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Selected Handgun Detail

SIG
Model P238
SIG Pistol P238 .380 Auto Variant-1
Scale To:
Gun Dimensions Width:1.1-in
Length:5.5-in Height:3.96-in
Barrel:2.7-in Weight:15.2-oz
Variant 1 of 9
Gun Rankings
  • Power Factor (90 grain bullet)83340
  • Recoil Factor (90 grain bullet)3.28 ft-lb
  • Total Capacity7 rounds
  • ConcealabilityGood
  • Defense Factor55%
Gun Specifications
Type:Pistol
Caliber:.380 Auto
Action:recoil operated semi-automatic
Trigger:single-action (SA)
Safety:frame mounted thumb safety
Magazine:6-round
Frame:aluminum alloy
Grip:fluted polymer grips
Sights:SIGLITE night sights
Notes:Nitron finish
Manufacturer
SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG
More Info
About the Gun

The standard group of the SIG P238 consists of variants distinguished primarily by finish and grip material. These include Nitron and two-tone finishes paired with fluted polymer, rosewood, Blackwood, or checkered rosewood grips. Certain configurations incorporate special patterns such as Equinox or Rainbow Titanium finishes. Most variants in the group were equipped with SIGLITE tritium night sights during the period covered by the catalogs, while the current production Two-Tone rosewood configuration uses X-RAY3 day/night sights.

Production

Production ran from 2009 through the early 2020s.

Market value
Last updated: 6/20/2026

MSRP at production was around $515–$600. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $350–$480.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge: .380 Automatic
Alias: 9mm Browning Short
More Info
Ballistics for This Gun
Selected Bullet Mass:90 grains
MV:926 ft/sec ME:171 ft-lbs
Analysis

The SIG P238 was introduced in 2009 in response to growing demand for compact .380 ACP pistols, particularly following the popularity of polymer-framed pocket models such as the Ruger LCP. SIG developed the platform as an all-metal alternative with a focus on improved ergonomics, shootability, and reliability in a micro-compact size. The standard group encompasses the core configurations offered from launch onward. Early catalog listings emphasized SIGLITE night sights across the variants, with grip options expanding from basic fluted polymer styles to include rosewood and Blackwood. Special finishes and patterns, including Equinox and Rainbow titanium, were added around 2010 and have continued in select ongoing production. The later shift to X-RAY3 sights on the current Two-Tone rosewood model reflects refinement in day and night visibility. All variants in the group share the same basic platform architecture and are differentiated mainly by cosmetic and ergonomic choices rather than changes to the operating system or controls. The group illustrates SIG’s approach of offering multiple aesthetic and grip options on a single compact frame while maintaining consistent mechanical characteristics across production.

User Rating
3 User Ratings
3 User Comments
User Comments

5 of 5 Stars
Excellent Pistol
By ToninCA on 16 Dec 2020
I have the P238 in both all steel and aluminum frame. They are excellent guns and very reliable if you keep htem reasonably clean. These pistols are easy to shoot and very accurate. Fit the hand well, especially with 7 round magazine. My favorite pistol!

5 of 5 Stars
Great tiny gun
By leejinks on 01 Feb 2018
As the smallest gun I own, it gets carried more than any other. I have a pocket holster for it that makes it easy to carry anytime I am wearing pants or shorts... I'll let your mind wander there. For a sub-compact, it shoots very well. It seems like this is a popular gun because I now see it in many different color variations, but I like my simple black. The slide is easy to rack and it's an easy gun to control. The breakdown is straightforward. And all the controls ware where you would expect them to be. I really can't think of anything bad to say about this gun.

5 of 5 Stars
Best pocket pistol
By Billy Bob Jo on 16 Dec 2017
Hands down the best pocket pistol. I bought the P238 Sport 12 for $449. Came with hogue grips, 7+1 magazine with finger grip, night sites/triglow. Recoil is minimal compared to other pocket pistols. With the proper iwb holster, it's the perfect pocket pistol. Feels great in the hand with hogue grips and I'm 6'3" 220lbs. Have run 400+ rounds through it without a hiccup. Don't hesitate to buy one, just don't buy the other junk like Kimber or Ruger LCP. The P238 is in a separate class than those; Cadillac vs SMART car.