SIG Sauer P238
SIG Sauer · Pistol · In Production · 2009
Also known as: P238 Nitron, P238 Legion, P238 HD
Overview
The SIG Sauer P238 is a micro-compact, single-action-only semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP. Introduced in 2009, the P238 is a modern reimagining of the classic Colt Mustang design, built around a miniature 1911-style locked-breech, short-recoil operating system. The pistol measures just 140mm in overall length, 101mm in height, and 28mm in width, with a weight of only 431 grams unloaded, making it one of the smallest and lightest all-metal .380 pistols available. The P238 features a hard-coat anodized aluminum alloy frame paired with a stainless steel slide finished in SIG's proprietary Nitron coating. Its 69mm barrel feeds from a single-stack 6-round flush-fit magazine, with optional 7-round extended magazines available. The crisp single-action trigger breaks at approximately 33 newtons, and the pistol includes an ambidextrous thumb safety and automatic firing pin safety. SIGLITE night sights come standard on most models. Despite early production reliability concerns that were quickly addressed, the P238 has become one of the most popular premium pocket pistols in America, valued for its excellent trigger, inherent accuracy, manageable recoil, and the familiar manual of arms it shares with full-size 1911 pistols. The P238 is manufactured at SIG Sauer's facility in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 431 g (15.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 520 g (18.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Barrel Length | 69 mm (2.72") |
| Height | 101 mm (3.98") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Sight Radius | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 33 N (7.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 277 m/s (909 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 224 J (165 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish | Nitron |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9mm Browning Short, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Thumb Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: 1911 Style Controls, Ambidextrous Thumb Safety, Micro Compact Design, Alloy Frame, Siglite Night Sights, Single Stack Magazine, Rear Slide Serrations, Pocket Sized
Variants
- SIG Sauer P238 Legion — Premium
- SIG Sauer P238 Nitron — Standard
- SIG Sauer P238 Emperor Scorpion — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P238 HD — Enhanced
- SIG Sauer P238 Equinox — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P238 Extreme — Enhanced
- SIG Sauer P238 Two-Tone — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P238 Rosewood — Cosmetic
Production
Production years: 2009-present
One of SIG Sauer's best-selling pistols; remains in production alongside the newer P365 family
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The P238 was SIG Sauer's first entry into the micro-compact .380 ACP market when it debuted in 2009. Its design draws heavily from the Colt Mustang, which was itself a scaled-down 1911. The locked-breech, short-recoil action sets the P238 apart from most .380 ACP pistols, which typically use simpler blowback designs. This mechanical advantage allows for a lighter slide and softer recoil impulse. The 1:16 twist rate barrel stabilizes the relatively short .380 ACP projectile effectively. SIG has produced numerous cosmetic and feature variants over the years including the Legion, Emperor Scorpion, Equinox, HD, Extreme, and Two-Tone models. The P238 served as the basis for the larger P938 chambered in 9mm, which uses the same operating system scaled up for the more powerful cartridge. While the newer P365 has largely supplanted it in SIG's concealed carry lineup, the P238 retains a loyal following among shooters who prefer the lighter recoil of .380 ACP and the traditional single-action trigger.
Background
The P238 is essentially SIG Sauer's modern take on the Colt Mustang, a tiny 1911-style .380 that Colt discontinued in 1996. SIG revived the concept with improved materials and manufacturing, creating a pocket pistol that quickly became the gold standard for .380 ACP concealed carry. Its locked-breech design is unusual for the caliber and gives it a softer shooting feel than blowback competitors.