sig p232 vs s&w 642 for summer carry

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - sig p232 vs s&w 642 for summer carry

Posted: 12/15/2016 11:33:24 PM EDT

Been looking at both of these for t-shirt/shorts carry in the summer.......

Posted: 12/15/2016 11:35:02 PM EDT

[#1]

The 642 and 442 are great options . Also look at the 351c , .22 magnum 2 more rounds and specs say 11 ounces in a 642 sized platform

Posted: 12/15/2016 11:35:13 PM EDT

[#2]

Don't know, I use a Seecamp or Pico. Free btt...

Posted: 12/15/2016 11:43:00 PM EDT

[#3]

232 is a freaking awesome gun. Sold a lot of them when I worked at a range. Bit heavy, but it makes shooting it way more fast and accurate than a J frame (which isn't to say J frames can't be, it just takes more training).

Posted: 12/15/2016 11:50:51 PM EDT

[#4]

Get the 642. The cylinder on my 442 ended up with rust on it despite being oiled regularly. I should make a stink about it, but probably will just have a local guy coat it.

FWIW, the 642 Pro doesn't have the Hillary Hole lock. Budget for a set of CT grips too. The sights are nearly worthless.

Posted: 12/16/2016 12:13:50 AM EDT

[#5]

642.

I tend to prefer my carry guns to shoot 115gr or heavier loads.

Posted: 12/16/2016 12:18:29 AM EDT

[#6]

Sig 232/230 over a J frame IMO. The Sig is much easier to shoot and has quick reloads with 2 more rounds. The 230 is a aluminum frame, nice and light.

Posted: 12/16/2016 12:23:21 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Get the 642. The cylinder on my 442 ended up with rust on it despite being oiled regularly. I should make a stink about it, but probably will just have a local guy coat it.

FWIW, the 642 Pro doesn't have the Hillary Hole lock. Budget for a set of CT grips too. The sights are nearly worthless.

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I have a 442 Pro... it is SS under black finish for both the barrel and the cylinder. No finish or rust issues for me yet, with minimal maintenance so far (6 months of carry or so).

Highly suggest a no lock model, like the Pro, for defense use..

Posted: 12/16/2016 12:26:35 AM EDT

[#8]

I wear shorts daily for 7-8 months a year. my 442 is normally in my front pocket.

Posted: 12/16/2016 12:40:58 AM EDT

[#9]

Are you kidding? You can shoot someone in the head 12 times with a .380 and they won't even feel it! A .380 will make your dog run away and get your daughter pregnant. For the love of God man, what are you thinking?!

Or just get some decent XTP-based ammo and tell the haters to suck it.

I love the p232, and loved the p230 before it, but it's heavy compared to the new range of pocket pistols. Of course, none of those are as accurate, reliable, or sharp looking.

If you go that route, avoid the stainless model. Everyone loves it, as do I, but I eventually went with the nitron finish for summer carry since it is 5 oz lighter. Either way though, you are looking at used or tough to find new old stock. Sig discontinued it in early 2015 I believe.

My baby:

Posted: 12/16/2016 1:18:14 PM EDT

[#10]

Also looking at the SP101 now as well........ looks like it might have summer potential too...

Posted: 12/18/2016 1:52:21 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Also looking at the SP101 now as well........ looks like it might have summer potential too...

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That is going to be awful heavy for pocket carry, if that is your plan...

Posted: 12/18/2016 1:55:40 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:

That is going to be awful heavy for pocket carry, if that is your plan...

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On the other hand, 5 x .357 magnum 125 JHP is controllable and effective.

Posted: 12/18/2016 1:56:31 PM EDT

[#13]

I have the 230 and the only thing bad I can say is if appendix carry the beavertail will dig into your gut bad when you sit down. The fixed barrel makes it one hell for accurate little pistol though. Other downside is holster selection is very limited for these guns.

Posted: 12/18/2016 1:58:16 PM EDT

[#14]

I use a 642.

I'm open to using a Glock 43 though due to ease of mag change.

Posted: 12/18/2016 1:58:31 PM EDT

[#15]

Ruger LC9s loaded with Federal HST. I pocket carry the ever-loving hell out of it.

Posted: 12/18/2016 2:02:14 PM EDT

[#16]

P232, by a mile.

Posted: 12/18/2016 2:03:26 PM EDT

[#17]

there's no purpose in revolvers unless you're wanting something with a larger amount of power

.38 is not that type of power

i wish they would quit making them

Posted: 12/18/2016 2:11:16 PM EDT

[#18]

If you get the 232 get the two tone stainless slide and aluminum frame version. The blued slide on the 232 looks like hell if you carry it for only a short time. The guns show their age prematurely, so that is a good thing on the used market- get one that looks like it has scabies and send it off to have it hard chromed.

The stock grips on the 232 feel great in the hand but they add needless bulk and width to the pistol for carry- consider an aftermarket set of grips that are thin.

The market share of the 232 and all .380s of that size have decreased due to the availability of the slim single stack 9mm. Personally I would rather carry a Walther PPS, G43 or a Shield than a .380.

That said, the 232 should not give you any problems. Mine has been reliable.

Posted: 12/18/2016 2:14:30 PM EDT

[#19]

I've pocket carried a 642 for a few years. It's perfect for summer and when I "can't carry a gun". I just got a Shield to replace it though. We'll see...

Posted: 12/18/2016 2:16:04 PM EDT

[#20]

M&P Shield

Posted: 12/18/2016 2:17:50 PM EDT

[#21]

I carry alternately a P230SL stainless or a standard P230 in alloy and blue for summer carry. I wear a soft, IWB rig and LOVE IT. I use the type with the large inner flap that protects the side of body facing the gun. VERY comfortable...and it's a P230....an exercise in gorgeous simplicity.

Posted: 12/18/2016 6:17:26 PM EDT

[#22]

I have a 232. Love it. Super accurate for the size, always goes bang, etc. All that being said, my CZ Rami is nearly identical in size and takes 9mm. Just as accurate and reliable, just not as sexy.

This last one is the 232 sitting on top of the Rami (w/10 round mag).

Posted: 12/18/2016 6:29:33 PM EDT

[#23]

Have you looked at the P938? I have on in my pocket right now, dont even notice it.. find it very easy to conceal in pocket or IWB. Nice to have 7+1 rnds of 9mm and a spare mag in the other pocket. If your set on .380 TopGunSupply has the P238 for $429 right now, seriously considering it for my wife.
P238 $429

Posted: 12/18/2016 6:30:20 PM EDT

[#24]

I have a 642 no lock with crimson trace grips.

It takes me much more time to fire it accurately than it does my Glock 43.

People might get fast reloading with strips or speed loaders, for me much slower and awkward to carry.

Good Luck.

Posted: 12/18/2016 9:44:09 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
232 is a freaking awesome gun. Sold a lot of them when I worked at a range. Bit heavy, but it makes shooting it way more fast and accurate than a J frame (which isn't to say J frames can't be, it just takes more training).

View Quote

Carried one for a decade, its was a fantastic carry piece before everyone starts making single stack guns meant specifically for carry. It's like a Shield in that is slim, had a decent sight radius and a decent trigger. Unlike the current pocket guns, the P232 is not exactly a maintenance free gun, the slide and controls on mine rusted with some regularity but cleaned up like new. My sister needed a carry gun when she got her permit, so I gave it to her-now its back and on it's way to a new home at my Gf's son's house.

My 232 served me very well ad I could recommend one to anyone with the caveat that the new generation of polymer carry guns are just better all around. If you have to have a real-steel carry piece, you could do a lot worse but my carry gun today is a shield and I wouldn't go back-and I certainly wouldn't go back to a revolver.

Posted: 12/18/2016 9:46:40 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have the 230 and the only thing bad I can say is if appendix carry the beavertail will dig into your gut bad when you sit down. The fixed barrel makes it one hell for accurate little pistol though. Other downside is holster selection is very limited for these guns.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y524/tnriverluver/GunsandSerialnumbers181_zps141bd334.jpg

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...and magazine cost is eye-wateringly high. You don't want to drop one and crack a floorplate like I did.