New member, New Sig P232

[American1776]

Hello everyone. I'm a new member here, and I just thought I would introduce myself and say 'hi'.
I have been a gun enthusiast for most of my life, and finally, just yesterday, I purchased my first handgun. My dad taught me how to shoot on his .22 HR revolver when I was 10, and I've shot/rented guns several times before. Just yesterday I picked up my first handgun at the local gun store: a Sig P232.

I decided on the Sig P232 because it felt the best in my hands (and my significant other's hands), could be used for concealed carry when I get the permit for my state, and I like the 7+1 capacity vs. the Ruger LCR that I was looking at. (The LCR was very nice too---it was a super close decision). Finally, it's a Sig! The fit and finish are obviously excellent, and I just felt like it was an example of a great piece of modern machinery.

I plan on taking the gun out to the range later today, so I'll report on how things go with the new Sig. Also, I'll try and post some pics of the new piece soon as well. (I know, I know, pics rock). If anyone could relate their own experiences with the Sig P232, plus tips on cleaning it, that'd be much appreciated as well.

All the best,
Michael

 

[usp9]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new P232. I have a special fondness for the little Sig. They are reliable and one of the best pointing guns around. I enjoy shooting a nice Stainless model, the lightweight blued alloy model and I have a less common .32 acp P230. Great guns.

Be careful of the ejector when you remove the slide to clean. It can pivot and possibly fall off. I just keep a finger on it when cleaning to hold it in place. It helps to put a tiny drop of oil inside of the frame, at the take-down lever to allow it to swing freely.

Enjoy your new pistol.

 

[J2FLAN]

+1 on what usp9 said. The 232 (5yrs old) is my every day carry, I trust it, proven with several boxes of 100gr BUFFALO BORE ammo for reliabilty and many a box of S&B ammo for practice . It is a very good shooter, no failures at all. Not a gun I would use for a "range beater" but for carry, I really can`t see one out there I would rather have.

 

[American1776]

Thanks for the replies, welcome, and advice. I took the Sig out yesterday to the range, and I put 100 rounds through it of FMJ Blazer. Not one malfunction, every round went bang. I'm not recoil sensitive, but I was a little surprised at the bark and kick of this little gun at first. But I quickly got used to it, and it was a lot of fun!
I was able to get fist-sized groups at 15-20 feet (I don't have a whole lot of trigger time yet). The DA trigger is long and hard, so my first shots were a little high and to the left. All the SA shots were very close to one another, some of which grouped to make a single ragged hole.
I really like this piece, and I'm glad that it is my first handgun. I will be applying for my CCW in my state soon, so I'll see how it carries when I cross that bridge.
In regards to the ejector, I have noticed that it can 'pop' outward during cleaning, so I took your advice (usp9) and kept my finger on it while cleaning. Incidentally, cleaning this gun after 100 rounds took a while. There was a ton of black stuff all in the feed ramp, barrel, and internals. I take it that this has something to do with the fact that it is a blow-back design?
I did notice one thing though. When I hand-cycle rounds, the rounds do not always eject forcefully, or at all. Sometimes i have to tilt the gun sideways to get the live round out of the chamber. Sometimes, it will fly out with force. When I was shooting, the brass flew very far, and with plenty of force. Is this normal?
Once again, thanks for all the advice. I look forward to shooting this new gun more, and learning from everyone's experience.
-Michael

 

[19-3Ben]

I'm not recoil sensitive, but I was a little surprised at the bark and kick of this little gun at first.

Yup. people think ".380 is less powerful than 9mm, so recoil ought to be less." They fail to take into account that a straight blowback action tends to recoil more.

That being said, my P232SL is one of the most accurate, and nicely made guns I own.

 

[huntsman]

I had a P232 and traded it now I'm acquiring another for carry to be used in rotation with my LCP. The previous one I shot well, the D/A trigger was stiffer than my BDA but overall it seemed a more accurate gun to me. By all means get your PA carry license, I live in Ohio and got the PA as well.

 

[the_skunk]

P232s can be hit and miss .... sounds like you got a good one

 

[Effigy]

Welcome to the forum. I'm a big fan of SIG pistols and while I'm not really drawn to the .380 cartridge, I'm sure this little gun will serve you well.