Somehow, I missed the original P938 when it came out in 2011. I was moving at the time, and my shooting priorities were a little different. Then, the Glock 43 came out in 2015 (I got one of the first shipped to my state), followed by the P365 mania that continues to the present.

So, the P938 stayed under my radar for all that time. I knew it existed, but it somehow never made it onto my list of guns to consider.

That changed, recently. I was reflecting on what my *ideal* 9mm carry gun would look like, in a perfect world. Metal frame, 1911-style controls, good SA trigger, small but accurate. The lightbulb finally went on. I had to try out a P938, and the Legion model had the features I wanted (also in the running was the very similar Kimber version).

This gun has exceeded my expectations. Probably my most satisfying *new* pistol purchase, ever (though I've had some vintage purchases that were awesome).

In terms of its EDC tactical niche, it's basically equivalent to the G43. Maybe a hair smaller, maybe a hair heavier. Carries an extra round in the mags, but the Glock ones can be upgraded to hold extra. Basically the smallest practical 9mm for EDC self-defense. So, for 99% of self-defense carry, it's no different from what I had since 2015.

But it *does* have something else, that I really happen to like. It has usable long-range accuracy.

The pistols I *really* like are the ones that make me look good at long-range plinking outdoors, AND can be conveniently EDC'd in town. The Glock 43 fills the EDC role very well, but it's not a gun I love to shoot -- it's one of my least accurate 9mm's, pretty much as you'd expect.

The P938 Legion fills this niche for me like no other 9mm I've shot. After some basic reliability tests and familiarization, I was breaking propped-up clay pigeons at 25 yards, ringing the gong at 40 yards, and plinking a six-pack-sized rock at 105-110 yards (3 hits in the space of 3 mags). Accuracy for me was confidence inspiring like no other 9mm of comparable size.

It's able to do this for the classic reasons of grip/sights/trigger -- all are great for such a small package. I haven't benchrested it to test mechanical accuracy yet, but it clearly can't be too terrible.

The trigger has a crisp SA break, but it was a little too heavy for my liking out of the box, in the low 7lb range. I ordered a replacement sear spring from Hogue for $10 (I didn't want to mess up the factory spring), took some of the bend out, which took about 2lb off the pull weight. I could probably go further, but no longer feel the need.

Sights are also great. I was worried about a low-printing "combat style" sight picture, common on modern Sig-Sauers. But, it was a pleasant surprise to discover a nearly "center hold" picture at plinking range -- not quite textbook, but close. No sight-replacement required, which was a major relief. I find the front sight also fills the rear sight to an optimal degree for accurate shooting. The tritium is iceing on the cake.

For a gun you can drop in a pocket, the grip is also great. Aggressively checkered front strap and mainspring housing. Thin G10 grips with aggressive texture. With the magwell extension on the Legion model, the grip supports all three fingers (but just barely). It locks into place in my hand in a way the G43 never did.

Those elements add up to surprisingly accurate long-range shooting, for me. The gun is at least theoretically useful for small game (e.g. rabbits, birds, snakes), and longer-range combat (e.g. a "Dicken drill" scenario).

It's also good-looking, and tightly fitted. No rattle, no slop. It feels solid in the hand. Not top-heavy. Construction is stainless steel and aluminum with cerakote, which should make it the equal of any modern handgun for hostile environments, e.g. sweat, humidity, rain, etc.

The Legion model also replaces the two plastic parts on the original P938 with metal ones -- the trigger and mainspring housing. There is no plastic on the gun, except for the base plate of the magazine (does that count?).

The main disadvantage is mag capacity of 7+1, compared with the P365-style design of 10+1. You get firepower the old-fashioned way, by carrying an extra mag (it comes with 3 mags). This doesn't bother me, but it's a clear trade-off and will be a deal-breaker for some.

Recoil is perhaps a little on the stiff side, due to the small size, but not as harsh as you'd guess. Comparable to the G43 or a blowback .380. A bit more than the P365 with its slightly-wider grip.

It's right in that size range where the "overall shootability" of a gun begins dropping off a cliff with each successive mm of size reduction. Only, it doesn't doesn't reflect the expected drop-off. Of course, that's my personal experience, as the gun is pretty much designed for every preference I have. It's not a beginner's gun, but skill is not wasted on it.

The design of the P938 has a surprisingly long geneology. Of course it evolved from the P238 in .380acp. But, the P238 was an evolution of the Colt Mustang of the 1980's-1990's, which in turn had evolved from the Colt Pony project (a joint venture with Star) of the 1970's that never went into full production. That, in turn, was a very slight evolution of the Star D-series, which goes all the way back to 1922. So, you could shoot an "earlier version" of the P938 that was made in Spain over a century ago.

I'm sorry it took me so long to pick one of these up!

For size comparison, here it is next to a full-size pistol that should be familiar:



And here it is next to its nearest tactical equivalent, the G43:

Nice review, thanks. The 938 was on my short list to get when I could, years ago before I retired, but other things popped up. That Legion here in CA would cost close to 2K or more in the private sales market thanks to the restrictive roster. Thanks again for sharing.

Yeah, the CA situation is "unfortunate" to say the least. I thought the $750 price was quite reasonable, relative to the going price for a Glock. A bit more, but not that much.

One thing I discovered since posting the review. I was testing a variety of self-defense ammo -- mainly odd fractional boxes of various things I had lying around. It doesn't like Hornady XTP "american gunner" loads for some reason. Odd failures that involve not chambering the bottom round in the mag, but sending it out the ejection port and into the dirt (unfired). Consistent behavior in two different magazines.

It does just fine with Federal HST, Federal Punch, Rem Golden Saber and Underwood Xtreme Defender. Along with Winchester and Blazer FMJ. And some reloads.

But it HATES those Hornady loads!

Welcome to the fold.

I got a Kimber at a steal when I was looking for a 938. I’d say it’s equivalent to your Legion, just not as pretty.
I agree with everything you said and carry mine daily.
I found that 147 HST made mine hard to chamber from the 8 round magazine, but it happily runs on 124 HST.

Safe travels.

Yeah, the Kimber is basically the same thing. Even the magazines are interchangeable.

Interesting that Springfield briefly got on board with the same design too, but their timing was terrible. It coincided with the P365/Hellcat release, and they were already jumping in to market it against two nearly-identical guns from well-respected companies. It didn't stand a chance.

Thanks for the good review and good photos. One thing that I like about my similar P238: I can rack its slide with its safety in SAFE position, provided that its hammer is cocked.

These dang 938 Legion threads always get me thinking about getting one, even though I have no practical use for it. Congrats on a great looking weapon and really nice review.