Almost bought the P238 but they're so expensive, and used ones are almost going for the price of a new one. So I bought the P365 in 380. Shoots like a dream, very accurate, low recoil to stay on target. 12+1 rds.
True. My Sig Sauer cc .380 cost $500 (also bought two 12+1 rd mags). Love it. Extra $$ for ammo. I trust my life with it and I trust my practice time at the range paying off. 👍🎯👍
Owned an sig p238 for over 10 plus years. Nice gun, nice trigger, but it sits in my safe. I rock my g42 or my lcp max. I understand the sig is smaller, but the glock pockets well and the Ruger even better than the glock. The Glock is by far the most enjoyable to shoot. Put a taran tactical plus one base plate and good to go. But that Ruger is quite a pocket rocket. Pocket carrying a gun with a side safety is just NOT my style. To each their own. Carry what you like, and are comfortable with. As long as your carrying responsibly, we can be friends :) cheers 🍻
Our .380 collection is a S&W sigma .380 (who says s&w is nothing but quality?), and a slim stack Bersa (a decent gun, it was rarely carried)...lots of folks say the newest .380s are kinda decent, the biggest shortcoming is the ammo...we loaded fmj when we carried .380...we'll hang onto our two, but we won't be acquiring any more, having gotten much more senior we now carrying smaller calibers (any caliber beats no caliber, period)...
I went to the gunstore to buy a Glock but came home with a Sigma 9mm and a free Sigma 380. Worst gun deal I ever made, they were both jamomatics. They both disappeared while my house was being renovated.
Sig P238HD is the absolute best pocket 380...built to last 2 lifetimes...solid weight so no recoil and VERY accurate..and built durable enough to shoot endless high pressure 380 ammo....heirloom quality!!! Unlike the plastic guns
I have the Sig. 938, it a little bit bigger and in 9mm. I sold my Ruger LCP in 380 ACP mostly because I wasn't going to have 380 ACP in my collection anymore.
We purchased a used P238 for my wife. It was used and after handling the gun shops entire inventory of semiautomatics (both new and used) she selected it. What she liked is how it fit in her hand and the ease of racking the slide. She is small is statue but has a S&W model 66-2 357 magnum as her favorite range revolver but wouldn’t carry it. So the P238 is a winner and came with a laser for easy aiming.
Got bad news for you, or at least anyone watching this video who wants to take your advice: Sig discontinued the P238 this year. So if you want one while they’re still in stock, better pony up the $$ pronto. My understanding was that the only all-metal iteration of the Mustang still being made until recently was the Pocketlite, which was discontinued in 2020. I believe they still make a polymer frame version, the XSP. I agree with you though, that the Sig P238 is a great .380 carry gun. My personal choice is very similar: The Springfield Armory 911, which was introduced in 2018 and sadly, discontinued in 2022 (I think). The Springfield Armory 911 was somewhat less expensive than the Sig P238 - got mine for $600 out the door in 2018 and later they could be had for even less - and the Springfield came with an ambi safety standard which I needed as a lefty. Mine was my exclusive EDC for more than two and a half years, and while I have other carry options now, it remains a favorite, especially when discretion is important. (In fact, I’m carrying mine right now as I write this.) One of the things that killed the Springfield Armory 911 was some RU-vid videos on it that highlighted reliability issues, but mine has been great. The main thing with the 911 is that it has to be cleaned often - at least every 150 rounds or less - and properly (there’s a right way and a wrong way, and if you’re cleaning it the wrong way you will still have problems). But if you do your due diligence with respect to maintenance, it’s a very reliable pistol; I’ve got at least 2000 rounds through mine and after an initial 300 round break-in period (during which I learned about the right way to clean it), I’ve had virtually zero problems since. The only all-metal “shrunken M1911”-style .380 pocket gun still in production, as far as I know, is the Kimber Micro .380. Like the Sig P238, it is very expensive. Don’t know anyone who has one and I’ve never fired one, so I can’t say how good it is. But that’s the only pistol of this particular genre that is in production and will be available for the foreseeable future. The Sig P365 .380 is also apparently very good; I don’t have one but I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I would like to try one out sometime, though like you, I’m not big on striker-fired handguns in terms of my personal tastes. Still, when I encounter a new gun owner who is looking into a first conceal carry gun, the Sig P365 .380 is one of my two top recommendations, alongside a decent .38 snubbie revolver. Final question for you out of curiosity: What’s your preferred .380 carry ammo? (I go with Federal 99 grain HST myself.)
I have three .380’s….Sig p232SL, Ruger Security 380 and a Ruger LCP Max….like ‘em all but never leave home with the LCP. The security .380 is also a great gun. The Sig is great looking but heavy. I also have a Glock 21 .45 acp but the king of 45’s are still my 1911’s. I totally agree with you about having a thumb safety. I like ‘em too. There’s a video of a a guy shooting his pecker off with an appendix carry Glock.
I carry it every day. What wasn’t emphasized in the excellent video and the many comments was the exceptional accuracy of the p238. The gun is a gem. Keep it PROPERLY and regularly cleaned and you’ll have a “friend” for life. Great IWB carry pistol.
Why buy a SIG 365 in 380 when they have the same gun in 9mm. Had a Colt Mustang 380 very nice gun ! Ate the crap out of my hand with slide, kinda heavy. The Ruger LCP max is the best pocket pistole , in my opinion,, small ,compact high capacity , light, good trigger . less recoil than the LCP, Bodyguard, and the P3AT clones. Sounds like you were limp wristing the Gock 42, never knew anyone that had that many problems with it. But you did mention that you had never shot one. I did enjoy your history section and the fact that you identified that you just hate Glocks having never shot one< adds to your credibility for open and honest reviews. I was under the impression that Dillinger and Capone used 32's for EDC.
I’ve had the Walther PPK/s for decades and love it, use to be my carry gun. Like you, a fan of hammer fire, but prefer the 9mm since they’ve gotten quite a bit smaller. One of my EDC is the P938, just 1/4 inch longer than the P238. Just picked up the CA P365 in 9mm and have not carried it yet, but smaller than the P938. Clothes permitting, Kimber Ultra CDP II in .45 ACP, although not quite a pocket gun, but quite small. I also have the Ruger LC9 which is also quite small, but never carried it.
I have a Kahr CT380, Sig P238 & Sig P938. I pocket carry all of them at different times. Each has an ArmaLaser installed & each fits into an MD2 Sticky holster.
I've got the Bodyguard, Bersa Firestorm & Sig P238...I don't range shoot the Bodyguard very well either due to the long trigger pull but like the safety factor of the trigger pull & for CC it's the smallest & lightest of the 3 & the one I carry the most...wish they would shrink the Firestorm down a little bit cause it has the best DA/SA trigger of any gun I've ever shot, least felt recoil & decent capacity but larger & heavier then the other 2...as for my P238 it's a "SIG" so I need not say more but I will...I'm 80 years young, 5'4" short, 130lbs & after a 60 year career as an OPTICAL LENS GRINDER I have arthritis in both hands...so anything larger then 380 acp is out of the question...first time I picked up my P238 it felt like it was custom made for me...great ergonomics, great sights, great trigger & decent concealability...I also have a Seecamp & Beretta Tomcat in 32 acp for summer attire...great video & very fair & honest comparisons....
I'm a fellow glock hater, but I wasn't able to find a 365 to rent, so I tried the 42 just because it was about the same size. Honestly I liked it so much that it's a serious contender, especially since they're available lightly used for about $200 less plus I'm hesitant to buy something I haven't shot due to previous experience
Bond's PPK was a 32 auto!!! Which I own 3. I shoot the Glock 42 in pocket division in Glock matches and normally get a 2 of 3 perfect score but would never carry it due to low capacity. Currently, if I have to go small it would be LCP Max. Going really small Kel-Tec P32 32acp.
So I think you’re probably right but I found some trivia online: While Bond has tended to be armed with the 7.65mm calibre gun holding seven rounds of ammunition (also known as .32 ACP), a PPK is also available holding six rounds (.380 ACP). In The Man with the Golden Gun as Bond quizzes Scaramanga about his firearm’s magazine capacity: “Six bullets to your one?” That implies that Bond is using the .380 ACP version of the Walther PPK.
After firing numerous 380s over many years it’s undeniable that the 365-380 is the king of “pocket” 380s. I carry the 365-380 all the time, yes in my pocket!
My favorite is the Sig P238. I have the LCP Max but don't like shooting it, the trigger pinches by finger. I also bought a Bodyguard when they first came out and absolutely hate the trigger pull. I do carry the Sig 365 in 9mm with a IWB holster and love it but can't always conceal it so use the P238 then.
Sig P238HD is my EDC. I don't care for striker fired pistolas, and love the 1911 manual of arms. It's easy to carry, and shoots straight, so it checks all my boxes. I enjoyed your review.
I started years ago with a Makarov (9X18), about 10 years ago, I "upgraded" to an LCP II, and I now carry an LCP Max - with the right ammo, I have a 9mm projectile traveling at the same speed as a 9X19...
I bought a 42 for pocket carry and I like the size the weight and it’s small enough to throw in my pocket if I have cargo shorts on. It was going to be my summer carry but I had the same issues as you stated stove pipe a plenty also I would fire it and it wouldn’t even try to eject the spent brass. Its ammo picky. I’m giving it one more range trip to test a few different brands of ammo and if it goes the same way as my last trip to the range with it I also will return it. I’m not a glock fan either they don’t fit my hand well spongey trigger cheap sights all the usual reasons people don’t like glock. But I will say the slimmer single stack glocks do fit my hands well. I may trade it in for a 43x yes it’s not a pocket pistol but I find the longer I carry I still prefer apex even in summer months. On a positive note for the 42 I found it to be a pleasant little pistol to shoot I have fired a few of the pistols on the table and it was definitely not the snappiest of the little pocket guns. The kahr.380 a buddy of mine bought fired it once and returned it he said it was snappy and it gave him crazy slide bite. I have fired a few other kahrs and I didn’t care for them the trigger was crap and one of the two was basically shooting itself to death something with a part rubbing on the frame it was many years ago kahr was like yeah whatever can’t fix it till it actually breaks.
Good evening. Many of the G42’s that were released early on in production tend to have malfunctions. These malfunctions usually have to do to the magazines that were released at that time. You can look up your magazines to see if they happen to be the ones with these issues. Don’t quote me on it, but I’ve heard some people say that Glock sent them new replacement magazines. That being said, I’ve heard that Kahr are currently working on new pocket pistol models. Take care
Don't give up hope for the G42 yet. I purchased my new Glock 42 approximately 3 months ago and I had the same issues as you. I would have sworn I wasn't limp-wristing the gun, but apparently that's exactly what I was doing. After spending some time concentrating on keeping a firm grip, I stopped getting stove pipes, ejection failures and the gun would fire whatever I loaded it with. Since my other carry guns are 9mm and .38 ACP and always operated without failure, I never would have believed I was incapable of holding a .380 with a firm grip, but that was my problem and that G42 just can't handle bouncing around at the end of a limp wrist!
@@captbill that’s good to know thanks. Yeah I thought it at first is it me? Same thing I normally carry a 9mm a few of them over time and never had any issues. This is good to know I definitely gotta get back to the range and figure it out. Love the little thing nice shooter feels good in the hand so I’m Rooting for her and hoping it’s me you know lol
@@Joe-ie8vk I agree with captbill. Personally, I have a Pachmayer grip (similar to a Houge grip) on my G42. I know people either like them or not, but it definitely helped with my grip. Also, I prefer the Pearce grip extensions as well.
@@ChrisfromGeorgia thanks for the info appreciate it. You both are probably right I think it’s my ego not wanting to believe I was limping it you know. It’s my first small pistol in a smaller caliber other then a 22 revolver. I think I underestimated grip cause with 9or whatever it’s less of an issue more forgiving. I’m not giving up on the 42 still think it’s a good pistol.
Getting caught on clothing or on the edge of your holster, finger in the wrong place when drawing, even a dog stepping on it on the floor can make it go off. So negligent discharges can happen even when people like you use a holster in place of a safety.
As a gun newbie who is learning, I am figuring out it is not the bullet diameter that counts as much as the amount of powder and pressure in the round. Is there a power difference between .380 ACP/.38 Super/.38 Special/.30 Super Carry/5.7mm? I live in a permitless open carry state. Instead of settling for .380 ACP, I could go for .45 ACP in a 15-18+1 FNX Tactical and wear it openly as long as I am not breaking the law. Capacity and power. No need for .380. I do hope we get 10 round 9mms down to .380 frame sizes, though. DA/SA, hammer fired, manual safety, decocker preferred. Tired of cheap, unsafe Glock striker fired plastic with bad triggers.
No - www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g43-vs-glock-g42 It looks like the weight on the Glock 42 is 13.76 empty (with a mag), WITHOUT a magazine it comes in at 12.17 oz and a loaded Glock 42 comes in at about 16 oz. Anyhow, thanks for the comment so we could clarify any misunderstanding.
Great Video, I love the Sig P365, but the SW Bodyguard I carry more often. Once you get use to the trigger and familiar with its temperament, its a perfect pocket- IWB carry that I am good and accurate with. Actually, I love all the .380s
Sig P238HD is absolutely 💯 the BEST!!! I have 2..looking for more to buy...heavy duty...built to last 2 lifetimes...very accurate with no recoil...and can shoot high pressure 380 ammo with no problems!!!
You might want to recheck your history on this one. Rounding did it, but if you look at a 380 what's it look like to you? It looks like a small version of a 45 ACP which is somebody had a thing on the internet that when Browning made this he decreased the 45 ATP by 20% and that's how he came up with it. So I don't know if it's true but that's what I had watched another show and if you look at it to me, I always thought it looked like a 45 shrunk down. That's all I got to say about that but I guess I'll have to get a hold of hickok45 and see what he can come up with because he does a lot of investigating
.380 ACP is often called 9 mm Short in Europe.That .38 ACP was stoked up to become the .38 Super ACP and I don't think anyone makes guns in .38 ACP now or ammunition.
Why no Colt Mustang, one of the OG pistols? I have one that has had a trigger job, polished ran and sight inserts - everything you'd do on a full sized 1911.
Honestly, just couldn't find one and I'm very partial to Sig - but they are nice if you have one ESPECIALLY one of the original releases. BTW - cute Frenchie!
I bought one of these when they first came out. It would jam on every magazine at least once. It went back to the factory twice. That's when I learned how bad customer service could be. The second time it went back I had to pay for the shipping which was about $50. The original magazines that were shipped with these caused the problems. The gun works now, but I will never trust it.
Wow. I’m kind of surprised. I did buy a later model of this gun, but I’ve never had any issues at all with it. It’s eaten everything that I’ve fed it. I wonder if it just has to do with the generations that Sig kicked out? Anyhow, I’m glad the gun works now for you and thanks for the feedback
S&W Bodyguard without the laser is the best 380 pocket carry IMHO. Sights are rudimentary, but a bit of white and red nail polish remedy that issue for my 60+ year old eyes. It is designed after the 1911 so very familiar. DAO so very safe to carry and multi strike capability in case of misfire. Ergonomically proficient and trigger while not the shortest and smoothest is very reassuring. You can't go wrong with either the Sig ( never shot this particular model but own several others ) or S&W. The key is to carry every day. Any handgun in your pocket is going to be effective in a bad situation vs. it being home in the safe. Take care everyone and be vigilant.
The Sig P238 came out as a direct response to Colt dropping the Mustang. Colt discontinued that line in 1996 just as enlightened carry laws were sweeping the country (stupid decision), and Sig stepped in and profited. I have one of the pre-96 Mustangs, the Pocketlite, and it's a jewel of a gun. The Sig is the better gun if only because it has real sights while the Mustang line doesn't. Stupidly, when Colt realized their mistake and brought the Mustang back they still didn't put usable sights on it. I love my Pocketlite even though in a real situation it is a strictly a point-and-shoot gun because of the shitty sights. If buying today I'd choose the Sig.
I think one should view a holster as part of the safety/trigger system. Carrying a loaded pistol without a good fitting holster/pocket holster is not the best of choices. And with that in mind a manual safety does not kick out a pistol choice. With that said I carry a lcp max with a few upgrades and change it a lot. I also have a few Springfield 911’s which are basically an updated colt mustang/ sig p238. Too bad they don’t sell the 911 anymore because I think its updates made it the better option than the others.
Honestly: a very well articulated position - so thank you. However I don’t feel that a good holster, in of itself, eliminates the need for a manual safety, on a carry gun. I still feel, at least for myself, that the benefits of a manual safety make it a necessary feature on any gun I would want to carry. I agree with you that anytime you carry you should have the appropriate holster for the gun but without a manual safety the gun is still more prone to an accidental or negligent discharge than with one.
Love the P238's! Everyone always forgets the Seecamp, It's way smaller than anything here (4"x4" or so) holds 6+1 and is a top quality .380 pistol, albeit kinda snappy to shoot.
So you don't like a Glock but never fired one then you rent a beater gun that gets abused and form more opinions based on it's performance, way to be non biased... My pocket carry is a Colt XSP in 380, great lil gun BTW..
I’ve own the Kahr 380 about 10yrs & trust it with my life over all the Lcp’s …because it’s a tank of a gun that can shoot +p all day long…The Glock 380 is too big….and u will forget u have it in you so be careful where are you go like the airport
Ppl I have had the bodyguard for 10 years. I have had the EZ for 4 years and I have had the glock 42. The bodyguard has the worse trigger ever. The EZ is a great gun but too big. The glock 42 shoots best and is very easy to carry. As he said this is his opinion. Try the bodyguard and you'll soon realize how ridiculous this all is.
Love the history lesson and the comments on Glock. I like your approach, but not your choices. Really, you eliminated the Walther and Bersa back to back and before the much larger gun you hate? I would take either before your final 4. Good video and history lesson.
@@DaGunGuy After break-in (at least a thousand clicks, maybe 2) it turns that BG380 trigger into a DA joy. 4" @ 25 yrds w/laser Dri-lube doesnt work well on surfaces that are not yet broken in. But it has some qualities for trigger mechs that i cannot match with any other lube. Your take on safety was spot on!. It seems that few reviewers make that crucial point for pocket carry. LCP is exhibit A. The BG is the only one i consider holster-less chambered pocket safe. Many safeties can flip off easily, but not the BG. Plus that DA. I did carve some plastic around the safety to make it less hard to flip off, now perfect. Ive tried many holsters, all a hassle. With a spring clip the BG is secure in the watch pocket of jeans, undetectable under a shirt, quick to draw. Subscribed
Your comments on Glock are spot on and the obstinate way they refuse to add a manual safety after 40 years speaks to their aloofness in the market place . They continue to be the favorite of gang bangers and Law enforcement agencies who basically are attracted by Glock nearly giving them the guns with huge discounts
