SIG Sauer P938
SIG Sauer · Pistol · In Production · 2012
Also known as: P938 Legion, P938 BRG, P938 Emperor Scorpion, P938 Nightmare
Overview
The SIG Sauer P938 is a micro-compact, single-action-only semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Unveiled at the 2011 SHOT Show and entering production in 2012, the P938 is essentially a scaled-up version of the SIG P238 (.380 ACP), itself inspired by the Colt Mustang and the classic 1911 platform. The P938 delivers duty-caliber 9mm performance in an ultra-concealable package measuring just 150mm in overall length, 99mm in height, and 28mm in width, while weighing only 454 grams unloaded. Built with a hard-coat anodized aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel slide with SIG's proprietary Nitron finish, the P938 features a 76mm barrel with left-hand twist rifling, ambidextrous thumb safety, and a firing pin safety block. The single-action trigger operates with a pull weight of approximately 36 newtons. Standard flush-fit magazines hold 6 rounds with optional 7-round extended magazines available. Despite its diminutive size, the P938 retains the crisp single-action trigger, positive thumb safety, and familiar manual of arms that 1911 enthusiasts expect, making it one of the most popular premium micro-compact 9mm pistols for concealed carry. The P938 is manufactured at SIG Sauer's facility in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 454 g (16.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 538 g (19.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 150 mm (5.91") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Height | 99 mm (3.90") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Sight Radius | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 36 N (8.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 361 m/s (1184 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 487 J (359 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish | Nitron |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
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, Plus P Rated
Variants
- SIG Sauer P938 Legion — Premium
- SIG Sauer P938 BRG — Standard
- SIG Sauer P938 Emperor Scorpion — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P938 SAS — Snag Free
- SIG Sauer P938 Two-Tone — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P938 Titanium Rainbow — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P938 Nightmare — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P938 Extreme — Enhanced
Production
Production years: 2012-present
Popular concealed carry pistol; production continues though many variants have been discontinued in favor of the P365 family
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The P938 was designed as a 9mm counterpart to the earlier P238 chambered in .380 ACP. Both pistols share the same basic 1911-derived operating system with a locked-breech, short-recoil action, distinguishing them from many competing micro-compacts that use blowback or striker-fired designs. The barrel features an unusual left-hand twist with six grooves at a 1:10 twist rate. SIG Sauer has produced numerous cosmetic and feature variants over the years including the Legion, Emperor Scorpion, Nightmare, Extreme, SAS (anti-snag), and BRG (Black Rubber Grips) models. The P938 occupies a niche between the smaller .380 ACP P238 and the higher-capacity polymer-framed P365, appealing to shooters who prefer all-metal construction and a traditional single-action trigger for concealed carry. Many variant models have been discontinued as SIG rationalized their catalog around the P365 family, though core models like the Legion and BRG remain in active production.
Background
The P938 is essentially a scaled-up 9mm version of the P238, itself a near-clone of the Colt Mustang. It occupies a unique niche for shooters who want 1911-style single-action operation and all-metal construction in a pocket-sized 9mm, a combination no other manufacturer offers.