Which .380?

[AK103K]

I have a couple of P230's that I've ha for years, just dumped the P238 yesterday, and I've owned both German and US PPK's/PPK/S's, but no longer have any of them.

Of the lot, I prefer the P230's.

Mine have never drawn blood, unlike my Walthers, which were blood thirsty critters. I cant ever remember shooting one of them without bleeding. I would say that if the P230/232 is causing you to bleed, you'd best stay away from the Walthers. I was actually surprised to hear people saying the SIG's drew blood, since they dont have the sharp corners the Walthers do.

Shooting wise, the P230's and Walthers are about equal. Both are accurate. The Walthers are heavier and their DA triggers are not near as nice as the SIG's, which makes the SIG's a pleasure to shoot. I also think the SIG's handle recoil better and more comfortably than the Walthers, mainly due to the grip design.

The P238, well, I tried to like it, but it didnt like me. It was accurate and fun to shoot, when it shot, but it rarely made it through a mag without a stoppage, and it tore up brass to boot. Its safety is also about as loud as an M1/M14 or AK when you sweep it off, so discreet it aint.

Would it probably be a better idea to spend not even half that amount on an LCP and invest the rest in ammo and other things?

Yes. I picked one up soon after I got the P238, and with about 400 or so rounds through it now, it hasnt skipped a beat from round one.

 

[Bill B.]

Mine have never drawn blood, unlike my Walthers, which were blood thirsty critters. I cant ever remember shooting one of them without bleeding. I would say that if the P230/232 is causing you to bleed, you'd best stay away from the Walthers. I was actually surprised to hear people saying the SIG's drew blood, since they dont have the sharp corners the Walthers do.

My thoughts exactly .........first I have ever heard of that problem with the Sig. Anythings possible with big paws I guess ...............

 

[6x6pinz]

I used to carry my ppk/s all the time but the bluing was taking a beating. Now I carry a Sig P230SL (actually alternate between two of them) with hogue grips.

 

[sidheshooter]

Opinions on these things are always all over the map; I'm beginning to think that this is just part of small .380s, you have to go case by case and gun by gun.

For example, I had a bersa BT380 that was just a POS, even after being sent back to Royce at CGW warranty center. I sold that thing at a serious loss, but the rest of the free world raves about their Bersas.

On the other hand, I have a sig P238 that has hundreds of flawless rounds downrange through it. I used it not to long ago for a level 2defensive handgun class that involved moving targets, shooting on the move and the like, and the thing never choked; just a great little gun for what it is. That thing is well over the 200 failure free rounds of fiocchi xtp that I needed to consider it carry worthy, and it handles like a little dream with less recoil than the big blowbacks, adult-sized controls (like a real slide lock) and serious sights.

I'm voting for the P238, but I'm not about to call all the people who had problems with theirs liars.

The reality (IME) is that you are going to be buying a couple of small .380s if you're looking for one that is carry worthy, unless you hit the lottery right off the bat with the first one.

 

[Shadowdancer]

My P238 has never failed, and has been very accurate.

 

[oldfool]

of the three, yet another vote for the 232, and I would carry IWB
(but potential for slide bite is a factor to consider with both the Walther and the Sig)

 

[Storm]

The 232. I've found my 232SL to be 100% reliable, dead accurate, and far lighter with recoil than most 380's that I've shot. I've never had an issue with slide-bite. That can vary from shooter to shooter with variables such as grip, hand size, and grips used. I find that the factory plastic grips have more of a palm swell that puts my hand in a position that eliminates bite.

 

[usp9]

I find that the factory plastic grips have more of a palm swell that puts my hand in a position that eliminates bite.

I agree, but you should try the exquisite Nill grips on the P232. Closest thing to a sexual experience with a gun that's possible.
In a manly sort of way of course.



One of the best carry set ups I've ever seen. P232SL, with Nills riding in a Galco Executive. Ahhhhh.

 

[AK103K]

I find that the factory plastic grips have more of a palm swell that puts my hand in a position that eliminates bite.

I agree. I think the design of the somewhat larger SIG grips, along with the rounded end of the corners on the slide, are the reason the SIG's dont, or are less apt to bite.

I also like the Nill's, and think they are probably the nicest wood grips available, and not for just the P232's, but I prefer the shape of the P230's grips over the P232's, and I dont believe they make them in that form.

I see you too are a fan of the Galco Executive usp9. Great holsters, arent they? I have three, one or my P230, my Glock 26 (actually works for the 19 and 17 as well), and my J frames.

Older shot here (havent carried a 1911 for a long time now), but its the most functional and comfortable shoulder holster I know of, and mine gets used pretty much on a daily basis in the cooler weather.

 

[searcher451]

I own a few of these, from various manufacturers:



IMO, it's the real deal.