The Sig Sauer P938 9mm pistol is an ideal choice for anyone searching for a concealed carry weapon. Deciding on the right gun for you is based on multiple factors. With ten different variations and the reliable quality of the Sig Sauer brand, the P938 line of micro-compact pistols has a suitable option for almost any preference. Read on to see if the P938 has the right choice for you.

Accuracy

The P938 is accurate for a micro-compact pistol. It’s not going to be winning any long-range shooting competitions but performs well within its design parameters. The P938 is designed to be a short-ranged weapon, and it’s incredibly accurate for up to 10 yards. At 5, 7, and 10 yards, the Sig averages around 1.7-inch groupings. The SIGLITE Tritium night sights are easily aligned and allow for accurate sight picture in both day and low-light situations. The rubber grip and beavertail allow for a high, tight grip while shooting and help control the recoil. There is also an extended mag available to help with grip. While you won’t be pulling off trick shots to impress your buddies at the range, the P938 still provides accurate shooting for any close combat situation.

Reliability

The Sig P938 is an extremely reliable little gun. After over 250 rounds of various plink and defense ammo—including Remington UMC and Federal 115 gr FMJ—the P938 had zero failure to feed or failure to extract. The only caveat I have is that the P938s made up to October 2012 (serial numbers ending in 8899 and lower) apparently have mechanical issues with the extractor and extractor spring. This problem is recognized by Sig Sauer, and they will replace the parts if you send them your gun. So if you are buying a P938 used, be sure to check the serial number and confirm with Sig if the gun has been refitted with the updated machinery, even if you aren’t experiencing issues. Like the Smith & Wesson M & P M2.0 has proven, sometimes even perfection can be improved upon. Other than that small issue, there haven’t been any problems with the P938 shooting consistently and reliably.

Handling

The P938 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle pistol. All of the P938s feature aluminum alloy frames and stainless steel slides, so they are extremely durable. Like the familiar Sig Sauer 1911, the P938 is a single-action, hammer-fired pistol with a high beavertail grip and manual, ambidextrous safety. The slide-lock, thumb safety, and mag release button were all easy to locate and function reliably. There is no grip safety. The compact and rounded design of this gun is perfect for concealability. The grip styles vary across the P938 configurations, but the beavertail feature on the back rail allows for high, tight hold. There aren’t any rails or front serrations for slide-grip, but I still really like the way this gun handles. If you are looking for a slightly bigger gun with a little more room for customization, check out the Sig Sauer P320 Compact.

Trigger

The trigger on the P938 is single-action and hinged at the top with a curved, serrated tactile design. The seven-pound pull has a clean, crisp break and a short, audible reset. There is very little take-up and no stacking. I like the heavier trigger on such a compact gun because it helps offset the short trigger pull.

Magazine & Reloading

All P938 guns come with one 6-round capacity, flush-fitting, stainless steel magazine. Some variations come with an additional 7-round extended mag, and extended mags are also available at any retailer for around $40. I highly recommend the extended magazine for anyone with a large grip. Both the 6-round and 7-round magazines are single-stack, and there is no magazine release safety, so the gun will fire without the magazine inserted. The magazine release is easy to access and operate, the magazine disconnects smoothly, and it’s just as simple to reload.

Length & Weight

The P938 is small and lightweight. With an overall length of 5.9 inches, this micro-compact features a 3.0-inch barrel and weighs in at just 16 ounces (unloaded). It’s the perfect size for personal carry, whether in a holster, pocket, or purse.

Recoil Management

The recoil in the P938 is minimal compared to other micro-compact 9mm guns. The solid metal frame, high grip design, and single-action trigger all combine to help offset the felt recoil.

Price

At around $700, the price of the P938 is pretty great when you take into account the value of the gun. Along with its reliability, compact design and lightweight handling, you also get the familiar feel and quality of the Sig Sauer brand.

My Verdict?

Once again, Sig Sauer has produced a quality handgun that is reliable, lightweight, and accurate. The concealability of the P938 combined with the power of a 9mm puts this gun at the top of its class. If you are in the market for a CCW, I highly recommend the Sig Sauer P938.

Richard Douglas is a firearms expert and educator. His work has appeared in large publications like The Armory Life, Daily Caller, American Shooting Journal, and more. In his free time, he reviews optics on his Scopes Field blog.

Image: Sig Sauer