Tag: subcompact

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Handguns

Polymer80 PF940SC: The New 80% SubCompact Glock Frame

Polymer80 PF940SC frame

Polymer80 PF940SC frame

It appears Polymer80 is set to release a new 80% Glock compatible pistol frame at the 2018 SHOT Show. Called the PF940SC, the new unfinished frame is designed to be compatible with the sub-compact sized Glock pistols like the G26 and G27.

Polymer80 offers a number of 80% receivers that allow you to complete various machining and assembly operations to turn them into working firearms. This allows the hobbyist shooter to literally build their own gun.

Before now, the company offered only two sizes of Glock compatible 80% frames – one for full sized guns and another for the compact (Glock 19 style) frame. The new PF940SC would allow shooters to build a complete set of Glock compatible pistols.

The 80% frames are not copies of the Glock frame. Rather, they are new designs that are compatible with standard Glock parts. As a builder, you can simply order OEM parts kits and build your own pistol with this frame once you complete the needed machining on the frame.

Building a Polymer80 Glock
With the original Polymer80 Glock compatible frame, you had to mill the slide rails. The PF940SC does not require milling the rails.

The new frame uses reinforced polymer for a combination of strength and modest weight. A jig is included along with the tooling needed to machine the frame. Polymer80 opted to use a Picatinny-type accessory rail to allow the use of a light or laser when completed.

A stainless steel locking block with front rails and a drop-in rear stainless steel rail module are used. This is similar to the design used on the existing compact frames, and a significant improvement over the original full size frames. The original full size frame uses polymer rear rails that have to be milled, filed and hand fitted. It works, but it does take a lot of time to perfect.

Shooting an 80% Glock pistol
I built a Glock compatible pistol (full size) with a Polymer80 frame. I look forward to trying out the new PF940SC also.

Polymer80 anticipates a retail price of $149.99 when they come to market. This is in line with the company’s other Glock compatible frames.

If you’ve never built your own firearm using an 80% lower or frame, you might be surprised at how easy it is. It requires time and tools, but can be done as a Saturday project. Many guns – from AR-style rifles to 1911 compatible pistols – are made by hobbyists, and are completely legal under federal law. Check out my article on the legalities of home made guns without serial numbers for more information. If you are ready to jump in and build your own, you can click here and buy one of the Polymer80 frames from Brownells. It will be shipped right to your door without any need for the ridiculous fees associated with gun transfers.

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Categories
Handguns

SIG P238 – High Quality 380 ACP Single Action Pistol

SIG P238 Spartan

The SIG P238 pistol is a single-action, semi-automatic pistol chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge. The pistol is considered to be very similar to the workings of a 1911 pistol and is said to have borrowed heavily from the design of the Colt Mustang pistol. Most likely, SIG SAUER purchased the rights to manufacture the Mustang from Colt, though under their own label: the P238.

The P238 was introduced by SIG SAUER at the 2009 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida. At that time, there were few quality .380 ACP pistols on the market, but the 2008 introduction of the Ruger LCP proved there was an untapped market demand for them. Unlike other manufacturers who were mostly bringing DAO polymer guns to the .308 ACP pocket gun market, SIG SAUER went with a high-quality gun on a metal frame.

The SIG P238 has an anodized aluminum frame and a stainless steel barrel and slide. The pistols are single action guns that have a frame mounted safety. P238 handguns also have a trigger bar disconnect safety, an automatic firing pin block and a hammer safety intercept notch to enhance the pistol’s overall safety.

First P238 Pistols

In the first year of production, SIG only offered two variations of the P238: a standard black finish and a two-tone finish. The basic model was called the “Nitron,” which is the name of the special corrosion-resistant finish that gave the gun it’s black appearance. The Nitron was available with standard SIG “contrast” sights or night sights.

The two-tone model had a black frame with a stainless slide, slide stop, hammer and safety. The P238 grips were a stainless steel (silver) color. Both the original Nitron and the two tone models are still available from SIG SAUER.

P238 Models

The SIG P238 saw exceptional sales in it’s initial year, and sales of the gun have continued to be very positive. Since being introduced, SIG SAUER added numerous variations to the P238 line including various finishes, different grips and a variety of custom etchings.

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