For safety, a lot of us have decided to get ourselves conceal carry firearms. However, there are a lot of things that we consider before making a final pick. The size, weight, and efficiency must be just right.
The SIG Sauer team is famed for producing top quality weaponry. They are major arms suppliers to several countries’ governments, and the P238 is the government approved secondary firearm for several agencies.
Millions of individuals also trust their security to this gun.
Is it true, or is it just hype? Take a look at our SIG Sauer P238 review and let’s find out together…

Company Overview
SIG Sauer GmbH is a German company that manufactures small arms and is part of the Switzerland-based Lüke & Ortmeier Gruppe holding company. It has branches in the USA – SIG Sauer Inc. and in Switzerland – Swiss Arms AG, formerly known as the Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG).
SIG was founded as a carriage factory built in 1853 by Friedrich Peyer Imhof, Heinrich Moser, and Konrad Neher. After the plant won a contract for the production of 30,000 rifles for the Swiss Federal Ministry of Defense, the name changed to Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG).
Can You Trust The SIG Sauer P238?
Before World War II, Sauer mainly produced shotguns and hunting rifles. During the war, Sauer released one of the most famous and advanced semi-automatic pistols – the Sauer 38H. This was used by officers of the Wehrmacht and the SS and also by the personnel of the police and some paramilitary formations of Hitler’s Germany.
In 1970, the SIG Sauer brand of weapons was born, the first of which was the SIG P220 pistol, released in 1975, known for its accuracy and reliability.
Today, SIG Sauer are one of the largest manufacturers of firearms in the world. Not so long ago, the company tripled its staff and invested 18 million USD in product development.
According to the company itself, a third of the US police use SIG Sauer products.
A long history of excellence and consistency, don’t you think?
Sauer Pistols
SIG Sauer is known for a series of self-loading pistols. The ancestor of the P238 is the model P220. While there have been several models in between, the P238 is the most advanced model.
All of these pistols have the same operation, with a short barrel stroke and a bolt locking feature.
The P238 is a micro-compact handgun and is best suited for urban compact carry.

Sig Sauer P238 Overview
As noted, the Sig Sauer P238 is one of the newest models of compact guns by the company. The P238 pistol was designed for concealed carrying in self-defense for an ordinary citizen, and by the police. The P238 shoots 9 x 17 mm cartridges.
This weapon can be used either as a primary pistol when maximum secrecy is required or as a substitute.
Based on a classic…
The design of the P238 is based on the famous M1911, or ‘Government’ or ‘Colt Government’ as it was also known, by the American manufacturer Colt. And the design of the exterior is borrowed from the compact models of the same company.
It, however, has an upgrade, in that the handle polymer pad comes in a variety of 15 colors. The SIG-Sauer P238 is also available in multiple exterior trim options.
SIG Sauer P238 Use
This gun is ergonomic and lightweight. It is thus a comfortable option for users of either sex. While designed for close range use, the adventurous sports shooter will find in the P238 new ways to enjoy his hobby.
It is reliable, so can be used in combination with rifles during hunting. It is in fact recommended, especially during close calls, or when your rifle jams and you do not want your game to escape.
SIG Sauer P238 Operation
The Sig Sauer P238 pistol has a chambered design for shooting the .380 ACP. The charger has a capacity of 6 shots, a good capacity considering the dimensions of the weapon. There is, however, an elongated version that holds 7 rounds.
The firing sequence is of the single action type only. At each shot start, the breech moves back and rearms. The security of the weapon allows you to do what is popularly called “cocked and locked.”
This practice involves engaging gun safety with a chambered cartridge, and the hammer cocked. This type of configuration is very popular among those that conceal carry. It keeps you safe while allowing you instant access to firing if the need arises.
SIG Sauer P238 Characteristics
SIG-Sauer P238 pistol frames consist of a light alloy based on aluminum, and the cover-casing is stainless steel. These are very durable and will allow generations of use.
It features a modified Browning scheme (originally from John Moses Browning) that allows for the better ejection of spent cartridges. This upgrade gives you an enlarged housing-shutter window for easy ejection of spent cartridges.
Simplify and accelerate your aiming…
The SIG-Sauer P238 pistol sights consist of fixed front and rear sight with luminous inserts that simplify and accelerate aiming in low light conditions.
This ease of use is enabled by the comfortable grip offered by the P238 handle. Despite its length, it is able to accommodate the middle and ring finger on the grip, it non-slip features and unique shape ensure a comfortable and easy operation.
Unlike many pocket pistols, the weapon’s controls are very prominent and easy to use. The right-handed user will be able to maneuver the breech stopper and the loader button with the same ease as on a full-size gun. The weight is also reassuring. You could even run for an Olympic medal carrying this with you.
A firm that never disappoints – that is the case of SIG Sauer and its engineers.
Top Features – At A Glance
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- Compact and lightweight.
- Ergonomic, non-slip grip.
- Durable housing.
- Holds sufficient rounds for a weapon its size.
- Front and rear sights for dead on accuracy.
- Several exterior trim options.
- Upgraded spent cartridge ejection feature.
Cons
- The controls are easier to use by right-handed individuals. However, that is the case with most guns.
Specifications of Sig Sauer P238
Performance Characteristics | SIG Sauer P238 |
Caliber, mm | 9 |
Cartridge | .380 ACP |
Weapon length, mm | 140 |
Barrel length, mm | 69 |
Height of the weapon, mm | 99 |
Weapon width, mm | 28 |
Mass without cartridges, g | 440 |
Store capacity | 6 or 7 |
What’s In The Box?
- A pistol Sig Sauer P238 (caliber .380 ACP).
- An oil pod.
- SIG Sauer holster.
- An additional charger.
- A cleaning swab.
Conclusion
A reliable weapon with a proven history, you can and should trust this firearm. It is lightweight and easy to conceal, so it does a great job at surprising an attacker. Safe to use, without requiring any special maintenance, these are the top choice for several users for good reason.
“Is it true, or is it just hype?”
We asked this question earlier. Well, what do you think?