I'm really thinking about getting a fancy PPK/s

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SharpDog

SharpDog

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I only have one 380 (P-3AT) and no ammo, don't use .380

My deep, hot summary carry is a p32, my IWB is a p365 and my OWB is a 9mm p229 RX

So I really have zero use for this gun.

Also, my next gun will be a p365XL eventually to replace the p229 when Level 2 holsters become available for it.

However, PPK/S is such a classic gun. I love metal hammer-fired firearms :)

I know about the feeding issues and would only feed it 95+ gr. FMJs

Weight seems to be heavy, any other issues ?
 
My .380 PPK/S experience wasnt great. It was one of the stainless Interarms/Ranger Manufacturing built guns from the mid-90s and was an irredeemable jam-o-matic. Tried 8 different ammo types in 80, 85, and 95gr, FMJ, JHP, and truncated- and 3 different (factory) mags to no avail. I wanted to try removing the chamber indicator, as suggested on Walther forums, but could not get the slide unhitched, even after putting in the freezer all night. This is also a common problem on Ranger made guns, apparently.

On the plus side, the fit, finish, and machining were absolutely gorgeous, but I wont keep an unreliable gun, so it went down the road.

My Manurhin-built .32 PP has been much better. I did have to remove the chamber indicator, and it still wont feed 85gr. Armscor, but all other ammo types seem to be digesting well at this point.
Manurhin PP.jpg

I will say, be prepared for a shock at how hard these recoil! The .32 feels like a 9mm, and the .380 kicks like a .45.

Overall, IMO, the platform makes a decent range toy, but no way I would trust my life to it as a carry peice.
 
IMO, the biggest downside to the PPK/s is that it is a blowback design. I carried one in the late '70s (in a Roy's Leather pancake) and appreciated its flat form-factor, concealability, and the fact that it points well & feels comfortable in my hand.

I found that the blowback action made it harder to shoot and decreased my accuracy with the piece.

In the '70s I also bought a PP and in the '80s a PPK (which I still have and carried until I got my P3AT [locked breech] in '05). My experience with those mirrored that with the PPK/s.

They are, however, gorgeous little classic pistols. :)
 
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I'm a fan of the 32acp and have quite a few of them. In the Walther PP series I much prefer the slightly larger PP to the PPK and in the smaller true pocket pistols the Walther Model 4 really works well. With a concealed hammer and smooth, thin outline it is easy to pocket carry and simple to field strip and maintain. Also the grip is just long enough to get all three fingers for control.

 
My S&W PPK is virtually 100% reliable with FMJ ammunition, 90 to 100 grain bullets. It does not care for the current "designer" self defense bullets but I do not feel they perform as designed in a 380 ACP while with FMJ bullets, you know you will get penetration and reliable functioning.

I do not find the recoil objectionable, similar to some of the micro 380 ACP hand guns on the market today even though the PPK is blowback and the micros are locked breech. A Colt 1908 is more pleasant to shoot though than the PPK.

The DA trigger pull of the PPK is difficult to master though.

I also have a PP (WWII vintage) and PPK/s (Interarms) in 32 ACP. I've found them to be reliable with ball ammunition and the recoil is definitely less than the 380 ACP.
 
cfullgraf said:
The DA trigger pull of the PPK is difficult to master though.
Click to expand...
HAHAHAHA ... sorry. :)

I gave up on DA with the Walther PP-series (except in dire emergencies) in the '70s. I have always practiced thumb-cocking the hammer while drawing the piece.

I do have an image around here somewhere of something that comes in very handy for the DA aspect, though ... <looking around> ah, there it is:

2v2EHc2PSxAW38L.jpg

:D
 
GBExpat said:
HAHAHAHA ... sorry. :)

I gave up on DA with the Walther PP-series (except in dire emergencies) in the '70s.
Click to expand...

I just figured the first shot out of the holster with the DA trigger was a gimmee. The second shot would be the one that counts.:)
 

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Being trained with the revolver in law enforcement before the autoloader, I have had no issues with DA-trigger pulls on either. My second OD/BU gun was a PPK/S, Interarms version, from around 1989 or 1990. Yeah, it was kind of snappy, but pretty much all smaller guns were back then (except rimfires, of course.) I really liked that gun, and had no issues with it and the limited variety of ammo that was readily available back then. Kind of wish I still had it, but I doubt I'd carry it much, given the options in my current stock.
 
1KPerDay said:
You might also look at the SIG P230/232. The blued ones have alloy frames and are a bit lighter. And they're even more Germansexycool looking. And they are very reliable. And no sharp/silly slide mounted safety/decock.
Click to expand...

This was my thoughts exactly. I wanted a PPK/s and bid on several on GunBroker but was never willing to pay what they where going for. Then I started looking at P230's and I liked the looks and features better. Plus I go my P230 for at least $200 if not more less than a Walther in like condition. Mine has never had a problem with any ammo I have put through it.
If you want something along the same size and lines to knock around and save even more consider a Bersa Thunder. I have the Combat Plus and likewise had no problems with it what so ever. It has a aluminum frame and holds 15 rounds, and shoots as well as the Sig, but does not win any beauty contest.
 
I had a couple of the older ones, carried an Interarms W.German PPK/S as a backup and off duty gun. They do have some recoil, and if you aren't careful, you will get some double red lines in the web between your thumb and forefinger. Be sure to keep your hand below the slide to avoid this.
 
The PPK/s is a PP with the shorter slide and barrel from the PPK. It was designed to get around import restrictions that banned the smaller PPK. Given that you are stuck with the taller frame, why not look for a PP? From what I've read, the .32s work better than the .380s.

The Walther PP/PPK is a collectible classic worth having for that reason alone. If you want one, get a good one and hang onto it.
 
I have a 40 + year old .380 PPK/S and love it. It feels so natural in my hands I simply like to hold it and feel the slight heft. I also have a Manurhin .22LR PPK/S for easily as long and treasure it as well. Along with those I have a WWII PPK in 7.65. All three are accurate, fun to shoot and easy to carry. Top is the .380, middle .22LR and the 7.65 on the bottom with the military holster. I inherited it over 30 years ago.

PICT0640.jpg
 
I would like to have one to take out and look at now and again. To have one to shoot, not so much.

The PPK was actually one of my biggest firearm disappointments. It seemed that such a nice looking compact pistol should be pleasant to shoot, but I found it to be somewhat on the nasty side.

My second biggest disappointment was the Browning High Power. Great looking pistol with a great history that felt great in the hand. And based on my experience with the single action only model 1911, I expected it to have a good trigger. But the stock trigger was mediocre at best.
 
The PP in .32 is a pleasure to shoot as well as being all kinds of mid-century Eurocool. The DA trigger is no worse than any DA/SA trigger I can think of and much better than some.
 
My Manhurin PPK/s started to double on me way back when so I got rid of it. Sadly, my FEG knock-off fit my hand better, and shot better, so I kept that instead of the PPK/s.

Now, for some odd reason, I'd like a newly made PPK.

I guess they just grow on you...:confused:

Stay safe.
 
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