The sig 238 has worked perfectly for me since first round. I picked up the standard black on black. I know it is not on the list but since she likes the finger extension magazines has she picked up the Walther PK380. Most gals that have shot mine really like it. The size is just right and the recoil is very soft. Just a thought.
P238 vs PPK vs Bodyguard vs LCP (purse gun)
- Thread starter jlg
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TexasBill
Member
+1 on the PK380. I've had mine for more than a year and it's reliable, easy to shoot and holds nine rounds.
kentucky_smith
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I would go Sig 232 if it's going in a purse. Walther-sized, steel frame, less recoil, no bite.
Flint Ridge
Member
I won't mention revolver.
Way too many issues with the P238. I would seriously check out the Kahr P380 over it and did after 4 trips to Sig for the P238. Kahr continues to run very well.
Likewise I would suggest if you consider the PPK to take a look at the Sig P232's, this Sig is bigger, heavier but as been around 35 years.
The 232 Good:
• Sig quality from the good old days – true craftsmanship – proven design
• Exceptional accuracy – the best natural pointing weapon I have ever used
• Sexy good looks – a work of stylish art - everybody looks good with one
• CCW sleek & friendly from every angle - look at the pictures
• Machine grooved and matte finish top of the slide to reduce glare
• Night Sights
• Locks open on the last round
• Easy takedown/field stripping
• Magazine extension really helps to get a full grip, especially when combined with the Hogue grips
• Easy to rack
• Very easy Single-Action follow-up shoots
• You can feed it most anything – previous P230 model had some issues feeding hollow points
• +P handled easily – though I would not feed it a steady diet – I carry mine with Buffalo Bore’s hottest .380 rounds with only a slight increase in felt recoil
• Extremely difficult to limp wrist. I kept trying and finally got it to do so, but I had the loosest grip ever, basically thumb on stock and index finger on trigger
• Crimson Trace grips are available – MSPR of $329
• No Safety – use of decocker allows carry with round in chamber and the Double-Actions heavier trigger pull
The Bad:
• Slightly more recoil due to blowback design – even more so for non-stainless
• Not super light, especially in the Stainless
• Larger frame not typically pocket friendly – but that helps make it reliable
• Not cheap
• Euro magazine release – also a positive if you’re a lefty
• No slide stop – must sling shot (rack it) to feed 1st round off a magazine
• Potential slide bite for some. The Hogue grips do seem to remedy for most folks
• No Safety – could be a +/- depending upon what you’re comfortable with
Summary: The 232SL is the one I bring out if folks are having trouble with their semi-automatics, especially the small pocket .380’s. I hand them this one, it will work every time it is comfortable and has the smoothness and accuracy that makes the aggravated shooter turn back to me and smile. Always works and looks good doing it. So, if you’re looking for the perfect concealed carry semi-auto that is also widely used by law enforcement as a backup gun, then here it is and it’s not a fairly tail.
Way too many issues with the P238. I would seriously check out the Kahr P380 over it and did after 4 trips to Sig for the P238. Kahr continues to run very well.
Likewise I would suggest if you consider the PPK to take a look at the Sig P232's, this Sig is bigger, heavier but as been around 35 years.
The 232 Good:
• Sig quality from the good old days – true craftsmanship – proven design
• Exceptional accuracy – the best natural pointing weapon I have ever used
• Sexy good looks – a work of stylish art - everybody looks good with one
• CCW sleek & friendly from every angle - look at the pictures
• Machine grooved and matte finish top of the slide to reduce glare
• Night Sights
• Locks open on the last round
• Easy takedown/field stripping
• Magazine extension really helps to get a full grip, especially when combined with the Hogue grips
• Easy to rack
• Very easy Single-Action follow-up shoots
• You can feed it most anything – previous P230 model had some issues feeding hollow points
• +P handled easily – though I would not feed it a steady diet – I carry mine with Buffalo Bore’s hottest .380 rounds with only a slight increase in felt recoil
• Extremely difficult to limp wrist. I kept trying and finally got it to do so, but I had the loosest grip ever, basically thumb on stock and index finger on trigger
• Crimson Trace grips are available – MSPR of $329
• No Safety – use of decocker allows carry with round in chamber and the Double-Actions heavier trigger pull
The Bad:
• Slightly more recoil due to blowback design – even more so for non-stainless
• Not super light, especially in the Stainless
• Larger frame not typically pocket friendly – but that helps make it reliable
• Not cheap
• Euro magazine release – also a positive if you’re a lefty
• No slide stop – must sling shot (rack it) to feed 1st round off a magazine
• Potential slide bite for some. The Hogue grips do seem to remedy for most folks
• No Safety – could be a +/- depending upon what you’re comfortable with
Summary: The 232SL is the one I bring out if folks are having trouble with their semi-automatics, especially the small pocket .380’s. I hand them this one, it will work every time it is comfortable and has the smoothness and accuracy that makes the aggravated shooter turn back to me and smile. Always works and looks good doing it. So, if you’re looking for the perfect concealed carry semi-auto that is also widely used by law enforcement as a backup gun, then here it is and it’s not a fairly tail.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
SIG P232 SL.
For all the reasons listed above.
IMO: The heel mag release is a good thing for a purse/pocket gun.
At least you know for a fact the mag will be in the gun, ready to rock & roll, instead of falling out in your purse when the button got pushed accidentally.
Drop free mags are an American thing.
Very useful in combat games, but the Europeans know you aren't going to do or need slam bang IPSC mag changes with a pocket pistol.
rc
For all the reasons listed above.
IMO: The heel mag release is a good thing for a purse/pocket gun.
At least you know for a fact the mag will be in the gun, ready to rock & roll, instead of falling out in your purse when the button got pushed accidentally.
Drop free mags are an American thing.
Very useful in combat games, but the Europeans know you aren't going to do or need slam bang IPSC mag changes with a pocket pistol.
rc
Flint Ridge
Member
rcmodel - yes agree on the euro mag release. Know a guy, home burglary type of thing graps gun, chases guy, out the door they go, BG hops in his car, homeowner shoots a tire out and was going for the radiator "click", mag was back in the house...
Oh tested the trigger pull yesterday 10 pounds 7 oz on DA, 3 pounds 7 oz on SA.
Oh tested the trigger pull yesterday 10 pounds 7 oz on DA, 3 pounds 7 oz on SA.
verdun59
Member
Here's one more vote for the Kahr P380. Sure it costs more but if she is going to practice with it at all you'll be glad you spent more. It's a very soft shooter for a mouse gun.
If she is truly going to carry in a purse, gun size is not the reason to choose a .380 caliber. She could easily carry many fine 9mm pistols in a purse. This is not intended to start a caliber debate, but those of use who have shot .380s know they are not necessarily comfortable to shot many rounds with. If she is serious about carrying a pistol, she has a responsibility to practice and be proficient with it i.e. shoot a lot of ammo through it.
I subscribe to the handgunworld.com podcast by Bob Mayne.
http://www.handgunworld.com check out episode 99 for an interview with Jon Hodoway. He provides a rather compelling argument about the effectiveness of the .380 caliber.
Of the choices I like the Sig P238: great single action trigger, fits hand well, decent recoil, good accuracy and real sights.
Second choice would be the S&W .380 Bodyguard: real sights and built in laser.
I subscribe to the handgunworld.com podcast by Bob Mayne.
http://www.handgunworld.com check out episode 99 for an interview with Jon Hodoway. He provides a rather compelling argument about the effectiveness of the .380 caliber.
Of the choices I like the Sig P238: great single action trigger, fits hand well, decent recoil, good accuracy and real sights.
Second choice would be the S&W .380 Bodyguard: real sights and built in laser.
wristtwister
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- 419
I sell all these guns at our store, and the most reliable seems to be the S&W Bodyguard. I've shipped several of the Sig 238's back for work, had numerous reports of the PPK's FTF's and ejection problems, and the simple truth is that the change-out of batteries for the Smith is easier than with the LCP with laser grips.
MY recommendation for a purse carry gun is the .38 special Bodyguard. It's about another $100 bucks, but it's all "thumb operated" and easy to handle. It's an airweight and with a pulse laser, it's got something that gives a woman some range she won't have with those "shortie" guns in .380. I like both the Bodyguard series guns, but more because one is an almost perfect pocket pistol, and the other has the firepower to be an excellent self-defense gun.
JMHO, but I hear a lot of complaints about how the LCP beats up a woman's hand when they shoot it. I'm sure the S&W would be similar, but the grip seems to be a bit larger and more comfortable, especially with the grip extension in place... but when you go to the .38, all that goes away, and the firepower goes up.
WT
MY recommendation for a purse carry gun is the .38 special Bodyguard. It's about another $100 bucks, but it's all "thumb operated" and easy to handle. It's an airweight and with a pulse laser, it's got something that gives a woman some range she won't have with those "shortie" guns in .380. I like both the Bodyguard series guns, but more because one is an almost perfect pocket pistol, and the other has the firepower to be an excellent self-defense gun.
JMHO, but I hear a lot of complaints about how the LCP beats up a woman's hand when they shoot it. I'm sure the S&W would be similar, but the grip seems to be a bit larger and more comfortable, especially with the grip extension in place... but when you go to the .38, all that goes away, and the firepower goes up.
WT
David E
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The way one should carry the 238 for defense is cocked and locked. I would hesitate to do that for off-body carry.
Catching up from behind (reacting to a threat) drawing the 238 AND cocking it at the same time likely won't end well.
For a purse gun, the gun should be DAO, either revolver or semi. Which one should be decided by which one she shoots best.
Catching up from behind (reacting to a threat) drawing the 238 AND cocking it at the same time likely won't end well.
For a purse gun, the gun should be DAO, either revolver or semi. Which one should be decided by which one she shoots best.
TexasBill
Member
A big +1 to David E's comment. A cocked and locked pistol in a purse really does sound like a bad idea.
The SIG 232 is a very nice pistol, a PPK done right, if you will. But the list price is $720.00 and Bud's price is still $562.00. A Walther PK380 lists at $393.00 and Bud's offers it for $334.00. The Walther is also available with laser sights: list is $495.00; Bud's price is $413.00.
Unlike a lot of blowback .380s, the Walther is a locked breech design meaning recoil is reduced as is the effort required to work the slide. And the Walther can accommodate one more round than the SIG. It's really worth checking out before you make a final decision.
BTW: My wife cut through all the nonsense: she went straight for the Browning BDA .380. Thirteen rounds and enough heft to minimize the kick. She's quite happy with it. She also likes shooting the Walther but thinks the Browning is prettier which, I have to admit, it is.
The SIG 232 is a very nice pistol, a PPK done right, if you will. But the list price is $720.00 and Bud's price is still $562.00. A Walther PK380 lists at $393.00 and Bud's offers it for $334.00. The Walther is also available with laser sights: list is $495.00; Bud's price is $413.00.
Unlike a lot of blowback .380s, the Walther is a locked breech design meaning recoil is reduced as is the effort required to work the slide. And the Walther can accommodate one more round than the SIG. It's really worth checking out before you make a final decision.
BTW: My wife cut through all the nonsense: she went straight for the Browning BDA .380. Thirteen rounds and enough heft to minimize the kick. She's quite happy with it. She also likes shooting the Walther but thinks the Browning is prettier which, I have to admit, it is.
oldfool
Member
PPK of those listed
Sig 232, for all reasons others have named, if it's one she has not looked at yet
neither is all that heavy, and purses come in all sizes, put as much thought into purse selection as gun selection
either should be checked for slide bite syndrome before purchase
agree w/ others, cocked and locked in purse not a good notion
disagree with DAO only and/or talking her into a compact nine, UNLESS she shoots it first and likes it
shootability trumps caliber, and too light (as in LCP) is not shooter friendly, "size matters"
locked breech is softer shooting, but not a lot out there to pick from in locked breech 380s, and locked breech does not make up for 12 oz too light
PS
Texas Bill's wife, smart lady
not just another pretty face
but I thunk the PPK was a straight blowback, not locked breech ???
whoops, ok, got it, PK380 Walther, locked breech
Sig 232, for all reasons others have named, if it's one she has not looked at yet
neither is all that heavy, and purses come in all sizes, put as much thought into purse selection as gun selection
either should be checked for slide bite syndrome before purchase
agree w/ others, cocked and locked in purse not a good notion
disagree with DAO only and/or talking her into a compact nine, UNLESS she shoots it first and likes it
shootability trumps caliber, and too light (as in LCP) is not shooter friendly, "size matters"
locked breech is softer shooting, but not a lot out there to pick from in locked breech 380s, and locked breech does not make up for 12 oz too light
PS
Texas Bill's wife, smart lady
not just another pretty face
but I thunk the PPK was a straight blowback, not locked breech ???
whoops, ok, got it, PK380 Walther, locked breech
Last edited:
Mad Magyar
Member
I just picked up a similar lght-wgt Taurus (85) for my wife and in the jacket pocket for quick-trips to "Shop & Rob"....I agree with your assessment....but if they are dead-set on a semi-auto: I'd go with the lighter weight for the ladies even though I voted for the PPK.
huntsman
Member
I'm an LCP fan but before I recommend it to anyone I'd let them shoot it, this gun isn't for everyone.
All on your list are fine guns but for me the #1 .380acp is a BDA followed closely by the P232
oldfool
Member
before I recommend it to anyone I'd let them shoot it,
ditto that, any/all "12 oz empty" guns aka multiple shot derringers
50 rounds of 380acp out of an LCP won't damage any normal hand (absent arthritus or such), but your attention span will not wander
for some, 1st trial shot might be their last, for others not so; you never know until you know
anybody who has not shot anything harsher than 25acp out of micro-autos ought try before they buy
I like my LCP, but it's not what it's not
(and it sure ain't my Colt Government model or a BDA, world of difference)
ditto that, any/all "12 oz empty" guns aka multiple shot derringers
50 rounds of 380acp out of an LCP won't damage any normal hand (absent arthritus or such), but your attention span will not wander
for some, 1st trial shot might be their last, for others not so; you never know until you know
anybody who has not shot anything harsher than 25acp out of micro-autos ought try before they buy
I like my LCP, but it's not what it's not
(and it sure ain't my Colt Government model or a BDA, world of difference)
oldfool
Member
357s out of any lightweight snubbie is a tad snappy for anybody who is honest about it
non-gender specific
non-gender specific
DAdams
Member
If not mentioned, look also at a Kahr 380.
A big plus one +
I wouldn't care for cocked and locked (SIG) in a purse and wouldn't carry it any other way, so it wouldn't make my cut.
I would also consider an revolver. LCR, M&P 340 etc.
A big plus one +
I wouldn't care for cocked and locked (SIG) in a purse and wouldn't carry it any other way, so it wouldn't make my cut.
I would also consider an revolver. LCR, M&P 340 etc.
AK103K
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No doubt, and I'll throw in .38 +P's.
I own and shoot a couple of 642's, and I practice with loads appropriate to what I would carry in them (they dont get out much in that capacity anymore, but you have to stay on top of them), and its not a fun outing. About 50 rounds is my limit these days, and I have a sore hand for a couple of days after to boot.
Cpddistrict9
Member
find an earlier west german ppks if you can don't go ppks if its a S&W model
I have to agree with the others that cocked and locked in a purse sounds like trouble waiting to happen.
The LCP is a good choice, if she can handle the snappiness of it. My little sister (5' 95lbs.) absolutly loves the LCP, but didnt much care for bigger or hevier. If she likes the PPK, maybe a look at the Sig P232 would be worthwhile.
Ultimatly it all comes down to what she likes, what she can shoot, and what she is willing to carry. If she could conceal it on her person, my wife would probably carry a full size 1911, but she preffers a smaller pistol for a daily CCW.
The LCP is a good choice, if she can handle the snappiness of it. My little sister (5' 95lbs.) absolutly loves the LCP, but didnt much care for bigger or hevier. If she likes the PPK, maybe a look at the Sig P232 would be worthwhile.
Ultimatly it all comes down to what she likes, what she can shoot, and what she is willing to carry. If she could conceal it on her person, my wife would probably carry a full size 1911, but she preffers a smaller pistol for a daily CCW.
winchester '97
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Makarov 
, Cheaper, utterly reliable, harder hitting, Ammo is cheaper, and rather accurate for a small pistol.
, Cheaper, utterly reliable, harder hitting, Ammo is cheaper, and rather accurate for a small pistol.- Status
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