Concealing the Walther P5 vs. Sig 232 on slender guys?

[Ignition Override]

Having discovered that the P5 seems to be concealable (but where on skinny guys), how about using IWB compared to the Sig 232?

I'm 98% decided on buying the Sig later this year, but was not even aware of the P5. Wiki states that the Walther is about .6" longer, and a tiny bit higher with a similar width.

We can mostly exclude the P5 Compact, to be practical, because less than 200 were imported into the US.

 

[usp9]

Neither are large pistols and should be fairly easy to conceal. The difference between these two models is the weight. The Sig can be significantly lighter as it comes in a alloy frame model. The Sig is a bit more narrow. A holster may be harder to find for the seldom seen P5.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks. My only handgun is the WW2 Sauer 38H, about the identical size as the Sig 232 and the 230/232's father.

Having just seen only two P5s on Gunbroker, and being reminded of the weight difference, it's obvious that it's not worth wasting any more time on it.
All of this follows about ten hours reading about the PPK, and won't even consider those built by S&W.

 

[Pilot]

If weight is an issue the two best mid size .380, are the Beretta M85FS, and Sig P232 (alloy frame).

 

[9mmepiphany]

The following aren't criticisms, just historical observations.

Neither the Walther P5 not the SIG 230 were designed for conceal carry, they were both designed as duty guns. That they are seen here as possible CCW choices doesn't change their original design intent.

The P5, along with its contemporaneous competitors the (SIG) P6 and (H&K) P7 were 9mm replacements for German LE .32 duty guns...like the Walther PP...following the Munich Olympics.

The P5 is wider because of the ears of the falling locking block of its operating system. The 230/232 lack a locking action.

I've found the P5 to be more accurate and less snappy in recoil than the 230/232. If I cold, I'd get the P5 to complete my set of P6 and P7 pistols

 

[golden]

Sig 232 will be lighter

OVERRIDE,

I carry the SIG 232 (the blue one with the aluminum frame and night sights) in my strong side pocket. I only wear it with loose fitting pants that have large pockets like cargo pants or Docker style and use a GALCO pocket holster.
To break up the outline of the gun, I will toss something like my cell phone into the pocket on the outside of the gun.

I think the P5 would be too heavy for this style of carry.

I strongly recommend you go with the aluminum framed model of the SIG 232. The light weight really makes a difference in carrying concealed and recoil with regular .380ACP is not an issue for me. That is important, as I get older, hard kicking guns have become uncomfortable for me to practice with. I have shot 150 rounds at a time through the SIG 232 without distress.
I recently shot some COR BON DPX all copper hollow points through the 232 and noticed the increased recoil.

Good luck with you choice. I strongly recommend the night sights.

Jim

 

[Janos Dracwlya]

I have no problem concealing a Sig P225 in an IWB holster, under a vest, sweater or sweatshirt.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks for all of your info.
The Sig 230 or 232 would be a much better potential carry gun. Wouldn't the stainless version be a bit lighter than my
WW2 Sauer 38H? It's just for plinking.

I'll try to spot and re-read this topic when making a final decision this spring/summer.

 

[guyfromohio]

The PPK is a fine firearm. The S&W are superior to the interarms garbage. Did I read all about it in Internet forums? No, I've owned two of both. Interarms....stove pipes and hammer bite.....S&W.... Requires some break-in, but after about 150 rounds 100% reliable and accurate as anything I've shot. In first 150 rounds, I saw some failures from the slide not going all the way forward after the gun had gotten dirty. A proper cleaning and it hasn't happened again. I own dozens of quality firearms from Smith, Sig, beretta, CZ, etc...., but the PPK in a Supertuck has risen to the top if my carry rotation.

That being said, I would love to pick up a Sig P230/232 as I imagine they are fine guns as well.

 

[usp9]

Wouldn't the stainless version be a bit lighter than my
WW2 Sauer 38H?

I think they are both about 24 ounces. That's one reason people like the alloy Sig for carry. It's only about 18 ounces.

 

[Leadbutt]

All PP models that I have owned including the little TPH where ammo sensitive, it is just the nature of the beast, I prefer the German models over the S&W crap, but thats just a personal choice. the little SIG{230} was a great gun it was an issued back up weapon for a few years, IWB and cargo pockets are simple easy to carry, , the department finally settled on the SIG 232 do to the fact that it can be had in DAO, which again in my opinion only made it a damn fine gun for back up use.

But with all that hot air said, I would look to any maker like size in 9mm now for a carry piece, several of them out there same size arena

 

[Schlegel]

I have no experience with the Sig, so I can't say which might be preferred, but it should be pointed out that the Walther P5 does indeed have an alloy frame. There was also a shorter compact P5C made.