New carry? Sig P238

2841 Views 23 Replies 14 Participants Last post by kineticmind, Mar 20, 2011

mm5

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2011

I've always gravitated towards larger sized guns. The one I just bought (but had to send right back due to issues) was a Beretta PX4 SC .40. I want to CC and I realize that it won't be practical with that size of a gun, especially once in the hot summer days. I have my eye on the Sig P238 and I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the gun, esp. concealment issues (want to try IWB) & just overall opinion on having it as an EDC. I kind of wish I could go with 9mm but I guess I am pretty picky and everything I've held just doesn't feel right in my hands so far. Most of the single stack just feel too thin. I am a lefty and a lot of them didn't have much ambi features, although the P238 doesn't seem to either but I still like it for some reason.

I realize a lot of people are able to CC with larger stuff, but I've never carried before and I just want to take it slow. :help:

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

JMan

· #2 · Mar 10, 2011

Glock 19 or even Glock 26 is just right

MesaCranker

· #3 · Mar 10, 2011

P238 is very tiny and is a single stack. Since you don't like single stacks, I'd say you won't like it very well for the grip. If you just have to have 9mm, then the glock 19 or 26 are great choices that should fit your hand well and can be concealed easily.

175FO

· #4 · Mar 10, 2011

I was thinking about buying a P238 a while ago and decided against it. I am a left also and it would have been impossible to operate the safety mechanism. There are after-market ambidextrous safeties available though. I guess it just depends on whether or not you want to put in the extra investment. Other than that I really like the gun and I would still consider one if Sig made one with the ambi-safety factory installed. I ended up going with a Kahr for CC. Our store (Patrick's) has sold several of the P238's and they seem to shoot very well. We only had one that a customer had problems with, but I believe that is because he disassembled it more than he should have and didn't put it back together correctly.

mm5

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 10, 2011

I think the P238 I handled was the blackwood edition and the grip fit my hand pretty nice, better than the LCP and other similar single stacks. I did notice the safety dilemma and that was one of the few things that kept me from buying it on the spot.

I looked up the Glock 26 and it is a little shorter but also a touch longer than my Beretta SC, so almost the same size. I don't know, when I look at the size of the gun and most of my clothes I become perplexed at how to CC it. I'm going to have to find some female IWB pics I suppose.

I'm also kind of nervous about no manual safety. The salesperson explained the 3 trigger safeties a little bit, but I just can't seem to get over it!

I've been looking at different choices online for hours, and holding different guns in the store for the past week. Why oh why can't I just get one of each! :lol:

JeF4y

· #6 · Mar 10, 2011

I have the P238 as my primary carry. I carry it one of 2 ways. In a pocket holster either in my back pocket or jacket pocket depending on what I'm wearing. Or in a cross-breed mini-tuck almost at mid-back.

For conceal-ability, this gun is awesome. I can conceal this thing under anything.

I was surprised (as is most everyone who shoots it) at how well it feels in the hand and shoots. It's surprisingly predictable and accurate for its size. Very manageable recoil, and just generally fun to shoot.

I wasn't really too keen on this piece when I looked at it as I REALLY like my M&P9c, but the double-stack mag makes the size and weight of it pretty large for me to carry. Dunno, I like to carry small & light versus a "duty belt" type carry.

I'm assuming your mention of "no manual safety" was for the glock right? The sig has a manual safety that has a pretty solid reputation from what I've found.

Personally, I love the thing and carry it with ease and confidence that it'll do the job I need it to.

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mm5

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 10, 2011

Yes, I was referring to the Glock's safety measures. I read up a little bit about DAO, DA/SA, SA. Theoretically, it makes sense in my mind that a DA is safe... Many of the DA/SA I've seen have safeties, and the Glock safety makes sense that it won't fire unless you pull the trigger. I don't know, I guess the manual safety is sort of like training wheels for me. At the same time I am worried that I'll lose my marbles if I am ever in a situation to draw and realize the benefit of not having to worry about having a safety to switch off. But if I don't feel comfortable carrying it around and end up leaving it at home, it doesn't do me any good. I'm trying

I *really* like the size of the P238. It looks like I could easily conceal that in the middle of a hot GA summer & not too small/thin in my hands. I am skittish about some of the issues I've seen people have with the spring, barrel chip/wear, and magazines but I've also read that Sig has exceptional customer service. I've already had to ship my first gun away after ONE time at the range and it upset me. If I have to ship a second I dunno what I'll do! The lack of ambi safety almost makes me want to train right-handed. Heck, I use the mouse right-handed!

I'm going to go take another look today and I will give the Glock 26 some attention. My husband is getting an LCR .357 so there's always the option to adopt his

Of course, I'd have to get over the no manual safety issue. I think I can work on that.

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tmoore912

· #8 · Mar 10, 2011

If your a lefty, there is no way to make the P238 work unless you also buy a ambi safety and have it installed by a gunsmith. I don't understand the fascination with a gun that can't work for you.

You already have a Beretta PX4 sc that you say is too big to conceal in the hot Georgia summer. The Glock 26 isn't going to be any better (the grip is a tad shorter, but over all just as wide), because it is about the same size as the Beretta. If you don't like the PX4 Storm, then IMO none of the double stack plastic wonder guns currently on the market is going to make you happy.

You need to somehow get over the "no external safety" thing. No modern DAO pistol is just going to go off while riding in a quality holster IWB.

You ought to be looking at narrow/ slim single stack DAO 9mms like Kahr PM9,CM9,P9,CW9, Walther PPS, Ruger LC9, Taurus 709 (I'm not a fan of Taurus, but don't let that deter you), Kimber Solo (I can't remember if it has ambi safety) or Kel-Tec PF9. There are others also. Here is a Walther for sale here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=57360

You need to look at this small gun comparison chart. http://mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

Here to: http://mouseguns.com/CompactCompare.pdf

Glock 26 and Kahr PM9 comparison chart

Find the charts here: http://mouseguns.com/loschart/loschart.htm

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JeF4y

· #9 · Mar 10, 2011

tmoore912 said:
You need to somehow get over the "no external safety" thing. No modern DAO pistol is just going to go off while riding in a quality holster IWB.

This is true, BUT pistols don't spend 100% of their lives "riding in a quality holster IWB". The transitions into the holster, between holsters, etc all provide opportunities for a ND. Granted, ANY gun has opportunities for a ND, but my personal preference plain and simply lies in the extra added layer of a thumb safety (or grip safety).

It's kinda like those who must have a retention holster versus those who are fine without it.

The rest, I agree with you on. Most any single-stack would probably be a world of difference.

4HorseShoes

· #10 · Mar 10, 2011

If I may suggest you taking a look at the Diamondback DB380
http://diamondbackfirearms.com/DB380/

I will be completely up front and tell you everything I know about this gun good and bad.

This is the gun I carry daily due to wearing sweat pants an shorts a portion of the time due to coaching and its also very concealable when I have to carry in to a meeting wearing slacks or jeans. This fits in to my IWB, pocket holster, or ankle holster very well.

The gun is light, no safety, DAO trigger.
Stainless steel magazine release that takes effort to eject (that is a good thing IMO for pocket carry auto)

This gun has been described as a baby glock. I can attest that is a very true statement. It breaks down, functions, cleans very similar to a glock.

The gun sights are fabulous, unlike most .380 which have non existent sights IMO. Making this gun very accurate for a .380. This I can prove :wink:
Now the bad.
The early models of this gun had issues. There were reports of FTF and FTE. (Not uncommon for a new .380) There were also other issues with trigger reset problems.
Since Diamondback was a new manufacturer these reports did not help their cause.

These issues seems to be fairly isolated to the serial numbers ZAXXXX. If you are buying a newer one you will find serial numbers in a range of ZCXXXX or ZDXXXX.

Now More Good
Diamondback has a lifetime warranty on their guns. I can speak from personal experience that their customer service is outstanding. I had a trigger reset issue with my DB380 serial number ZA1XXX. I sent the gun in at Diamondbacks request and their shipping expense. Within 2 weeks they issued me a brand new DB380 Serial number ZC9XXX.

I will conclude that I love Sigs. They are my weapon of choice. I carry my Sig226 on a regular basis when clothing and situation permits. But lets face it they are expensive. I bought my DB380 for $230 used. Academy Sports had them on sale 3 weeks ago for $229 New. Normal prices are around $280 most places (if you can find them)

I took a chance on my DB380 and have been very pleased. They are actually just now shipping DB9 (9mm), slightly bigger grip due to ammo size but all other specs basically the same.

Sorry for the long winded post but this is something I researched a lot before I purchased. I have several hundred rounds through my gun and all things are :righton:

Here is a link to another review http://gunblast.com/Diamondback380.htm

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mm5

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 10, 2011

Ok here is the verdict: Yes, I needed to stick with the single stack for the pocket .380. It ended up being between the Ruger LCP and Taurus 738 TCP. I ended up going for the Taurus since it was 1-lifetime warranty, 2-cheaper, 3-included an extra mag, 4-has a child lock/key system. And since I saved so much going with the Taurus, I ended up ALSO getting a Glock 19 w/ Trijicon night sights! (I only liked the 26 with the mag extender, made sense to get the 19 - nearly same size w/ extender on, same price, more extra mags, rail...) I also got my husband the Ruger .357 LCR.

One day I will try out a Sig. For now, I'm happy with my decisions. Can't wait to try them all out. Up next: 1911 .45 or AR-10

ARMT Guy

· #12 · Mar 11, 2011

Well, you've already made you decision/s, however, just thought I'd put this link up for your possible future SIG purchase:

http://www.customizedcreationz.com/home.html

Liren

· #13 · Mar 11, 2011

Congrats on the purchase!

FWIW, I found the single stack .380s to be easier for me to CC as a female. Got a Comp-Tac Minotaur IWB to use and love it. I can't CC so well with a snug t-shirt, but if I have a button up shirt, I can generally get it concealed. I've also found that even if I get lazy with my CC, most folks don't notice it because the grip poking out above my waistband in the 4 o'clock position is similar in size and position to what folks expect to see for a cell phone. Of course it was funny the one time a friend realized just what it was on my hip

mm5

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 11, 2011

ARMT Guy said:
Well, you've already made you decision/s, however, just thought I'd put this link up for your possible future SIG purchase:

http://www.customizedcreationz.com/home.html

Thanks! I will definitely keep them in mind for the future! I still like the Sig and maybe in the future I can pick one up

mm5

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 11, 2011

Liren said:
Congrats on the purchase!

FWIW, I found the single stack .380s to be easier for me to CC as a female. Got a Comp-Tac Minotaur IWB to use and love it. I can't CC so well with a snug t-shirt, but if I have a button up shirt, I can generally get it concealed. I've also found that even if I get lazy with my CC, most folks don't notice it because the grip poking out above my waistband in the 4 o'clock position is similar in size and position to what folks expect to see for a cell phone. Of course it was funny the one time a friend realized just what it was on my hip

I hope such is the case with me. It's all new to me though, so I have a feeling anything I carry will feel like the size of an elephant! :lol:

MesaCranker

· #16 · Mar 11, 2011

mm5 said:
Ok here is the verdict: Yes, I needed to stick with the single stack for the pocket .380. It ended up being between the Ruger LCP and Taurus 738 TCP. I ended up going for the Taurus since it was 1-lifetime warranty, 2-cheaper, 3-included an extra mag, 4-has a child lock/key system. And since I saved so much going with the Taurus, I ended up ALSO getting a Glock 19 w/ Trijicon night sights! (I only liked the 26 with the mag extender, made sense to get the 19 - nearly same size w/ extender on, same price, more extra mags, rail...) I also got my husband the Ruger .357 LCR.

One day I will try out a Sig. For now, I'm happy with my decisions. Can't wait to try them all out. Up next: 1911 .45 or AR-10

Great choice with the 19 over the 26. I had the exact same train of thought when I was choosing between a 27 and a 23. You won't be disappointed!

Campeck1911

· #17 · Mar 11, 2011

So the .357 LCR IS out...

mountainman444

· #18 · Mar 11, 2011

mm5 said:
Liren said:

Congrats on the purchase!

FWIW, I found the single stack .380s to be easier for me to CC as a female. Got a Comp-Tac Minotaur IWB to use and love it. I can't CC so well with a snug t-shirt, but if I have a button up shirt, I can generally get it concealed. I've also found that even if I get lazy with my CC, most folks don't notice it because the grip poking out above my waistband in the 4 o'clock position is similar in size and position to what folks expect to see for a cell phone. Of course it was funny the one time a friend realized just what it was on my hip

Click to expand...

I hope such is the case with me. It's all new to me though, so I have a feeling anything I carry will feel like the size of an elephant! :lol:

When you get accustomed to carrying the Taurus 738 you'll forget it's even there. Small and slim and will disappear just about anywhere you want to carry it.

Archangel

· #19 · Mar 13, 2011

Did you consider the bigger brother?

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mm5

Discussion Starter · #20 · Mar 13, 2011

Well the 738 is a bit smaller and lighter, so I like it better for summer carry. But the big brother is definitely something to look at for a future purchase. (Once more of the 9mm pocket have been out a while) We took all the new guns out today and it was wonderful! I think I'm a new Glock lover haha. The Taurus was great for the size, not too bad of a kick. Especially compared to the .357 LCR... uhh can you say blood blister? :lol:

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