P238 discontinued?

[DJB-TX]

I’m a happy owner of an Sig Sauer P238 Scorpion… I needed, and it has, an ambi safety due to my “curse” of being lefty. A buddy who’s shopping for his first gun wants a carry gun and is also lefty, so we tried the S&W CSX 9mm due to looks and ambi safety (and ambi slide release, a bonus). The recoil was a bit too snappy for him so I figure he’s a good candidate for a .380 carry pistol. However, to my knowledge the P238 is discontinued… is that correct? If so, what comparable carry guns in .380 would y’all recommend, especially with at least an ambi safety? I could try helping him find a used Scorpion, but that could be quite a chore. Thanks.

 

[Tcruse]

Why would you want an external safety? Only one more thing to slow your response down and provides no benefit in return. Sig P365X or XL has less recoil than the P-238 (better frame design), uses the more reliable 9mm Luger ammo (shell tapered for better loading) and is cheaper to own (9mm vs .380ACP ammo cost). Otherwise look at P-322 as an option for someone that has a very low ability to handle recoil. Also, note the full-sized firearms are easier to shoot than any of the small guns.

 

[seeker_two]

Why would you want an external safety? Only one more thing to slow your response down and provides no benefit in return. Sig P365X or XL has less recoil than the P-238 (better frame design), uses the more reliable 9mm Luger ammo (shell tapered for better loading) and is cheaper to own (9mm vs .380ACP ammo cost). Otherwise look at P-322 as an option for someone that has a very low ability to handle recoil. Also, note the full-sized firearms are easier to shoot than any of the small guns.

 

[Steve In Texas]

I like my P938 and felt recoil on it while next to a P238 is not a whole lot different. The .380 market is a tough game to play in now with the capacity of the Ruger LCP-MAX.

 

[ronr68]

I liked my p238 but the Ruger Max won out due to capacity. Find a range with a good selection of rental guns and try some. Could save you or your friend a lot of money…and regrets.

 

[General Zod]

Subcompact isn't always the best way to go, even for concealability. Plenty of people with all kinds of body shapes conceal full size pistols - it's a matter of a good holster and wardrobe - and that doesn't always mean an untucked button-up shirt. With a tuckable IWB I've concealed my Sig SP2022 under a dress shirt quite well at 3 o'clock. The only kind of concealed carry a subcompact like the P238 is "required" for is pocket carry. Something full-size (or even compact rather than subcompact)with a little more mass will handle 9mm better and be a more pleasant shooting experience when you're maintaining proficiency...and as Tcruse said, you'll save a lot of money on ammo (and have an easier time finding it).

And yeah, with modern pistol designs an external safety is not really a requirement for carrying safely. They're generally going to have passive safeties built in - often on the trigger or in the form of a decocker on a double-action only pistol. Or both.

 

[SURVIVOR619]

While the P238 is no longer being manufactured by Sig, if your friend is interested in that model, they remain relatively plentiful in the private marketplace.

 

[hornetguy]

Why would you want an external safety?

Because this is a mini-1911 with an external hammer, and would be unsafe to carry cocked and un-locked.

 

[deemus]

P365 is nice. With the extended mag it’s comfortable to shoot.

 

[rotor]

He wants an ambi safety. His choice. Why do we always argue?

 

[General Zod]

He wants an ambi safety. His choice. Why do we always argue?

We don't always argue. Where do you get that? Why would we argue? How dare you say we argue!

 

[rotor]

We don't always argue. Where do you get that? Why would we argue? How dare you say we argue!

LOL. Of course we don't argue.

 

[HKSig]

He wants an ambi safety. His choice. Why do we always argue?

Because you can?

 

[rotor]

Because you can?

I don’t care if someone wants a safety on their gun. Not my business. Not my argument. Poster wants one. Hope he finds one.

 

[tonelar]

I’m a happy owner of an Sig Sauer P238 Scorpion… I needed, and it has, an ambi safety due to my “curse” of being lefty. A buddy who’s shopping for his first gun wants a carry gun and is also lefty, so we tried the S&W CSX 9mm due to looks and ambi safety (and ambi slide release, a bonus). The recoil was a bit too snappy for him so I figure he’s a good candidate for a .380 carry pistol. However, to my knowledge the P238 is discontinued… is that correct? If so, what comparable carry guns in .380 would y’all recommend, especially with at least an ambi safety? I could try helping him find a used Scorpion, but that could be quite a chore. Thanks.

I own a P238. A great substitute would be the Mustang Pocketlite.

Also, the comments about the P365 are correct. It’s less snappy than the littler P238. Mrs Tonelar stopped carrying my classic Colt Mustang when she shot the P365 to qualify for her permit.

 

[Glenn B]

... the P238 is no longer being manufactured by Sig...

The Sig Sauer website seems to disagree with that statement at least releative to one version of the P238; see:

P238 TWO TONE CA COMPLIANT

Our original 1911-inspired micro-compact.

www.sigsauer.com

 

[Glenn B]

He wants an ambi safety. His choice. Why do we always argue?

Because too many of us always think we know better and there are more than enough folks who think they know better on this or that so that in toto they know best about everything. One day Frank knows best about safeties, the next day Peter knows best about ARs, following day Mathilda knows best about 1911s & potted plants, and on & on ad infinitum.

 

[V-Tach]

I thought I wanted an ambi safety on my 1911 and in short order went back to the standard safety........

I carry OWB right side and found sometimes just putting on my seat belt or bumping against counter/shopping cart I would inadvertently click the safety off only to be discovered later.......

just my worth less than 2 cents experience.....not against them for anyone else.....

 

[seeker_two]

We don't always argue. Where do you get that? Why would we argue? How dare you say we argue!

Yes, we do! How dare you! You must be some government stooge to say that...

 

[Tnhawk]

LOL. Of course we don't argue.

I agree with that.