IdaOne
Member
I found a good deal on a used P232 for $350, and before I take the plunge I wanted to hear from 232 owners- those that own the Aluminim framed model. I suppose I would only feed the gun ball ammo
Sig P232
- Thread starter IdaOne
- Start date
- Status
I will violate your premise by responding because mine's stainless. I have shot both kinds though.
The only real difference is that the stainless one is a bit heavier and somewhat more pleasant to shoot. Lacking the extra weight, the aluminum frame 232 does have just a touch of that "sting" recoil feel that small light blowback guns often have. It's not brutal, just a slight bit more sting. At the same time, some might prefer the aluminum frame for carrying due to its lightness.
Some folks have reported some issues feeding certain brands of JHP ammo. 232s are dead reliable with ball ammo. If you do decide to shoot JHP, you may have to try a couple different brands to discover what it likes. Also, folks on the SIGforum have reported JHP reliability with "problem" ammo after sending their pistol to SIG for polishing and tweaking. Mine hasn't been to SIG. It likes the Remington Golden Sabers and of course any ball ammo.
Some folks will point out that you can get 9x19mm Para pistols that are not much larger than a P232 according to a ruler. This is true. However, sometimes an extra 1/4 inch can make the difference between comfortably carrying and not, especially if that extra 1/4 inch has a couple of sharp pointy edges on it or a hammer and a beavertail jutting off the end. The P232 has a lot of sleek, curved shapes that just melt into your body when carrying.
I also find I shoot the P232 quite well for a small pistol. There is enough grip there for someone with medium-large hands to hold onto.
$350 is a pretty good price. I never see them that low around here for a good or better condition specimen.
Also, no matter what anyone says in criticism, they have to admit the P 232 is one of the most attractive pistols ever made
The only real difference is that the stainless one is a bit heavier and somewhat more pleasant to shoot. Lacking the extra weight, the aluminum frame 232 does have just a touch of that "sting" recoil feel that small light blowback guns often have. It's not brutal, just a slight bit more sting. At the same time, some might prefer the aluminum frame for carrying due to its lightness.
Some folks have reported some issues feeding certain brands of JHP ammo. 232s are dead reliable with ball ammo. If you do decide to shoot JHP, you may have to try a couple different brands to discover what it likes. Also, folks on the SIGforum have reported JHP reliability with "problem" ammo after sending their pistol to SIG for polishing and tweaking. Mine hasn't been to SIG. It likes the Remington Golden Sabers and of course any ball ammo.
Some folks will point out that you can get 9x19mm Para pistols that are not much larger than a P232 according to a ruler. This is true. However, sometimes an extra 1/4 inch can make the difference between comfortably carrying and not, especially if that extra 1/4 inch has a couple of sharp pointy edges on it or a hammer and a beavertail jutting off the end. The P232 has a lot of sleek, curved shapes that just melt into your body when carrying.
I also find I shoot the P232 quite well for a small pistol. There is enough grip there for someone with medium-large hands to hold onto.
$350 is a pretty good price. I never see them that low around here for a good or better condition specimen.
Also, no matter what anyone says in criticism, they have to admit the P 232 is one of the most attractive pistols ever made
usp9
Member
Buy it. The P232 alloy framed pistol is a joy to shoot and carry. The best price I've ever seen a ANIB go for is $315...and I bought as fast as I could get my credit card out! I put Hogue rubber grips on it and put it in a Galco Fletch holster. A great carry combination.
The P232 is a natural pointer, reliable, very accurate and has many favorable carry characteristics. My only lament is that it has no night sights, and none are available aftermarket. Here's mine in it's holster.
The P232 is a natural pointer, reliable, very accurate and has many favorable carry characteristics. My only lament is that it has no night sights, and none are available aftermarket. Here's mine in it's holster.
If you're in the market for a P232, I would recommend the stainless model with night sights and Hogue grips. This is what I own and I decided on this version based on advice from my contact at SIG. The stainless frame adds more weight but is more comfortable to shoot, and you can only get night sights on the stainless model (there is no way to replace the sights, so you have to get the factory night sights if you want them). Super fun to shoot!
Russell
Russell
Guitargod1985
Member
Just bought my P232 last month...
And I have been very pleased with both its range performance and its concealability.
I bought the version with Hogue rubber grips and the factory SigLite night sights. As someone else mentioned, it points very naturally. In fact, I would say that this is my most naturally pointing pistol - but then again, I only have five right now.
Accuracy is very good for a smaller gun. I'm not a great shot, but off hand I can manage 3" groups at 15 yards, which is excellent for me considering it has a shorter sight radius. If I fire rapidly, the group opens up slightly but it still isn't bad.
Concealability is fantastic. I carry mine in a Galco IWB holster (can't remember the model) designed for the Walther PPK, and this thing disappears and never prints with casual movement. Keep in mind that I'm a guy who's only 5'11" / 185 lbs and typically have trouble concealing at times. Not with the P232.
The gun feels nice in the hand for me. I have somewhat smaller hands. I could never get a proper grip on a Desert Eagle and barely get a proper grip on most large caliber doublestack designs (Hi-Power, 92, XD, etc.). The P232, with its single stack magazine and blowback design, manages to be a mere 4.7" high while having a sufficient grip. In addition, it is only 1.2" thick.
I've run 225 rounds of WWB 95 gr FMJ through it with one failure at round #212. In another shooting session, I've also put 200 rounds of Federal 95 gr FMJ through with no failures.
I'm using the P232 as my every day carry gun now and until I test the reliability and penetration on the Federal 90 Hydrashoks (I have 80 to test), I'm using the Federal FMJs as my carry ammunition.
LOL - wel how about that? I just realized I have it on my hip right now.
And I have been very pleased with both its range performance and its concealability.
I bought the version with Hogue rubber grips and the factory SigLite night sights. As someone else mentioned, it points very naturally. In fact, I would say that this is my most naturally pointing pistol - but then again, I only have five right now.
Accuracy is very good for a smaller gun. I'm not a great shot, but off hand I can manage 3" groups at 15 yards, which is excellent for me considering it has a shorter sight radius. If I fire rapidly, the group opens up slightly but it still isn't bad.
Concealability is fantastic. I carry mine in a Galco IWB holster (can't remember the model) designed for the Walther PPK, and this thing disappears and never prints with casual movement. Keep in mind that I'm a guy who's only 5'11" / 185 lbs and typically have trouble concealing at times. Not with the P232.
The gun feels nice in the hand for me. I have somewhat smaller hands. I could never get a proper grip on a Desert Eagle and barely get a proper grip on most large caliber doublestack designs (Hi-Power, 92, XD, etc.). The P232, with its single stack magazine and blowback design, manages to be a mere 4.7" high while having a sufficient grip. In addition, it is only 1.2" thick.
I've run 225 rounds of WWB 95 gr FMJ through it with one failure at round #212. In another shooting session, I've also put 200 rounds of Federal 95 gr FMJ through with no failures.
I'm using the P232 as my every day carry gun now and until I test the reliability and penetration on the Federal 90 Hydrashoks (I have 80 to test), I'm using the Federal FMJs as my carry ammunition.
LOL - wel how about that? I just realized I have it on my hip right now.
1911 guy
Member
Decent pistol, fair price.
I say buy it. My wife needs to carry a much smaller handgun than I do, her choice is a blued steel P232. I've shot it and kinda like it. Manual of arms is completely different than my carry gun, but that's not an issue. It's HER carry gun. If I were to start carrying a "pocket rocket", these would be high on my list.
I say buy it. My wife needs to carry a much smaller handgun than I do, her choice is a blued steel P232. I've shot it and kinda like it. Manual of arms is completely different than my carry gun, but that's not an issue. It's HER carry gun. If I were to start carrying a "pocket rocket", these would be high on my list.
CAnnoneer
Member
I hate you.
A new P232 in my neck of the woods is about $500-600.
A new P232 in my neck of the woods is about $500-600.
gcrookston
member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2007
- Messages
- 391
Don't bother with it. I've carried a 230 for years, and my wife adopted my 232 and has carried it for about 5 years now. It's a terrible gun and completely over priced, especially at that whopping $350.00. Go get another gun. But before you do, could you please give me the name and the phone # of the person that has it so I can discuss this issue with him.
Jump on it! I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but at least mine, a stainless, the trigger is amazingly good. Single action is crisp and light with zero creep and the DA is near as good, both about as good as it gets.
KevininPa
Member
Grab it!
I got what I thought was a good deal on mine. $400 for a 232SL, hardly shot. Somebody buys a lot of high end stuff from the shop I usually deal with. Then every second or third year he sells back almost all of it at a loss! Some of it unfired! My gun guy has to close down for a day to inventory and transfer everything. When I spotted the Sig I asked how much. Originally the price was going to be $550, till I broke it down and told him it was fired. He told me he would get back to me. Called me a day later and said $400. I think he cut me a break because I get a lot of stuff from him. If it weren't for that deal, I doubt I would own one.
I got what I thought was a good deal on mine. $400 for a 232SL, hardly shot. Somebody buys a lot of high end stuff from the shop I usually deal with. Then every second or third year he sells back almost all of it at a loss! Some of it unfired! My gun guy has to close down for a day to inventory and transfer everything. When I spotted the Sig I asked how much. Originally the price was going to be $550, till I broke it down and told him it was fired. He told me he would get back to me. Called me a day later and said $400. I think he cut me a break because I get a lot of stuff from him. If it weren't for that deal, I doubt I would own one.
I had a stainless one for several years (until it was stolen). It handled every type of ammo I used, no jams. The Hogue grips really make a positive difference on an already great gun. I could shoot that pistol better than any other I've owned. For under $400, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.
- Status
