So... to anyone who is looking to choose a CCW and needs advice, you're in the right place. These people were exactly right by saying you need to hold/try the pistols you are researching. So thank you to everyone who responded to my link about selecting a CCW!
Anyways, to the good stuff.
After researching many 9mm guns (in my price range), and shooting my boyfriend's Glock 19, I decided that though I loved it, 9mm was not ideal for my frame to conceal. I am still looking to purchase a 9mm for home defense in the future.
I decided to hold some .380s. I held a Sig p238, a Ruger LCP, a Walther PPK and a couple others.
I narrowed it to the Ruger and Sig. I tried to rack the slide on the Ruger and due to small hands and lacking hand strength, I couldnt do it comfortably. I can barely rack the slide on the Glock : (
Then I tried the Sig. I pulled it effortlessly. My hand fit more to my liking as well and to my surprise, it was not all that much more than the Ruger in price.
I purchased the gun and took a risk in that I had never shot this caliber or this model gun. Plus my boyfriend liked it so we agreed if I didnt like it, he could have it : )
I took it to the range and it was amazing. The only issue I had was that I was told a certain mag was compatible with this gun and I had 2 issues: failure to eject and a stovepipe jam. The mag was a 7 round colt mustang mag. Has anyone heard they were compatible? I had no such luck.
Those two things aside, with the original mag, the pistol performed amazing. I am super pleased and very thankful for the advice. Literally all I had to do was hold the guns and ask some questions and I could make my selection.
My only issue is the capacity of these smaller pistols but with a lot of practice at the range, I can make up for that in accuracy.
I still want a 9mm. Still looking at a Glock 26 and also a Sig p239 to add to the family.
Thanks for all the help!! You've been a great support!
Did you look at the Kahr PM9? If you can conceal the P238 you can do the PM9...but you still picked up a very good weapon. The Sigs are of excellent quality. I have been told that the Mustang mags are compatible. Do a search on the 238 here and you will find a few threads. Or PM JD...he has both guns.
Congrats on the purchase. You will not be under-gunned, or un-calibered using a .380. It has been a popular and effective self-defense cartridge for years.
It seems like you did your homework, and selected a very popular pistol that should serve you well for many years. Nothing wrong or lacking in your choice, and you will likely find that whatever and whenever you select a 9mm weapon, the .380 will still find its' way to your side every once in a while, too.
The G26 is a fine weapon also, but my daughters also have to make a serious effort to rack the slide, and it's virtually identical to the G19, just a shorter slide and grip. If you had issues with the G19, they will be the same on the 26. You may try the "Girls Version" of racking the slide and see if it is easier....instead of holding the pistol and using one hand to rack the slide back, try holding the slide and pushing the gun forward. It sounds silly, but it is essentially the same motion, and generally easier for girls lacking hand and arm strength to accomplish.
Now, off the range to practice, practice, and practice some more! And be sure to take a CCW class if you haven't already. Most gunshops can suggest a ladies class, which I highly endorse. I have seen my fair share of macho show-offs in mixed classes, and had my wife her friends sign up for a ladies-only class. They are much more comfortable, and don't hesitate to ask questions they may not mention if the class was mixed.
Congrats on the purchase. You will not be under-gunned, or un-calibered using a .380. It has been a popular and effective self-defense cartridge for years. /
I would have to disagree, though I would not want to be shot at with a .380, it's nowhere near proven in my book and is below the carry threshold for me.
I would definitely take a look at some of Buffalo Bore's offerings since the Sig P238 is rated to handle +P ammunition. The .380ACP +P ammunition definitely has some impressive numbers. I would take every advantage I could take. You can find it at Cabela's.
Then I tried the Sig. I pulled it effortlessly. My hand fit more to my liking as well and to my surprise, it was not all that much more than the Ruger in price.
Congrats on the gun. I held one the other day and thought it was pretty sweet. I guess I'm a little stumped by your quote here though about the price? I'm interested in how much you paid, because where I'm from a p238 is going to set you back between $500-600. Coversely, I can buy LCP's all day for $265. That's a pretty BIG price difference in my book! Maybe you got a buddy at the gun store or something....either way, good for you and enjoy!
The Ruger was priced in the mid 300s. There was another that was $299 because someone purchased it, didnt use it, brought it back the next day. I paid $435 for the Sig. Still steep but my boyfriend was surprised at the price too. Wasn't pre-owned or anything. You're right though, your price difference is huge. I think we thought the same thing about the Sig being higher in price because it wasnt on my list of pistols to hold.
Congrats. Glad that you found a carry firearm that seems to fit you very well. Clock in some practice time because shot placement is pretty important with regard to the .380.
Also shop on Ebay for a GripMaster. They are very inexpensive....around $9.95 - Buy the LIGHT one and do the finger & hand exercises.
The GripMaster is very little money well spent for building hand strength and improving shooting in general.
I don't think anyone, even BGs, look to see how big the hole in the barrel is before ducking, so I think you'll be fine with the .380 on you rather than the big ole something you don't.
I've read mixed posts on using Colt Mustang mags in the Sig. Some have problems, some don't. I think it's more of an individual mag problem than a matter of compatibility. Maybe the spring in the mag you tried is weak.
Congrats on your selection. Sounds like you used some reasoning and made a decision which is best for you. Although the choices are many, we all second guess our choices. Practice gun saftey, and shoot it enough to get comfortable and confident.
If you place a Sig P238 mag beside a Colt Mustang mag you will see that the follower sticks up higher with the Colt. The Colt mag sometimes leaves the last empty in the chamber because it is stripped from the extractor when it bumps the follower. The slide will lock back but the empty stays in place. I use my Colt mags strictly for the range.
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