Holstering the Sig Sauer P238 Spartan

Sig Sauer’s P238 Spartan features the famous Greek phrase, “Molon Labe” engraved on the slide. “Molon Labe” means “Come and take them” — a phrase of defiance, especially a refusal to surrender one’s arms. It’s a great saying for gun owners and Second Amendment defenders. If you haven’t lately, look up the history behind the saying and remind yourself why.

This Sig Sauer also features a spartan helmet engraved on the custom grips. Very cool. Moreover, the gun’s oil rubbed bronze PVD finish provides a unique color scheme. And at 5.5” in length, 3.9” in height, and 20.1 ounces, its concealed carry mission seems clear enough.

You’re gonna have to wait to hear about the gun itself. Today I just want to discuss how I’m going to holster it. After all, if I’m going to carry a gun that defiantly says, “Come and take them,” I’d better start with having them secured on my person.

For now, I’ve got three options for carrying the P238 Spartan: Sig Sauer’s outside the waistband holster that came with the gun; a Versacarry inside the waistband holster; and a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster.

Sig Sauer OWB Holster (included). When Sig Sauer includes a holster with its guns, it’s usually for outside the waistband carry — more of a duty type of holster. While I wouldn’t consider the P238 Spartan a duty gun, its size does allow it the luxury of easy OWB carry. Sig Sauer’s plastic holster simply clips on your belt — a real gun belt works best — and that’s it. Worn at 3 o’clock, the holster holds the gun fairly close, fairly stable. Best features: Easy on, easy in, easy out.

Versacarry 380 XS ($24.99). Versacarry holsters provide IWB holster performance without, well, all the holster that normally surrounds a gun. The plastic carrier and pin hold the P238 very securely under a gun belt while putting the gun’s frame right up against me. A straight up draw will cause the Versacarry to yield the gun but you have to reholster (or reattach) by first removing the Versacarry from your belt. Best features: Very stable, well hidden.

DeSantis Nemesis, $25.99. Nemesis holstered guns go best in an appropriately sized pocket — if the gun is small enough, a front pocket of a favorite pair of jeans or better, a cargo pant pocket. Because the P238 has an extension on its magazine — great for excellent purchase when drawing and shooting — it’s tough to hide unless the pocket is on the larger side. So, summer cargo shorts are great for this gun/holster combo. The Nemesis’s sticky-ness helps the holster stay put when you draw. Best features: Easy to draw, well hidden.

Carry a micro .380? Which one and what’s your favorite holster?

— Mark Kakkuri