A word about small CC guns

[Zylo_X]

... (3) The extended magazine allows for all of my fingers on the grip, rather than the pinky in the air.

Are those Sig mags? Also, can you confirm if the Colt Mustang mags fit? Thanks

[wgoforth]

... (3) The extended magazine allows for all of my fingers on the grip, rather than the pinky in the air.

Are those Sig mags? Also, can you confirm if the Colt Mustang mags fit? Thanks

Yes on both counts! However, the Sig extended mag looks like an extension of the grip for a neat, flush finish.
CDNN has both considerably cheaper.

[J.R.@A&M]

I would bet that the explanation for large variances in snubby accuracy by experienced pistol shooters has more to do with differences in trigger pull than sight radius issues.

As evidence, I offer only one observation -- our second annual Thanksgiving trip to the range with Fr-in-law, Bro-in-law, Marine Reserves nephew and Active Military younger friend. Fr-in-law wanted to practice with his newly acquired S&W Airweight snubby. The practice ammo that the range sold us was probably +P -- at any rate, the snubby shooting was snappy. Not an unfamiliar result. Newbie Fr-in-law couldn't hit the target. Bro-in-law couldn't do much better. Neither could Nephew Marine. I managed to shoot a couple of fist size groups. I am not a particularly experienced pistol shooter, but I would credit my performance to practice with the long trigger pull of my other revolvers.

[MadMonkey]

I was actually surprised at how accurate I was with my LCP the first time I took it out. I was able to keep all my shots on a standard-sized torso target at 15 yards... close-in was very good.

Honestly, sometimes I think I shoot smaller guns better than the larger ones. Less barrel flopping around, less weight, easier to hold straight on target... it all comes down to trigger control with them.

[wgoforth]

I was actually surprised at how accurate I was with my LCP the first time I took it out. I was able to keep all my shots on a standard-sized torso target at 15 yards... close-in was very good.

Honestly, sometimes I think I shoot smaller guns better than the larger ones. Less barrel flopping around, less weight, easier to hold straight on target... it all comes down to trigger control with them.

I guess I shudda taken a pic for the nay-sayers, but yesterday I went to ye olde range, and as you say... I was more accurate (or at least ~as~ accurate) with my 238 than my full sized 9mm. At 20 yards I shot 3 mags into a grouping the size of my hand...and I have a small hand. Actually, I think that is part of it for me...small gun fits my hand better. I understand when someone says ~they~ aren't hitting targets with such, but I shake my head when they go on to tell others that is what they can expect. If you have low expectations, sure. But a person either needs to become competent with what they have, or find something else with which they can be.

[MadMonkey]

I'd love to shoot a 238, I'll have to rent one when I'm back from Afghanistan. I bet that single-action trigger is light years ahead of the LCP...

[wgoforth]

I'd love to shoot a 238, I'll have to rent one when I'm back from Afghanistan. I bet that single-action trigger is light years ahead of the LCP...

It's apples and oranges. It is actually fun to shoot. The all metal frame lessens the recoil substantially as well as the sound. The crisp SAO trigger provides a clean break... but also means it must be carried cocked-and-locked. Some folks will not practice enough to remember to thumb off the safety, so for then, a DA could better.

[Jumping Frog]

I'd love to shoot a 238, I'll have to rent one when I'm back from Afghanistan. I bet that single-action trigger is light years ahead of the LCP...

Since the P238 is basically a copy of the Colt Mustang, I'd rather buy a Colt Mustang now that Colt is selling them again.

[Zylo_X]

I would bet that the explanation for large variances in snubby accuracy by experienced pistol shooters has more to do with differences in trigger pull than sight radius issues....

In a nutshell, YES. For me, its about the grip, which makes the 27# DAO triggered pocket gun unusable. For less experienced shooters, without good mechanics, the trigger pull alone could be a problem, regardless of fit. I can barely get 2 fingers on an LCP, but actually did quite well with the rented P238. In concurring with the OP, with regard to new shooters, I think it is important advice to determine the 'best fit', not just 'get the smallest'. I could certainly use an LCP for a BUG, or carry the P238 in the summer time, but for a new shooter, it is likely to be their primary. At least until they get the 'bug' to acquire more.

[wgoforth]

I'd love to shoot a 238, I'll have to rent one when I'm back from Afghanistan. I bet that single-action trigger is light years ahead of the LCP...

Since the P238 is basically a copy of the Colt Mustang, I'd rather buy a Colt Mustang now that Colt is selling them again.

Colt is more expensive and Sig did their own "Siginess" to it... such as you can rack to either chamber or unchamber a round WITH the safety ON. I consider that a very important safety feature on a SAO. Also, the old Colt have several issues which Sig worked out finally. This Colt is a new design, I don't want to be first in line on a new design of anything.

[wgoforth]

I would bet that the explanation for large variances in snubby accuracy by experienced pistol shooters has more to do with differences in trigger pull than sight radius issues....

In a nutshell, YES. For me, its about the grip, which makes the 27# DAO triggered pocket gun unusable. For less experienced shooters, without good mechanics, the trigger pull alone could be a problem, regardless of fit. I can barely get 2 fingers on an LCP, but actually did quite well with the rented P238. In concurring with the OP, with regard to new shooters, I think it is important advice to determine the 'best fit', not just 'get the smallest'. I could certainly use an LCP for a BUG, or carry the P238 in the summer time, but for a new shooter, it is likely to be their primary. At least until they get the 'bug' to acquire more.

Only disagree with the 27# comment... the LCP has around a 10 lb. The rest I would agree.

[Zylo_X]

wgoforth,

From the man who said "Siginess", Thanks for correcting my sarcasm about the trigger pull.
Thanks also for the info about the mags. The 238 is moving up on my shopping list.

[wgoforth]

wgoforth,

From the man who said "Siginess", Thanks for correcting my sarcasm about the trigger pull.
Thanks also for the info about the mags. The 238 is moving up on my shopping list.

So sorry! Without a smiley, sarcasm doesn't always come across, I thought you were being literal. Didn't know what other word to use but "Siginess"

BTW... find some excuse to send your 238 back to factory if you get one... (ie, jamming, FTF)...I did that and they sent a free magazine as well as polished the feed ramp and moving parts. Smooth as butter when it came back.

[Zylo_X]

wgoforth,

From the man who said "Siginess", Thanks for correcting my sarcasm about the trigger pull.
Thanks also for the info about the mags. The 238 is moving up on my shopping list.

So sorry! Without a smiley, sarcasm doesn't always come across, I thought you were being literal. Didn't know what other word to use but "Siginess"

BTW... find some excuse to send your 238 back to factory if you get one... (ie, jamming, FTF)...I did that and they sent a free magazine as well as polished the feed ramp and moving parts. Smooth as butter when it came back.

No worries, we're lost without a sense of humor. I've got thick skin, and thicker skull!! Thanks again for the info and heads-up about the 238, it is climbing my wish list with a bullet. It always seemed a logical contender, but it keeps getting better.

[Zoomie]

While small guns have their uses, no one ever came out of a gunfight wishing they had brought a smaller gun, and I'm sure some people didn't come out of a gunfight because the gun they brought was too small.