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SIG SAUER P232 Pistols: Updated for 2009

SIG P232

The SIG SAUER P232 pistol was updated for 2009.  The new P232 features a newly designed slide that reduces “slide bite” on larger hands and removable sights.

For those not familiar with the SIG SAUER P232, the gun is a .380 ACP pistol that is more substantial in size and weight than the recent crop of .380 pocket guns.  The P232 runs between 18.5 – 23.6 ounces, has a 3.6″ barrel, and an overall length of 6.6″.  The action is a DA/SA design and has a capacity of seven plus one.

The SIG P232 is available in three finishes: black Nitron, stainless, and a two-tone stainless slide with a black frame.  All models of P232 are available with standard or SIGLITE Night Sights.

SIG P232 Specifications

  • caliber:  .380 ACP
  • standard magazine capacity:  seven rounds
  • barrel length:  3.6″
  • overall length:  6.6″
  • action:  double-action/single-action (DA/SA)
  • trigger pull weight:  DA: 10 pounds, SA: 4.5 pounds
  • sight radius:  4.7″
  • MSRP:  $649 ($720 with factory night sights) for the Nitron version

While sleek and attractive, some people do not like the P232 pistols due to the lack of slide catch.  This means the shooter will not be able to lock the slide to the rear of the pistol for any reason.  While this does not negatively impact the reliability of the handgun, it does alter how some things are done.  For example, you can’t lock the slide back when handing another person the P232.  If this is important to you, this SIG pistol may not be your best choice.

Sootch00 on YouTube did a review of the updated pistol:

The P232 is easy to shoot, light recoiling pistol due to the size of it. Keep in mind that the trigger is a double-action/single-action design. These tend to be less accurate due to the lack of training most people will invest in learning the system. For the vast majority of people, having a double-action only pistol – like a Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P – is a superior choice.

By Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is an American author, editor and entrepreneur. He's done a lot of silly things in his life, but quitting police work to follow his passion of writing about guns was one of the smartest things he ever did. He founded this site and continues to manage its operation.

20 replies on “SIG SAUER P232 Pistols: Updated for 2009”

Hi,
Traded my Sig Saurer P232 in for a fancy Rohrbaugh 380. Mistake. The Rohrbaugh is easy to carry however does not shoot as well as the Sig P232. So bought a 2010 Sig Saurer P232 in black. Now I have 2 380s. I use Speer Gold Dot 90 grain in both weapons. Got a Galco JAK slide holster for the Sig and it works well. The Sig is larger than the Rohrbaugh and is easy to access the target. The Rohrbaugh is easier to carry in a pocket holster but 10 yards is about it for this tiny weapon. The Sig is good at 15-20 yards. Feel the Sig is safe to carry with one in the chamber however Rohrbaugh discourages this for their weapon.

women, and many men should not buy the p232 especially in stainless. the barrel is fixed which means the slide return spring is very strong. for most men it is very difficult to pull the slide back against this return spring. for most women, it is almost impossible. the stainless is significantly heavier than the blued, so recoil is reduced, but the blued slide is easier to grab. still, i own and shoot my 232 all the time and it is my primary backup. it never fails to fire for any reason. mine is stainless and made in germany to a quality that the american sigs don’t achieve unless you buy them from sig’s custom shop. training with the slide release is mandatory if you aren’t used to a bottom release. this gun is not for everyone and i would not recommend it to anyone but a pro. that said, it is my favorite backup weapon, period.

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