Written by Phillip

P938 Review

When it comes to concealed carry pistols, modern subcompact options are some of the best you can find. With a smaller frame and shorter barrel, these pistols offer a balance of firepower and concealment that’s unrivaled in other handgun categories. Compact or subcompact handguns are also fantastic for first time shooters, as they are easier to handle than regular-sized pistols.

However, there is a ton of competition in the subcompact market right now. With so many different manufacturers producing these types of guns, how can you be sure that the Sig Sauer P938 is the right choice for you? That’s where this article comes in... In this Sig Sauer P938 review, we will explore everything you need to know about this concealed carry pistol so that you can make an educated decision before making your purchase. Let’s get started!

History & Origins

The Sig Sauer P938 is a 9mm single stack (and single action) pistol. Even though it shares many features with its sister guns - the P238 - you have to consider the P938 as a unique firearm in its own right. The P938 rocks a fully steel slide along with an aluminum frame. 

Some odd things about the P938 is the 1911’esq hammer. I found the trigger to be short, and fires quickly upon the pull. The P938 is marketed as a 7+1 firearm, but there’s actually 2 factory magazines you can choose from. One option is the 6 round mag and then the extended 7 round mag. 

Key Features

Safety

So, the P938 has a manual safety (another hat tip to the 1911). Overall, I’m not the biggest fan of relying on pistol safeties. They have a tendency to malfunction, and I think people rely on them a little too much for protection. 

When I was tinkering with the safety though, I noticed a distinct click when switching from engaged to disengaged. I did try to pull the trigger (with the gun fully unloaded and no magazine in the mag well) and I found the safety to stay true to form. It didn’t malfunction at any point, which is solid. 

Trigger

The P938's trigger is single-action and hinged at the top with a serrated, curved tactile design. It has a seven-pound pull, a clean, crisp break, and a short, audible reset. There is no take-up or stacking. The heavier trigger on such a small firearm is desirable to compensate for the short trigger pull.

Sights

The appearance of the sights nearly deceived me… at first glance, I thought they were Trijicon sights, and I wondered whether Sig had shipped the P938 with Trijicon sights. After just a little study, I discovered they were Meprolight night sights. 

If you have to rack the slide on something hard, the all-metal construction is nice. The tritium looked nice in total darkness, but I know little about Meprolight sights or their durability.

How Does The P938 Perform?

Accuracy

I think the P938 offers some of the finest accuracy in its class, thanks to its excellent sights. The one thing the P938 lacked in the accuracy department was with back-to-back shots. The P238 and the 938 have comparable accuracy, but the 9mm pistol is more difficult to handle. Could be the shooter too so you’ll need to feel it for yourself. 

The pistol is lighter in weight and has a much smaller grip, so balancing speed and accuracy means you need to be quick to make big shots. This is the opportunity cost you make for a small, light weapon, but it is pretty significant. 

Reliability

The Sig P938 hasn't had a single problem with reliability. I've fired over 500 rounds through this gun without any malfunctions, jams, or stoppages. I've fired a wide range of ammunition, from FMJ to the +P JHP and they all worked perfectly. 

In my opinion, I can recommend the P938 as a concealed carry weapon because of its reliability.

Ergonomics

The P938's ergonomics fail to impress me. I felt that the grip was a little too narrow. The 6-round magazine is flush, but if you have a big hand good luck, you’re going to have a finger off the handle. I would recommend the 7 round mag for those with larger hands. 

As a defensive handgun, there are a couple concerns about managing the safety which would require a lot of practice. The P938's thumb safety is small and located at the rear, so it appears rather awkwardly under the thumb.

Pros

  • The gun is made mostly of metal but is still lightweight
  • It has a capacity of 7+1 rounds of 9mm ammunition
  • The controls are similar to those on a 1911
  • The trigger is crisp and single action

Cons

  • May be hard to find
  • Thumb safety
  • Recoil may be snappy

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