Walther P88 full size

[Katigroszek]

I'm going to buy a gun, I just can't decide on the make.

Glock G17 is tempting, but there are so many others. And not as common as G17 (in Poland, where I'm from, everyone has a CZ 75B or BD, so I won't buy another!!!)

I really like Walther P88 full size with a decocker/slide release ambidextrous lever. Pricey ($1000-1600) but uncommon, out of production, pretty, rare.

What do You think? Reliable? Accurate? Do You own one?

Does it have a steel frame? Don't like alloys, You know!

 

[denfoote]

Given the choice it would be Walther all the way!!
I mean Glocks are nice, but they ain't a Walther!!

 

[Katigroszek]

I feel so too, but I want to know WHY do I feel so and if I'm right or ... otherwise.

 

[Ala Dan]

Walther P88

 

[JimC]

Walther P88 FS

I have a FS P88. Wouldn't part with it even though a couple of years ago I thought about it but came to my senses.

Had a P88 compact also. Sold it to my Brother. Great pistol.

I've had G17's come and go in my inventory. Good guns, don't miss them, they are no Walther P88.

Accuracy of the FS P88 is outstanding.

The only down side would be if you have small hands. The DA trigger "reach" is long on the P88.

The other point in favor of the G17 is, you can buy two G17's for the cost of one P88. However, they won't be twice as good.

The frame is alloy.

 

[Katigroszek]

P88FS?

P88FS? What version is it? does it have decocker/slide release on both sides, or usual setup, like P88 Compact? Did all the versions of P88 full size have an alloy frame? I Think I've read that there was steel slides only at first, but I might be wrong.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Where I live, P-88s of any variety are pretty damn scarce, whereas just about any pawnshop with any pretensions of being anything like a real gunstore carries most flavors of Glock. If I were you, I'd scarf up the P-88 immediately, and get the Glock later if you still want one next time you're thinking about a gun purchase.

 

[Cousin Mike]

I like the looks of the P-88 - what's the trigger pull weighing in on it? That's the one thing that keeps me from buying a Walther... Walther pistols seem to have unusually heavy trigger pulls in my opinion. If trigger pull doesn't bother you, then I guess it's not worth thinking about, and you should go with the one you just like the best. I don't think you'd go wrong with either one in terms of quality.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I would definitely buy the Walther over the Glock. I have a P88 fullsize and a P88 compact. Both are very accurate and the fit and finish are excellent.
The P88 and P88 compact have an alloy frame so if you are looking for a steel frame you are out of luck.

For a cheaper alternative check out the Bersa Thunder which is a P88 copy with a different setup of the slide lock and decocker.

 

[JimC]

P88FS? = FULL SIZE

Ambidextrous all the way.

 

[hksw]

Walther pistols seem to have unusually heavy trigger pulls in my opinion.

Which Walthers have you tried? The P88 (full) is easily one of the smoothest and lightest out of the box (at least my sample is), IMO. Not as (sugar sweet) light as a Para LDA but certainly lighter than any DA SIG P2XX or HK USP. The P5s are a bit heavier.

 

[10-Ring]

If I could only have one...I mean really just one, not two later one, I'd go w/ the Walther.
But knowing me, I'd end up w/ both

 

[Katigroszek]

Both!!!

If only money and permit would allow I would do the same thing!!! Walther for sport, glock for carry.

I think I'll buy Walther now and g17 later (couse it will not fall out of production soon, don't You think?)