The SIG P238
Introduction:
The SIG Sauer P238 is a single-action, hammer-fired, subcompact pistol. First introduced in 2009, the P238 has gained much popularity in the conceal-carry pistol market. It is chambered in .380 ACP, so it fills the niche for SIG that also includes guns such as the Ruger LCP. With its metal frame and grip-extension magazine, the P238 is one of the most comfortable to hold and shoot subcompact .380s on the market today.
Details:
The overall design of the P238 is based on the M1911, with the slide release, trigger, safety, and single-action operation being prime examples of this. Because .380 ACP is not known for being a high-pressure cartridge, SIG omitted the locking lugs normally found on M1911 barrels. The lockup is more similar to a Glock, wherein the chamber portion of the barrel acts as a locking lug during firing.
The inside of the slide actually looks very similar to the CZ75. This is not a huge surprise though, being that the CZ75 is descended from a John Browning design, and the M1911 is one of his designs. There are some differences though that make the P238 not just a small 1911. For one, the recoil spring sits in the front of the slide, and there is no plug at the front of the recoil spring. Instead, the spring guide simply protrudes from the front, similar to the CZ75, Glock, and other pistols.
The P238 also has a big brother in the Sig P938, chambered in 9x19mm. Both pistols have 7 round magazine capacity, which begs the question of way someone would get a P938 when they could have a similarly sized pistol with a 12 rounds capacity by getting a P365.
Conclusion:
I know this was kind-of a short on this week, but there isn't a ton to go into regarding the p238. It's a really nice little gun that has some solid advantages over some other subcompact .380s. It's got good weight to it without being too heavy but still feeling substantial. With the finger extension on the magazine, I am able to get a full grip on the gun without my fingers hanging off. All-in-all, its an excellent gun for concealed carry if you are looking for a single-action subcompact that can be carried "cocked and locked".
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