The SIG Sauer P238 is a compact .380 ACP caliber, single-action pistol announced by SIG Sauer at the 2009 SHOT Show.
== Design == It is modelled after the M1911, similar to the Colt Mustang. Grip panels are fluted polymer making this an all-metal frame firearm in competition with plastic-framed pistols in the same class as the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec P-3AT. The P238 has an aluminium frame and a stainless steel slide (with the exception of the HD model which is all stainless steel). Initially, P238 pistols had standard sights with night sights as a more expensive option. However, all models currently produced have night sights standard. Starting in 2012, many variants have an ambidextrous thumb safety standard or as an option.
== Variants == When introduced in 2009, the P238 was available in a matte black finish and a two-tone finish with a matte silver colored slide and black frame. Since then, SIG Sauer has produced a number of variants including some short run commemorative editions. Among the variants are versions with various finishes, with a stainless steel frame and different grips and embellishments. The SIG Sauer P938, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and introduced at the 2011 SHOT Show, is a slightly larger version of the P238.
== Recall == In July 2009, SIG Sauer issued a recall of all P238s sold within a certain serial number range, which they referred to as a "Mandatory Safety Upgrade". The reason stated for the recall was that a small number of P238s were built with defective manual safety levers, leading to "the remote possibility that the gun could fire unintentionally, thus creating a risk of injury or death", although SIG Sauer emphasized that no such injuries had actually occurred. The recall only applied to pistols within a specific range of serial numbers, DA000501 to DA003216, and did not affect any 27Axxxxxx serialized pistols.
References
== External links == P238 Nitron video by Sig Sauer P238 Legion video by Sig Sauer