| SIG Sauer P238 | |
|---|---|
 P238 pistol manufactured by SIG Sauer, Rosewood variant | |
| Type | Pistol |
| Place of origin |
|
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | SIG Sauer |
| Unit cost | MSRP $679.00 |
| Produced | 2009 - current |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 15.2 oz (430 g) |
| Length | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
| Barrel length | 2.7 in (69 mm) |
| Width | 1.1 in (28 mm) |
| Height | 3.9 in (99 mm) |
|
| |
| Cartridge | .380 ACP |
| Feed system | 6 or 7(extended) round single stack magazine |
| Sights | 3 dot white or tritium night sights, or Tru-Glo Fiberoptic (all model specific) |
The SIG Sauer P238 is a compact .380 ACP caliber, single-action pistol announced by SIG Sauer at the 2009 SHOT Show. It is a version of the Colt Mustang[1] pistol with a classic SIG Sauer scalloped slide and finger relief under the trigger guard. Grip panels are fluted polymer making this an all-metal frame firearm in competition with plastic-framed pistols in the same class like the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec P-3AT.[2]
The P238 has an aluminum frame and a stainless steel slide. Initially, P238 pistols had standard sights with night sights as a more expensive option. However, all models currently produced have night sights standard. Starting in 2012, many variants have an ambidextrous thumb safety standard or as an option.
Variants[]
When introduced in 2009, the P238 was available in a matte black finish and a two-tone finish with a matte silver colored slide and black frame. Since then, SIG Sauer has produced a number of variants including some short run commemorative editions. Among the variants are versions with various finishes, with a stainless steel frame and different grips and embellishments.
Recalls[]
In July 2009, SIG Sauer issued a recall of all P238s sold within a certain serial number range, which they referred to as a "Mandatory Safety Upgrade." The reason stated for the recall is that a small number of P238s were built with defective manual safety levers, leading to "the remote possibility that the gun could fire unintentionally, thus creating a risk of injury or death," although SIG Sauer emphasized that no such injuries had actually occurred.[3] According to SIG Sauer, the recall did not affect any pistols with a serial number that started with "27Axxxxx".[4]
There have been three updates applied to the magazine used by the P238. The third generation magazine has been so far the most reliable.[citation needed] The recoil spring was also updated in late 2010. The new spring is a flat coil spring with better performance[citation needed] and longer life expectancy.
References[]
- ↑ Third-Time Lucky: Sig Sauer P238 Review
- ↑ SIG Sauer product page
- ↑ P238 Mandatory Safety Upgrade SIG Sauer website, retrieved August 29, 2012
- ↑ P238 Mandatory Safety Upgrade SIG Sauer website, retrieved August 29, 2012
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The original article can be found at SIG Sauer P238 and the edit history here.