Ruger LCP vs Sig P238

[heeler]

I toatally agree with Kokapelli here.
I measured my newly purchased Kahr PM-9 against the Kahr CW-9 yesterday before purchasing and there was a substantial difference in size.
I then took the PM-9 and laid my Diamondback 380 on top of it and again a substantial difference in size.
As much as I am happy with my newly purchased PM-9 there aint no way it is going to be as pocketable as one of the present day 10 ounce unloaded micro .380's or for that matter even the Colt Mustang PocketLite I sacrificied for the new PM-9.

 

[wow6599]

The PM9 and the P238 are NOT similar in size!

I do realize the PM9 is somewhat "bigger" than the P238, but aren't they both around 15oz? The LCP around 9oz? I guess the point I was trying to make is that I think the LCP is a perfect pocket gun......the P238 not so much, just my opinion. So, if I am going to carry a mouse gun IWB or OWB I would go with a 9mm over a .380. And yeah, I know a lot of folks who pocket carry the PM9 and have heard of a few that do with a P238.....I just wouldn't.

 

[wally]

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.

True but they are very similar in weight 16.7 Oz empty for the PM9, 16.3 Oz empty for the P238. If they both fit in the pocket you plan on, then weight is key thing. Both are a bit too large for any of my pockets, while the LCR at 9.6 Oz empty is not. A PM40 IWB is my prefered carry, but sometimes only the little .380 will hide.


No doubt the P380 will be more fun to shoot than the LCP because of the extra weight and better sights, but for most, the LCP will be easier to carry if super small is required.

 

[AK103K]

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.

Unless they have come down a good bit, that sounds awful cheap. I bought mine new last summer, and it was close to $600, and that was just a plain jane version.

I no longer have the P238 as I had problems with it.

I still have the LCP I bought at around the same time as the P238. Its worked 100%, but I dont see that it can do anything better than my Seecamps, and other than occasional trips to the range, its been basically sitting in the safe waiting to go up on consignment.

I still think the Seecamps (mine are LWS32's) are the standard to be met for "smaller" guns. I also dont find them hard to shoot, nor are they hard on you, but then again, mine are .32's, and not the .380's.

 

[PX15]

JMOfartO:

NO mousegun is a "range gun"...

All are designed for basic, up close and personal self defense with light weight and ease of concealment.

As to the comparison between the RUGER LCP and the SIG P238?

I like the looks and feel of the Sig...

I carry (daily) the LCP..

The Sig is SINGLE-ACTION, not desirable in a weapon used primarily for cc and will probably only be needed in an immediate CRISIS requiring a KISS attitude and as few things to go wrong as possible.

Just my opinion.

Jesse

 

[wow6599]

PX15, did INNOVATIVE ARMS do your LCP sights? How much do they, or whoever did it, charge.

 

[harmon rabb]

JMOfartO:

NO mousegun is a "range gun"...

The Sig 238 disagrees with you. Took mine to the range today yet again. Good trigger, real sights, completely comfortable to shoot. It couldn't be more more different than the LCP.

Honestly, the 238 truly is a mouse gun that you can shoot regularly at the range.

 

[PX15]

harmon:

Respectfully, no tiny 32/380 cal mousegun is "designed" as a range gun.. Mouseguns are designed to be easily concealed, light enough to be carried for long periods with little discomfort, and self defense accurate..

I don't doubt your Sig is more accurate than my LCP.. My LCP is more accurate than my LWS380..

But that increased accuracy, in a cc self defense firearm, is simply not a big deal.

No matter how accurate your excellent Sig P238 is, the fact remains it is a SINGLE ACTION firearm.. A deal breaker for me for any small firearm carried concealed.

When I want to put holes in nice small groups at the range I use my HK P7, not my mousegun..

No offense,

Jesse

Also..

WOW6599..

Yes, the sights are by Innovative Arms. The price was (I think) $150.00, which included a slide refinish (already necessary). Phllip and Jenny are great folks at IA.. I recommend them.

Best Wishes,

jesse

 

[AK103K]

I didnt see shooting either at the range to be an issue. You have to shoot them to practice, so it is what it is. The P238 is softer shooting, but the LCP isnt uncomfortable to shoot by any means.

They both shot well for me, when the P238 would shoot. It does have better sights, but the LCP's work fine if you use them, and I can shoot my Seecamps fine, and they have no sights.

I think some of the problem here is, some people think like target shooters, while others think more realistically with what they have and how they will be used, and how they practice. The P238 does make for a better "target" gun though.

Triggers are triggers, and they are what they are. What youre used to probably puts you in one court or the other. Its usually the SA shooters who bitch about all the other types, where the DA shooters, can shoot pretty much anything without to many complaints or problems. Again, if shooting little groups on bullseye targets is your thing, the P238 and its SA trigger, is probably the gun for you. If you shoot more realistically, and how the gun is likely to be used, I doubt youll see much difference between the two. I didnt.

One advantage to the LCP is no safety.

Other than it not being reliable, the P238's safety was the thing that annoyed me the most about it, as it was very loud and not at all subtle when swept off. By loud, I mean WWII D Day "cricket" loud, not just a little "click". If Id have kept it, I'd have probably just carried it hammer down on a loaded round and thumb cocked it. Basically the same effort and movement, just a lot quieter.

 

[Lonesomewolf]

There seems to be less muzzle flip with the Sig P238 and better target reacquisition as well. Ita great size for concealed carry, my wife thinks it's a little heavy and it is heavier than some of the other 238's, but she doesn't realize that her roll of quarters and 3 dozen pens contribute to her pocket book weight. I guess with the right blow you could do some damage with a roll of quarters. I wrestled with the same issue you have before I got the Sig, for about 3-4 months. Finally decide on the Sig. It's a matter of personal fit and preference but I still feel that the Sig is more quality oriented.

 

[Tommygunn]

Other than it not being reliable, the P238's safety was the thing that annoyed me the most about it, as it was very loud and not at all subtle when swept off. By loud, I mean WWII D Day "cricket" loud, not just a little "click". If Id have kept it, I'd have probably just carried it hammer down on a loaded round and thumb cocked it. Basically the same effort and movement, just a lot quieter.

You must have gotten an unusual Sig P238. My P238 has a safety that clicks put I find it nether disturbing or unusually loud. Mine has proven very reliable so far.

No matter how accurate your excellent Sig P238 is, the fact remains it is a SINGLE ACTION firearm.. A deal breaker for me for any small firearm carried concealed.

Why? Carry it "cocked & locked." This is perfectly safe. The safety is in an excellent position to thumb it off.

 

[PX15]

JMOfartO:

Hey, let's start again.

Those who like the fine Sig P239 won't have their opinions changed by those of us who like our Ruger LCP's..

And vice-versa..

To each his/her own, and whatever suits YOU best is the best for you..


Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[kokapelli]

I didnt see shooting either at the range to be an issue. You have to shoot them to practice, so it is what it is. The P238 is softer shooting, but the LCP isnt uncomfortable to shoot by any means.

They both shot well for me, when the P238 would shoot. It does have better sights, but the LCP's work fine if you use them, and I can shoot my Seecamps fine, and they have no sights.

I think some of the problem here is, some people think like target shooters, while others think more realistically with what they have and how they will be used, and how they practice. The P238 does make for a better "target" gun though.

Triggers are triggers, and they are what they are. What youre used to probably puts you in one court or the other. Its usually the SA shooters who bitch about all the other types, where the DA shooters, can shoot pretty much anything without to many complaints or problems. Again, if shooting little groups on bullseye targets is your thing, the P238 and its SA trigger, is probably the gun for you. If you shoot more realistically, and how the gun is likely to be used, I doubt youll see much difference between the two. I didnt.

One advantage to the LCP is no safety.

Other than it not being reliable, the P238's safety was the thing that annoyed me the most about it, as it was very loud and not at all subtle when swept off. By loud, I mean WWII D Day "cricket" loud, not just a little "click". If Id have kept it, I'd have probably just carried it hammer down on a loaded round and thumb cocked it. Basically the same effort and movement, just a lot quieter.

I just want to say one thing about the safety noise. If you clicked it off while the pistol was in your pocket I think you have to have the hearing of a dog to hear it. If you clicked it off after drawing it I don't see what difference that would make and maybe it might even be a benefit just like a BG hearing the slide on your 12ga being racked.

Personally I like the fact that my P238's safety has a positive click as it snaps into place and I find it hardly noticeable. As a matter of fact the safety clicking into position is so quite on mine I had never even noticeably until you complained about yours.

 

[AK103K]

You must have gotten an unusual Sig P238.

I suppose. Ive caught a fair amount of grief from others for the comment, but it was what it was. (I've also caught a fair amount of grief because my gun didnt work too, like it was my fault. )

I think part of it was due to it not working the same as the 1911's thumb safety, where the plunger rides parallel to the side of the frame, on the edge of the safety. The SIG's plunger comes out 90* to the frame and impacts the underside of the safety as it snaps into the indents. I just assumed that was the problem and thats how they all were.

 

[Tacoma]

Couple of significant differences that may/may not make either fit YOUR needs.

The sig is .3" bigger (L&H) and 5oz (50%) heavier. It may be an issue if you intend to pocket carry. On the flips side, this will make the sig handle recoil better .

The LCP has a double action trigger vs the 238's single action trigger. The SA is more conducive to accurate shooting but carrying "cocked and locked' can make some nervous.

The sig's fit, finish and overall quality make it something to admire and "baby" The LCP is more of a "tool".

Lastly, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the S&W BG380. These are startign to get a significant following in teh pocket 380 market. I won't start that argument here, just offer that you should try them all and make a informed decision based on YOUR likes and needs.

 

[Doghandler]

Those P238's are just snazzy look'n little buggers.

Too bad...

SAO for a snazzy little bug gun just doesn't fit my tactical process.

 

[AK103K]

Those who like the fine Sig P239 won't have their opinions changed by those of us who like our Ruger LCP's..

Youre right, and thats fine. As long as the gun works and is reliable, thats all that matters. If you need to get uppity about it, well then, Seecamp trumps them both!

If you clicked it off while the pistol was in your pocket I think you have to have the hearing of a dog to hear it.

Im half deaf, with a herd of crickets in one ear, and an electric motor humming in the other, and would easily have heard it click off in my pocket.

Yours may be different, what can I say?

Mine was positive, no complaints there.

 

[Lonesomewolf]

Have you tried a grenade launcher?

 

[ttheel]

The more I think about this the more I think that the P238 is to big for the market it's in. At 15.2 ounces it is heavier than the Kahr PM9. If I were going to buy a 15 ounce gun I would go ahead and buy the PM9 to get the bigger caliber. Now the LCP/P3at or the Kahr P380 would either one be a great pocket carry choice(all weighing in at less than 10 ounces). I have no problem with 380 for pocket carry because their just are not any good offerings in pocket carry for 9mm unless you go with a very high priced Seecamp that is hard to come by. So to me it is an easy decision. I was in this dilema myself about 14-15 months ago. I wanted a pocket gun because many times it is absolutely the only way I can carry. I really wanted a PM9 but it just felt like a brick in my pocket even as small as it is. I then slid an LCP in my pocket and I was amazed. It felt like a thick wallet in my pocket and that was it. Needless to say I walked out with the LCP and have never regreted it as it shoots very well and I have no trouble controlling it. With defense ammo I can shoot 7 yard softball size groups. Plenty enough for a pocket gun. I myself see a P238 more in the size class of a PM9(I know I know it is a bit smaller but face it....it weighs the same and is thicker which is a big deal in the pocket) so I just see very little market for it. I love Sig's as I said before. I have owned a P228 for 12 years and I dont ever see myself parting with it, I am just not to sold on the P238 concept.

 

[kokapelli]

I think your confusing weight with size. The P238 is less bulky than the PM9 in every dimension and is just slightly thicker than the LCP/P3AT. Most of the difference in the width is the safety lever.

If the weight bothers you than the LCP along with a number of other pocket 380s is fine but the difference in shoot ability is a big factor for me.

If you want to stay in the LCP price, weight and size IMO the TCP wins hands down along side the LCP and P3AT.

 

[Tommygunn]

Well, I have carried my Sig P238 without any problems as far as size or weight. It is really only a couple ounces or so heavier than its competition.

 

[ttheel]

Well, I have carried my Sig P238 without any problems as far as size or weight. It is really only a couple ounces or so heavier than its competition.

In terms of pocket carry there is a huge difference. The LCP weighs 9.4 ounces while the P238 weighs 15.2 ounces. Have you carried it in the pocket on a regular basis? Reason I ask is that I tried the PM9 which weighs only 0.7 ounces more than the P238 and it felt like a brick.

 

[Karate]

Had both
ended up selling the lcp
nothing wrong with it
I just perfered the 238
I like SA gun

 

[Tommygunn]

Well, I have carried my Sig P238 without any problems as far as size or weight. It is really only a couple ounces or so heavier than its competition.

In terms of pocket carry there is a huge difference. The LCP weighs 9.4 ounces while the P238 weighs 15.2 ounces. Have you carried it in the pocket on a regular basis? Reason I ask is that I tried the PM9 which weighs only 0.7 ounces more than the P238 and it felt like a brick.

I don't have the LCP or PM9 but given all the junk I load myself down with in pockets I can't imagine I would notice the 5.8 ounces (0.3625 of a pound) difference between the LCP and the Sig. I suppose if I was in light summer clothing I might.
I am not really trying to start a "my gun is better than **** gun debate here. My brother in law has a LCP and it is a good gun. I just like the Sig better.
Awhile ago I wound up in a debate about which was better, the Ruger MK III or the Browning Buck Mark. My solution was I eventually bought both. Maybe I will wind up with an LCP one day as well.

 

[heeler]

Tommygunn,All I can say is this.
I can place my Diamondback .380 fully loaded in it's small leather RKBA pocket holster,and understand the Diamondback with a full magazine weighs 12 ounces add the small holster and it weighs 13.4 ounces.
I can then place my older S&W Model 37 Airweight loaded or my newly aquired Kahr PM9 in the same front cargo pocket of a pair of pants or shorts and you can definitely tell the weight difference.
And much more sag is present as well.
People dont think 5-6 ounces of weight is that noticeable but in real life test mode I say it is.
YMMV.