I want one of these pistols for concealed carry. I'm not concerned with it being optics ready or not and a few extra rounds in the magazine won't sway my decision either. Which would you choose if you were me and why?
Chowda
I would chose the P365 because I would not be comfortable carrying the P238 condition 1.
I suggest that you try to rent each one at a range to try before you buy, if you haven't fired one or both, to get more info for your decision.
I suggest that you try to rent each one at a range to try before you buy, if you haven't fired one or both, to get more info for your decision.
Either is a great choice and I have both.
P238: More concealable. Easy to shoot. Most likely hard to find now. 7-round mag extension contacts right on my little finger and creates a weird grip whereas the 6-round allows my finger to slide under the gun comfortably. I do NOT carry it with the hammer cocked. One of my favorite guns and I plan on keeping it.
P365-380: Larger so that could change some conceal options but haven't used if for that yet. More mag capacity. More options to customize (sights, trigger, grips). Haven't had a chance to shoot it much. Had Sig change to flat trigger and Xray sights.
Don't think you can go wrong with either; just what your personal preferences will be. So just get both!
P238: More concealable. Easy to shoot. Most likely hard to find now. 7-round mag extension contacts right on my little finger and creates a weird grip whereas the 6-round allows my finger to slide under the gun comfortably. I do NOT carry it with the hammer cocked. One of my favorite guns and I plan on keeping it.
P365-380: Larger so that could change some conceal options but haven't used if for that yet. More mag capacity. More options to customize (sights, trigger, grips). Haven't had a chance to shoot it much. Had Sig change to flat trigger and Xray sights.
Don't think you can go wrong with either; just what your personal preferences will be. So just get both!
I like the P238. I started out with a P365 XL but I consider it a large gun so picked up an LCP II for deep concealment. Ran across an all stainless P238 at a gun show and worked a deal trading the LCP II and $s for the P238. The P238 is the best shooting handgun I have ever fired in my limited experience. Still like my XL and just got the 17 round magazines for it. But for my daily carry it is the P238.
If you want new you may have to order one. But check around, most Bass Pro Shops I have been in seem to have them in stock.
If you want new you may have to order one. But check around, most Bass Pro Shops I have been in seem to have them in stock.
The P365 in 380 literally blew me away......it is the most impressive hand gun I have ever held and fired. It is my #1 carry daily. On days when I go downtown and feel I may need more horsepower- I carry the 9mm version.
When I travel- I have the 380 on my side and the 9mm in the door. I'm covered.
When I travel- I have the 380 on my side and the 9mm in the door. I'm covered.
Agree with the idea of both. Can’t beat P238 for pocket carry. P365-380 is more capable if you plan OWB. Jump ball for IWB, both are fantastic.
if you can only justify one, I personally lean to P238, for is broader flexibility in use modes due to small size, while still being an accurate pistol.
Good luck with your choice! Let us know what you get and how you like it.
if you can only justify one, I personally lean to P238, for is broader flexibility in use modes due to small size, while still being an accurate pistol.
Good luck with your choice! Let us know what you get and how you like it.
P238. I like hammer fired over striker fired. Plus it’s metal. I like metal guns over plastic guns.
Read an article in one of the Gun Magazines. The author stated that from his testing the .380, quality ammo works better then the run of the mill practice stuff. Just saying
While both are compact sized for good concealment, they are completely different shooting platforms. The P238 is a mini 1911, hammer fire with external safety, and the P365 is a striker fire (and can have an external safety if you choose to purchase equipped). From my experience, the P238 will take more time and practice to commit muscle and brain memory for seamlessly using this platform in a self defense situation due to the external safety. If you do not opt for (or use) an external safety on the P365, you can essentially point and shoot, which may be easier in a self defense situation where you will be charged with adrenaline and need to likely act very quickly.
Ultimately, you should go hold, and if able, shoot both to see how they feel in your hand. The P365 carries a lot more ammo than a P238, and the felt weight will be different in your hand and holster. I'd suggest that being comfortable in your hand is the first test an EDC firearm should pass before considering other aspects of the platform. Then, practice, practice, practice. Good luck, either would provide you with a reliable platform.
Ultimately, you should go hold, and if able, shoot both to see how they feel in your hand. The P365 carries a lot more ammo than a P238, and the felt weight will be different in your hand and holster. I'd suggest that being comfortable in your hand is the first test an EDC firearm should pass before considering other aspects of the platform. Then, practice, practice, practice. Good luck, either would provide you with a reliable platform.
Aside from commonality in calibre and the fact they are magazine fed, there's not a lot in common between these two. The P238 is a 6+1 allloy-framed, single-action, hammer-fired micro-compact mini-1911. The P365-380 is a 10+1 polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol with an optics-ready slide. It seems an odd comparison to me?
So I'd say there's no basis for a choice until you elaborate on your criteria, shooting background and preferences.
So I'd say there's no basis for a choice until you elaborate on your criteria, shooting background and preferences.
Actually, the P365 has a polymer “grip frame” but the serialized frame, chassis, or fire control unit, is stainless steel. The grip frame can be replaced for $50, but frame (and full length rails) are steel. My favorite P238s are the steel-framed versions but the P365-380 with MS has really impressed me. They are both “cocked” when chambered but only one shows it’s status from the outside. I prefer the manual safety. YMMV
938 is a tad smaller, lighter and has a far superior trigger, and an ambidextrous manual safety. 365 is modular and in the micro size, 4 extra rounds
This is my first post so hope it works! The P238 was one of the first sigs I bought 20 years ago. Very easy to shoot and extremely accurate. Extremely easy to conceal. We’re in FL most of the winter and I use a Remora IWB holster when I wear a tee shirt which is a very comfortable way to carry. I like the Remora much better than the Sticky. I also use a Mitch Rosen OWB holster which molded well to my bod. I can carry that way if I wear a button up shirt outside my pants. Ditto for both holsters when carrying P365 9 mm.
This is my first post so hope it works! The P238 was one of the first sigs I bought 20 years ago. Very easy to shoot and extremely accurate. Extremely easy to conceal. We’re in FL most of the winter and I use a Remora IWB holster when I wear a tee shirt which is a very comfortable way to carry. I like the Remora much better than the Sticky. I also use a Mitch Rosen OWB holster which molded well to my bod. I can carry that way if I wear a button up shirt outside my pants. Ditto for both holsters when carrying P365 9 mm.
Welcome from Texas!
Your 1st post did work! I also cc a 238. In a Crossbreed SuperTuck IWB at the 4 o’clock. Got lucky I guess-First holster I ever purchased for this pistol and I love it. If I decide to OWB carry, I’d also try a Crossbreed. Or I’d carry something larger and or with higher capacity. Mostly cause if I OWB I’m probably wearing layers or a loose fitting shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie or jacket. Which do you like more, your 238 or 365?
Your 1st post did work! I also cc a 238. In a Crossbreed SuperTuck IWB at the 4 o’clock. Got lucky I guess-First holster I ever purchased for this pistol and I love it. If I decide to OWB carry, I’d also try a Crossbreed. Or I’d carry something larger and or with higher capacity. Mostly cause if I OWB I’m probably wearing layers or a loose fitting shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie or jacket. Which do you like more, your 238 or 365?
A better comparison is the P365-.380 and the Glock G42. The 42 is striker fired, flat, light, and dead reliable.
Can't speak to the .380 P365, but the 9mm version is also dead reliable, and only a little bigger.
Love full sized 1911s, but wiping off the safety of a micro pistol is a struggle for me. Have one on my 365, but only use it for administrative stuff, not for carry.
For the OP, the simplicity of the 365 would make it my choice.
Moon
Can't speak to the .380 P365, but the 9mm version is also dead reliable, and only a little bigger.
Love full sized 1911s, but wiping off the safety of a micro pistol is a struggle for me. Have one on my 365, but only use it for administrative stuff, not for carry.
For the OP, the simplicity of the 365 would make it my choice.
Moon
I have both.
My 238 seems to be a bit more finicky when it comes to certain types of defense ammo. Also, every once in a while, it will throw the spent brass right at me and hit me in the head.
It has 2000 rounds through it.
My 365-380 has run great up to this point. But it only has 375 rounds through it. Once I get 500 rounds through it and it feeds defense ammo, I will include it in my carry rotation.
If I had to pick between them, I would probably go with the 365-380. Only because I'm more accurate with it and because of increased capacity.
But the 238 is no slouch and its more fun to shoot. Even with the occasional pop mark on my forehead. 😀😀
My 238 seems to be a bit more finicky when it comes to certain types of defense ammo. Also, every once in a while, it will throw the spent brass right at me and hit me in the head.
It has 2000 rounds through it.
My 365-380 has run great up to this point. But it only has 375 rounds through it. Once I get 500 rounds through it and it feeds defense ammo, I will include it in my carry rotation.
If I had to pick between them, I would probably go with the 365-380. Only because I'm more accurate with it and because of increased capacity.
But the 238 is no slouch and its more fun to shoot. Even with the occasional pop mark on my forehead. 😀😀
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
