I applaud those mentioning the P938, one thing I forgot to say is the 9mm would be a more desirable option not only for round performance but cost, ammo selection, and availability of ammo.

EDIT:
But when you're looking into a 9mm 1911-style sidearm, you might as well throw the Springfield 9mm EMP into the mix.

[PyroFox79]

Don't forget .380ACP killed not one but two royals at the same time and started the First World War. Just food for thought....

[meaty-btz]

Don't forget .380ACP killed not one but two royals at the same time and started the First World War. Just food for thought....

The little 380 has a nice body count attached to it.It's not something I would take to a gun battle.. but for personal defense at close range.. it will get the job done about as good as any other "pistol" caliber.

.45ACP does not assure a stop any more than 380ACP does. Here on this forum someone shot a perp some six time with 45ACP and he still had enough in him to make it down the alley and lived to be charged and sent to prison.

bullets are funny things in a human body.. they can kill in one shot or in another case you can find someone taking 10-20, even 30 hits and living to tell the tale. Even a CN-hit is survivable. Happened in WWII even with rifle bullets.. and it happened in the case of a US Senator taking one to the CN.. and while impaired.. she lived.

[63j300]

Wife has one and I love it

[nickel plate]

SS slide on SS frame rails makes the best sense to me, yes a few bucks more but you seem to be more interested in longevity so a couple of ounces of feather heavy carry makes no significant weight difference to me and my CCW HDW.

[1CavScout]

^^^ The downside is it takes a 15oz gun and makes it a 20oz gun. I like my carry .380's small and light.

[Dano3467]

For the one that said EMP, I have that already, and a few other 9's.

But the mouse gun is very intriguing to me, so gotta have one.

For those forwarding info on there's, thanks, have heard nothing that screams don't do it, and I am still really excited to purchase one.

If anybody else would like to chime in I'm all ears. Thanks...CGn's members !