Walther PPK in .380 for a good carry pistol?

FIL has several. Pretty reliable. Too big for a pocket pistol. The PPKs is too big for a pocket pistol as well. I'd say it's basically the same size as the S&W shield and the Glock 42.

I'd take either of those quickly over a .380 anything.

Also, the gun is not fun to shoot. I have big hands and it hurt to shoot this gun.



ETA: I got it wrong in my mind. The PPKs is bigger than the PPK. Would still take glock or shield.

Great feedback... Guess I need to go handle one... I'll also research the glock... Have a S&W Bodyguard and it's too small for my hand...

Not a good carry gun at all. And yes, I'm going to make a list as to why:

1. There are plenty of 9mm options in this size category (and some smaller) that weigh less. Like, considerably less.

2. Internal slide lock - I absolutely despise this. It's a reason I'm not a fan of the Beretta Nano either.

3. Hammer-fired DA/SA - despite the fact that the hammer also is something to hang up on clothing, it forces you to learn two different types of trigger pulls. You also run the risk of actuating the safety. Oh wait, almost forgot that one.

4. Slide-mounted safety - adds no benefit while adding two detriments. It chops up your fingers when you rack it and it adds unnecessary complexity. I also prefer my carry guns not have a manual safety.

5. They aren't fun to shoot. These guns are known to give serious hammer bite when fired. I also experience some serious jump in the trigger guard when fired that chews up your trigger finger. But this is also present in some smaller guns as well.

6. Feed ramp - I've seen them hang up on some hollow points. I'm not sure if this has to do with the fixed barrel or the shallow feed ramp but it happened multiple times on one I tested.

7. It's old technology.

I would advise you take a look at some similarly-sized 9mm single stack options. My highest recommendation would probably be the Shield, as was previously suggested in this thread.

Thanks for the feedback. It is definitely old technology, but the hammer bite is a deal killer because I plan to plink a little with it at my property and want something that is smooth and dependable... Looking up the shield now...

No.

There's a reason for the expression about re-inventing the wheel.

I'm not sure where you're doing all this "research," but apparently it's online. The only worse sources of info would be gun magazines and gunstore clerks.

Just go get a Glock or an M&P. Then go get some training in how to use it.

Just my $.02 worth. (Actually it's worth less than that since it was free advice.)

Glock 19

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The shield is almost identical to my bodyguard

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To be honest, it really isn't. With the 8 round mag you have plenty of purchase on the gun. I shoot mine a lot.

The Glock 43 and the Shield are very similar in size.

ETA: I put the Apex trigger in my Shield and I think it shoots almost equal with my Sig P320 which is much bigger and better than my Glock 26

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Anybody own one of these?

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Used to. Great pistol. Probably one of the best, most enjoyable "shooting" pocket pistols ever. I should never have traded it in.

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What about carry?

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It's all metal. It is not light. I carried it when they were few other options. I give it a B minus in that regard, especially today.

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Is it reliable?

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Mine was. They have a reputation of being finicky, though. I would definitely try a few .380 defense rounds that have a good reputation with it.

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Easy to clean?

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Blisteringly easy to clean, except for right around the trigger/hammer action itself, which isn't too bad. The trickiest part is the recoil spring (it is straight blowback) for assembly/disassembly. I've had more problems with my Makarov, which is extremely similar (the Russians basically ripped off the design and make it in stamped metal).

Honestly, it is obsolete, both the pistol and the cartridge. If I were buying today, I would start with one of the fine small pistols in 9mm Parabellum, particularly the options from Kahr. Just more advancement in polymer (if you go that way), there is an all metal option and your cartridge choices will just smoke .380 across the board.

In addition, you will get a pistol that is probably easier to carry and fill the role you're trying with the PPK.

If you're getting a PPK because of nostalgia or its historic spot as the firearm of James Bond (and Sterling Archer), then go ahead. It's still a classic firearm.

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They aren't fun to shoot.

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You know that you and I almost never disagree. Once you get used to it, a PPK is great fun to shoot. I will add the caveat that I think the PPK/S extended model with the longer grip is probably going to be a big upgrade here. Just more gun onto which to hold.

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These guns are known to give serious hammer bite when fired.

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"Hammer bite"? I never experienced that. Slide bite if you gripped it too high, sure.

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I also experience some serious jump in the trigger guard when fired that chews up your trigger finger.

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I never had that problem with mine.

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It's old technology.

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Absolutely, across the board. It is not only old, I argue that all .380 pistols are obsolete, all metal ones particularly so. And I got rid of all my plastic guns in 2015.

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Hammer-fired DA/SA

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Meh. I'm a big fan of that fire control system.

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I also prefer my carry guns not have a manual safety.

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I'm with you here, brother.

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Ace Midnight

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I love a good disagreement!

I mostly list they aren't fun to shoot because of the recoil impulse, the trigger, and the sights. They are just overshadowed by much better offerings now, which brings us full circle to the "obsolete" point we agree on.

I also hate slide-mounted safeties. My Beretta 90 two is an excellent trainer for new shooters because of how soft it is. But, it is bad at teaching them a proper racking method since the safety levers rip up your hands.

I haven't done a lot of shooting with Sigs so maybe I could warm up to the DA/SA if I practiced with them.

And honestly I wish a company would offer a metal-framed, single stack striker fired gun. I know Kahr already does but theirs are quite pricey. I'd be interested in seeing the big players getting in that game. It would weigh more than a polymer gun but it would probably be a bit easier to shoot with the additional weight.