NRA Gun of the Week: SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion Pistol

Published on March 31, 2017
Duration: 3:33

This review of the SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion highlights its similarities to the 1911 platform in a compact .380 ACP package. Key improvements noted include a locked breech system for softer recoil, a frame-mounted thumb safety that allows slide manipulation while engaged, and the absence of a grip safety. The Scorpion variant features a Flat Dark Earth finish, bilateral thumb safeties, SIG Light night sights, and Hogue G10 grips.

Quick Summary

The SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion is a micro .380 ACP pistol that appeals to 1911 enthusiasts with its familiar layout and single-action trigger. It features a locked breech system for reduced recoil, an improved frame-mounted thumb safety, and the absence of a grip safety. The Scorpion variant boasts a Flat Dark Earth finish, night sights, and G10 grips.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introduction: SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion
  2. 00:201911 Comparison and Micro .380 Design
  3. 00:44Locked Breech vs. Blowback Operation
  4. 01:06Frame-Mounted Thumb Safety Features
  5. 01:23Grip Safety Omission and Trigger
  6. 01:37P238 Line History and Variants
  7. 01:47P238 Scorpion Specifics: Finish and Sights
  8. 01:58Grip Panels and Magazine Capacity
  9. 02:14All-Metal Construction and Weight
  10. 02:28Snag-Free Design and Sights
  11. 02:43Dimensions and Concealability
  12. 03:01Conclusion: Ideal for 1911 Enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion a good choice for 1911 fans?

The SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion is designed with 1911 enthusiasts in mind, featuring a similar general layout, a tilt-barrel operating system, and a single-action trigger. It offers a compact .380 ACP alternative that feels familiar to those accustomed to the 1911 manual of arms.

How does the P238's operating system differ from typical micro-380 pistols?

Unlike many micro-380 pistols that use a simple blowback system, the P238 utilizes a locked breech system with a tilt barrel. This design absorbs more recoil before it reaches the shooter, making the P238 considerably more pleasant to shoot than many competitors in its size class.

What are the key improvements of the P238's safety features compared to a 1911?

The P238 retains the 1911's frame-mounted thumb safety but allows the slide to move while engaged, enabling manipulations without disengaging the safety. Additionally, it lacks the 1911's grip safety, which is considered an improvement by many.

What specific features distinguish the SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion variant?

The P238 Scorpion stands out with its Flat Dark Earth finish, bilateral thumb safeties, SIG Light night sights, and textured Hogue Piranha G10 grip panels. It also includes an extended seven-round magazine, unlike some other P238 models.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from NRApubs

View all →