So I've been wanting to get a LCP for a while, and went to the gunshow today with the intent to buy one. After looking around I discovered a Sig P238 and really liked it. Actually a lot more than the LCP. I'm just wondering how the Sig P238 is and which is the better gun? The Sig was $489 with a laser, but I'm not sure if it was a refurb or not. Someone was asking about another Sig and they told him it was refurbished from Sig at the factory, but this one didn't say anything about it on it.
Ruger LCP vs Sig P238
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Tommygunn
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Early Sig P238s had some problems but most recent ones are OK. One main problem was the recoil spring was c coiled round wire which was smaller on one end than the other; this type would become deformed too quickly and cause problems. The new Sig spring is flat, and these are better inspite of making the gun trickier to reassemble.
IMHO the Sig is better .... but I don't badmouth Rugers, a LOT of people like them.
IMHO the Sig is better .... but I don't badmouth Rugers, a LOT of people like them.
Lefty Wright
Member
Agreed. No contest. I've shot both (you should too). The Sig has it by miles, but is also a higher priced gun.
The P238 is, IMO so superior to everything else in it's class that I can't see anyone selling one unless it was one that had problems.
I think I'd prefer the LCP/P3AT for a CCW. The price is right, it's freakishly small and light, and it has a good reputation for reliability. The DA trigger pull is nice and long with some stacking. I can't imagine ND'ing this gun. And remember that for a pocket gun, weight is almost as important as size.
The first time I shot one, I put 6 shots within an inch or so, at 21 feet. 5 of them went through the same hole. Rapid fire will take some practice, though. Recoil was very pleasant.
The SIG has had a few hiccups with the extractor, recoil spring, and mag followers. Chances are you'll get a good one. And it makes for a better range gun. But it you're going to use it for extended range sessions, you might as well buy a Rohrbaugh, a PM9, and a Seecamp while you're at it, because you have too much money to burn!
The first time I shot one, I put 6 shots within an inch or so, at 21 feet. 5 of them went through the same hole. Rapid fire will take some practice, though. Recoil was very pleasant.
The SIG has had a few hiccups with the extractor, recoil spring, and mag followers. Chances are you'll get a good one. And it makes for a better range gun. But it you're going to use it for extended range sessions, you might as well buy a Rohrbaugh, a PM9, and a Seecamp while you're at it, because you have too much money to burn!
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The Rohrbaugh and Seecamp are horrendous guns for extended range sessions and the P3AT/LCP are hardly what I wouldncall fun for extended range sessions, but the P238 feels and shoots like a much larger gun than it is and can be shot all day.I think I'd prefer the LCP/P3AT for a CCW. The price is right, it's freakishly small and light, and it has a good reputation for reliability. The DA trigger pull is nice and long with some stacking. I can't imagine ND'ing this gun. And remember that for a pocket gun, weight is almost as important as size.
The first time I shot one, I put 6 shots within an inch or so, at 21 feet. 5 of them went through the same hole. Rapid fire will take some practice, though. Recoil was very pleasant.
The SIG has had a few hiccups with the extractor, recoil spring, and mag followers. Chances are you'll get a good one. And it makes for a better range gun. But it you're going to use it for extended range sessions, you might as well buy a Rohrbaugh, a PM9, and a Seecamp while you're at it, because you have too much money to burn!
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Since the Sig is a basic clone of the old Colt Mustang,which was a pretty decent pistol itself I would agree the Sig is a better built and more heavy duty pistol than the LCP.
While at a gun show today I saw a great number of LCP's ranging in price from $260-$320.
The Sigs on the otherhand were all over $490 to as high as $520.
Big difference there and the Kel-Tec P3AT's were even lower in price than the LCP's.
Not sure what you want the pistol for but if it's for concealed carry I honestly would choose the LCP for that role as it's a good bit lighter and smaller and I prefer a DAO pistol in that role.
Last for the first time ever I got to see and hold a brand new Seecamp .380 and I can say that it was tiny to say the least.
I cant imagine firing a 50 round box in an hour of range time with that little howizer.
While at a gun show today I saw a great number of LCP's ranging in price from $260-$320.
The Sigs on the otherhand were all over $490 to as high as $520.
Big difference there and the Kel-Tec P3AT's were even lower in price than the LCP's.
Not sure what you want the pistol for but if it's for concealed carry I honestly would choose the LCP for that role as it's a good bit lighter and smaller and I prefer a DAO pistol in that role.
Last for the first time ever I got to see and hold a brand new Seecamp .380 and I can say that it was tiny to say the least.
I cant imagine firing a 50 round box in an hour of range time with that little howizer.
If you are looking for ease of carry in virtually ANY situation then the LCP beats the Sig by a mile. I am a Sig guy (my P228 is one of the best 9mm's ever built in my opinion) but 9.4(LCP) ounces as compared to 15.2(P238) ounces is a BIG difference in terms of pocket carry. .8 inches in width for the LCP and 1.1 inches in width for the SIG is a big difference in the pocket also. I personally dont know why anyone would buy either for a range gun. Their purpose is concealed carry and the LCP conceals easier.
I have both a P238 and a P3AT. I would say it depends on the type of action you would feel most comfortable with. The P238 probably is easier to shoot out to a little longer range than the P3AT because the sights are better.
Both are good pistols.
Notes on the P238. Make sure it has the flat recoil spring in it. Look! don't assume. The flat spring is day and night bette than the round spring.
Third generation magazine followers are the best, but 2nd generation is ok. First generation followers or Mustang magazines won't work reliably.
Finally, the extractor may need some tweaking if it does not hold the case properly when extracting.
The P238 is no where near as good as my Mustang.
I wish someone would make neoprene grips for the P238.
Both are good pistols.
Notes on the P238. Make sure it has the flat recoil spring in it. Look! don't assume. The flat spring is day and night bette than the round spring.
Third generation magazine followers are the best, but 2nd generation is ok. First generation followers or Mustang magazines won't work reliably.
Finally, the extractor may need some tweaking if it does not hold the case properly when extracting.
The P238 is no where near as good as my Mustang.
I wish someone would make neoprene grips for the P238.
I have a Mustang (substantially similar to the 238) and a LCP. The LCP is cheaper, and lighter making it perhaps less noticeable in pocket carry. Mine has been reliable with everything I've fed it. The finish on the slide seems to have worn quickly.
The mustang is a better shooter by far. This is likely due to the better sights, as well as the extra size and weight and of course the vastly superior trigger (light single action versus long heavy double action). I often carry the LCP as BUG. If I were going to carry one or the other as a primary I would prefer the Mustang. The Mustang is a nice gun and seems better built and more durable.
On a balance the Mustang is a MUCH nicer gun. If it was sold at the price of the LCP I imagine there would be a lot fewer LCP owners.
The mustang is a better shooter by far. This is likely due to the better sights, as well as the extra size and weight and of course the vastly superior trigger (light single action versus long heavy double action). I often carry the LCP as BUG. If I were going to carry one or the other as a primary I would prefer the Mustang. The Mustang is a nice gun and seems better built and more durable.
On a balance the Mustang is a MUCH nicer gun. If it was sold at the price of the LCP I imagine there would be a lot fewer LCP owners.
P238 is better gun by miles. But as has been said here, the LCP is the better CCW. It is cheaper, lighter, reliable 100%. I got the LCP; I really wanted the P238, but for CCW its hard to beat the LCP. I put both in either pocket walked around switched.... hands down LCP.
harmon rabb
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I own both. Each is head and shoulders above the other in one category. In terms of carryability, the LCP wins by a country mile -- it's just much lighter than the 238, so light you can forget it's in your pocket. You'll never forget the 238 is in there (although it fits in a pocket just fine).
However, in terms of shootability, there is utterly no comparison -- the 238 destroys the LCP. The 238 has a decent trigger, real sights, and handles recoil well. The LCP has an awful, heavy trigger with a very long travel, non-existent sights, and is a snappy little bitch. I am a poor shot with my LCP -- with my 238, I can shoot almost as well as I can with a full size. That right there make the decision of what to carry for me -- I think I've carried the LCP only once after getting the 238.
Now, if you're a guy who can shoot a revolver in DA well (I'm not), then you may be able to shoot the LCP fine. If you're like me and much better with SA triggers, get the 238 and don't look back.
However, in terms of shootability, there is utterly no comparison -- the 238 destroys the LCP. The 238 has a decent trigger, real sights, and handles recoil well. The LCP has an awful, heavy trigger with a very long travel, non-existent sights, and is a snappy little bitch. I am a poor shot with my LCP -- with my 238, I can shoot almost as well as I can with a full size. That right there make the decision of what to carry for me -- I think I've carried the LCP only once after getting the 238.
Now, if you're a guy who can shoot a revolver in DA well (I'm not), then you may be able to shoot the LCP fine. If you're like me and much better with SA triggers, get the 238 and don't look back.
Lonesomewolf
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Sig P238
Get the Sig if you can afford to do so. I compared both. I chose the Sig and am quite pleased with it. Actually it's my wife's, and she also is quite pleased with it. Yes, it is more expensive, but I believe the quality of build is better with the Sig. In the end, both are good carry guns. The Sig is probably better at the range. But either way, I believe you'll be OK.
Get the Sig if you can afford to do so. I compared both. I chose the Sig and am quite pleased with it. Actually it's my wife's, and she also is quite pleased with it. Yes, it is more expensive, but I believe the quality of build is better with the Sig. In the end, both are good carry guns. The Sig is probably better at the range. But either way, I believe you'll be OK.
springer99
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The LCP is certainly small and light enough to hide just about anywhere. If that's what you really are looking for, it'll be fine.
BTW, it is more than accurate(6-7" @25yds) IF you can find the sights and hold it well enough. In 380ACP, it's not a fun gun to shoot more than a couple of rounds though.
IMHO, the SIG is a better all-around small choice.
Whichever you choose, make sure to check for any feed issues. Both can be fussy with some ammo types.
BTW, it is more than accurate(6-7" @25yds) IF you can find the sights and hold it well enough. In 380ACP, it's not a fun gun to shoot more than a couple of rounds though.
IMHO, the SIG is a better all-around small choice.
Whichever you choose, make sure to check for any feed issues. Both can be fussy with some ammo types.
I've had a Mustang Pocketlite for 15 years, 100% reliable. After buying a LCP and carrying it for awhile, I prefer the LCP due to it's DA trigger. I could get the most important first shot off much quicker with the LCP. I could never trust the safety on the Mustang as I had it come off safe several times. Switched to hammer down thereafter. The Mustang is a very accurate and fun shooting gun and assume the P238 is also. But for a pocket pistol, I prefer LCP's double action trigger or one of the other DA pocket autos i.e. P-3AT, P380, TCP. To each his own.
For me, the LCP is way better for discreet ccw. If I am going to relegate myself to a 380, it needs to go in my pocket. IMO the 238 is too heavy and thick for my purposes.
The 238 is a much nicer pistol when we look at it out of context of my ccw needs, just dosent translate into reality for me. I guess I have shot enough that I can fire the LCP fast and accurately. I could also shoot it all day w/out any discomfort.
The 238 is a much nicer pistol when we look at it out of context of my ccw needs, just dosent translate into reality for me. I guess I have shot enough that I can fire the LCP fast and accurately. I could also shoot it all day w/out any discomfort.
Peter M. Eick
Member
While my 238 had issues early on, it is 100% reliable now. I would recommend one.
wow6599
Member
As much as I like the Sig, I would go with a PM9 since the size is similar. The LCP is so easy to carry that I literally forget it's in my pants or coat pocket too often.
Not really a fan of the .380 rd.......I'm a fan of the LCP/P3AT platform.
Not really a fan of the .380 rd.......I'm a fan of the LCP/P3AT platform.
The PM9 and the P238 are NOT similar in size! Here is my PM9 and my P238 side by side and clearly the P238 is significantly thinner and shorter that the PM9.
And this shows my PM9 on the bottom left with my P238 oposite on the bottom right and clearly the P238 is smaller in every dimension.
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