Sig Sauer P938 for a woman?

[Furncliff]

Her carry method really concerns me. She doesn't know how she wants to carry, but I'm pretty sure she isn't going to like IWB carry. As is typical for many women, she wears form fitting pants. There really isn't room in there for a pistol, and if she were to cram one in there, she would likely be uncomfortable in short order. I know she won't want to buy larger pants, and I'm fine with that.


This is the comment you made that really stands out for me. My experience with new shooters carrying is that, they are very uncomfortable with carrying cocked and locked. It's a issue that needs to be resolved before you spend the money.

 

[Hokkmike]

SAO is tricky for the occasional shooter. I carry the P-238 which is very concealable, adequate for defense, and of high quality. A shrunken down P-938 if you will.

 

[toivo]

Just my 2¢, but I think you should consider a P238. The felt recoil is substantially lower than the P938. Get the HD model (all-steel) if the additional carry weight is acceptable. The felt recoil will be even less.

Factor in the rubber Hogue grip and the extended magazine, and you'll have a pistol that is very comfortable to shoot.

If the price of practice ammo is a concern, look online for deals and do a bulk buy.

 

[wally]

Upside, one of the easiest 9mm pistol to rack the slide -- since you can do it two stages, cock the hammer, apply the safety, then rack the slide -- the hammer spring provides half or more of the resistance to cycling.

Downside is that the recoil can be fierce for an inexperienced shooter. I suggest starting with 147 gr ammo, non-being supersonic with a reduced muzzle blast helps a lot with the perceived recoil.

If it all possible have her try the P238 first, while .380 may not be optimum, its better than something that is a flinch generator.

IMHO the P938 has less recoil that a 2" J-frame .38Special shooting self-defense loads because of the moving parts.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

It sounds like belt carry is the way she wants to carry. That keeps options open.

 

[labhound]

My wife has a Sig P938 BRG. Black Rubber Grips with night sights. Excellent gun that she belt carries.

 

[Woolecox]

I think the P938 is an awesome weapon for anyone. I wanted to get my wife one a when she started expressing an interest in getting her CCL.

The problem was she was just untrainable on a semi-auto of any kind. She could not safely pull the slide back on any of them. In between range sessions, she would forget how to operate. it.

She always did good with a revolver, so I got her a Smith. I load her up some light 38 Specials for practice and some stouter .357 for carry.

But by all means, if your girl can safely operate and carry a P938, go for it. Those things shoot great!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

After handling a few guns last night, my girl keeps coming back to the Sig, and in particular the one pictured in post 31.

She's not wild about carrying cocked and locked though. Further experimentation is needed.

She did not care for the LC9s. Too thin. She did like the Walther OP's and the Shield. She also likes my SA XDs, but doesn't like the recoil of the 45.

Anyone know how the 9mm XDs compares on recoil to the 45?

 

[astocks2622]

I will chime in on my experiences with the 238, 938, and the Shield. I carry the shield, and my wife carries the 238. She is 4' 11" and 110 lbs. We tried the 938 for her, but it was snappier than my Shield. The 238 was perfect for her, and she is fully comfortable with its operation.
Carrying cocked and locked with a safety isn't any less safe than carrying a striker fired gun without a safety. Keep the trigger guard covered until you draw, and finger off the trigger until you're on target. Either one requires training to build muscle memory.
Now that she is more comfortable with handguns, my Shield is no problem for her. It might be a good option for your gf. Mine has night sights and talon grips. It has been completely reliable, and quite easy to be accurate with. It is the softest recoiling small 9mm that I've shot, including the 938, lc9, kahr cm9, and xds. The kahr cw9 or cm9 might be a good inexpensive option as well.


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[Rotorflyr]

If she keeps coming back to the 938 then that's the one she should get.
Just make sure she practices with drawing (no matter how she chooses to carry it), swiping the safety off, and keeping her finger off the trigger until she's ready to shoot...
Until It Becomes Second Nature.

She may find after owning/shooting it for a bit, she doesn't like it as much as she thought she would and search for something else, she may find that it was the right choice as well...only time will tell.