Morning, I recently picked up a Walther PPK / S .22LR and really like it. Now I would like to get the same model in .380. I understand the .380 can be a finicky rd, potentially having reliability issues. Any thoughts on this cool little pistol
Thanks
Ken
I had a PPK/s (Interarms import) I recently sold it on consignment and tripled what I paid for it. it was a good shooter and reliable enough for me to CC. the only problem I had was that the slide bit the web of my hand. I have scars! because of that, I switched to carrying my surplus Polish P-64. its the exact same size, 100% reliable, great & comfortable shooter and shoots a slightly more powerful cartridge. although it only holds 6 in the mag as opposed to the PK/s's 7 rounds.
from what I know of the PPK/s, reliability varies among the various imports and manufactures. German made and the Interarms imports are the best. the S&W mfg. ones are supposed to be jam-o-matics. the Manhurin made ones are o.k.
I think lots of the 380's reputation comes from the fact that it is often chambered in small and inexpensive handguns, both of which generally are negatives for reliability. I think the round itself can function fine in a well made gun.
I would echo Blaster's comments about the P64. Probably a little cheaper, same size, more oomph.
Also, don't sell the 32 ACP variants of the PPK/s sized guns short either. Unlike a police officer who has to put bracelets on people they shoot, those of us carrying for personal defense just need the threat to go away. There aren't many criminals with the fortitude to keep attacking after a dose or two of 32 ACP, or even 22lr.
I had a PPK/S I bought for the wife several years ago. It was the Interarms version. It was a well made little machine and very reliable. It had a surprising muzzle report in .380 and the wife really didn't like it. I eventually sold it.
My personal favorite little .380 is the Browning/FN 1910. My wife's grandfather had one and it is really pleasant to shoot. I liked it a lot more than the PPK. Unfortunately, it's safety is right hand only, so useless to me for carry.
I would concur with Sqlbullet, re the .32acp. I've fired a duralum PP in .32 that my grandfather brought back from WWII. That was a pleasant gun to shoot and quite accurate. Recoil was substantially less than the wife's PPK/S in 380.
This is just my opinion and I will probably catch flack.
The PPK are an iconic firearm and have served their purpose. The design is really outdated.
I have one of the W German made 380 PPK's which are supposed to be the best. It is not very accurate, fairly large by today's standards and very heavy. Recoil is quite a bit more than the light weight recoil operated 380's of today.
My choice for a pocket 380 is the Kahr P380. It beats my PPK in every criteria.
This is the one I'm looking at, but is about $100 - 150.00 more than it should be, so will keep looking if I go that route
https://secure.arnzenarms.com/product/walther/ppk-s-380acp-335-barrel-polymer-frame-stainless-finish-fixed-sights-7rd-2-magazines-4796004
Thanks guys!
Quote from: BEEMER! on December 01 2020 09:47:51 AM MST
My choice for a pocket 380 is the Kahr P380. It beats my PPK in every criteria.
No flak from me on this point. I wrote about the Kahr, and then deleted what I wrote as the OP asked about the PPK/s style of guns. You are spot on. If you are ranking the all 380/9mm Mak pocket pistols, I think the Kahr is the top of the list.
I watched a video that I can no longer locate that talked about the PPK / S 22 LR being redesigned so you no longer get slide bite like with the earlier model. If that's true, I can't say, however I didn't have any issues with my larger hands
Ken
Thanks sqlbullet, what model Kahr are you referring to?
I'm glad it wasn't just me that thought the recoil from the PPK/S in 380 was more than it really should be. It isn't painful, but it is surprising snappy for an all steel gun in a pretty mild caliber.
I had wanted a PPK for years and I finally bought this one from a friend at an outstanding price. What a disappointment.
I mentioned it to the seller and his only comment was "I know what you mean". These W German ones routinely bring $2000 or more but I think it is just collectors and James Bond Wannbes.
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CW380.
That's what I was thinking, Thanks man!
Thanks Beemer,
Have been doing some substantial research on the Kahr P380, and am seeing pretty much 100% positive feedback on it, as well as a number of great videos; now I just need to find one
https://youtu.be/UERZBUqi7T0
Quote from: Kenk on December 02 2020 10:19:36 AM MST
Thanks Beemer,
Have been doing some substantial research on the Kahr P380, and am seeing pretty much 100% positive feedback on it, as well as a number of great videos; now I just need to find one
https://youtu.be/UERZBUqi7T0
It depends on how much you want to spend. The P380 and the CW380 are about the same thing. The P380 does not use as many MIM parts, has an extra magazine, and a Lothar Walther barrel plus a little extra machining to pretty it up a little. I bought the P380 before the CW380 came out. A friend of mine had both and they both shot the same.
Thanks man, will take a look at the CW380
Ken