AKA : SIG's Mini 1911
Capacity : 6 Rounds
Weight : 15.2oz or 430g
Length : 5.5in or 139.7mm
Action : Single Action, Semi Automatic
Locking : Browning sliding lock, (not swinging link)
Origin : U.S.A. / Switzerland
As concealed carry permits are on the rise in the United States the need for concealable, easy to handle and shoot well pistols has increased. SIG Sauer who has a considerable marketplace presence has heeded this call with it's new "Mini 1911" called the P238. With no less than 17 variations SIG is looking to find something for everyone. As an example you may purchase the P238 with a matt black, bi-tone, rainbow, Equinox, natural stainless, or even red finish.
Introduced in 2009, this compact .380 has some resemblance to the Colt Mustang, which itself was designed to appear like a mini 1911. Unlike a standard 1911 however the P238 does not have a swing link below the barrel or a barrel bushing. Surprisingly for a .380 caliber pistol the P238 has a locked breech which has advantages such as a lighter recoil spring so that anyone can easily manipulate the slide and the barrel can be easily replaced. The only real disadvantage with this system of locking a breech on a caliber that doesn't require it, is that you no longer have a fixed barrel like the Walther PP, which does contribute to accuracy. After much consideration I feel that for the ranges that this pistol is designed to be used in and seeing some shooting results, this disadvantage would be negligible.
The safety switch on this pistol is interesting when compared to the 1911. On inspection of the slide you will see there is no cut out for the safety lever to move up into when the weapon is made safe, thus when it is engaged the slide may still be manipulated. Sights, much is said about pistols and the visibility of their sights, SIG for as long as I can remember has always put quality sights on their pistols and the P238 is no exception. SIGLITE Night Sights are fitted as standard, these sights have white circles with tritium inserts which glow during low light conditions. SIGLITE Night Sights are said to have a 10-15 year life span before they should be replaced.
The trigger on the P238 has received some criticism for it's heavy pull weight of 7.5-8.5 pounds. For a single action pistol it is a little on the heavy side though it does have a clean break without or little stacking when the trigger is pulled, certainly better than lighter mushy trigger.
INTERESTING FACT : In the short period of time this pistol has been out it has had one significant safety recall and is now in its third magazine revision, though people that like it : "LOVE IT"
PRO's : Easy to maintain and use, Good quality finish, Great brand
CON's : Sensitivity to some ammo, heavy trigger, Some bad mags
COOL FACTOR : 5/10
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