Help me decide on a p238 or p938

[GoldieMI]

The recoil spring on the 238 is weak and only has 2.75 inches to work with, causing it to only last 600 rounds because it crunches down against itself too easily. The 938 has a stronger spring, it is longer. And the guide rod has a little cup for the spring to back up into. It lasts longer.

I too have over 1300 rounds on mine...without replacing it. Experiencing no failures to feed except a few in the 1st 100 rounds during break-in. It's been perfect since then. I put 100rds a month on it just to stay current with the action of it.

 

[dringge]

I carry a P238 and really like it. I am looking for a P938. I think the P238 will then be passed on to my daughter.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have the P938 just love the little gun it replaced my XDs I pocket carry in this http://www.alabamaholster.com/product/front-pocket-holster/

 

[bluzman]

I pocket carry my p938 in a Alabamaholster.com front pocket holster in any kind of jeans or pants. I can't imagine an easier setup.

Totally agree. My EDC is P938 Extreme that I pocket carry in a Desantis Super Fly.

 

[BLU]

I've seriously considered a 938 too because I prefer a metal frame. Have the 238 and used it for annual qualification. Shot fine on a 8x14" target out to 15 yards, not as tight of a group as my 1911 to be sure but I only threw one round! One thing surprised me, (a guy with large hands), my groups tightened up after an emergency reload to a mag w/o the finger extension-how odd! (Anyone else notice that?) I've carried this in my front jeans pocket just fine. I'm a 'neck or head' shot kind of guy anyway so that's my instinctive POA. No ballistic protection worn there-usually, so the power of the 9mm would be more than I need. I also don't want anything too snappy because I've been trained 'double tap' all of my life. Don't need a stray because the pistol recoiled more than I expected. By all means, if you get the 938, send me a message and let me know you're opinion of it, please!

 

[GoldieMI]

my groups tightened up after an emergency reload to a mag w/o the finger extension-how odd! (Anyone else notice that?)

I use the 6 round magazines (aka no finger extension) in my 238 for EDC
I find I shoot tighter groups with the pinky curled under the bottom of the grips than with the extension. Plus it fits flush to make it even smaller.

I still do the Mozambique (2+1 Drill) by nature, so the 380 to me is not a handicap. I can get a sight picture quickly and reliably...strong hand/weak hand/and both hands.

I like the 938SAS, but find the 238Equinox to be preferable for EDC...it prints way less in the Nemesis in my relaxed fit jeans and clears the pocket much easier. Big Paws and 238 are in and out of pocket quickly...it works for me.

 

[Sour Kraut]

I have a 938, and have shot many of the small 380s and 9mm, but not a 238. IMHO, I think the 938 is softer shooting than most every small 380 or 9mm out there. YMMV

 

[kokapelli]

I have a 938, and have shot many of the small 380s and 9mm, but not a 238. IMHO, I think the 938 is softer shooting than most every small 380 or 9mm out there. YMMV

Shoot a 238 or a G42 and you will change your mind

 

[GoldieMI]

Shoot a 238 or a G42 and you will change your mind

+1 on the 238 being a softer shooter

 

[Ibmikey]

I have both the P 238 & P 938, love both and carry which ever I pick up that day. A second consideration with the 938 is the .22 conversion kit...mine shoots just great and accurate and so far has gobbled whatever I feed it. They also make a target conversion with a longer slide and target sights ( mine has night sights) . Both pistols are easy to carry, are reliable and accurate.

 

[Sour Kraut]

Shoot a 238 or a G42 and you will change your mind

That may very well be.....those are about the only two 380s I haven't had the opportunity to try.

 

[Ibmikey]

I have 938, 238 and G42 rating them as ease of shooting, staying on target with subsequent shots and accuracy...at least for me:
1 G42
2 P 238
3 P 938
4 Kimber Micro (just had to throw this in--- love this pistol too)
But none of them are the least bit unpleasant to shoot

 

[Karate]

I have both and really them both but I carry the 238...it is only slightly smaller than the 938 but the difference is enough that it makes it easier to pocket carry

I have over a 1000 rds thru my 238 with no issues

 

[Snowdog]

Both are great and as far as .380's go, the P238 is about as good as you can get. That said, you'll be better served by the P938 and you'll likely wish you went with the 9mm down the road if you decide not to now. Happened to me.

I had a P238HD and really liked it. However, I wanted to carry some of the hottest .380acp out there (Underwood) and my P238 wouldn't play ball. With standard pressure .380acp, all was wonderful. With hotter stuff, failures to extract that couldn't be completely eliminated. I sold the P238 to a buddy who had no issues carrying standard pressure fodder and purchased a CM9 that's about the same size but in 9mm. I couldn't be happier.