Sig P238: Reference .380 [18+]

It's expensive but to many it will be worth it. The outstanding Sig P238 achieves high levels of portability and performance with its slim 14 ounce carry weight (empty). It makes an excellent backup gun for an officer or a primary and comfortable-to-carry gun for a CCW holder. For 1911 afficionados, it offers the exact same battery of arms which could simplify training. In some ways, the Sig P238 resurrects the defunct Colt Mustang design, a gun that was also very small, lightweight, and comfortable in carry. However a Colt Mustang this gun is not: it's much more reliable and its performance is a testament to proper R&D achieved by Sig Sauer. In about 250+ rounds of fire, we found the little P238 to be extremely accurate, comfortable and fun to shoot, and totally reliable with both PMC, Winchester USA FMJ, and 90 gr Federal Hydrashok loads. Few .380s achieve such performance without break-in straight from the box (except perhaps the excellent Walther PPK, another .380 favorite) and impressed us. The ergonomics are excellent with well placed controls, no sharp edges, good looking and high traction aluminum grips, excellent Tritium-dot night sights, and a well-placed mag release. Firepower, like in most subcompact .380s is limited to 6+1 but the gun reloads fast. The single action trigger adequately smooth, consistent, and helps achieve the impressive accuracy. Field strip and maintenance on the P238, as shown, is fast and simple which again is unusual for some .380 designs. The Sig P238 is true to its Sig ancestory by wearing the handsome and distinctive Sig-style slide, original aluminum grips, and Sig cocking serrations (effective btw). A few downsides do exist to this otherwise "homerun:" the blocky Sig sights are quick to pickup but could make longer distance pinpoint accuracy tough to achieve, the gun only comes with one magazine, it could be difficult to use under stress for new shooters, and it remains expensive. Potential buyers should weigh the cost of getting a $500 .380 agains other affordable and excellent options like the Kel-Tec P3AT, the Ruger LCP, the Kahr PM9 or PM40, or the Kel-Tec PF9. But for Sig or 1911 fans who love the consistency of a single action trigger (and the fast firing qualities of such), quality workmanship, and the exclusivity of the design, will love this gun. I predict it will become a much sought after officers' backup gun and popular and cool concealed carry choice with civilian sheepdogs. Sig's most compact gun is a winner. /////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability: 9 of 10 (took a hit for having just one magazine and cost) //////////////////NOTE: Serial numbers between DA000501 and DA003216 on P238s may have incorrectly milled safety levers. Contact Sig at (866) 446-1914 for upgrade. See Sigarms.com for more info. //////////////// Music is "Futurewalkin" and "Tranceparenting" by Torley Wong available for free at http://www.archive.org/details/Torley_Wong_-_The_Final_Selection //////////// Photos are TNP originals. A select few come from the public domain. Their posters/owners have consented to royalty-free worldwide unpaid distribution through unqualified agreement to Photobucket.com Terms of Use and through their selection and agreement to worldwide public use.