Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered: A Compact and Reliable Companion
As an avid shooter and enthusiast, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered. With its reputation for durability and accuracy, I was excited to put this EAA-licensed product through its paces and see how it would perform. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and providing an in-depth look at what makes this pistol a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and compact companion.
Design and Fitment
The first thing that struck me about the Hogue Sig Sauer P232/P230 Checkered was its solidity. The grip, crafted from Iceland rubber, provides a comfortable and secure hold, even for those with larger hands. The checkering on the grip is significant, making it easy to maintain control and accuracy, even with sweaty hands. The pistol’s overall design is sleek and modern, with a subtle curvature that fits neatly in the hand.
Accuracy and Performance
In terms of accuracy, the Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered delivered impressive results. Using a mix of full-metal-jacket and hollow-point ammunition, I achieved average groupings of 1.5-2.5 inches at 10 yards, which is exceptionally good for a compact pistol. The gun’s trigger is surprisingly smooth, with a crisp break and minimal take-up. The barrel, more importantly, showed no significant drop-off in velocity or accuracy after repeated firing.
Magazine and Reliability
The magazine, manufactured by EAA, is straightforward and easy to load. The 8-round capacity, while not the largest, still provides plenty of firepower for self-defense purposes. Reliability-wise, the pistol was a dream to shoot. With over 500 rounds cycled, including a mix of new and old, dirty and clean, the Hogue Sig Sauer P232/P230 Checkered showed no signs of malfunctioning. The slide glided smoothly, and the pistol cycled flawlessly, even with loaded chambers.
Ergonomics and Controls
The pistol’s controls, including the slide release and magazine release, are comfortably located, making it easy to operate the pistol with one hand or off the hip. The texturing on the slide, while sparse, provides a decent gripping surface for racking the slide or slick-wristing the pistol. The hammer, decocking easily, has a clean, smooth finish, without the shaking action of some other pistols.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Accurate and reliable: The Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered consistently delivered impressive group sizes and functioned flawlessly throughout testing.
• Comfortable and secure grip: The unique design of the grip, with its more pronounced checkering, provides a secure hold, even for larger hands.
• Easy to manage: With a compact design, light weight, and straightforward controls, the pistol is easy to use and maneuver for its intended purpose.
• EAA-licensed product: As an official licensee of the original Sig Sauer design, the Hogue brings a high level of authenticity to its reproduction.
Cons:
• Limited capacity: With only 8 rounds, the magazine capacity may be limiting for those who need more firepower.
• Slide lock back: In rare instances, the pistol would lock back on weak loads or old ammunition, requiring a tap-rack-boom solution.
• Slight slide slippage: Although minor, some users may notice the slide tendency to slip towards the right during recoil, which can make it difficult to quickly remember to rack the slide.
• Price: As with most reproduction pistols, the Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered is priced slightly higher than some other similar options in the market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered is an impressive offering in the world of compact pistols. Its accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics make it a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable, compact companion. While some minor drawbacks, such as limited magazine capacity and slight slide slippage, are present, they are relatively small compromises for a pistol that delivers as well as this one does. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, compact Sig Sauer variant, the Hogue Sig Sauer P230/P232 Checkered should be on your shortlist.
