The .380 Pistol Used by British SAS: Sig Sauer P230

[@davem2369]

I'm in Northern Ireland and yes the P230 was used here. The PP and PPKs which could be found in British armouries when a small pistol was needed were at the end of their service lives in the 70s and early 80s. In the rough time period the P230 came into service the Walther P5 did as well and P226 and P228 too. These just weren't for the SAS/SBS though, a lot of units like Military Police bodyguards, Intelligence units had access to them (normally P5 and P228) and not just in Northern Ireland. I've heard stories from across the UK, Germany and elsewhere. Even line infantry guys in NI sometimes got them for certain jobs here. For people stuck with Browning Hi Powers in NI one modification was to take the grips off and put some cardboard and duct tape on to slim it up as much as possible to reduce width.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Cardboard and duct tape? It's not like they weren't aftermarket grips even then?

[@davem2369]

@@WALTERBROADDUS yes, put Private or Corporal whoever wasn't going to blow wages on thin grips in 1970/80s Northern Ireland for something he can can do for a few pennies when all he wanted was as thin a gun as possible for going to the shops or delivering some kit to another base or depot. Different culture. I know plenty of later Hi-Powers in UK service did start to turn up with rubber Pachmayr grips and other modifications, probably by prior users

[@emergingloki]

@@WALTERBROADDUS not if you're just handing it back into the armoury after, plus no, not really. Not in the UK, and not that offered that level of skinny.

[@brandondavis8005]

In-country engineering. I saw an interview with Chris Paronto (Benghazi) where he said they'd used bicycle tire rubber on their grips. And check out Forgotten Weapons Larry Vickers video, see how he attached a light to his carbine before rails were a thing. If it works it works.

[@GrazianoBF]

I wouldn't complain to be stuck with a Hi-Power ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@brianb3628]

I bought a P230SL in the mid-eighties and carried it as an off-duty pistol for 4 + years. Mine is reliable and I still have it today.

[@IanMcD204]

Here's an idea for a future vid: Sig Sauer P226 (carried by the SEALS for a while) vs. the Hi-Power since the SAS used it for a long time, maybe with some others thrown in from other Special Operations units (like, a custom 1911 since Delta used them for a bit, or something that Israeli special operations used in the 80's-90's etc., you get the point). Anyway, love the historical-focused content. Happy holidays!

[@ifv2089]

The Smash carried the 226 as well, a Vs deffo cool idea 1911 v the webly lol

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

@@ifv2089 I'm definitely interested in a 1911 vs Webley video

[@RedYankee45]

1911 vs 226 vs M9A1 vs HI power vs HK 45... that would be a hell of a video lol get people yelling at each other in the comments 🤣

[@gunnargundersen3787]

P226 was the standard issue replacement to the Hi Power across the British Army as a Urgent Operational Requirement until the Army went with a formal replacement in the form of the Glock 17. So everybody got it including UKSF.

[@guydavid8656]

The 226 , like a p238 , but for men lol

[@TomScott__]

I bought my sig P-230 SL used at a gun show in 1988. I was disappointed at the failure to feed my hollow points so I sent it back to Sig. About a week later sig returned it to me with a polished ramp. I carried it for 30 years as a backup and off duty gun firing 1000's of rounds through it and still own it today after 34 years and it has never failed to feed since sig sent it back to me. This is the best money I ever spent on a gun and I'll never sell it. I recently looked at getting the Glock 42 and I liked it until I discovered the Glock 42 slide doesn't lock back after the last round.

[@TomScott__]

@Eclectic Witchery If I remember correctly I paid at least $300 but no more than $500.

[@city_boys]

The glock 42 does lock back

[@dougmac9955]

As a 72 year old retired US ARMY NCO, gotta say I love any video about these new fangled guns. I have several of these old pocket pistols in my collection, and find them fascinating. Particularly the older guns like the Savages, early CZs, FN Brownings (model 1900) and anything older than me.

[@daltonbecker4494]

I can tell you aren't lying about your age when you described a pistol designed in the mid-seventies as "New-fangled."

[@timothyfanney7260]

Bought P230 and p232 many years ago for my secondary. Loved the heal mag release when I carried it on my ankle. Never worried about a foot chase and my mag popping loose. Small enough to put in a pocket holster, as well. I put hogue grips on it. One sits in my safe and the other, I no longer own. I have a g42 for my secondary now. Accurate, reliable, and small. Since they no longer make it, my sons will have to argue about ownership because it will rest in the safe until then.

[@jhoot3482]

I had a p232 in stainless. The only gun I regret getting rid of.

[@Ben-yw8be]

One of my all time favorite pistols. I still carry a fixed barrel design. Accurate, simple, and easy to maintain.

[@tanzepei1985]

This gun is so beautiful! It's a shame that it's no longer in production.

[@Scott-qq9jd]

At 4:20, you should probably know that SIG says not to decock their pistols that way. Certain safeties don't work if you decock by pulling the trigger and controlling the hammer. That's why it has a decocker, which is easier to use, and quite satisfying on an old SIG.

[@zuriwagner5566]

I have a P232 and absolutely love it-- I think it may be the most visually attractive pistol in existence, and the ergonomics are fantastic for such a small gun. Bought it used on GB only a couple years ago. The only PITA has been finding reliable mags for less than a mortgage payment.

[@cornelkittell9926]

I have one as well. Great little gun. I shoot better than any other small pistol I have ever used.

[@robspath4203]

I would definitely check mecgar seeing as they are the oem. Sig doesn’t supply them.

[@fredthemime5920]

@@robspath4203 Thanks! Will take a look.

[@PPISAFETY]

I agree with you on the looks of the P230/232. Gun writers in the 90's used to describe the gun's styling as "Art Deco".

[@maddmatt1994]

Bersa mags can be modded for use with the P230.

[@jonathanthompson5710]

Loving these classic carry reviews James. I really love the budget shotgun reviews. Can't wait for a Typhoon defense review.

[@ginacalabrese3869]

This was my dad's favorite firearm and one of my favorite things that remind me of him. The Made in W Germany on the slide is the best part to me.

[@whatsup24_7]

This is the first gun I ever purchased brand new in the mid 90's. Very accurate shooter

[@williambradford352]

What outstanding video coverage of the P230! My first pistol purchase was the P230 in 1993 at exactly the price of $510.00 as mentioned in your review. I was encouraged to make the purchase by a veteran police officer. I still own and love it.

[@sargepent9815]

I carried a P232 as a backup to my P220 duty weapon. Both are outstanding and never let me down

[@ThisCanNotBTheFuture]

Beautiful piece. Shame so many classic metal pistols have been discontinued in favor of polymers.

[@garyK.45ACP]

The good news is that you can still buy them used and often for lower prices than the newer "tacticool" guns.

[@sekarmaltum1695]

the p232 as you probably know, is pretty much the same as the p230, you are welcome

[@bertroost1675]

And few of those polymer guns will be considered collectable in the future.

[@B3nNyL3nNy]

the bersa thunder 380 seems very heavily inspired by this pistol. it has similar takedown similar grips and construction.

[@baggyobeast]

How insightful... I only hear that on every thunder 380 video I have seen

[@TheHikuky]

I have Bersa 380 s very acured and like it a lot but no idea how durable are for a regime of 50 to 100 bulets a day training eccersice

[@thomasbrown9313]

@@baggyobeast very cool sarcasm. Did you learn that in university?

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Bersa was designed before this Sig.

[@monster-pq7ln]

I had a thunder 380. One of the few guns I didn't regret selling.

[@jonmajarucon51]

Hi James. Thanks for this most excellent review. I have had my P230 for a long time. (30 years?) It will be my carry weapon if I succeed in acquiring my CCW permit. Every time I show it people just drool over it. It's a very beautiful pistol. It doesn't snag. It has never jammed. I have never had a stove pipe......most reliable weapon I have ever fired. I have a Sig 226 (.40/.357 barrels) but this is the weapon I will carry.

[@chrisfs150]

A friend of mine was issued a P230 and occasionally a ppk when travelling from base to base in N.I during the 80's whilst serving in the raf over there

[@jaqcp]

My first carry gun. Still loved it and keep it in rotation for fun. Still trust it, too.

[@bfwatt696]

The P230 was the first hand gun I ever purchased, Way back in 1995. Lindsay is correct, it's a beautiful firearm.

[@robertshaffer5682]

++

[@robertallen9916]

My buddy carried a 232 as a back up, and it was pretty impressive. So far my only Sigs are both West German. First I got a 220, later I found a 225, so they're like big bro and little bro. I paid a more than fair price for each, and they're both in the "never sell" category.

[@Al-cy9qn]

I'm gonna be qualifying next month for concealed carry with my 232. I love shooting this thing. First day at the range I put about 250 rds through it and by the end I was driving nails.

[@R.Tafolla]

1:57 I love to see Mishaco fondling guns with his seeing eye hand.

[@gunsandcars3648]

I bought a p230SL at a premium 8 years ago, best purchase I ever made, its a classic and like a fine swiss watch.

[@marksd5650]

My wife carries the stainless P230 and she put a Hogue grip on it. That makes a huge difference, it’s very pleasant to shoot. We have shot many rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 90 grain .380 FTX without any issues. She sold her 365, hated it, plastic striker. She wanted steel, but her favorite guns are 1911s and .44 magnums.

[@winddummy82]

I own one with an alloy frame, replaced the slide with a stainless and used a Wolff hammer, polished the free ramp.. It's one of my few pistols I wouldn't part with.. Always reliable and accurate.

[@seandurns110]

Love videos on guns like this; older “out of style” guns w some significant historical/film roles.

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

The P230 a friend of mine had issued to him when he was a detective, was so accurate that he could do head shots at the range at 50 yards. The P232 I bought jammed every third or fourth round (silver tip hollow points. Department issue). Ball ammo worked fine. I had a P230 and carried it for a while. Great gun. Very accurate with ball ammo. No problems. Great video. Thanks again for a job well done.

[@jamescampbell4334]

Nice vid and gun. 👍 I came across a new in box P232 (AE date, 2004) at my LGS earlier this year. Complete factory package/paperwork, serialized box, SigLite 3 dot night sights (noted on box label gun description, so factory installed), and three mags (one still in SIG accessories sealed bag). Was only $500 plus tax. Couldn't get my wallet out quick enough. All three mags that came with this 2004 production P232 are German made, not MecGar. Sig may have switched to MecGar mags sometime in 2004 or later, or someone swapped German mags into my unfired P232 package. 🤔 As you noted, that extra barrel length (3.75") pays dividends when shooting .380acp. I have XXL hands, and this "small gun" fills them like NO other gun in it size range. Merry Christmas James, and everyone reading this. He's the reason for the season. ✝️

[@bushmant6279]

I've got one of the very last p232's made and imported into the US; date code is 2nd half of 2014 with night sights. Blued model with the bead blasted finish and vertical broad slide serrations. Absolutely love this gun.

[@CCW1911]

The decocker is one of the best and unique features of this pistol, did I miss you mentioning it? I bought a P230 the first year it came into the US and was my first really practical semi auto sub caliber carry guns. I loved it for it's light weight, perfect ergonomics, great accuracy, and not the least thing being able to pick it up and fire with either hand compared to the PPK because it lacked the slide mounted decocker/safety. Back then no hps in 380 were worth considering and fmj ammo was absolutely reliable for me although I didn't use it as a training gun throwing mags on the concrete.

[@Corporal_Clegg]

I was thinking the same thing about the decocker being missed. I carried my stainless P230 for a few years before retiring it to my safe. But as James pointed out, it is sexxxy!

[@alfonsorodriguez6437]

I bought my P230 in stainless Steel in 1986 at the Wiesbaden, Germany in 1986. I was a US Army Captain stationed in Frankfurt AM, Germany. It was my first Sig Sauer. I have a P226 and SP2340 as well. In shape, the P230 and P232 look similar to the Mauser. As usual, it takes use and training for proper instinctive use of the pistol and as for the newer more modern pistols, the do not compare in ergonomics nor aesthetics. The Ruger you mentioned looks like a little brick in spite of being mechanically more modern and I would never consider buying one. I would buy one of the various Walther pistols in the market for a conceal firearm; I have a CCP in 9mm which is small, elegant and very ergonomic.

[@GK-mr9ko]

What was the process in buying that in 1986 Germany?

[@sbm255388]

Just bought a stainless P230 from an estate sale. It’s in its original box, two magazines all papers. The man I bought it from was the original owner and said he had never fired a shot from it since he bought it new. Needless to say it is beautiful and looks like brand new. Pondering whether to keep it unfired or go enjoy it at the range.

[@lardomcfarty9866]

Guns are meant to be fired

[@FernandoChaves]

I enjoyed your review of the Beretta...and this, another of my personal favorites. I carried a PPK/S for many years by the way. Nice to see you youngsters discovering we had a thing or two that worked back in the day. Sometimes it feels like youngsters think we went from flintlocks to polymer with a brief mention of the 1911 and generically "wonder nines". LOL! These pistols, like the PPK and PPK/S, are flat out sexy. We had Marilyn, Ann-Margret, Sophia Loren, and more, just like we had Walther, Beretta, Sig, Colt and more.... From the Duke to Eastwood, Bond to Dirty Harry, we had our characters/heroes. We had muscle cars with carburetors, telephones had cords and TVs had antennas. Though time passes and our heroes pass on, it's nice to pick up a fine firearm once in a while to get back into it again. Is such a thing still a viable carry piece? Yup, absolutely. Thanks for the video. I like your work.

[@99Racker]

As a comparison, try a Makarov PM. I like it for the weight, accuracy, and rock solid reliability. Easy (now) to convert from butt to thumb mag release. Also easy to convert to .380. Thanks for the video.

[@MrDmthomp32]

Love these classic reviews. Please keep it up, I get tired of all the wiz bang modern tactical stuff!

[@tauneutrino1able]

I have found that for my p232 the Hornaday HP's with the more pointed nose run WAY better than any flat nose bullets HP or FMJ. Everyone's experience is different but if you are having problems running HP's I'd suggest giving Hornaday or any other brand with a similar bullet profile a shot.

[@PPISAFETY]

This was a nice trip down memory lane. I can remember when the P230 was an extremely popular carry pistol when widespread CCW permits became available in my home state of Virginia in 1995. Well, that is to say it was popular with those who could afford it. I managed to get my hands on both a blue and a stainless version. I used the heavier stainless gun in my training classes and carried the lighter blued one. Unlike yours, both of mine worked well with my standard hollow point of the day, which was the Speer Gold Dot 90 grain load. James, you may find this interesting. Back in the 90's, I did a training class for a closed group of attorneys. We had a group of 16 prosecutors and defense attorneys in the classroom and out on the range, and I brought a selection of firearms for them to try. All but 2 of them chose to purchase the SIG P230. Those last 2 lawyers bought S&W Model 60's. In the mid-90's the Virginia State Police were among the early adopters of the SIG P228 in .357 SIG as a duty gun. At the same time, Troopers were authorized to carry a backup handgun, and the VSP provided almost 2,000 stainless SIG P232's for that purpose because it worked almost exactly like the P228. At the time it was the only backup weapon permitted, and they were loaded with department supplied Speer Gold Dots.

[@injuredoutdoorsman9011]

When I worked federal law enforcement, prior to being disabled in the line of duty, we were limited to carrying the Sig P230, P232, or P239 off duty

[@47SRT]

I was issued a p230 then replaced with p232, as well as a p220. The p220 was fantastic. We had nothing but problems with the 230/232. They were notorious for jamming and slide bite was common. After 11 years of carrying that gun I never felt it was reliable. I stopped carrying it all together. I hated that piece of sh**.

[@thomassophiea]

Agreed, but I found it was the magazines. After updating the mags (for free from sig) it runs like a clock.

[@47SRT]

@@thomassophiea I agree the old mags sucked. They had a zig zag seam that was spot welded. They would split down the seam after awhile. However even with the new mags we still had a lot of problems. Clearing a jam on those guns was a bitch. No slide stop, small ejection port and heal release. I know some people in the comments love theirs but if you ever had to run it hard in a course of fire. I guarantee you would quick learn to hate that slide bitting, jamming, pile of sh**. When they finally got ride of them. We could buy them for $250. There were not a lot if takers on that deal.

[@jacobcarrow3943]

@@47SRT where were you issued this? In the US?

[@Junior-fd8ux]

I’m on the look out for a German made p220 at the moment. Working on my bucket list

[@nobudgetcomments2742]

In what role were you issued those guns?

[@PlymouthVT]

Have had my P230SL for almost 40 years love it will never sell it. Drop hammer so you can carry with one in. Bought a very high quality holster for it from Urban Carry so comfortable to carry. I've tried carrying a 9 with full mag its uncomfortable as I'm not a big guy and no hips lol so the 230 works perfect for me. I also use Redline CV2-2 Grease on the gun it loves it. 100% synthetic grease.

[@MrZonacat1]

I own the stainless version and find it to be very accurate. My wife sometimes puts it in her purse for self-protection.

[@MrWTF1984]

I still carry one. Unlike modern pocket pistols the Sig P230 has a pinned barrel. So the gun won't go out of battery if contact firing. And it's just a classy pistol.

[@wfoisy91]

I've barely just started the video and I'm fuggin ecstatic. I bought a P232 last year as an upgrade from my LCP and the only reviews and videos are all recorded on potatoes by people with all the magnetism of a mayfly. The only information I can find outside of sales blurbs and defunct listings are on the gigaboomer forums (pretty helpful in some cases ngl) I don't need a vid to tell me it's a sweet, svelte shooter, but damn it's great to be in good company. My 232 has handled every kind of .380 I can throw at it, including the shitty polymer-coated steel Monarch from Academy that causes my LCP to choke like a ten-dollar whore. Best part, I got it for $369 with the case and two factory mags (like $100 a piece, cuz we ain't buying Promag) and the guy behind the counter at my LGS gave me a dead- serious disclaimer about how I'm gonna have a hard time finding "9mm Kurz". Love this thing to bits, and it satisfies my want for a PPK or Makarov pretty damn well.

[@tfbtv]

Haha. If only they chambered it in .380 instead of that hard to find 9mm kurz.

[@wfoisy91]

@@tfbtv Gotta tell ya, it really sucks when all I can find is 9mm Court.

[@TheBandit59]

Because of the fixed barrel, I have gotten extreme accuracy, in fact my dept used to have a pie plate competition, and I won it many times with this gun; but; if you didn’t hit the plate dead center, the weight of the bullet wasn’t enough to put the steel down

[@JK-fu1bn]

This is one of my favorite guns. When I was a kid like 7 my dad let me choose any airsoft gun in the store and I still chose the p230. Cool video pleasant surprise.

[@oldmangrady]

Great review- I've been carrying a 230SL for years. Has been an excellent and very accurate handgun.

[@W1ldt1m]

My wife loves her 232 and caries it today. The steel really helps with recoil. Best carry gun on the market for her in 2001

[@charlesbugh8996]

I'm enjoying these "dancing with the classics" your showing. Keep rocking the videos sir.

[@Asidebar]

I have the S/S model, the light weight model and the blue one. All worked flawless. Was excellent for ankle carry as backup until I switched to a GLOCK 43x for ankle carry.

[@wolfman2702]

Are you wearing bell bottoms to conceal the 43X in an ankle holster?

[@T.E.P..]

Bersa Thunder + guy here with my edc. It rules. If anyone is thinking about the Bersa + .... it's a joy

[@boasecuritytechnologies2153]

I’ve had the stainless P230 since 1987. I carried it for 3-4 years. It’s a good gun. However, the sights suck by comparison to what is made today.

[@troyspurling1910]

Love this series on the classics James!!

[@bluecow2655]

Finally! Someone put out a video showing the correct way to use a heal magazine release. I thought it was self-evident and everyone knew this then about 15 years ago I got a computer and saw all kinds or crazy attempts to remove a magazine. As for having to use two hands, everyone complains of this, but no one mentions that handguns with a magazine safety (guns say like the...S&W M&P) require two hands also.

[@danielcurtis8746]

The sig puts me in mind of a Mauser hsc in some ways. Great video as always

[@michigunsanta8680]

I love the P230/232, still carry them now and then. Super accurate, concealable and just dang cool. 👍🏻

[@samspade9100]

Matt, I’ve owned a 230 and three 232’s. You can lock the slide back by removing the magazine, holding the slide back with one hand, and inserting a finger to press the slide lock up and open. It’s awkward but very possible without sausage fingers.

[@randyshaum428]

Not to ruin anyone’s day but I just scored a German made 230 SL at a local gun show for $175. Pristine condition, box, owner manual and one mag. Consignment sale for the original owner who was originally asking $800. When you get to the gun show early…

[@bertroost1675]

Nice

[@ftdefiance1]

One friend carried the SIG as a back up and off duty gun. It always struck me as a bit large.

[@jimhovater8755]

A blued P230 was one of my (2) BUGs I used when sn LEO. It was loaded with Speer Gold Dots.The other was an S&W 442. It was loaded with W-W 158gr LSWCHP +Ps.

[@bluelightningrod1]

I picked up a used P232SL at a good price some time ago. It's a fun and beautiful piece. The downside is magazines are hard to find at a reasonable price.

[@christoney2491]

One way to avoid hollow point feed issues is to use ARX ammo. It feeds like ball ammo, with hollow point ballistics. I use it with my Ruger LCP Max, and have had no feed problems at all.

[@AJ_AMDG_90]

I inherited one from my dad and I absolutely love it!

[@williamgunnarsson]

Don't laugh, but what I'm telling you is absolutely true. My SMC.380acp from FEG out of Hungary, is just as fine a gun as the Walther that it, more or less, emulates, and costs a lot less. It is as accurate and reliable as any gun of it's size or class and it has NEVER jammed in the several years I've had it. I've shot ball, FMJ, and hollowpoints without any disruptions. Steel slide, aluminum frame, de-cocker and somewhat lighter to carry, than the all-steel model also offered by FEG. The excellent firearm that you so thoroughly and professionally introduced us to in this segment is obviously a fine gun, but I'll bet my Hungarian SMC.380 is as trustworthy. Unfortunately, it's my understanding that it is no longer imported into the United States. Ok, so I'm gonna subscribe to you on my way out. Thanks for humoring me.

[@rdrrr]

I would absolutely trust a Hungarian firearm, Hungary has a long and storied history of arms manufacturing.

[@996driver1]

MIM parts are in most cases superior to milled parts, speaking as a professional mechanical engineer of over 35 years experience. Never the less, I love your site and your humor. Keep on please. Your approach is welcoming to bring new gunners into our world. Scott

[@InkandFish555]

What makes them better?

[@toddfeltman3748]

MIM parts are good when... Or if... And that's really the problem, unfortunately. In other words, WHEN it's done right, or IF QC is what it's supposed to be. If not, you get problems.

[@InkandFish555]

@@toddfeltman3748 I can imagine them being very economical to manufacture but I was mostly curious of how their mechanical properties compare to machined parts, or forged parts.

[@laf43777]

I recently shot Sellier & Bellot.380s with my Sig P230. The left grip of my pistol cracked in half. Proceeded to order Hoague grips from Amazon. They look and feel great. My Sig shoots hollow point Federal 90 grain bullets like a champ

[@ChrisB-zz8dh]

Love these old guns!! Nice videos!

[@Spaser15]

I bought a P232 4 years ago to replace my Star BM as my carry piece. Only replaced it with a P365 XL this year. It now lives in my glove box as a just-in-case piece. Only complaint was that the OG grips were too small for my hands, resulting in slide bite.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

I almost bought one of these used for 300-400 over the years a few 232 also. Always found something else but now I’m actually looking for one. Loved seeing this video

[@Zundfolge]

I've long held that the P230/P232 are VASTLY superior to the PPKs. The only thing to dislike about the thing is the heel mag release. One of the many guns I've sold over the years that I should have kept, I used to have a P232 with Nill grips on it ... but someone offered me stupid money for it so I sold it.

[@dudesame2207]

The Makarov pistols has 3rd party grips that add a lever that reaches the heel, and you actuate it where modern pistols have the mag release, probably wouldn't take much to design something similar.

[@GK-mr9ko]

@@dudesame2207 woah never heard of those. You know who makes them?

[@dudesame2207]

@@GK-mr9ko Its called the PM Grip Kit by a Russian company called Dozor.

[@GK-mr9ko]

@@dudesame2207 awesome man, thank you

[@Sam-et3bv]

I like these videos. I’m looking forward to more of the classic carry stuff.

[@bumpercoach]

first ever saw it as a used p232 which I got and resold for a profitable funding for the all-steel 230 also used and from the same shop... LOVE how shrouded the hammer is at full ready

[@TheDisposableLeader]

My collection of 37 P230/232s thanks you for this review :D

[@craigjones2195]

As a sig collector, I’ve been looking for one for a long time at a good price from a local store. Today, I got mine (had my pick of 2, took the one with some wear but 2 mags instead of pretty with 1…I plan to put my own holster wear on it). Groups were excellent and it feeds polymer tipped hollow points like critical defense with no issues.

[@guydavid8656]

I had one, a P2 38, with the spartan decorations on the handle, the grips whatever we want to call them . exceptional weapon & very concealable

[@RedlegRay66]

James, handle those mags with tender care! Getting very difficult to find. Really expensive to boot! Great review! I use my 230 as my bike gun.

[@RickJZ1973]

Definitely, the mags are really difficult to find currently. They command quite a premium even in used condition. Thankfully, years ago I obtained extra OEM mags for my P232 when they sold for thirty five dollars.

[@bruceblackerby3742]

Great review. I've got a PPK/S (S&W made - first gun I purchased), and a 232 (second gun I purchased). Love the 232. Classic lines, and yes, definitely looks like the successor to the PPK. Fits the hand better, is lighter, shoots better, and has cleaner lines. It may be decades old, but a good design is timeless.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

My Uncle bought the P230 about a year before they stopped making it. I shot it and it’s very nice. It’s his EDC gun.

[@hivelsword]

Never met a 230 that didn't slice my hand. I could alter my grip just for that gun but I don't wanna. At least the last iteration (P232) rounded the bottom rear corners but I'd still have the bottom of the slide giving me skin treatment during firing. Not a fan of heel based mag releases but I will concede that the 230/232 is sexy as hell.

[@Crangaso]

Nice video James. Hope you & your oldest & least favorite son Hop have a Merry Christmas!

[@HGates-hl4eq]

I really wanted one of these years ago when I was of modest means. Now I can barely find one at any of my lgs. Congrats on one of the coolest guns ever made. IMHO. By the way, kudos to the 8mm reference 👏

[@caza728]

“I’m just trying to understand.”

[@ixnorp4270]

I have two Glocks and a Sig P365 that I carry, but none of them fit my hand as nicely as my blued P232. During the summer I usually carry a G42, but if I'm not going to be carrying all day, I will sometimes reach for the P232. I just love that pistol.

[@charlie6629]

I carry a P232 SL and love it. Yes it has extra weight although I have been carrying for over 20 years and hardly know it's there. I have to check sometimes before leaving the house.

[@pcfcgt]

it is very easy to disassemble and clean on regular basis, I did shoot this firearm on the range, it is a beauty

[@williamflowers9435]

I would love it if you did a review on the CZ82 or 83!!!

[@MrDjay46]

I have the stainless W. German version acquired new in 1992. It’s a never sell but also a never carry nowadays since I’d much rather have a plastic Ruger wind up in an evidence locker. Not that it would be a primary concern in such a nightmare event. 😮 Thanks for such a thorough presentation coupled with that delicious humor. 😊

[@TylerGamer765]

I dig the old carry and duty gun videos. Keep em comin bro!

[@FCV0511]

Can't wait to see more guns in this classic carry series! I'm a sucker for all-metal pistols in general.

[@joshuawilliams6321]

This gun was on my bucket list for many years. Never did get one though.

[@BertShackleford]

Where is the P210 _Carry_ we were teased several years ago? The era of 'Gentleman's Carry' is upon us my friends. A large majority of the people I know within the 2A community have grown tired of the polymer frame, striker-fired pistols for their EDC. Many of them are switching to alloy frames in some form or another. Heck, even the P365 carriers are swapping out their polymer frames for the aftermarket alloy frames from Icarus Precision. I get the allure of the plastic fantastic pistols for EDC. However, I think it is safe to say that we have all started to grow weary of the polymer options we have available. IMHO, the unicorn we all fondly know as the Dan Wesson DWX has to be the epitome of 'Gentleman's Carry'. If (and that's a BIG _if)_ the DWX ever comes to fruition, I still have to stick by my principles and wait until the Gen 2 version makes its debut. I simply refuse to purchase _anything_ first generation. Instead, I prefer to let others be the mules for R&D. Stay classy my friends.

[@马k]

My first off duty carry in the early 90’s. I later switch to the P228

[@Wladislav]

The PPK, but better, and more elegant. The P230/232 is one of my all-time favourites.

[@rollyherrera623]

Simple, easy breakdown, and although mag dump slightly inaccurate, on a double tap; highly effective on center mass...

[@Goldenwithaleash]

My shooting buddy has a west German blued P230 and I’ve had a chance to shoot it quite a bit. He does carry it often as he’s a bit old school. Never had any issues with it and it is a lot better shooting than a PPK. I don’t know how relevant is in todays world of micro .380’s and subcompact 9mm unless you just like it.

[@DillonG71]

Picked up a slightly rusty p232 for 350 recently and i love it

[@Rusty-kw9im]

Love the P230, and the PPK, but my daily wound up being a PA-63 I got from a friend. Love a lot of guns, but I'm a sucker for the classics with some wood grips.

[@zoltanmisley666]

hi there I'm Hungarian and to be honest, I don't have a lot of info on Hungarian gun manufacturing could you tell me why you chose the PA63 over the others? It being a Hungarian gun, I'd love to know how it compares

[@hunterace101st]

@@zoltanmisley666 have one myself, it's 9x18 makarov a 380 acp on steroids way more punch than even 380 +p.

[@davelewis3255]

I carried a P232 as a backup and off duty pistol for a couple of years in the early 2000s. It was a little heavy but rode well in my jacket pocket or IWB holster. Since mine was the newer stainless version it fed hollow points just fine. The heel mag release was a little clumsy but with a some practice I could shoot a timed qualification round better than with my Smith 640 J frame. The plus p .38 specials I loaded in the Smith had a bit more authority but I preferred a couple more rounds in the gun. The Sig was a very slick looking pistol. The wife described it as "sexy". A friend really wanted it and offered me close to what I paid for it. I put the proceeds toward a Ruger Super Red Hawk .44 mag. Definitely not a backup pistol but then the Sig wasn't enough gun for white tail deer.

[@groverearp2600]

I carry a Sig 232, exactly like the one at 6:04 it goes everywhere with me as the main edc or a backUp.