Sig Sauer P238

[Joker19]

First to admit

I will be the first to admit I really hated the P238 when I first received it. FTF and FTE were rampant and just simple would not fire with reliable results. I contacted Sig, received a new flat spring and 3 new 7 round magazines PLUS another 6 round. I then jumped up the powder in some 95 gr FMJRN and walla it is flawless!!! Not one single FTF or FTE. This is a smoker now I get the new items installed. Another round with great results and without a doubt the best self defense round you can buy for the .380 is the Hornady "critical defense" 90 gr HP. Hard to come by but worth the wait!

 

[Scuba_Steve]

I took my P238 to the range today for the 3rd time in the 3 weeks I have owned it. I have no FTE issues, but have had had FTF isseus every time I have used it. Today I had 1 FTF with American Eagle and 2 FTF with PPU 94gr. I have a total of 300 rounds through it.

As I was driving home, it occured to me that it seems the FTF is always the first round in the magazine. I can't confirm absolutely, but I will watch for it next time.

 

[Guns and more]

As I was driving home, it occured to me that it seems the FTF is always the first round in the magazine.

Just curious, do you use the slide release or manual rack of slide to load the first round.
My 238 has never had a FTF. I used PMC bronze FMJ.
What if you only load 5 in the magazine?
I've tried "topping off" the magazine after loading one in the chamber, and mine fired, but I noticed that the magazine took a firm push the last 1/8" to lock in.

 

[wally]

Mine was a total disappointment at first -- wouldn't go two mags without a failure to return to battery. But eventually (~175 rounds) the problem seems to have resolved itself with some shooting.

I've also got the P3AT, LCP, & Bodyguard 380 and the SIG P238 is the most comfortable to shoot but its also the largest and heaviest and not too usable with the left hand. I doubt I'd ever carry it as its just too close to my Kahr MP40 in size which is a lot more powerful for the small size/weight premium.

Here is a photo of the P238 sitting on top of the PM40:

Other photos comparing the four pistols are in this thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=576986