The SIG Sauer P238 is a member of the Micro-Compact Pistols class most typically in .380 ACP caliber. Actually the P238 is available chambered in .380 ACP, or 9mm Short. It is modelled after the M1911, similar to the Colt Mustang. Grip panels are fluted polymer making this an all-metal frame firearm in competition with plastic-framed pistols in the same class like the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec P-3AT. The P238 has an aluminum frame and a stainless steel slide (with the exception of the HD model which is all stainless steel). Initially, P238 pistols had standard sights with night sights as a more expensive option. However, all models currently produced have night sights standard. Starting in 2012, many variants have an ambidextrous thumb safety standard or as an option.
This model was first announced by SIG Sauer in 2009. When introduced in 2009, the P238 was available in a matte black finish and a two-tone finish with a matte silver colored slide and black frame. Since then, SIG Sauer has produced a number of variants including some short run commemorative editions. The SIG Sauer P938, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum was introduced in 2011.
- Cartridge: .380 ACP
- Feed system: 6- or 7-round single-column detachable box magazine
- Sights: 3 dot white or tritium night sights, or Tru-Glo Fiberoptic (all model specific)
Variations (known color models mostly)
- Army *
- ASE *
- Blackwood *
- Black Gold *
- Black Pearl *
- BRG *
- Combat * *
- Copperhead *
- Desert *
- Edge *
- Emperor Scorpion *
- Extreme *
- Green Pearl *
- HD * * * * *
- Legion *
- Navy *
- Nickel *
- Nightmare *
- Nitron * *
- Pink Pearl *
- PSP *
- Rainbow * *
- Robins Egg Blue * *
- Rosewood * * *
- Rose Gold *
- SAS *
- Scorpion * *
- Select *
- Spartan *
- Spartan II *
- Sport *
- Stand *
- Texas Edition *
- TSS * * *
- Tuxedo *
- Two Tone * * * * *
- We the People *
Represents * known color variants of a name, there are likely more variants or color models beyond this list.
Models Discussion
SIG P238 Nitron
With an overall length of just 5.5 inches a height of 3.96 inches, and weighing just under a pound, the P238 Nitron uses removable and adjustable sights. The sear and trigger return spring are redesigned to prevent spring over-ride of the ejector during assembly.
SIG P238 Legion
Just like the bigger P938 Legion, the P238 Legion also has excellent SIG X-RAY night sights.
SIG Sauer P238 HD
The P238 HD is built on an all stainless beavertail style frame with black G-10 grips.
SIG P238 Rainbow
Recall
In July 2009, SIG Sauer issued a recall of all P238s sold within a certain serial number range: pistols within serial numbers, DA000501 to DA003216. SIG declaired it a "Mandatory Safety Upgrade" with the reason stated for the recall being a small number of P238s were built with defective manual safety levers. The concern was that it could lead to "the remote possibility that the gun could fire unintentionally, thus creating a risk of injury or death", although SIG Sauer emphasized that no such injuries had actually occurred. The recall did not affect any 27Axxxxxx serialized pistols.