@@mikeogden5256I spent some money and purchased Critical Defense, Speer Gold dot, Hydra-shok, flat-nose, ball-ammo, and Sig V-crown, to do a 2 day test on the S&W BG.20, and the Ruger LCP max. Both firearms performed very good it was worth spending all that money on ammo, both have gained my trust.
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.
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.
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
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. 👍🎯👍
For me, it came down to the Walther PPK .380 or the Colt Mustang Pocketlite .380 or the Sig P238. I had two PPKs and they are extremely sturdy and reliable and shoot accurately. They're also the easiest to take down and clean BUT the slide bite just got to be too much, so I sold the two PPKs and have a Mustang Pocketlite and a P238, both purchased new in 2012. There are things I like about each of them and they are both easy to maintain and shoot well. I like your videos. You're knowledgeable, willing to admit if you get something wrong and intersperse just enough lightheartedness so we know you don't take yourself too seriously!
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.
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.
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!
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 🍻
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...
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 TH-cam 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.)
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have a Glock 42 and found if held correctly, it doesn’t stovepipe. There is a video out there on that. I also own an Sig and it is a superior weapon. But, at almost twice the price.
Pick up a p238 titanium rainbow for my wife installed a crimson trace laser gaurd It is now her desk gun in her office Now she carries a g43x And shoots it like a rock star
@@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
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.
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....
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.
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!!!
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!
Sig was my favorite, once I carried my sig iwb from Austin to Miami in a rainstorm while on a motorcycle… it froze up with rust in just a week or so…. I freaked out and got rid of all My sigs after that….
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.
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.
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.
.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.
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
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.
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
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.
If I was a wagering man, I would say it’s because the P365 is so popular and cheaper to make. So by pushing the P238, they are really competing with one of their best selling guns which probably has a far higher profit margin for them.
@@DaGunGuy That makes sense. (The reason for discontinuing.) Those were my thoughts too but I didn’t want to suggest a reason. The tolerances must be outstanding. If you’ve noticed over the past few years, the sponsored videos for .380 brands using gel tests almost always use the Sig P238. With that pistol the .380s (hollow points no less) consistently get 14” up to 18” (yes eighteen) penetration in gel. When we moved to Florida 11 years ago from the ‘peoples republic of Maryland’ the first thing she did was get her carry permit. (We had a motivating "incident" - actually two) in Maryland. Although she grew up in a liberal household, the first life threatening "incident" and my being self employed turned her into a staunch conservative overnight! She was trained on a revolver but they’re too bulky and heavy for EDC. At the training range she tried a large variety of handguns. Of course she chose the (unknowingly)most expensive. The pretty one: black with the titanium rainbow reflecting slide, no less. 1st time out of the box so-to-speak at 21’ , 9" plate, all 8 in the middle! (7 round mag +1.) Me? I wasn’t going to spend that kind of cash on a (supposedly) light weight cartridge. Over the next couple months I shot it several times at the range. Incredibly fast and accurate. I extensively researched the cartridge and was very satisfied. I justified my purchase by thinking: it’s smart to have two identical EDCs. Of course I didn’t buy the stylish titanium model. Still expensive. Funny thing, later on we noticed that her model was, by far, the most popular with women (I guess husbands don’t mind the price if it means she will be armed all the time.) Mine was the most popular model with men. Despite the very short barrel its pleny accurate even at 25 yards.
No particular reason other than doesn’t seem to be one of the more popular guns and we couldn’t get our hand on one. If we do, will do a full review on it.
On the original lcp if you smack a mag in it just a little to hard it will drop the hammer if it's pre cooked seen it with my own eyes figured it out on accident but it will happen nonetheless
New contender in the game Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.
❤❤❤❤❤❤😊 love that pistol
@@mikeogden5256I spent some money and purchased Critical Defense, Speer Gold dot, Hydra-shok, flat-nose, ball-ammo, and Sig V-crown, to do a 2 day test on the S&W BG.20, and the Ruger LCP max. Both firearms performed very good it was worth spending all that money on ammo, both have gained my trust.
It is criminal in my mind to not have the Ruger LCP Max. The Bersa 380cc, and the Glock 42 should have been on the list.
So as to avoid committing a crime, I'll point out all three of those were on the list and considered.
@@DaGunGuy Thank You for not committing a crime. 😀
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.
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.
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
"The BEST .380 edc pocket carry pistol." S&W: "Hold my Bodyguard 2.0!"
Yuck yuck yuck
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.
You get what you pay for!!! 🤷♂️
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. 👍🎯👍
For me, it came down to the Walther PPK .380 or the Colt Mustang Pocketlite .380 or the Sig P238. I had two PPKs and they are extremely sturdy and reliable and shoot accurately. They're also the easiest to take down and clean BUT the slide bite just got to be too much, so I sold the two PPKs and have a Mustang Pocketlite and a P238, both purchased new in 2012. There are things I like about each of them and they are both easy to maintain and shoot well. I like your videos. You're knowledgeable, willing to admit if you get something wrong and intersperse just enough lightheartedness so we know you don't take yourself too seriously!
I own all of these. LCP Max - Hands Down. My Walther PPS is close, but...
I have a ec9 Ruger and it is One of the best pistols I have ever had
All my 380acp pistols
#1 Ruger LCP MAX
#2 Ruger LCP
#3 Ruger Security 380
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.
Ruger LCP Max, with a 12+1 magazine.
The current king of pocket carry pistols.
I have one. Don't like it nearly as good as my P238 or my Bersa Thunder.
I have a lot of 380 p pistols but the is just a great American pistol RUGER
Once the LCP Max left the table I left the video.
I’ve carried a Ruger LCP for years, hundreds of rounds and never a malfunction of any type.
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 love my P238. I generally carry a 9mm but I carry the P238 in situations where I need a smaller weapon in size.
We have a sig 938 and it is amazing. 1000 rounds with no malfunctions.
Just subscribed so I can get this good history on other calibers as well. Thanks !!
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!
P365 isn't even a pocket sized pistol
@@supergreatairgunreviews I've been carrying it that way since I got it!
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 🍻
I wouldn’t mind buying your p238
Good information guys.
Thanks for sharing it!!
I love my Kimber micro 380. I carry it in the summer months.
The gun that fits your hand and grip the best is the right gun for you
Very true.
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...
Very professional video-excellent editing. My two favorite guns are also Sig238 (my EDC) and my Sig365/380. Both are very comfortable to carry.
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 TH-cam 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 like Hornady Critical Defense
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.
My favorite CC gun is never my favorite range gun. I don't care if it hurts. 🔫😎👍🏻
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
Love my Sig P238. It is still my favorite range gun. I carry it sometimes during the summer.
Great video ! I love my Sig P238
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.
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
Love these pocket rockets!
I love my p238 prefect pocket pistol
I like the p238 also. I carry it in the summer
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 have only had two 380s and both were Berettas. Soon I’ll be trying out the 365, as it has a great reputation.
Interesting stuff!
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.
While the pocket pistol is not necessary my go to, I enjoyed the video.
Tyvm!
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.
Kimber 380 micro raptor is my personal carry. Reliable. Comfortable and operates like a mini 1911.
My two main pocket pistols are the M&P Bodyguard gen 2 and LCP gen 2.
Great video…
Hands Down, Sig P238 for EDC…
Well done. Agree with the need for an external safety, save on revolvers or DA/SA semiautos.
I have most 380 semi auto pistols including Mustang Plus, Browning 380, Glock 42, P380 and carry them all from time to time but mostly LCP Max
Love my P238 trigger. Wish it had capacity like the Ruger LCP Msx. But Sig is better.
Hammer fired rules😎👍🏻
Love my P238 but I pocket carry my Pico.
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.
+1 for the Sig
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.
I like the Ruger LCP max, four rounds and shoot ability and price
How about KelTec P3AT 380? Tiny gun, I have one and it's very reliable.
Looks like they stopped making it in 2022. But seems like a nice pocket pistol if you already have one!
People bought the Ruger LCP Max instead, it's obsolete and discontinued.
I love the ruger security 380- I consider it a pocket pistol compared to my other guns lol
Excellent presentation 👏 Thanks
So nice of you
@@DaGunGuy keep rocking your thing
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.
Good video. Disagree on the manual safety. A quality holster that completely covers the trigger guard will prevent negligent discharges.
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.
I had a Kahr CM9. Very safe with the DAO trigger, but I could not shoot it accurately. I traded it for the P238, my EDC.
Well done, M8
I do agree
Stove pipes are common when limp wrist holding a Glock
Bought a Spartan model P238 my wife shot it well so i had to buy her one too
I have my colt Mustang xsp for edc, it works great and added a laser too.
Forgot about the Springfield 811. It has a safety and hammer. Very nice gin and accurate too,
I’ve gotta look into that. Can’t seem to find it. Ah!!!! 911
I have a Glock 42 and found if held correctly, it doesn’t stovepipe. There is a video out there on that. I also own an Sig and it is a superior weapon. But, at almost twice the price.
this video is invalid bc you don’t have an lcp max in the list. it’s been out for years, why have a first gen lcp?
Pick up a p238 titanium rainbow for my wife installed a crimson trace laser gaurd
It is now her desk gun in her office
Now she carries a g43x
And shoots it like a rock star
That 43x is a jumpy gun imo. The Sig will shoot much softer.
The Bodyguard's trig mechs luv Remington Dri-lube.
TY! That is some useful information!
@@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
Do you carry cocked & lock? DraW WITH SAFTY ON & TAKE OFF ON THE DRAW?
I did. Also, depending on the situation I would sometimes Israeli carry.
@@DaGunGuy Thanks, will look that up
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.
Being a Lefty I could only buy the Springfield 911😅
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....
Great video
Personally I think anytime John Browning's name is mentioned we use one of those PBUH (peace be upon him) thingy
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 agree
In California you have to qualify with and list the qualified guns on your CCW permit. The only .380 on my card is my p238
Sig P238 HD.
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!!!
@@kevinrichardson8859 My ideal future ankle gun. 😉😁
@@nastymkfan it's a damn good one...as durable if not more so than an old slab slide 1911
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!
Sig 238 👍
I just bought a new lcp yesterday. So you can still buy new😊
Custom?
This is HIS own opinion,,,opinions are like butt's, everyone has one !!!!
Sig was my favorite, once I carried my sig iwb from Austin to Miami in a rainstorm while on a motorcycle… it froze up with rust in just a week or so…. I freaked out and got rid of all My sigs after that….
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.
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 love my LCP
How about the Remington RMT380.
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.
I have had the bodyguard since it came out. My wife has the EZ and the glock 42. The glock 42 is best. Also to not mention the lcr max is laughable
.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.
Called 9mm Kurtz (short)
Where you find 15 for the sig 380 I need that asap lol
There is a 12 is available for the P365. 15 in 9mm).
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
I rechecked, and while it doesn’t happen often, looks like we got it right.😉
You just quoted glock 43 specs for for the 42. The 42 is is around 12.8 oz. Fudding it up my guy
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.
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
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.
The Sig Sauer P365 - 380 has greater capacity and the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 weighs less than either.
It is the best. So why has Sig discontinued the P.380 (for the most part).
If I was a wagering man, I would say it’s because the P365 is so popular and cheaper to make. So by pushing the P238, they are really competing with one of their best selling guns which probably has a far higher profit margin for them.
@@DaGunGuy That makes sense. (The reason for discontinuing.) Those were my thoughts too but I didn’t want to suggest a reason. The tolerances must be outstanding. If you’ve noticed over the past few years, the sponsored videos for .380 brands using gel tests almost always use the Sig P238. With that pistol the .380s (hollow points no less) consistently get 14” up to 18” (yes eighteen) penetration in gel. When we moved to Florida 11 years ago from the ‘peoples republic of Maryland’ the first thing she did was get her carry permit. (We had a motivating "incident" - actually two) in Maryland. Although she grew up in a liberal household, the first life threatening "incident" and my being self employed turned her into a staunch conservative overnight! She was trained on a revolver but they’re too bulky and heavy for EDC. At the training range she tried a large variety of handguns. Of course she chose the (unknowingly)most expensive. The pretty one: black with the titanium rainbow reflecting slide, no less. 1st time out of the box so-to-speak at 21’ , 9" plate, all 8 in the middle! (7 round mag +1.) Me? I wasn’t going to spend that kind of cash on a (supposedly) light weight cartridge. Over the next couple months I shot it several times at the range. Incredibly fast and accurate. I extensively researched the cartridge and was very satisfied. I justified my purchase by thinking: it’s smart to have two identical EDCs. Of course I didn’t buy the stylish titanium model. Still expensive.
Funny thing, later on we noticed that her model was, by far, the most popular with women (I guess husbands don’t mind the price if it means she will be armed all the time.) Mine was the most popular model with men. Despite the very short barrel its pleny accurate even at 25 yards.
I carry the Beretta Pico 380; super thin and light weight and has been reliable for me. Why not include it in comparisons.
No particular reason other than doesn’t seem to be one of the more popular guns and we couldn’t get our hand on one. If we do, will do a full review on it.
On the original lcp if you smack a mag in it just a little to hard it will drop the hammer if it's pre cooked seen it with my own eyes figured it out on accident but it will happen nonetheless
It's plastic, please stop cooking it, you're damaging it.
And as usual Colt discontinued a handgun others successfully cloned. I have a reissue forged Mustang Pocketlite which is my preferred pocket pistol
I carried the Sig P238 Extreme .380 for 4 years then gave it to my wife.
Lcp gen 2 all day long