For Those Considering the SIG P238...

[knljr]

I bought one earlier today...

I read a bunch about these online and after messing with one the last two times I was at the gun shop, I decided that I had to have one.

BUT, after reading some of the horror stories about the FTE's and FTF's...I started to read up and my understanding is that most folks have resolved these issues with a few modifications - some did it themselves...some sent their 238's back to SIG. I guess the best advice at this point if you're in the market for one is to make sure you get as new of a model as possible. Definitely make sure it has the Gen3 mag as that's one of the main jamming culprits.

1) the barrel has a bit of a bur where it touches the mag. Some folks have sanded that down with 2000 grit with good results (or sent it back to SIG and they did it). Youtube video of that " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

2) The 1st and sometimes 2nd generation mags (and the Colt mags apparently...) had some design flaws and the 3rd generation seems to fix most issues. BTW, you can find the Gen3 P238 mags here: http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-p ... azine.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3) One other issue is the first gen recoil spring. There's an updated flat spring that fixes some problems as well...need to check mine when I open it up...but not sure how to tell what it is since I don't have anything to compare it to, but I know that spring has caused some issues as well.

I basically bought the newest black/Nitron they had (mfg date was August 2011) and it came with the Gen3 mag. I wanted the SAS model as they melt it at the factory - nice and smooth...but they didn't have one in stock...

I put 100 rounds through it at the range on the way home and thought it did OK, especially since I hadn't cleaned/lubed it - it was right out of the plastic wrap. I had two FTE's. That said, I did exactly the same thing with both my P30 and the Glock 36 and haven't had a single issue and have about 600 rounds through the H&K and 200 or so through the Glock.

BUT, I'm gonna take it apart later and clean it up and take a look at the barrel and see if it's rubbing against the mag, clean it up nice and use some good oil. One other thing I read is that these really require good lube to operate properly. Perhaps in defence of the pistol...I wasn't using great ammo either. It was the cheapest Winchester 380 stuff I could find in the store, which I bought on purpose to put this thing to the test.

I'll update if I find any issues during the tear down. Otherwise, great pistol - I'm super accurate with it up to 7-10 yards...past that I can put all 6 rounds in about a 6" group. Need some practice with it...

Also picked up a Glock 36 today...HOLY CRAP WHAT A GUN!! Man, can't believe I'm shooting a .45...it handles so well...

My P30 is still the favorite for me - best ergonomics, not sure if it is...but it feels lighter than the 36...stock DA/SA trigger is killer and it's the one I'm most accurate with (and the one I'll be using for my CHL qualification). The 36 is great and I could put rounds on top of each other at about 5 yards...but move it back to 10-15 and I struggled a bit with it. I think I just have to get use to different sights and the recoil is definitely manageable...but different of course than the P30.

[johncanfield]

Wife and I have put 500 rounds through our new P238 and dear wife was having some problems with FTL and that turned out to be limp wristing. We had lots of problems with a Colt pinkey grip mag and I returned it to the LGS and traded it for a gen 3 Sig factory mag.

When I compared the gen 3 mag to my mag, I discovered mine is gen 2. We sent the Sig back to the factory last week for issues with ejection of the casing - it would eject a casing anywhere in an arc from right over the head to straight out from the breech. I also sent in the magazine - hoping they will replace it with a gen 3.

I love the gun, wife isn't so thrilled since she has a much harder time with the requirement to have the sights at 12 o'clock rather than the usual 6 o'clock.

[68Charger]

I got my 238 and had one FTE when I first bought it and didn't clean it. I went home, took it apart, cleaned it, and another 600+ rounds through it with all sorts of different ammo, and not ONE malfunction. Runs flawlessly. I also gone mine with a shorter spring and not the flat one. Hadn't had a problem with the magazine or anything else. Mine too is also a nitron finish.

I suppose it's a hit or miss. I heard all the horror stories as well, but I just LOVE Sigs so much, that I didn't care and took a chance and bought one.

I carry mine EVERY day now and trust my life with it.

Good luck w everything.


EDIT: Oh, and as far as Colt magazines are concerned, I've tried mine with a 7 round magazine and even though the feed ramp is a bit more elevated, I still have NOT had ONE problem with it. Runs. Flawlessly.

[knljr]

great to hear 68Charger. It's such a convenient carry weapon...even with the little holster they provide...I tried it with a pair of shorts I had on (no belt) and a t-shirt and it hid well - and was very comfortable...I really couldn't even feel it there. When I get my CHL, I can totally see myself carrying this quite a bit since it seems to fit my usual attire. Obviously, in the winter months when wearing jeans or pants all the time and heavier shirts/jackets, I'll probably switch to something else - but for an everyday carry - I really like this thing.

I did have a couple ejections straight over my head - I had read about that too. I'm just going to keep shooting it and hope for the best. My intention is to put at least another couple hundred rounds through it and then if I have any significant problems, contact SIG and see what they think.

[wgoforth]

Sig has an extended 7 round mag that makes a HUGE difference on the grip...not a pinky rest, but covers the whole floor. CDNN has them for $34. I have read problems using the Colt/Metalform magazin as that gets you back to the earlier gen mags of the P238 that were nicking up the feedramp. Search for my review on my 238 and the solving of the kicking brass out.

[Rex B]

I've had my P238 for a year or so, and it was used/refurbed by Sig then. I doubt my mags are 3rd gen (how do you tell?) but I mostly use Colt mags anyway.
I've not had any problems with any of them. I don't think I've ever had a misfeed or FTE

[Bear67]

I have owned a Colt Mustang for years and when my wife lady decided she really liked that platform for CHL carry, I purchased a Sig P 238 that day. We have 500 rounds through it at the range--range ammo and SD of several mfg's. This is without any FTE,FTF--any. I have 2 sig mags, 2 original Colt mags, and 2 from CDDN that are metalform/colt. All are functioning fine.

For some reason, when you break this or the Mustang out at the range, everyone wants to try it out. This is especially true of the die hard 1911 guys (sorta like me)

The SIG is my bride's EDC and she is a better shot than her old man, but most importantly she is comfortable carrying and concealing this gun. She has been shooting handguns for the entire 44 years we have been married and shoots full size .357 revolvers, full size Glocks, Smiths, Berettas, but really likes her 238.

I am pretty sure that the 3 friends who have purchased a 238 after shooting hers are enjoying theirs as much as we do.

I still need to find a better looking/feeling set of grips, but they are fine with the factory aluminum ones.

[Rex B]

I bought some wood grips off ebay a few weeks ago.
$25 shipped, very nice quality. They came straight from Thailand.

[Rugerboy50]

I bought some wood grips off ebay a few weeks ago.
$25 shipped, very nice quality. They came straight from Thailand.

That's a good price.

I found some VZ grips for mine that look really good. Paid $65.00 for them but worth it IMO.

[RHenriksen]

I bought some wood grips off ebay a few weeks ago.
$25 shipped, very nice quality. They came straight from Thailand.

Oh, man... I wouldn't admit that in public. The Feds will come after you, just like they're shaking down Gibson guitars!

[wgoforth]

I've had my P238 for a year or so, and it was used/refurbed by Sig then. I doubt my mags are 3rd gen (how do you tell?) but I mostly use Colt mags anyway.
I've not had any problems with any of them. I don't think I've ever had a misfeed or FTE

Sig will replace the prior mags and recoil spring for free. Google the pics or on youtube to see the difference. The prior generation mags were tearing up the right side of the feed ramp which then would case the FTF/FTE issues. See my review on this forum of the P238.

[YellowTJ]

I picked up a diamond plate one a couple months ago, how do you tell what the manufacturing date is? So far I really like mine. It didn't like Remington hollow points in the slightest. Those wouldn't feed up or fire at all. 300 rounds of random round nose ammo feeds and fires well.

[Rex B]

I bought some wood grips off ebay a few weeks ago.
$25 shipped, very nice quality. They came straight from Thailand.

Oh, man... I wouldn't admit that in public. The Feds will come after you, just like they're shaking down Gibson guitars!

As long as foreign labor gets the money, the Feds are OK with it.
They just don't like seeing Americans doing actual work to produce a product to sell. Erodes their voter base.

[wgoforth]

I picked up a diamond plate one a couple months ago, how do you tell what the manufacturing date is? So far I really like mine. It didn't like Remington hollow points in the slightest. Those wouldn't feed up or fire at all. 300 rounds of random round nose ammo feeds and fires well.

Were you using the slide stop/release or slingshot method of releasing the slide. Their smith says that usually when there is a FTF it is from not being fed properly due to using the slide realse. The manufacture date on mine is printed on the label on the plastic box.

[rusty86]

Thanks for the write-up klnjr. I've been looking at the p238 for a pocket carry when I can't conceal a bigger gun IWB (shorts/t-shirt, for example). I've seen mixed reviews as well but it seems that Sig has worked most (all?) of the issues out with the later manufactured pistols.

Also, I've held one with the 7-round extended mag and it feels great. That'd be a quick purchase after the gun for me.