Sig 232 for carry/defense

[Storm]

I've just acquired a Sig 232 SL, making up for a Sig 230 foolishly sold years ago. I have never felt a gun that feels better in my largish hands with better pointability and portability. It is so good that I am now considering the possibility that this may end up being a carry gun for me despite owning numerous compacts in 9mm, .40, .357 Sig and .45. I've read several old threads about the defense capabilities of the .380 ACP, and the general consensus seems to be that shot placement and "accuracy, portability, and reliability all beat caliber in terms of effectiveness". I never thought that I would ever consider a defense gun less than 9mm (my home defense gun is a .40 S&W). I guess my question is whether a .380 can be brought up to 9mm effectiveness with the use of rounds like Corbon DPX, Golden Sabers or Hydra Shoks (which I use in my .40 P99)? The other aspects of the 232 seem so right for me (which will need to be confirmed with a lot of work) that I'm considering the move.

Thoughts?

 

[KevininPa]

I love your choice! I have a 232 SL myself. Does yours have the night sights as well? Can't help ya about ammo. Some say this, some say that, all I know is that I buy the cheap Remmie hollows from Walmart. At my buddies impromptu "target" range I put those rounds through a car door and the bottom of an 1/8th inch stainless steel pot. As you can tell, my buddy has a weird target range. I figure if I can punch that, then I'm not too worried about denim, wool and leather as long as I do my part. Have a nice weekend!

Kevin in Pa

 

[TwinCarry]

Your not alone!!!

Like you, I also had my doubts with the .380 for carry. And that's why I purchased 3 more guns in 9mm for carry (Glock26, Walther p99, Para Carry9.) And guess what!! My favorite is still the Sig 232 with the same reasons as yours. Perfect fit and the weight and balance are also perfect for my hands (that's what's most important right?). I love this pistol so much, I bought another one in blue. I also went crazy on the best holsters money can buy. I hope you'll enjoy my pictures. I also included my ppk/s. As you can tell, I'm pretty confident with my 380's now, I hope you will too!.

If the gun is right! Then it sure will put up a hell of a fight! Right!?!

I just made that up. Sounds good though...doesn't it?

That's all folks. Oh by the way, this is my first post and I'm having fun already. Thanks to you all!!

 

[KevininPa]

Welcome Twin Carry and I must say that is a nice .380 collection. I myself have a CZ83, the aforementioned Sig and tomorrow I'm picking up a FEG SMC, which is a PPK clone with good reviews. I'd like to get a stainless PPK but alas, funds aren't always there. Just sold a Bersa, they're really good and reliable shooters. Will get one again when they come out with a stainless slide. Mine became a locker queen because of the Sig. I'm comfortable with all my .380s so I'm not worried about SD issues. Like you said, if it feels good......


Kevin in Pa

 

[TwinCarry]

Thanks KevininPa, good luck with the FEG SMC. You know, I've purchased a few Galco hosters for my Sig 232 and on the package is says it can be used with FEG SMC as well. Never heard of this till I looked it up and yes since it's very similar to the 232, I'm sure it too has an awesome grip. Let me know how it goes.

Thanks again for your reply!

 

[Lonestar49]

...

Congrats on a great Bug-Gun.. lol

On ammo, personally, I load a dutch-load, one chambered, 7 in the mag, for 8 shots.

I start off with Chambered JHP, then FMJ, JHP, FMJ, etc..

All, 95gr


Enjoy, and if it starts to ever jam on the 3rd or 4th round, just clean out your mags and the spring with some sort of dry Lubricant/Cleaner in one.

I use EEZOX spray synthetic cleaner and lubricator.. just spray, wipe it clean, then spray a very fine mist, swipe it inside everywhere, let sit 5 mins, bonds with metal, then one more light dry swipe, and your/they're good to go..


LS

 

[Tyman]

I love my P232sl. It is my personal carry in the hot months. P2000 in the fall and winter. I prefer to carry the P232 because it just fits.

 

[Richard]

"I guess my question is whether a .380 can be brought up to 9mm effectiveness with the use of rounds like Corbon DPX, Golden Sabers or Hydra Shoks (which I use in my .40 P99)?"

In short, the answer is no but you are far from unarmed. The .380 is generally on a par with most 38 Special rounds. Regards, Richard