[Anna's Dad]

What are the differences between the 230 and the 232?

Also, any opinions on a fair price for an unfired (or fired very little) stainless 230 with a few light scratches would be greatly appreciated.

[usp9]

Slide serration and grip panels are different, but pretty much the same gun. Should be in the $400 or so range.

[Anna's Dad]

The shop is asking $449. I just bought an unfired 232 w/ everything (box, paperwork, even the Sig bumper stickers) and an Uncle Mike's holster for $440.

I'll probably try to get them to come down a bit on the 230.

Thanks!

[tydephan]

USP is right.

Also, I'll share this story, but it is a bit fuzzy and maybe someone else can help clarify.

I had a 230, and I was in my local gun store one day and a guy came in and started talking about how he had a ND of his 230 because he decocked it, and set it down on the table. Apparently, it slid of the table and landed directly on the hammer, which slammed down on the firing pin, causing the weapon to discharge. I didn't realize the hammer could move toward the firing pin when decocked, so I went home and checked mine, and sure enough there was movement.

I now have a 232, and the hammer is no longer movable when decocked, so maybe that is also a difference between the two.

I suggest you take this with a grain of salt, as I'm not sure I remember it very clearly.

Either way, sounds like you got a good deal on the 232.

I bought this one (http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k40/tydephan/Sig_232_on_vest_1_640.jpg) from a fellow THR member back in April. I absolutely love it.

[Cougfan2]

TydePhan, there you go, tempting me with those smokin' grips that I want for my 232.:) You are going to cost me money!

[tydephan]

TydePhan, there you go, tempting me with those smokin' grips that I want for my 232. You are going to cost me money!

I'll tell you, the aesthetics of those grips are what sold me, obviously.

But they are also very very practical. The grip on the 232 was always a little small for my big hands, and when my hand got sweaty, it would move dangerously close to the "slidebite zone."

With the Nills, I have not had the first problem with my grip shifting while shooting. The grips are a little fatter than the stock grips and the checkering, even as minimal as it is, still provides a fair amount of positive grip.

Now, keep in mind I've never used the hoque rubber grips. I've heard they are fantastic as well for maintaining a steady grip. I'm going to put them on my next 232 when I buy the all blued lighterweight version. :D:evil:

[Anna's Dad]

tydephan,

Thanks for the info on the 230--I'll check that out.

I've seen that picture before--those grips are beautiful. In fact, I was going to buy a set of Nill grips until I saw the price :what:. They are very tempting!

Is the wood walnut?

[Lonestar49]

Quote: Now, keep in mind I've never used the hoque rubber grips. I've heard they are fantastic as well for maintaining a steady grip. I'm going to put them on my next 232 when I buy the all blued lighterweight version.
------------------

I have to give a big thumbs up for the full, Sig says Polymer, wrap-around fingered grips, that came from the Factory, NIB with mine, are sweet, both for myself or the wife. Slide bite has never entered the equation for either of us, be it 2-hand grip, or one-hand grip, shooting.

Just watch your round count, as anything over 200 rounds, and with the blow-back action, she gets "real dirty", including the interior of the magazines.

Otherwise, (least with my PP232 SL) and especially at the 230 round count, and with a chambered round, plus 7 in the mag, she will jam every magazine load, at the 1st or 2nd shot, every time. Total cleaning takes care of this.

Doesn't matter if you're shooting FMJ or JHP..


Best of luck with her,



LS

[usp9]

Is the wood walnut?


Yes.

[don95sml]

Mine is a P230 as shown below:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c134/don95sml/PiSiP230-LhT.jpg
Nobody has mentioned yet, but there is a difference in the sights. The P230 uses a single dot on the rear sight and another single dot on the front. The P232 has a more conventional 3-dot system (2 on the rear).

[AK103K]

I have a couple of P230's. I bought both used, in basically NIB condition for $250 and $300. The P230's I've seen are usually in this range, with the exception of a .32 I once saw for $400. Personally, I like the the 230's better than the 232's. Never liked the grips on the 232's. For basically the same gun and the money they can be found for, I think they are the better deal.



tydephan,

The hammer on the P230 does not move when decocked. The only way that occurs is when the hammer is dropped on an empty chamber,or lowered by pulling the trigger. If decocked, it cant reach the firing pin, unless somehow the gun is broken.

[Anna's Dad]

AK103K,

Wow! If I could find P230s for $250 / $300 in like-new condition, I'd buy two!

Also, thanks for the info on the site difference and the clarification on the 230's hammer.

[AK103K]

Look around, the ones I've bought werent the only ones Ive seen in that price range. I suppose the P232's are more desirable now since they are the latest model, but theres really no difference between them and the P230's.

I just saw a SS P230 on auction arms starting at $350. The SS guns are heavier than the blued guns though.

heres the link....

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=80306953

[NCHornet]

The P232 SL version comes with the Hogue grips and factory night sites. I bought one about 6 months ago that only had 20 rounds through it, plus a full box of corbon, hydrashoks, and two boxes of gold dots and a ankle holster, along with the original case manual etc, for $385, shoot there was over $100 in ammo. I love the gun, but it is a bit to big for pocket carry, so right now it is sitting in the safe. If anybody wants a like new ankle holster, I believe it is a Unlce Mikes, let me know, it will go cheap. I have since bought two NAA Guardians, one in 32 and one in 380, for my pocket carry needs.
Good luck and be safe.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q32/NCHornet/g380.jpg

[Anna's Dad]

NCHornet,

You, my friend, got a fantastic deal. Looking on gunbroker and auctionarms, there's nothing even close!

[NCHornet]

I agree those are the deals you have to jump on!! I just bought this 380 Guardian above in the photo, it has less than 100 rounds fired came with case and all the paperwork from the factory with a Nemisis holster for $300 shipped, the gun was purchased a couple months before for $489. The P232 is by far the best 380acp gun I have fired and I have shot a bunch of them, it is copied but not equaled!!

[Catalina]

What's the recoil like on these .380 Sig? I know it's subjective but dig into that thesaurus!

[AK103K]

I dont find it bad at all, and I use fairly hot reloads for most of my practice.

I guess everyone is different, and some (especially these days) seem more sensitive than others, and some have less experience with other things to have something to base their opinion on.

I find the P230 to be the most comfortable of the smaller .380, and even some .32's I own or have owned. Even with its lighter weight and factory grips, I find it more pleasant than my PPK's ever were, and its never bitten me.

[usp9]

I too find the P232 comfortable, especially with the Hogue rubber grips. I think the Beretta 84 is the better shooter, easier and more comfortable to shoot, mainly due to the grip.

IMHO the P232 is nicer to shoot than the Walther PPK, about the same as the Bersa Thunder and CZ83. My P232 is the alloy model and lighter than any of the other mentioned pistols, but still is a easy to control, mild shooter.

[sigberretafan]

I have had 4 different Sigs, but love the feel of the 232 best. New to handguns, I have fired less than 1000 rounds. I can keep a 4" spread for seven rounds at 45 feet holding the 232 with one hand...while certainly not anywhere as good as a pro...that's good enough for me and suggests the weapon is inherently accurate. The recoil is really nominal. I painted the front sight (bead) fluorescent orange. That made a world of difference.

[NCHornet]

My P232 SL is a joy to shoot it points very natural in the hand, and the 380 snap is easily tamed by the rubber Hogue grips. If you live close by you or any forum ember is welcome to stop by and shoot it for yourself. I have shot PPKS, Bersa, CZ's and IMHO the Sig is the finest 380 made today. I also like the early Walther PPK's not the junk S&W is putting out, they have destroyed the PPK reputation.