Sig 230/232

[antsi]

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I didnt notice the new shooter part. .380s in general are a poor choice for first guns. The character of the recoil is unpleasant to most people.
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+1

Not a problem for a seasoned shooter. Maybe not even a problem for this new shooter - but it would pay to rent/borrow one for a range session first. Let the newb try a bunch of different guns and find out what they like before buying something they don't.

 

[Michael Courtney]

I didnt notice the new shooter part. .380s in general are a poor choice for first guns. The character of the recoil is unpleasant to most people.

Teaching the NRA Basic Pistol course which qualifies new shooters for CHL in Ohio, I have yet to find a single student who had trouble with a Sig P232. In fact, the Sig P232 is one of the guns I have students try when they struggle with whatever they brought. .380 recoil may well be unpleasant in a number of guns, but I have never seen someone complain or fail to manage it well in the P232. The P232 certainly is much more manageable than some of the small 9mm's such as the Glock 26 and the plastic Kahrs.

Michael Courtney

 

[gopguy]

I was puzzled when Sig updated the 230 with the 232 that they retained the heel release magazine. That is the big draw back to what is otherwise a nice little .380 auto. Not to crazy about those grips overhanging the frame at the bottom on the 232 either. Hence I will stick to my old 230 Stainless.

 

[Frandy]

I agree with all the positive comments about the 232. In my hands, it is accurate, reliable, and despite the blowback design and therefore predictable "snap," folks who have shot mine loved it and could immediately shoot accurately with it.

Oh, and to my mind, it's a beauty! The Nill grips don't hurt either - literally or figuratively!

 

[c_yeager]

I was puzzled when Sig updated the 230 with the 232 that they retained the heel release magazine. That is the big draw back to what is otherwise a nice little .380 auto.

Some people (me) actually prefer a heel release on a concealed defensive pistol. I have inadvertantly ejected a few magazines while drawing/handling some guns with the "browning-style" magazine ejector. On others I have to completely adjust my grip in order to hit the button, making it actually faster to use the heel switch with my off-hand, of course one could simply use their offhand to hit the release on a push-button style pistol, but that wouldnt be any faster than the heel release, so its moot to me.

 

[cookekdjr]

Some people (me) actually prefer a heel release on a concealed defensive pistol
+1

 

[usp9]

Some people (me) actually prefer a heel release...

...on a concealed defensive pistol.


Amen to that.

 

[david_the_greek]

my father used to have a sig 230 and when I shot it "back in the day" it seemed alot snappier than the kimber .45. not as fun to shoot as the .45 or the browning HP at the time. granted I was fairly young. That aside it was accurate, very easy to maintain and as already has been said it was incredibly reliable. never had problems going bang. wow Frandy that is one beautiful pistol

 

[Orion8472]

What would the Sig 230 be worth (since it would be used, but in good shape)?

 

[usp9]

Here's a typical P230 blued. Anything around $400, not more than $450.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102994494

Here's a very nice P230ST with nice aftermarket wood grips. I'd say this is a good price.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102999287

 

[smirnoff a]

Stainless steel models are a bit more expensive than alloy ones.

 

[AK103K]

I have a couple of P230's. Great little pistols which can usually be had for a good price used, and usually a good bit cheaper than the used P232's.

I never noticed the P230's recoil to be harsh, and I shoot a good bit of hot, max+ level reloads for practice. The grip fits your hand very well and makes them a pleasure to shoot. I've never been bit by one yet, unlike my PPK's, which were all bloodthirsty. The P230's triggers are also very good, and their DA triggers are something to marvel at.

I also have a P239 in 357SIG. The P239 is a good bit bulkier and heavier than the P230's, and while they may appear similar in size in profile pics, they are really two different class guns. The P239 is also an excellent shooter, and even in the hotter calibers, very easy to shoot well with. I their weight and bulk are not an issue, they to will serve you well.

 

[Captain Bligh]

I don't have huge hands for a man, but my p232 gives me slide bite. I imagine a woman's hands would be smaller than mine and probably shouldn't be a problem for her.

Recoil is snappy. I consider accuracy very good but doesn't meet my standards for what "excellent" means. (If I want excellent, I'll take the Kimber).

It is very well made with nice fit and finish. Classic lines make it pleasing to look at.

I'm surprised I'm the only person to mention slide bite. Am I the exception?

 

[usp9]

I'm surprised I'm the only person to mention slide bite. Am I the exception?

It just isn't as universally common as in the PPK, but not unheard of. My Walthers bite, my CZ 82 bites and even my Mak occationally takes a nip, but none of my Sigs have ever drawn blood, nor do the Berettas.