Sig P238

[spm]

I've been looking at the Sig P238 as a carry pistol. The website calls it a 1911 and states that it is single action only. Admittedly, I have not handled one, yet but I've not been able to see a grip safety in any photo. My question is can this pistol be safely carried condition 1?

Thanks,
spm

 

[Magnuumpwr]

No beaver tail safety, but does have the cock n lock. Maybe this pic can help answer part of your carry question.

 

[GarySTL]

I've been carrying mine for sometime with no worries. I mostly pocket carry in a DeSantis Nemesis.

Doesn't bother me at all. Safety's on and trigger is covered by the holster. Just bought a P938 too.

 

[KYamateur]

I just posted a review on my M&P shield. I am not fond of the single action set-up of the Sig, but many like it. I was very skeptical about the shield, but so far so good.

 

[GLI45]

+1 to GarySTL's comments above. I also have a P238 that I carry on occasion and it's always in condition 1. Additionally the thumb safety has a very distinctive snap to engage & disengage. I really don't see it accidentally becoming disengaged just from riding in your pocket or in an IWB holster.

 

[rskent]

The 238 is a great little pistol. I have a SAS model. It's my everyday carry. I mostly use an OWB holster. The little 238 carry’s like you have no gun at all and is all but invisible under a T shirt. If you are OK with .380 and you like 1911s it's pretty much the go to gun.

 

[HexHead]

If the website is calling it a 1911, I'd wonder what else they're misleading you on? While the Sig may cosmetically appear to be a 1911, and yes, can be safely carried in Condition 1, both it and the Colt Mustang it was based on differ greatly internally from a 1911.

Lack of a grip safety is why you can't see one in photos.

 

[2wheels]

In many respects, the P238 (and the Mustang) is a mini-1911. However, it does not have a grip safety and the thumb safety does not lock the slide. As HexHead noted, it also differs internally. But... I still consider it a member of the 1911 family, even if it isn't technically a 1911.

To answer your question yes it can be safely carried condition one, I have one that I have carried quite often in a pocket holster. Once you handle one you'll realize the thumb safety is not likely to be accidentally disengaged in your pocket, yet it's still easy to flip off with your thumb when you want to. Sig did a great job on that feature.

Let's not forget that plenty of other single action or single action capable guns (HiPowers, P220s, CZ75s, HK USPs, etc.) don't have grip safetys, and people carry them cocked and locked quite safely.

 

[Orion8472]

I actually prefer to see them as more of a Hi Power type gun. True, there is no grip safety [a big characteristic of a 1911], nor does the trigger pull straight back, but is hinged. It may be loosely based on a 1911, but it definitely isn't one. Having said that, they are very nice pistols and one of the softest recoiling .380acp pistols [of that size] you can get.

 

[spm]

I went back and re-read their site. They don't exactly call it a 1911. What they say is: P238® microcompact is built for the most exacting 1911 enthusiast.

Regardless, a lot of good responses and information here, and I got the answer to my question.

Thanks to all.
spm

 

[kokapelli]

IMO there is nothing in the pocket 380 class that can touch the P238.

 

[osteodoc08]

When I had my P238 and carried it C&L without a worry. I eventually sold it to get something with more punch.

 

[Redlg155]

I have no concerns with mine cocke n locked and for the last few years has been my primary ccw. I doubt there is a softer recoiling .380 on the market.

 

[orionengnr]

IMO there is nothing in the pocket 380 class that can touch the P238.

In your opinion, that is just fine.
In fact, it weighs more than a Kahr PM9/CM9, which fires the more powerful 9mm round...or the even more powerful 9mm+p round.
If what you want is a really small and light .380, the LCP does both.

 

[kokapelli]

In your opinion, that is just fine.
In fact, it weighs more than a Kahr PM9/CM9, which fires the more powerful 9mm round...or the even more powerful 9mm+p round.
If what you want is a really small and light .380, the LCP does both.

Had an LCP and the difference between shooting it and the P238 is like night and day.

Also have a TCP that for me is also superior to the LCP.

 

[AZ PAUL]

I currently I have P238 and really like the little thing. It is fun to shoot and recoil is low. I shoot it very well. I haven't heard anyone say that about a LCP.

 

[Captcurt]

I currently I have P238 and really like the little thing. It is fun to shoot and recoil is low. I shoot it very well. I haven't heard anyone say that about a LCP.

And you probably won't. Big difference between LCP 's double action trigger and Sig 's single action.