The .380 p232 from SigArms:
Ultra concealability with the reliability of Sig Sauer, in .380 with a 7 shot single stack magazine. This is a slick little pistol, especially for those James Bond fans among us. 007 didn't carry a Sig, he of course carried the Wather PPk, but the styling is very similar.
When I chose the 232, I was looking for a reliable carry pistol that was as small and light as possible (within reason). I've shot a Kel Tech pocket gun, and that was smaller than I was willing to go.
Couple interesting things about the 232 that I'm not thrilled with: First, it uses the old German style of magazine release - from the back of the magazine at the bottom of the grip. I much prefer the traditional magazine release button of my Sig 226 and 220. The reason this is not a "deal breaker" is because as most would agree, the .380 is not in any way an "offensive" weapon. I don't carry it with an extra magazine, and I only expect to have to use it as a last resort.
Second, the gun has a fixed barrel, making field stripping an interesting chore. It is not difficult per se, but there is no slide lock, and once the slide is removed, there are a couple parts exposed that could easily fall out of place. Again, chalk that up primarily as a difference that merely takes getting used to.
On the plus side, at 17 ounces, it is very pleasant to carry. I use a De Santis "IWB" holster that looks like this:
I've never loved inside the waistband holsters, but this one is by far the most comfortable. I wish it had more cant to it, as it would fit to my waist a bit better if it could tilt forward a bit.
Shooting the gun is a pleasure. The trigger is smooth, the rear sights are adjustable (and nice three dot white). I had to adjust the rear sights a couple bars to the left, but once I had it dialed in, it's proven to be a solid shooter even up to 15 or 20 yards, which I did not expect.
.380 ammunition is not as readily available as I would like, and it is expensive, because all I've been able to find is self-defense specific brands.
I bought the Hogue wrap grips that are very popular with this gun, but I took them back off. They are a bit wider than the factory grips, and I've always liked Sig's factory grips. Also, I bought a Fobus paddle holster that I will probably never use with this pistol. It fits so well in the IWB holster, that I actually think it feels bulky outside the waistband... Go figure.
In summary, I'm pleased with this pistol as a small, easy to carry "be prepared" pistol. It's size make it such that it is more likely to be carried because it will not be a burden. In that vein, it is much more valuable than any giant pistol that is left at home due to weight or bulkiness, and that is probably the best compliment a gun like this could get.
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