[Jacoby]

I've been reading the various threads for a while and I'd hope to get some advice for a pocket pistol as a 3rd carry option.

Currently, I have concealed carry permits for my Glock 19 (bag carry) and Glock 43 (mainly IWB). As I'm not from the US and as our weather is very hot and humid all year, even the Glock 43 in IWB carry can get uncomfortable at times. So I'm considering a pocket pistol and narrowed it down to the Sig P238 or P938. I thought that the Glock 43 would be the "one" when I ordered it months before the dealer had it in stock. But I realised that while profile is very slim, its a little too big for pocket carry.

I considered the Glock 42 at first since I train mainly with striker fired pistols. But I also do own a 1911 and CZ75 (I consider it SAO since I don't use DA mode) so I'm quite comfortable with SAO guns w/ manual safety. Here are some pros and cons between the 2 Sig's...

Sig P938
+ same caliber for all my carry guns
+ better defensive round
- slightly heavier and bigger (but seems smaller than Glock 42)
- harder recoil than Glock 43?

Sig P238
+ smaller and lighter which is main consideration for pocket carry
+ better recoil lthan P938?
- have to start stocking another round

By the way, although size & weight are the priority, I prefer a pocket pistol that can be relatively comfortable to shoot so that I'll want to spend range time with it. Initially, I thought the Glock 43 was too snappy. But after enough training, the recoil doesn't bother me anymore unlike say my Ruger LCR .38 which I couldn't get used to and ended up selling.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[redcat11]

I looked up the specs of a 43 and it was slightly larger than the P938. One thing that turned me on to the P938 is that I can carry it locked and cocked using a clipdraw. Yes sounds crazy, but where I live (Tampa) I wear tank tops and using this configuration it disappears.

 

[Talldog]

I think the P938 is really pushing the limit for pocket carry. I've carried it that way a couple of times in loose shorts, and it worked, but I wasn't crazy about it. I'd never carry it in jeans.

 

[Gabill]

Yep and then you will sell the 43. Both great pistols and have had them for a while. No problems at all.

 

[imthduke]

Yes
and Yes

 

[Rambler]

Hmmmm....I have both the 938 and 238. I really like both of them. But, I don't pocket carry. Maybe I will someday, dunno. But both are fine pistols. Personally, I find the 238 a bit snappier than the 938. Both are very accurate, with the lead probably going to the 938 in my experience. If I was making the decision now, and had to decide between just those two, I'd go with the 938: the weight and size are not that much more, 938 is a tad less snappy (IMO), which makes follow up shots easier and more accurate.

That said, if you want a tiny pocket carry, I'd go with the Ruger LCP Custom in .380. It is snapper, yes. There are downsides. But if a true pocket pistol is what you want, this is a good one. The LCP isn't bad, but the LCP Custom is better. My son has the LCP and son in law has the Custom. I've shot a few mags from both. It is probably a tiny bit more than half the weight of the 938 (going from feel and memory here, not the actual specs), much thinner and shorter in height and length. Just another datapoint.

 

[MB53]

As much as I like Sigs, the 238 is just too small for me. But it was a very close 2nd place to my purchase of the M&P Shield.
as for pocket carry? Might work well..it IS small.

 

[Jacoby]

Just a quick update, I've decided to reserve a P238 SAS that was in stock from the dealer.

Although I like the P938 too, I already have several 9's mostly from M&P and Glock. Plus the P938, like the Glock 42, might be a tad big for pocket carry which is my main intention in buying a new gun.

It will be my first .380 after some time as I used to have a Colt Pony (which I hated) and hope it will be fun to shoot.

 

[Scotticus]

Here's the thing. You've got the 19. You've got the 43. Now, you need a dedicated pocket carry gun, something truly small.

I would go .380 and as small as you can. Kahr P380 is smaller than the p238

 

[WuLiPuOva]

I agree with Scotticus but I'd stick with the G43. G43 recoil is not snappy! ymmv

 

[Springer99]

FWIW, I had, and love my SIG938 but don't consider it to be a perfect pocket carry solution. Although it's small and light enough for the job, it's has too many sharp surfaces and the exposed hammer to make it easy and quick to draw. However IWB, it's the best.

You really need to try a S&W J frame, 642 or similar if you want a good pocket carry CC firearm. The little Ruger LCP is even better for pocket carry, but IMO, the caliber just isn't up to snuff IMO.

 

[drmordo]

Just a quick update, I've decided to reserve a P238 SAS that was in stock from the dealer.

Although I like the P938 too, I already have several 9's mostly from M&P and Glock. Plus the P938, like the Glock 42, might be a tad big for pocket carry which is my main intention in buying a new gun.

It will be my first .380 after some time as I used to have a Colt Pony (which I hated) and hope it will be fun to shoot.

You made the right call. Like the G43, the 938 is really too big for pocket carry. I have a G42, and while it is pocketable, it's almost too big. The 238 is not as small as you can get (P3AT), but is an amazing gun in a very small package.

I love my P238, and of the five pocket guns I've had, it's easily my favorite.

 

[Jacoby]

drmordo, yes, that's exactly my sentiment. The G42 would have been a nice choice if it was a bit smaller especially since I train often with my Glocks these days.

Springer99, I'd love to have a J-frame someday but I already have a Ruger LCR. I did consider the LCP (and Taurus TCP) initially but based on reviews, it seems like the P238 is one of the more shootable pocket pistols.

 

[Hiram357]

I love the Sig P238 -- you made the right call OP. Perfect for pocket carry, which is my favorite. The recoil seems almost non-existent to me, and I find that I'm way more accurate with the SA trigger than with a DAO trigger.

Although I'm a huge 238 fan, I know that some people aren't comfortable with carrying Condition 1 (Cocked and Locked) on a pocket carry piece. It's totally safe to do so... as a test, I've carried this cocked, unlocked, and unloaded and never found the hammer down. Nevertheless some people just don't want to carry like this, so for future readers -- if you fall into that category, the G43 is probably right for you.

One recommendation for SD ammo: Hornady XTP. Shooting the Bull did an ammo comparison for short-barrel 380s, and long story short, he found that pretty much anything with the XTP bullet is a good choice. http://shootingthebull.net/blog/final-results-of-the-380-acp-ammo-quest/ Modern 380 rounds can be beastly.

 

[drmordo]

I love the Sig P238 -- you made the right call OP. Perfect for pocket carry, which is my favorite. The recoil seems almost non-existent to me, and I find that I'm way more accurate with the SA trigger than with a DAO trigger.

Although I'm a huge 238 fan, I know that some people aren't comfortable with carrying Condition 1 (Cocked and Locked) on a pocket carry piece. It's totally safe to do so... as a test, I've carried this cocked, unlocked, and unloaded and never found the hammer down. Nevertheless some people just don't want to carry like this, so for future readers -- if you fall into that category, the G43 is probably right for you.

One recommendation for SD ammo: Hornady XTP. Shooting the Bull did an ammo comparison for short-barrel 380s, and long story short, he found that pretty much anything with the XTP bullet is a good choice. Final Results of the .380 ACP Ammo Quest | Shooting The Bull Modern 380 rounds can be beastly.

Similarly, I carried unloaded but Condition 1 for a few weeks, and even wrestling with my young kids didn't switch the safety off, much less pull the trigger. Granted, I do not wrestle with my kids with a loaded gun in my pocket, but I'm very confident that the safety on a P238 is not going to move unless you deliberately actuate it.

 

[Snicker]

if size and pocket carry is the main reason, then the 238 is the right one. You make the right choice OP, but still I love the G43 than the 238

 

[palmheel]

True pocket pistol. Kel-Tec P-32, loaded with Underwood's Cavitators. Carry it 100% of time in front right pocket, even if I carry my G43.

 

[mck1975]

Pocket carry .... the P238 hands down .... See!

On a serious note, the P238 is an absolute non issue to carry. Whether it be IWB or pocket. I pocket carry thr P238 wearing under armor shorts with zero problems. So there ya go! Best case is being able to rent and shoot.

 

[saltman]

I have 938 and toss it in a pocket to go to grocery store. The 938 would be close to your G34. 938 would be 1/4 inch shorter in both barrel and grip length, (with flush mag) while G34 is more narrow in the grip width. So its one of those situations where any of these could work for you. If I already had the G34 and liked it, I would get the 238 and maybe LCP if you need ultra deep conceal. Can you handle both at a LGS? This is a holster I found on ebay. I can also put it in my laptop bag so it stays upright, and goes with me a lot. I like the flush mag option for short grip length.

 

[drmordo]

True pocket pistol. Kel-Tec P-32, loaded with Underwood's Cavitators. Carry it 100% of time in front right pocket, even if I carry my G43.
View attachment 153337

I do love the P-32! I foolishly sold mine and have been looking for another for the last couple of months. Absolutely tiny.