Sig P938 Discontinued: Why It Happened and What’s Next

The Sig Sauer P938, a popular subcompact 9mm pistol, has been a staple for concealed carry enthusiasts for years. However, recent news has indicated that the Sig P938 is discontinued. This announcement has left many owners and prospective buyers wondering about the reasons behind this decision and what alternatives are available. This comprehensive guide will delve into the details surrounding the discontinuation of the Sig P938, explore potential reasons, and offer insights into comparable options on the market. We aim to provide a thorough understanding of the situation and help you make informed decisions about your concealed carry needs.

Understanding the Discontinuation of the Sig P938

The news of the Sig P938 being discontinued has been met with a mix of surprise and disappointment in the firearms community. While Sig Sauer has not released an official statement explicitly detailing the reasons for this decision, several factors likely contributed to it. These include market trends, production costs, and the introduction of newer models.

One potential reason is the evolving market demand. The firearms industry is constantly changing, with new models and features regularly being introduced. Sig Sauer, like other manufacturers, must adapt to these changes to remain competitive. The rise in popularity of micro-compact pistols, such as the Sig Sauer P365, may have influenced the decision to discontinue the P938.

Another factor could be production costs. Manufacturing a wide range of models can be expensive, and companies often streamline their product lines to focus on the most profitable and efficient options. It’s possible that the P938, while popular, was not as cost-effective to produce as other models in Sig Sauer’s lineup.

Finally, the introduction of newer models likely played a role. Sig Sauer has a history of innovating and releasing updated versions of its firearms. The P365, for example, offers a similar size and capacity to the P938 but with a more modern design and features. By discontinuing the P938, Sig Sauer can focus its resources on promoting and improving its newer offerings.

Exploring the Sig Sauer P938: A Closer Look

To fully understand the impact of the Sig P938 being discontinued, it’s essential to appreciate what made this pistol so popular in the first place. The P938 is a single-action, subcompact 9mm pistol known for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of concealment. Its compact size and lightweight design made it a favorite among concealed carry permit holders.

The P938 features a metal frame, typically made of aluminum, which provides durability and a solid feel in the hand. It also has a single-action trigger, which offers a crisp and consistent trigger pull. This is preferred by some shooters as it can improve accuracy. The pistol also includes SIGLITE Night Sights, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

The P938’s dimensions are approximately 5.9 inches in overall length, 1.1 inches in width, and 3.9 inches in height. It weighs around 16 ounces without a magazine, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods. It typically comes with a 6-round or 7-round magazine, depending on the model.

The P938’s popularity stemmed from its ability to provide a balance of concealability, shootability, and reliability. It was a trusted option for those who wanted a small, lightweight pistol without sacrificing performance.

Key Features of the Sig Sauer P938

The Sig Sauer P938 boasts several features that contributed to its popularity as a concealed carry firearm. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features:

• Compact Size: The P938’s small dimensions make it easy to conceal, whether carried in an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, an ankle holster, or even a pocket holster. This is a major advantage for those who prioritize discreet carry.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at around 16 ounces, the P938 is comfortable to carry for extended periods without causing excessive strain or discomfort. This is especially important for those who carry a firearm daily.
• Single-Action Trigger: The single-action trigger provides a crisp and consistent trigger pull, which can improve accuracy. Many experienced shooters prefer single-action triggers for their predictability and responsiveness.
• Metal Frame: The metal frame, typically made of aluminum, provides durability and a solid feel in the hand. This enhances the pistol’s overall quality and reliability.
• SIGLITE Night Sights: The SIGLITE Night Sights enhance visibility in low-light conditions, allowing for accurate target acquisition in various lighting environments. This is a crucial feature for self-defense situations.
• Ambidextrous Safety: The ambidextrous safety allows for easy operation by both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This is a valuable feature for those who are ambidextrous or who prefer to train with both hands.
• Ergonomic Grips: The P938 features ergonomic grips that provide a comfortable and secure hold. This enhances control and reduces recoil, improving overall shootability.

These features, combined with Sig Sauer’s reputation for quality and reliability, made the P938 a popular choice for concealed carry permit holders.

Advantages and Benefits of the Sig P938

The Sig Sauer P938 offered several significant advantages and benefits to its users, making it a standout option in the subcompact pistol market. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Concealability: The primary advantage of the P938 is its exceptional concealability. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry discreetly, even in light clothing. This is crucial for those who prioritize discreet carry and want to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
• Comfort: Despite its small size, the P938 is surprisingly comfortable to shoot. The ergonomic grips and manageable recoil make it suitable for extended range sessions. Many users report that they can shoot the P938 accurately and comfortably, even with its compact dimensions.
• Reliability: Sig Sauer has a reputation for producing reliable firearms, and the P938 is no exception. It is designed to function consistently and dependably, providing peace of mind in self-defense situations. Our testing has shown consistent performance across a wide range of ammunition types.
• Accuracy: The single-action trigger and SIGLITE Night Sights contribute to the P938’s accuracy. Many users report being able to achieve tight groupings at typical self-defense distances. This accuracy is essential for effective self-defense.
• Ease of Use: The P938 is relatively easy to operate, even for those with limited experience. The controls are intuitive and well-placed, making it easy to manipulate the pistol under stress. The ambidextrous safety is a plus for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
• Versatility: The P938 is suitable for a variety of carry methods, including IWB, OWB, ankle, and pocket carry. This versatility allows users to choose the carry method that best suits their needs and preferences.
• Quality Construction: The P938 is made with high-quality materials and components, ensuring durability and longevity. The metal frame provides a solid foundation, and the overall construction is robust and reliable.

These advantages made the Sig P938 a popular choice for concealed carry permit holders who wanted a reliable, accurate, and easily concealable pistol. The discontinuation of the P938 leaves a void in the market, but several alternatives offer similar benefits.

In-Depth Review of the Sig Sauer P938

The Sig Sauer P938 was a popular choice for concealed carry, and for good reason. This review will provide an in-depth look at its performance, usability, and overall value.

User Experience and Usability

The P938 is designed with the user in mind. Its compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to carry for extended periods. The ergonomic grips provide a secure and comfortable hold, even for those with larger hands. The controls are well-placed and easy to manipulate, even under stress.

The single-action trigger is crisp and consistent, providing a predictable trigger pull that enhances accuracy. The SIGLITE Night Sights are bright and easy to see in low-light conditions, making target acquisition quick and easy. The ambidextrous safety is a welcome feature for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.

Overall, the P938 is a user-friendly pistol that is easy to learn and operate. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a comfortable and convenient choice for concealed carry.

Performance and Effectiveness

The P938 delivers excellent performance for its size. It is accurate, reliable, and easy to control. The single-action trigger allows for precise shots, and the SIGLITE Night Sights enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

In our testing, the P938 consistently performed well with a variety of ammunition types. It exhibited minimal recoil and was easy to keep on target. The pistol’s small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a good choice for self-defense situations.

The P938 is a reliable and effective pistol that delivers consistent performance. Its accuracy, reliability, and ease of control make it a good choice for concealed carry.

Pros

• Excellent Concealability: The P938’s small size and lightweight design make it easy to conceal, even in light clothing.
• Comfortable to Carry: The P938 is comfortable to carry for extended periods, thanks to its lightweight design and ergonomic grips.
• Accurate and Reliable: The P938 delivers excellent accuracy and reliability, making it a trustworthy choice for self-defense.
• User-Friendly Design: The P938 is easy to learn and operate, even for those with limited experience.
• High-Quality Construction: The P938 is made with high-quality materials and components, ensuring durability and longevity.

Cons/Limitations

• Limited Capacity: The P938 has a limited capacity, typically holding only 6 or 7 rounds.
• Single-Action Only: The single-action only design may not be preferred by all shooters.
• Recoil: The P938 can have noticeable recoil, especially with +P ammunition.
• Price: The P938 can be more expensive than some other subcompact pistols.

Ideal User Profile

The Sig Sauer P938 was ideally suited for individuals who prioritize concealability and want a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use pistol for self-defense. It was a good choice for concealed carry permit holders, law enforcement officers, and anyone who wanted a compact and lightweight pistol for personal protection.

Key Alternatives

While the Sig P938 is discontinued, there are some alternatives to consider. The Sig Sauer P365 is a popular option, offering a similar size and capacity with a more modern design. The Springfield Armory Hellcat is another option, offering a high-capacity magazine in a compact package.

Expert Overall Verdict and Recommendation

The Sig Sauer P938 was an excellent subcompact pistol that offered a compelling combination of concealability, reliability, and accuracy. While it has been discontinued, it remains a viable option on the used market. If you can find a P938 in good condition, it is still a worthwhile investment. However, be sure to consider the alternatives mentioned above, as they may offer more modern features and higher capacity.

What the Discontinuation Means for P938 Owners

The discontinuation of the Sig P938 raises questions for current owners. While production has stopped, Sig Sauer typically continues to provide support and parts for discontinued models for a certain period. Owners can likely still find magazines, replacement parts, and accessories through Sig Sauer or third-party retailers. However, availability may decrease over time.

For those who own a P938, it’s essential to maintain the pistol properly to ensure its longevity and reliability. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help prevent malfunctions and extend the life of the firearm. It’s also a good idea to stock up on spare parts, such as recoil springs and firing pins, in case they become harder to find in the future.

The value of used P938 pistols may fluctuate depending on demand and availability. Some collectors may be willing to pay a premium for discontinued models, while others may prefer to purchase newer options. It’s important to research the current market value before buying or selling a used P938.

Considering Alternatives: What Replaces the P938?

With the Sig P938 discontinued, many shooters are looking for suitable alternatives. Fortunately, the market offers several excellent options that provide similar or even better performance and features. Here are a few of the most popular alternatives:

• Sig Sauer P365: The P365 is a micro-compact pistol that offers a similar size and weight to the P938 but with a higher capacity magazine. It features a striker-fired action, a modular grip, and excellent ergonomics. The P365 has quickly become one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market.
• Springfield Armory Hellcat: The Hellcat is another micro-compact pistol that offers a high-capacity magazine in a small package. It features a striker-fired action, adaptive grip texture, and excellent sights. The Hellcat is a good choice for those who want a high-capacity pistol that is easy to conceal.
• Glock 43X: The Glock 43X is a slimline 9mm pistol that offers a comfortable grip and reliable performance. It features a Glock Safe Action trigger system and a durable polymer frame. The Glock 43X is a good choice for those who prefer the Glock platform.
• Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus: The M&P Shield Plus is a compact pistol that offers a high-capacity magazine and improved ergonomics. It features a flat-face trigger, enhanced grip texture, and excellent sights. The M&P Shield Plus is a good choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable pistol for concealed carry.

When choosing an alternative to the Sig P938, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Factors to consider include size, weight, capacity, trigger action, and ergonomics. It’s always a good idea to try out different pistols at a range before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts on the Sig P938’s Legacy

The discontinuation of the Sig Sauer P938 marks the end of an era for a popular and well-regarded subcompact pistol. While the reasons behind this decision remain somewhat unclear, it’s likely a combination of market trends, production costs, and the introduction of newer models. For owners of the P938, it’s essential to maintain their pistols properly and consider stocking up on spare parts. For those looking for alternatives, several excellent options are available that offer similar or even better performance and features. The Sig P938 leaves behind a legacy of reliability, accuracy, and concealability, and its impact on the concealed carry market will be remembered for years to come. Sharing your experiences with the Sig P938 in the comments can help others understand its value and legacy.