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sig p938 vs kimber solo

Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo: Sorting Through The Slim Single Stack Subcompacts

If you want a slim, subcompact single-stack 9mm but would like a gun with some class, two guns you might find yourself considering are the Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo. Granted, the Solo isn't in production anymore so you'll be looking at either NIB models or the lightly used; otherwise you'll have to be content with the Micro 9.

But, as we know, the P938 and Kimber Micro 9 are already pretty similar.

These are compact pistols for the person who likes a bit of the finer things, or relishes something a little different. Both certainly are compared to most guns of similar size and capacity. Which, though, is the better? Well, that's very subjective. Chances are there's one you'll like more than the other, and for reasons we're about to get into.

Kimber Solo vs P938: Striker vs Single Action

kimber solo

What would be in favor of the Kimber Solo vs the P938? The Solo is a striker-fired pistol, with a familiar operating system to many modern shooters.

The typical gun person these days is used to plastic striker guns. Manual safeties weird them out because they never had to learn how to use them. Ask any 1911 guy and they'll tell you the safety lever is easy to get down, but some folks are just too tacticool to listen. But so much for that.

The Kimber Solo was made with a lightweight alloy frame, so it was still light at 17 ounces. Barrel length is/was 2.7 inches, and the gun stood 3.7 inches tall, 5.5 inches long and 1.2 inches wide, so a touch on the fat side for a small gun. Standard capacity is/was 6+1 of 9mm, though extended magazines were available that brought capacity to 8+1.

The controls were/are very simple. Ambidextrous manual safeties and ambidextrous magazine releases but a slide stop/slide release on the left side. The Solo had a stainless slide, and could be had with a stainless or black frame, with low-profile grip panels.

The Solo made quite the appearance, reminiscent of the Colt 1908 but obviously with modern touches. However, it had a more conventional metal trigger rather than the tabbed plastic affair of most striker guns. Pull weight was usually about 7 pounds, but was tuned for a smooth, consistent pull.

Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo: You Can Still Get Them New

sig p938

We've pretty much covered the Sig P938 before, so there's not much to go over there. That said, we'll touch the bases.

The Sig P938 is a micro 1911, just like the Kimber Micro series and the Springfield Armory 911. Just like the others, the P938 is a direct descendant of the Colt Mustang, though Colt never had the foresight to scale it up for 9mm, though Sig Sauer and Kimber did. That's why the Micro 9 and the P938 are very popular carry pistols.

It is single-action, so it must be carried cocked and locked, by letting the hammer down over a live round, or Israeli-style without a round in the chamber...which very, very few people would ever recommend you do. In short, you don't want to do that.

The P938 has a 3-inch barrel. It stands 5.9 inches long, 3.9 inches tall and 1.1 inches wide. It weighs 16 ounces unloaded, and carries 6+1 with the flush fit magazine. A 7+1 extended magazine is available as well.

That said, the Sig P938 comes in a variety of finishes, so a whole lot more adornment can be had if that's your thing. Not so much in features; you can add laser grips and upgrade the sights...and that's really about it.

Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo: You Probably Already Know Which One You Want More

The thing is that most people that are trying to whittle down between the Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo know which one they want. You know you want a striker-fired pistol or are okay with the single-action operation of the P938.

However, there are a few other little details that might tilt you in one direction or another.

The Solo is out of production, and there are only so many New In Box models to go around. This matters to some people, but doesn't to others. The P938 is in most gun stores.

The Solo, during its production run, was known to be fairly particular about ammunition. Kimber designed it to function best with defensive ammo on the heavier side, meaning the 124- and 147-grain 9mm loads. Most people do most of their shooting with 115-grain ball, so that's something to bear in mind. However, the manual of arms is a whole lot simpler, which really matters to some people.

If ornamentation is a priority, the P938 has a whole lot more available. You can get plain-Jane black Nitron, up to and including Rose Gold on the slide with engraving; the whole 9 yards. Kimber, though, did make a few editions beyond black stainless, silver stainless and two-tone, including their Amethyst and Sapphire finishes, so that's something.

Both are known for being reliable - with the right ammo - and easier to shoot than their small dimensions would suggest. Both are also much classier than the standard plastic fantastic of this size as well.

Try to get out and handle and - if possible - shoot both. You'll likely find one that works better for you, and that's the one to acquire.

Which sounds better to you though? Do you own one or both of these guns?

Have you shot these firearms? What did you like, and what didn't you?
Let us know in the comments below!

About The Author

Writer sam hoober