UPDATE 3: Sig Sauer P238 Range Report

[Commander Cody]

Mr. fiintknapper also posted a very good break in for new guns a while back. Good information.

[TLynnHughes]

We put 250 bobble free rounds through my brother's P238 this past weekend. I was quite impressed with the little gun.

FWIW, always disassemble, clean...and generously lube ALL semi-auto pistols before going to the range with them. I always use a good gun GREASE on the slide rails as well, oil just doesn't stay in place.

Failure of the slide to lock back is either magazine related (most likely) or the stop itself has a problem.

Failures to eject or feed (especially on small pistols) are often times related to the weapon getting dry (not enough lube) and/or "limp wristing".

All of these things must be eliminated before pointing to quality control issues.

Some pistols can be finicky about ammo....but usually its a "feeding" problem only.

As I have begun to do additional research, I'm learning more and more that these issues are not unique to me. There are scores of reviews and forum posts about P238 problems. I had read a few of them before I bought the gun, but I thought my gun might be new enough that the issues from last year may have gotten worked out.

Good information about the gun grease. I believe we did use oil so I'll make that change and see what happens. I do understand the limp wristing issues and I'm pretty certain I wasn't doing that.

If failure to lock back is a magazine issue, that should be corrected with the new magazine that Sig is sending me to try out.

Any thoughts on what might be causing the slide stop to slide out? That's the one that's perplexing me the most. And it's the one that seems to be the root of some of the other issues. The slide stop actually unseats when you rack the slide about 75% of the time.

Thanks for all the information. This has really been helpful to me. This all might be kind of a pain in the backside but I am learning from it.

T.

[G26ster]

About 400 trouble free rounds thru my P238SAS. Did have a few feed issues with the Gen 1 mag (mustang clone), so I sent it back and got another Gen 2 mag. I quite like the Cozy Partner IWB, although I sometimes pocket carry in an Uncle Mike's.

[glock75]

Hate to hear about the problems you are having. I think what you are experiencing can be found in any gun. I hear great reviews about the Kahr 9mm and people swear by them. My experience has been opposite. I have great experience with the Sig P238 and yet hear others that have horrible experiences.

Personally, I have learned to take everything I hear or read on forums with a measured grain of salt. If I like a gun I will make a purchase and run it through its paces before making a decision to keep it and/or carry it. If I don't like it, well it goes away. Either sold or banished to safe to collect dust. Fortunately, I have only two guns that ended up there. One I got rid of and the other soon to be on its way.

All the others I keep and shoot regularly. Right now my favorites are the Sig P238, S&W 340PD and Springfield EMP 9mm.

I hope that you are able to resolve the issues that you are having and find yourself with a fine gun that is enjoyable and a real pleasure to shoot.

[flintknapper]

TLynnHughes wrote:

As I have begun to do additional research, I'm learning more and more that these issues are not unique to me. There are scores of reviews and forum posts about P238 problems. I had read a few of them before I bought the gun, but I thought my gun might be new enough that the issues from last year may have gotten worked out.

I've heard of a few problems, (most pertained to early P238's).

If failure to lock back is a magazine issue, that should be corrected with the new magazine that Sig is sending me to try out.

It "should" solve that problem assuming it is being caused solely by the magazine. In your case... the slide stop is migrating also, so that is another possible source of trouble. The slide stop is pushed up by the follower of the magazine on the last shot, so if the stop has moved out of position, it simply isn't contacting the follower, in which case.... your magazine is most likely fine. If the S/S is in its proper place, is not broken....and your magazine if functioning properly, the slide will lock back on the last shot.

Any thoughts on what might be causing the slide stop to slide out? That's the one that's perplexing me the most. And it's the one that seems to be the root of some of the other issues. The slide stop actually unseats when you rack the slide about 75% of the time.

I would disassemble the pistol down to the frame (remove slide and barrel as a unit) then check to see that the slide stop is a good fit in the hole in the frame. If there is appreciable "slop" then either the slide stop is undersized or the hole in the frame is over-sized. If both are good....then you'll need to look at whatever mechanism retains the slide stop (sorry I didn't look to see on my brother's gun what holds the S/S in place).

If nothing is apparent, then contact Sig's customer service and see what they suggest. They might be willing to send you a replacement S/S to try. If that doesn't solve the problem then the pistol needs to go back for service.

Thanks for all the information. This has really been helpful to me. This all might be kind of a pain in the backside but I am learning from it.

You are most welcome, we are all here to learn..... and to help one another.

Flint.

Edit to add info:
http://www.sigsauer.com/upFiles/CmsC...01.2%20web.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Excellent owners manual above. Looks like the Slide Stop is held in place by a spring that fits in a recess in the frame underneath the S/S. Check to see that your spring is there, installed properly and holding the S/S.

[dicion]

Any thoughts on what might be causing the slide stop to slide out? That's the one that's perplexing me the most. And it's the one that seems to be the root of some of the other issues. The slide stop actually unseats when you rack the slide about 75% of the time.

Now I am NOT suggesting that you do this, but I once saw a picture of someone who apparently had the same problem on a 1911.

Instead of just buying a new slide stop, they apparently drilled and tapped the end of the slide stop, and used a small machine screw and a nylon washer to keep it from sliding out anymore

[TLynnHughes]

Any thoughts on what might be causing the slide stop to slide out? That's the one that's perplexing me the most. And it's the one that seems to be the root of some of the other issues. The slide stop actually unseats when you rack the slide about 75% of the time.

Now I am NOT suggesting that you do this, but I once saw a picture of someone who apparently had the same problem on a 1911.

Instead of just buying a new slide stop, they apparently drilled and tapped the end of the slide stop, and used a small machine screw and a nylon washer to keep it from sliding out anymore

Oh ! My Dad (God rest his soul) had a name for that, but I don't think it would fit in the confines of forum rules! But every time I read that, I laugh. I wonder where I could get the rainbow titanium finish on the machine screw??? JUST kidding!!

T.

[LarryH]

Oh ! My Dad (God rest his soul) had a name for that, but I don't think it would fit in the confines of forum rules! But every time I read that, I laugh. I wonder where I could get the rainbow titanium finish on the machine screw??? JUST kidding!!

T.

Another name MIGHT be "Aggie engineering". It will likely offend quite a few forum members, but isn't against forum rules, as near as I could tell.

[flintknapper]

Oh ! My Dad (God rest his soul) had a name for that, but I don't think it would fit in the confines of forum rules! But every time I read that, I laugh. I wonder where I could get the rainbow titanium finish on the machine screw??? JUST kidding!!

T.

Another name MIGHT be "Aggie engineering". It will likely offend quite a few forum members, but isn't against forum rules, as near as I could tell.

Aggies should be "fair game" in Texas.


Hook 'em Horns!

[gwashorn]

WHOA there pardner, we AGGIE INJINEARS know how to build things. Why she should be glad if it was built by us.

GIG 'EM '74

Gary

[flintknapper]

WHOA there pardner, we AGGIE INJINEARS know how to build things. Why she should be glad if it was built by us.

GIG 'EM '74

Gary

You mean like... "Bon-fires"?


Maybe thats a bad example, that was a terrible tragedy.

[TLynnHughes]

I am totally happy with Sig's customer service so far. I called them about the problems 6 days ago and they indicated they would send me a new magazine and a new slide stop. Today I received by FedEx ground a new magazine, a slide stop in the correct finish AND a new recoil spring. Can't wait to try these out and see if they do the trick along with some new gun grease.

More to come....

T.

[dicion]

Keep us updated... I have been considering a p238 for a while. Your experience here will definitely weigh on my decision.

.. No pressure or anything

[flintknapper]

I am totally happy with Sig's customer service so far. I called them about the problems 6 days ago and they indicated they would send me a new magazine and a new slide stop. Today I received by FedEx ground a new magazine, a slide stop in the correct finish AND a new recoil spring. Can't wait to try these out and see if they do the trick along with some new gun grease.

More to come....

T.

Install the new slide stop first (make certain the retaining spring is underneath it). Then insert the old magazine (empty), rack back the slide and see if it locks back. If not....then that mag needs attention, if it does....the problem was with your S/S and you should have two good mags.

Next, try the new magazine (empty) and see how it does.

Keep us updated....I am curious to see what the problem was.

[TLynnHughes]

I am totally happy with Sig's customer service so far. I called them about the problems 6 days ago and they indicated they would send me a new magazine and a new slide stop. Today I received by FedEx ground a new magazine, a slide stop in the correct finish AND a new recoil spring. Can't wait to try these out and see if they do the trick along with some new gun grease.

More to come....

T.

Install the new slide stop first (make certain the retaining spring is underneath it). Then insert the old magazine (empty), rack back the slide and see if it locks back. If not....then that mag needs attention, if it does....the problem was with your S/S and you should have two good mags.

Next, try the new magazine (empty) and see how it does.


Keep us updated....I am curious to see what the problem was.

The slide stop always locks back when you insert an empty magazine and then rack the slide. It fails to lock back about 80% of the time after the last round of a magazine no matter who the shooter is.

I will keep updating. I love the challenge this is presenting and this has been great troubleshooting experience. Keep the suggestions coming. They have been so helpful!

T.