Sig Sauer P238 .380 SA Pistol
Those looking for a quality, highly concealable pistol with a bit of a punch, Sig Sauer has released the P238 .380 pistol. It’s a beauty and appears to be incredibly difficult to find. I personally haven’t been able to get a hold of one for a review here. My local Range and Gun Shop has 30 of them on order but have not yet received any.
The P238 is quite a small pistol, measuring in at only 5.5 X 3.9 X 1.1 inches and weighs 15.2 ounces (without mag). While I personally would prefer to carry a 9mm Kel-Tec PF9 which is slimmer and weighs less, I’m a huge fan of 1911 style pistols and the Sig Sauer P238 looks like a “baby 1911″. It certainly looks nice, and I tend to like the Nitron model with night sights standard. I have been also told it is extremely accurate as well. The only problem with it is the ammo. .380 ammo is not only impossible to find, but when you do find it, you’ll likely pay a hefty price for a box of 50! In addition, note that it is an SA pistol, so before you decide to purchase it, you should be comfortable carrying it cocked and locked.
Anyone out there one this little beauty? Feel free to share your opinions, both good and bad. I do know there was a safety recall with this pistol so that’s something you’ll want to research before you decided to invest your money on one.
I have one in the nitron finish with the rosewood grips. I have owned the keltec p3at and the ruger lcp. In my opinion this gun is a huge step above either much less recoil and useable sights. I have shot about 150 rounds through it with no malfunctions and with superb accuracy.
James,
Nice! I’m torn between your model and the Nitron with the black aluminum grips.
Coming from both pistols mentioned, how do you feel or have adapted to the SA only trigger pull? Is it an issue for you? I personally prefer the SA pull and pistols that sport both single and double action.
Do you carry it cocked and locked? I guess you’re another that seems to be impressed with its accuracy based on its size.
I do carry it cocked and locked in a uncle mikes pocket holster. As for the trigger i am a long time 1911 shooter so there wasnt any real adaptation involved with the trigger. As for the accuracy for its size yes i am very impressed the gun is so close in size to the lcp and the p3at that i didnt figure i would shoot it as well as i do.
I just bought one today with rosewood grips. beautiful, beautiful, gun.
now i am trying to figure out whether or not to carry it cocked and locked
Bruce,
Have you shot it yet? If so, what are your thoughts?
Rosewood grips look nice on this pistol but I’m still torn between the black aluminum grips which attracted me to this pistol in the first place.
As James above emphasized, it seems to be quite a small pistol but I have yet to see one in person where I live, yet alone acquire one.
very solid feel, (unlike kel-tec & ruger lcp) feels like “a gun”. not taking away from ruger or kel-tec, but typical sig sauer quality. unsurpassed reliabilty, surgical accuracy, and minimal recoil due to the metal frame and locked breech. use remington golden sabers 102 grain and double tap 95 grain jhp. nice punch from something that fits in your pocket…thanks Sig Sauer
Just bought my P238, Nitron. Boy does it feel like a real gun and the sights are so superior to other small .380′s that I looked at. Now to shoot it, this weekend I will give it a try. Looked at the Bersa Thunder Concealed, nice, but a bit too big for my likes, in the pocket. Will put the P238 in a Blackhawk pocket holster. I will probably not carry it cocked and locked however. Just my nature I guess. Thanks Sig.
I currently have a Taurus M85 38 Special. A great gun, but not small enough for the pocket for me.
Bought the two tone beauty for my wife. After test firing it. I am jealous! The recoil is only about half of what I get from my Bersa thunder 380. And this baby is acurate!
I just purchased a Rainbow edition of the Sig 238 , hve not fired it yet, but readily anticipating doing so. It feels great and is typical Sig quality. Trying to find a holster and decide how to carry it. Would appreciate help in the holster aspect.
Don,
What’s the “Rainbow Edition”? I’m curious…
As far as a holster goes, it looks like this gun is perfect for the last holster featured in this article I wrote…
http://www.concealthis.com/?p=16
These generic IWB holsters are not only inexpensive, but I have found them better and more comfortable than more expensive custom options.
–mike
Recently purchased one with blackwood handles and nitron sights. Beautiful to look at, hold and fire. Ordered Galco inside belt/waistband holster. Perfect weapon for me.
Quick shout from El Paso TX everyone! Well, I just purchased my SIG P238 (all black park finish DA0111XX) yesterday for $499 at a local gun shop. I have been doing all the necessary research on this gun before I stepped into it. Made sure to review overall reliability, consumer prices, and checked recalls before I swiped the card. Although I have not shot it yet, I can definitely say that this pistol will be in the fore-front of my CHL carry choice upgrade over my Ruger LCP. The stock night sights are a big upgrade from the low profile rail sights of the LCP, and with a trigger pull of of 3 to 4 lbs its a big step up over the Ruger and the Kel Tec. Action feels smooth, and takedown is simple enough. Next step for me is to invest in a Colt Mustang Magazine (7 round capacity) that according to Sig works well in the P238 and increases grip length to accomodate the pinky and increase capacity by 1. SAO is the way to go IMO.
Ozzie,
Do you carry cocked & locked?
Nice to know about the mustang mag!
Ozzie,
Do you carry cocked & locked?
Nice to know about the mustang mag!
Admin,
I finally got a chance to put the P238 through its first paces this weekend. I loaded up the ammo bag with 5 boxes of .380 Monarch (brass cased @ $12 per box of 50), and 50 rounds of PMC ammo (expensive @ $25 per 50) for the afternoon and set out to see if could qualify on a standard CHL targets, and shoot-N-See Targets. From the get-go the pistol was very accurate out of the box and was hitting POA +- 2″ from the x ring @ 20′ with an occasional flier (my fault). This group tightened up a bit (+- 1.5″) throughout the rest of the day which is a good sign that the barrel may have needed to be broken in a bit. Out of the 300 rounds, I DID NOT experience a single FTF or FTE, and personally I have begun to discredit the negative claims that this pistol is a jam-o-matic. I know, I know; I need to put at least 700 more rounds through it to see if it still will begin to jam, however the snap of the slide and strength of the recoil spring have me doubting that it ever will develop any problems. The recoil is surprisingly manageable, and the ergonomics of the pistol are very comfortable and allow for a comfortable shooting session. I did not have a hard time finishing up the day.
I did get some draw practice with the firearm. I practiced with the following holstered methods:
- Loaded chamber with safety on / hammer cocked
- Empty chamber with safety off / hammer de-cocked
- Loaded chamber with the hammer (carefully) de-cocked w/safety off
Out of these I found that all three are effective ways to carry this gun, however if you want a faster draw to fire speed, and efficient safety you should carry with the pistol Loaded with the safety engaged. To answer your question ADMIN, I will carry the pistol in this method of “cocked & locked”. If anyone is a new shooter, and does not have timely experience with the 1911, you may have to practice with the manual safety before you get the hang of the pistol before you feel 100% ready to carry on a daily basis. Clearly this is not the LCP, and you will need to take extra care on your draw when you begin to apply trigger pressure. It’s a big 6 lb difference and the trigger break is shorter than you think. It feels more like a lighter 1911 model and more like a TT-33 Tokarev trigger. This change took me a few full magazines to get used too, and yet is a major improvement.
“Don,
What’s the “Rainbow Edition”? I’m curious…”
Admin,
I am not Don, but here is a link to the Rainbow Edition P238:
http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=67&productid=280
I’ve had one for a bout six months and I carry it everyday in a pocket holster, cocked and locked. If you have to pull this out of holster and rack the slide you are likely to lose the gun fight. If you are afraid of carrying it in the cocked and locked position the 1911 style guns are probably not for you.
I did have a few problems with some hollow point rounds, but it diminished after about 200 rounds. I typically use the Hornady Critical Defense 90 grain and it never fails. With the Hornady ammo it is a sweet shooter and I have tried others, Kel tec, LCP Beretta and Walthers.
I have had mine about a month, but have not been able to shoot it yet. It is my Christmas present, and Mamma said no.
I got basic Nitron with black pistol grips. The sights don’t seem to light up like my Sig 1911. Is there an option for the sights?
I intend to carry it everywhere. The world is going to pot, and I believe we all have that obligation. I carry cocked and locked.
Ordered a pocket holster from RKBA. It came in yesterday. Sweet!
I had him put my initials on it so when I pull it out, I know it’s mine.
LOL
The production guns have plastic grips unless you get the ones with the Rosewood or Blackwood option. Or go with custom grips like the ones offered at sigpower.com
Otherwise both of mine are great, Two tone with grey grips for the wife and all black Nitron for me. By the way, I carry locked and loaded either IWB or belt slide. Most holsters for the Colt Mustang work fine with the P 238, a few need minor modifacation due to the height of the rear sight.
Get an original Colt Mutang 7 round magazine with grip extention for a better hold. Some other after market brands cause functional problems with the P 238.
Beautiful little pistol, works fine with the Desantis Nemisis pocket holster that I used for the LCP. Too bad Sig won’t sell the rosewood grips to replace the black ones with. Sooner or later someone else will make some, and I will try them.
Hey grip makers. It looks to me like there is a screaming demand out there for really nice p238 grips. I agree that the Sig grips suck. But, a pair of stag or ivory grips would look soooo nice on my black nightron version. There’s something about that classic look of white or pearl against deep black.
Purchased P238 and compared it to my Ruger LCP, no comparison. Sig wins hands down for accuracy,feel and overall quality. Hower remember the Sig costs about 1.5 times as much as an LCP. Love the gun carry all the time in a pocket holster. My wife now carries the LCP.
Just got the Wolf Bite holster from Woolfe Gun Leather, a sweet, tuckable IWB , now able to be made specifically for the P238. http://woolfegunleather.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_1&products_id=10
Given the “slimness” of the gun, coupled with the design of the Wolf Bite (weight-bering clip is set back from the holster) I can actually conceal this very comfortably in my jeans, no different pants size needed. I could still stand to drop a few pounds, mind you. Extremely comfortable fit. To me, worth the price of a quality holster.
I got my CHL about a month ago. I’ve been trying to carry my Taurus Millinium 9 mm. I’m 5′ 1″ and 125 lbs. (60 yr. old grandma, by the way). That Taurus just wont hide. SO. I bought the Sig P238 two tone, rosewood handles. Be…autiful!!! And shoots right on. I slip it in my front left pocket in a little IWB cloth type holster and no one ever knows. I’m not comfortable carring it cocked and locked just yet but I will eventually get there. I also did a lot of research on this gun before I bought it. One of the best desitions I’ve ever made. Paid $585 for mine at a local gun shop here in northeast Texas. And believe me, I’ld do it again.
I have the nitron finish with rosewood grips, and am looking for a paddle holster. I’m a big fan of paddle holsters, but am having trouble finding one for this gun. Does anyone know of one? Does the Fobus Standard Paddle Holster for Compact 1911s work with the P238?
John,
I’m not a fan of Paddle holsters, but have you checked highnoon? I believe Galco makes one that fits this little pistol quite well.
–mike
Yes, I have. I know the Galco you’re talking about, but it’s an IWB, and I find those uncomfortable to wear all the time. Maybe there’s just not much of a market for a paddle holster for a subcompact. I wear loose fitting shirts untucked, and thus could easily hide the narrow P238 in a small paddle if I could just find one. I’ll keep looking. Thanks
You sure we’re talking about the same holster? I believe the Galco YP212B fits this gun well.
–mike
Mike, you’re right, I was thinking of the USA Inside the Pant and similar models. This YP212B looks like what I’m after. Another commenter on tactical-life recommended the same model. I wonder why Galco’s own website doesn’t include this holster when you do a product search by gun model. Thanks for the tip. I’ll be looking for this at a show today.
I’ve had one of these since November. I’m using a pocket holster (a Magnum Research holster for the Micro-Desert Eagle — the gun my P238 replaced). Very comfortable, doesn’t print through.
I am looking at some of the leather holsters specifically for the P238, but the one I’m using now works well.
I looked at some holsters at a show this weekend. I tried the Galco YP212B and a Don Hume leather belt holster supposedly made for the P238, and found both to have the same problem. The magazine release was inadvertantly actuated by both holsters in just a few practice draws. I know new holsters are tight, but that’s a problem I’m not taking a chance on. I eventually found a nylon holster made by WRB out of Gun Barrel City, TX. It’s model # 2P, which says it fits the Colt Mustang, Pony, Kel Tec .380 and Sig P238. It fits the P238 like a glove. The belt clip is very sturdy and is ambidextrous, so you can wear it either inside or outside the pants. It has a small nylon thumb break that fits well. The throat is reinforced and doesn’t even come close to the mag release. Website catalog is http://www.wrbusa.com I’d never heard of WRB until this weekend, but I’m glad I found it.
This Sig is the best! Great pocket friend. Nothing but quality! Put a set of allum. black groved grips on from CT Gunsmithing. There a little fater then the originals and is much better to hold onto. Oh, I have the Equinox. I also have a Rohrbaugh .380 and I like this one better. Nothing but net!
Robert,
You have a Rohrbaugh? Wow, that’s a super expensive little beast compared to this one. Glad you like it though and I’m not surprised by the fact you like the Sig better. You should sell that Rohrbaugh!
I found a good holster for my Sig P238. It’s a belt clip holster made by Itac for Sig Sauer, and they make a model specifically for the P238. I got mine online from Top Gun Supply: http://www.topgunsupply.com/itac-belt-clip-holster-sig-sauer-p238.html Gun rides up high at a 15 degree cant, so it hides perfectly under jacket or shirt that doesn’t tuck in. Finally I have a gun and holster combo that I really like for concealed carry.
John,
Looks like a nice holster. In fact, I have requested one from ITAC for the upcoming review of this pistol and will feature it in the article.
John,
As far as finding a paddle holster, you may want to check out Gunbroker.com. There are a lot of people that sell different holsters, as well as many that make custom holsters like myself. Go to the page and check out some of my work (Colt4Life) and perhaps I can make you one to fit your needs.
I have custom handmade and hand-sewn holsters for the Sig P238 that are molded specifically for that firearm. I specialize in holsters for this particular gun.
I’ve been buying and selling pistol so much over the last year my head is spinning, I’ve only been in the ‘gun hobby’ buy/sell market for about 3 years and I have already owned some seriously great pistols, played with them, and sold them. I ‘rotate guns’ through…more than I actually ‘own them”. That being said, I love my Sig P238 two tone. I sold my LCP and my Kel Tec PF9 to buy it. The Kel Tec was great to shoot, but a little too big overall to carry (for me). The LCP, I never liked carrying it with a round in the chanber since it has no safety. I enjoyed carrying my ‘heavy’ Iver Johnson TP25 with a round in the pipe since it had that hammer block safety. I still LOVE my little baby browning clone, the Bauer .25. Right now, during Spring, I’l carry the Sig P238, but when it gets real Hot in Summmer, the tiny Bauer comes out. (I know it’s a bug .25 acp…but it is soooooo small, it wins!) I sold my Colt Jr.25, kept my S&W AirWeight model 36 flat latch, sold my AMT (OMC) Backup .380, what’s next? P250?
Ok boys , I did a side by side shoot out with the p-238 ,Kahr 380, and the Dimondback 380 .
The hands down winner was the Sig p-238 !
I was amazed the Kahr did not win this test , it shot low and to the left and had quite a snap to it . The Dimondback felt great but faild to feed ,faild to fire and did not perform well , don’t waste your money , tempting at $350.00 but not a real defense gun ..
The p-238 shot well with no problems 150 rounds of pmc and not one blip.
This is the first tiny pistol I have ever been able to bullseye with repetition . Has little recoil and would trust it in a defense situation hands down over the other two .
Rent one at the range and you will see for your self .
GREAT POCKET PISTOL …
I was looking at the LCP and for $30 more I bought the 238 for $350. I do have a P239 and LOVE it. I am in New Jersey where it takes FOREVER to get a permit to purchas. I did have a minor problem with the 238. To break the piece down to clean is different then the 9mm. You have to push the pin from the other side to be able to remove the slide. The recoil spring was stuck and got distorted when I took it out. At the range it locked up and was jamming, had to send it back to SIG. got it back and works great. Have a pocket holster and carry with one in the chamber, fits great in jeans. The safety is easy to operate for when it’s necessary. If feels like a full size gun, and shoots great!….just a bit tricky to break down to clean at first.
DUDE,
First of all, I’m quite shocked that you found a P238 for $350. I’m assuming this was used?
Take down, as shown in our HD video, is similar to that of a full-sized 1911. Anyways, glad to see they were able to fix the issues and that it is working flawlessly. And yes, the safety switch on this pistol is excellent!
–mike
ConcealThis.com
great pistol. i own one with night sights, two tone, anti-snag, etc. i carry it cocked and locked-no problem there. first fifty rounds i had prob 15 failure to feed, light primer strikes. after fifty rounds it is great, no problems for 200 rounds. don’t let initial problems scare you, it is a great pistol.
Maybe the best way to carry it is de-cocked safety on with one in the chamber. Easy to just pull out and pull back on the hammer and if needed safety off and BANG!
For those not wanting to pay $40.00 for magazines, do a search for colt mustang magazines I have seen them for $19.00. Holsters for the mustang are still out there.
I’m curious ! is the P238 designed to carry loaded and cocked in holster with the safety on of course, i really appreciate any comments. THANK YOU
Terry,
Yes, the P238 is built like a 1911 and designed to be carried cocked and locked in a holster or pocket. It is designed well and perfectly safe to carry this way.
–mike
Hey, Mike
Thanks, for your comment on carring cocked & locked. I really APPRECIATE IT. Terry
I have the P238 w/ Blackwood grips. All the same praise that has been written here prevously. I carry it either in my pocket (Uncle Mikes), ankle (Bulldog), or IWB (Talon), depending on the clothing I’m wearing. The Talon will accomodate the laser Sig has, and the one that hopefully Crimson will have soon!! (I hope). This little gun is so versatile, but yet a great shooter. In my opinion, carrying this gun cocked and locked is safer than any of those DA revolvers with one in the chamber. If you ever need to pull your gun, you won’t have those few precious seconds to rack the slide. What if it jams?….you might be dead! DO NOT carry this gun with one in the chamber, and the hammer down, even though you lock it.