P238- what model?

[AWZ1287]

So I have been looking at the sig sauer p238, but I am having trouble picking a model. I have narrowed it down to the hdw and the scorpion. My question is which one would hold up better for Pocket carry? Would the full stainless hold up better? Also the stainless has a weight of 4 oz. more, is there any difference in how it shoots(recoil or anything) , I have tried a p238 standard model which I liked, but I haven't had a chance to use a HD model.

 

[CNobbe]

I had a Scorpion and the FDE finish started to wear fairly quickly. Oddly the other 238s I had didn't seem to wear much at all.

The HD will soak up some recoil, but in my opinion the 238 is as soft as most pocket guns get. I personally wouldn't bother with the HD model but that's just me.

 

[Gary A]

I have an HD with G10 grips. I also have a basic nitron model which I swapped the polymer fluted grips (which I did not like) for black G10 grips. I like them both but if I had to keep just one, it would be the HD. Not sure why. Guess I just like its solidness. At times I do appreciate the lesser weight of the Nitron model but generally don't find the HD too heavy most of the time. I doubt I wear either one out.

I keep hoping Sig will offer a 938 HD. Zowie, I would be all over that!

 

[bannockburn]

I bought the Nitron finished model because it was a pretty decent package (laser, rosewood grips, night sights, spare magazine, holster), at a very nice price (on sale). Have been extremely satisfied with it.

 

[Ibmikey]

My two tone (black frame wood grips SS slide) has been a constant companion for five or six years carried in a kydex IWB holster and looks as good as a new one. I would not be concerned with wear, just carry in a decent holster and the finish will hold up well.

 

[AWZ1287]

Gary A, being that you have both the all stainless and the alloy frames. Have you shot them side by side, is there any noticeable difference with the 4 oz heavier HD model?

 

[Gary A]

You know, I have not shot them side by side. Probably should have. Certainly there is some difference. Recoil on either is a non-issue but the HD is unmistakably extremely soft shooting. It was the first P238 I bought. Going shooting later this week. I should make it a point to do just that. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Old Dog]

My wife has the Extreme, and the finish is holding up wonderfully. Given how soft a shooter the thing is, I don't see why one would have to go with the HD,

 

[Gary A]

Given how soft a shooter the thing is, I don't see why one would have to go with the HD

I completely agree. I like all steel guns and the HD is beautifully well-built. For everyday use, you are absolutely right.

 

[AWZ1287]

OK thanks for the help. I will probably just pick which ever one I can find first. Being that neither have any apparent problems.

Gary A, I wouldn't mind a range report if you do get a chance to do a side by side comparison.

 

[Gary A]

AWZ1287 - if I get a chance to do that this week I'll certainly try to describe the experience. LOL, I've never written a range report in my life so don't expect Guns and Ammo but I'll certainly share my impressions. Till then, be well.

 

[Snowdog]

It was the weight of my P238HD that caused me to consider (and eventually purchase) a CM9. The P238 HD empty weighs 20oz whereas the PM9, a pistol of comparable size that chambers a significantly more potent cartridge weighs 14oz empty.

Now, I do like the short and crisp trigger of my P238HD and the recoil is negligible. The P238HD is a fine firearm. However, I have a bit more confident with the CM9 in the pocket, especially knowing that I shoot it just as well.

If you're looking to buy a P238 with intentions of carrying it, you'd be better served with the lighter weight alloy-frame P238. Those alloy frames aren't exactly know for shooting loose.

 

[AWZ1287]

Snowdog, I have considered other choices, but I have alot of experience with the 1911 platform and I think I would do better keeping with the SAO set up. I don't really have a problem with the alloy frame I do have a p220 and p226, so I know they are hold up good. But being you specified about the alloy not known for shooting loose, has there been any problems with the sig Sauer stainless frames becoming loose? Or am I just reading into it to much?

 

[Snowdog]

AWZ1287, that was actually the point I was making, that the alloy-frame P238 is not known for shooting loose. Though I haven't thoroughly researched this, I have yet to come across a post or heard anyone talk about an issue with P238 frames.

The .380acp isn't a particularly punishing round. I'm guessing the P238 will outlive most owners.

 

[AWZ1287]

CNobbe I just noticed your post I must of missed it before. You said the finish wore fast. I thought cerakote was supposed to be tough, I don't have anything in that finish but I see it alot at the range and the guns look good, people seem to like it. Did you bring it up to customer service or ask on the forums, maybe it was a bad batch.
Is it indeed cerakote they use one the p238, I know the full size scorpions use it, but looking at the p238 description it doesn't specify, just says FDE finish.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

My fav edition of the p238 is the Sports



KYGunCo has them on sale a couple times a year for around $450

The base pad gives my large hands a little extra to grab on to, the black finish is durable and understated....everything I want/need

-Matt S.

 

[AWZ1287]

Snowdog I was thinking the same thing, if the alloy holds up to bigger stuff, it should do fine with the .380.

 

[AWZ1287]

The sport model does look good. To many choices, I had the same problem with my other sigs they have so many good looking options. Lol