I’m a professional shooter and I’ve had the chance to really put the SIG P938 Vs SIG P365 to the test.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: when it comes to choosing the right gun, it’s all about personal preference, right? Well, I thought so too, until I decided to take these two out in the field and see for myself.
In this article, I’m going to dive into the nitty-gritty of both models. My aim? To give you a clear picture of each gun’s specs and performance, so you can make an informed decision about which one might be the winner for you.
| Feature | SIG P938 | SIG P365 |
| Caliber | 9×19 | 9mm |
| Capacity | 6+1 or 7+1 with extended magazine | 10+1, 12-round magazine available |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.9 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Height | 3.9 inches | 4.3 inches with flush magazine |
| Width | 1.1 inches | 1 inch |
| Weight (unloaded) | 16 ounces | 17.8 ounces |
| Sights | SIGLITE Night Sights | XRAY3 Day/Night Sights (3-dot) |
SIG P938
The SIG P938 is a compact powerhouse that packs a punch in a small package.
Specs
- Caliber: 9×19
- Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 with extended magazine
- Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
- Overall Length: 5.9 inches
- Height: 3.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces with an unloaded magazine
- Sights: SIGLITE Night Sights
- Trigger: Single Action Only, 7.5-8.5 lbs pull weight
SIG P365
The SIG P365 is a modern marvel in the world of compact firearms.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 5.8 inches
- Height: 4.3 inches with flush magazine
- Width: 1.0 inch
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Weight: 17.8 ounces with an empty magazine
- Sights: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights (3-dot)
- Trigger: Approximately 6 lbs
- Capacity: 10+1 (1 flush mag, 1 extended mag), 12-round magazine available
Features Comparison: SIG P938 VS SIG P365
1. Trigger Mechanism
SIG P938
The SIG P938’s trigger offers a unique blend of heft and precision. With a pull weight of about 7.5 to 8.5 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier than the P365.
This weight, in my tests, translated to a more deliberate feel during shooting, lending a sense of control and stability. Especially for those accustomed to single-action triggers, the P938’s setup feels comfortably familiar and reassuringly consistent.
SIG P365
The P365’s trigger, with its lighter ~6-pound pull, is a game-changer in quick-response scenarios. During field tests, this lighter pull meant faster, more fluid shooting.
It’s particularly advantageous in situations where rapid succession shots are necessary. The trigger’s responsiveness contributes to a smoother shooting experience, making the P365 a strong contender for those who prioritize speed and ease of action in their shooting style.
Winner
Choosing the winner comes down to personal preference and shooting style. For those valuing precision and a traditional single-action feel, the SIG P938 takes the lead, compared to the P365.
Its heavier trigger pull offers greater control, especially for deliberate, carefully-aimed shots. However, if quick, responsive action is your priority, the SIG P365’s lighter trigger provides a clear advantage. It stands out in scenarios requiring fast, successive firing, making it a top choice for speed-focused shooters.
2. Sights
SIG P938
The SIG P938 comes equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights, offering excellent visibility in low-light conditions. During my testing, these sights proved to be reliable and easy to align, enhancing accuracy in various lighting scenarios.
The clarity and sharpness of these sights are particularly beneficial for precise shooting, as they help maintain focus on the target. The high-contrast design aids in quick sight alignment, a crucial aspect for shooters who prioritize accuracy and consistency.
SIG P365
The P365 steps up the game with its XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, which include a 3-dot configuration.
These sights are incredibly versatile, providing clear visibility in both day and night conditions. In my field tests, the XRAY3 sights demonstrated superior target acquisition speed, making them ideal for rapid engagement scenarios.
The bright and distinct sight picture they offer is a significant advantage, especially in fast-paced or dynamic shooting environments where quick target recognition is key.
Winner
When it comes to sights, the SIG P365 takes the lead, compared to the P938. The XRAY3 Day/Night Sights’ versatility and quick target acquisition capability are hard to beat.
They excel in a wide range of lighting conditions, offering an edge in both daytime brightness and nighttime visibility.
While the SIG P938’s SIGLITE Night Sights are commendable for low-light precision, the overall adaptability and user-friendliness of the P365’s sights make them the winner in this category.
3. Ergonomics and Handling
SIG P938
The ergonomics of the SIG P938 are influenced by its classic 1911 design. Its slim profile and familiar layout make it comfortable for those used to traditional pistol grips.
During my testing, its handling felt natural and well-balanced, particularly for single-hand shooting. The compact design aids in concealability and quick draw, though the grip might feel small for shooters with larger hands. Its solid build and familiar feel make it a reliable choice for traditionalists.
SIG P365
The SIG P365 offers a modern ergonomic design that caters to a wider range of hand sizes. Its slightly thicker grip, compared to the P938, provides a more secure and comfortable hold, especially during extended shooting sessions.
In my field tests, the P365’s handling was intuitive and user-friendly, accommodating various shooting styles. Its design also allows for easier control during rapid fire, a significant advantage for dynamic shooting situations.
Winner
In the ergonomics and handling department, the SIG P365 edges out the P938, compared to the gun. Its design is more accommodating for different hand sizes and shooting styles, making it a versatile choice for a broader audience.
The comfort and control it offers, particularly in rapid-fire scenarios, are noteworthy. While the P938 has its charm, especially for those who prefer a traditional feel, the P365’s modern, user-centric design makes it the winner in this feature.
4. Concealability
SIG P938
The SIG P938 shines in concealability, owing to its compact dimensions and slim profile. When carrying it as part of my everyday carry, its smaller frame and lighter weight made it almost unnoticeable, even under light clothing.
During testing, its discreteness was a standout feature, especially in environments where discretion is paramount. Its slim width and shorter barrel length contribute significantly to this, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize concealment in their selection.
SIG P365
The SIG P365, despite its slightly larger size, still offers excellent concealability. Its innovative design manages to keep the bulk minimal while offering increased capacity. In my field tests, it concealed well under varied clothing, thanks to its efficient design.
The slightly thicker profile did not significantly impact its ability to be discreet, making it a viable option for concealed carry. Its ability to blend capacity with concealability is an impressive feat, considering its size and features.
Winner
The SIG P938 takes a slight edge in concealability, compared to the P365. Its slimmer profile and lighter weight contribute to a more discreet carry experience.
While the P365 also performs admirably in this aspect, the P938’s smaller dimensions give it an advantage in situations where the utmost concealment is necessary. For those who highly value the ability to carry with minimal visibility, the SIG P938 emerges as the preferred choice.
5. Safety Features
SIG P938
The SIG P938 incorporates classic safety features, including a manual thumb safety and a single-action trigger mechanism. This setup requires deliberate action to disengage the safety and fire, which I found to be a reassuring aspect during testing.
The manual safety, coupled with the single-action trigger, provides an additional layer of security, especially for those accustomed to the 1911-style platform. These features make the P938 a solid choice for users who prefer traditional, manual safety mechanisms.
SIG P365
The SIG P365, being a striker-fired pistol, offers a different approach to safety. Its design includes internal safety mechanisms but lacks a manual thumb safety in the standard model (though versions with a manual safety are available).
This design favors a quicker, more intuitive ready-to-fire state. During my tests, the lack of an external safety made for faster deployment, appealing to those who prioritize quick action and simplicity in operation.
Winner
Choosing a winner in safety features depends on personal preference. The SIG P938, compared to the P365, offers a more traditional approach with its manual thumb safety, appealing to those who value this classic feature.
Its safety mechanisms provide a sense of controlled handling. However, for those who prefer simplicity and speed, the P365’s design, focusing on internal safety without the need for manual engagement, might be more appealing. Both offer robust safety, tailored to different user preferences.
Pros & Cons of SIG P938
Pros
- Excellent concealability due to compact size.
- Traditional single-action trigger offers controlled shooting.
- Manual thumb safety for added security.
- SIGLITE Night Sights enhance low-light accuracy.
- Familiar feel for those accustomed to 1911-style pistols.
Cons
- Smaller grip size might be less comfortable for larger hands.
Pros & Cons of SIG P365
Pros
- Higher capacity in a compact frame.
- Lighter trigger pull for quick, responsive action.
- XRAY3 Day/Night Sights for versatile visibility.
- Striker-fired mechanism offers a consistent trigger pull.
- Comfortable ergonomics for a variety of hand sizes.
Cons
- Slightly larger and heavier than the P938, affecting concealability.
Similarities Between SIG P938 & SIG P365
- Both have a caliber of 9mm.
- Similar overall length and height dimensions.
- Designed for concealed carry with compact frames.
- Both models offer night sight options for low-light visibility.
- Each has a distinctive, ergonomic design for comfortable handling.
- Both are renowned for their reliability and build quality.
Differences Between SIG P938 & SIG P365
- P938 has a single-action trigger, P365 has a striker-fired trigger.
- P938 features a manual thumb safety, P365’s standard model does not.
- P365 offers a higher capacity compared to the P938.
- P938 has SIGLITE Night Sights, P365 has XRAY3 Day/Night Sights.
- P938 is slightly lighter and slimmer, optimizing concealability.
- P365’s grip is thicker, catering to various hand sizes.
- P365’s trigger pull is lighter compared to P938’s heavier pull.
- Design styles: P938 is more traditional, P365 is more modern.
Final Verdict
As a shooter who has thoroughly tested both the SIG P938 and the SIG P365, I’ve come to a conclusion that resonates with my personal preferences and shooting style.
After comparing these two impressive firearms across various aspects, the SIG P365 emerges as the winner in most of the comparisons. Its modern design, higher capacity, and versatility in various shooting scenarios give it an edge.
FAQ’s
How accurate is the Sig P938?
The Sig P938 is known for its impressive accuracy, especially considering its compact size. It offers reliable performance, making it a preferred choice for concealed carry.
What are the cons of the SIG P938?
The main cons of the SIG P938 include its lower magazine capacity, typically 6-7 rounds, and noticeable recoil due to its small size and 9mm cartridge.
How does the safety work on Sig P938?
The Sig P938 features an integrated thumb safety located above the left-hand grip, blocking hammer movement. It can be engaged with the hammer cocked or forward.
Is Sig P938 single-action?
Yes, the Sig P938 is a single-action, single-stack, 9mm pistol, drawing its design inspiration from the 1911-pattern pistol.
