This is just a rhetorical question based on what I recall reading in recent years about the Walther PPK/S (or PPK,PP). I love this little Interarms PPK/S .380 I bought a few years back. But it seems with all the more high cap, powerful, lighter, smaller pocket autos out nowadays this gun is relegated to respected nostalgia as a classic gun but impractical compared to the new guns. Personally, I don't automatically think something loses it's usefulness just because of new technology. That's tools, cars, guns, etc. So I'll just stick with the old stuff and watch the world past me by.

Some would say it becomes elevated to a higher status as a classic...

I'm with ya....obsolete metal guns in obsolete calibers..who need them?

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Heck no ....... there's a new James Bond movie about every two years!!!!!

I'm a strong believer that new means "new" not necessarily "better" or "improved"

My stainless .380 PPK dates to the mid-1980s and still gets carried in a Milt Sparks Summer Special when I wear a suit or Tux..... or go to a J Bond movie!!!!!

My Smith 3913 and NL date to the early 90s and are my usual every day carry here in the Burbs or the Burgh.


No reason to change.

Hahaha, I often think the same thing.

My days of shooting sassy bandits are behind me now, but should the need arise I’m sure one of my Colt Pocket Hammerlesses would be up to the task.



.32 or .380? Toss a coin.



I carry guns that I like, and that will do what I need them to do. I'm sure there are guns smaller and lighter and more powerful and with more rounds than either of these two 100 plus year old Colts. I don't care. I like these.

Obsolete? Not hardly. Chuck Heston had one in The Planet of the Apes!

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Obsolete does NOT equal inferior!
Your Walther is a very fine handgun in ALL aspects, carry it with pride.
Randy

When my son left the Marines in 2005 I bought him a used Beretta 92 as a gift, but he said he’d rather have my 3913. So I gave him it instead. Since I only really like older stuff, the 3913 seems modern to me. My friend looks at my nickel 39-2 as an antique!

I collect Walther pistols. They will never be out of date to me.

There is a great review of the Walther PPK and all the mystic that surrounds it especially when us older types were envying Sean Connery as James Bond on "The Truth About Guns" and how mystic still lives on especially in my mind. When I went looking for my first semi auto this year it was the first model that popped into my mind before I had done any research and just happened on to the article which just crushed all my fantasies for owning a PPK. Apparently the author points out the many draw backs of Bonds selection of the PPK even in his rein of Bond and how it was dictated to him from the home office at the time to upgrade to, **** I can't remember the caliber or mfg but will try and find the article and post it. Anyway that was my education on the old romanticized vision of owning one and I sure as hell wouldn't criticize anyone else from owning one but I did back down from my original thought of owning a Walther PPK, and yes ended up purchasing a Walther PPQ, so all was not lost. This review is a very good read especially if you grew up as I did thinking there could and still be only one true James Bond and that would always be Sean Connery.

Gun Review: Interarms Walther PPK/S - The Truth About Guns

To Wyatt Burp I agree with you, and am happy to carry what works, regardless of age.

Thank you Breakway500 for posting your P64. Even though I own other guns (Walther/Makarov/S&W etc) I carry my P64 every day in my pocket at my office. It's much more discreet in my pocket when I am with a patient, as opposed to the .40 Shield or 4013tsw I wear on my belt on the weekends (and wearing casual clothes).

As my long-suffering wife will testify, my firm belief is that the "obsolete metal guns" and "newer, lighter, more powerful guns" question is NOT an either/or question. My conviction is that "both/and" is the answer!

More powerful..?? Does the same ammo produce less power in older guns..?

A 380 is still a 380.. and older Walthers are classics..

I think there is a difference between “obsolete” and “no longer the best available tool for the job”

And having devoted some study to the subject, I need to put your “in recent years” a bit in perspective.

About 50 years ago, starting with the urban terrorism beginning in the late 1960s and peaking in the mid-1970s, German police, the main users of the PP/PPK series, began clamoring for better guns because the “Waltherchen” (little Walthers) left them quite under-gunned against terrorists whose favorite guns were pistols like the Colt Commander. The result were more modern designs, the P5, P6, and PSP/P7 in 9mm by the late 70s.

So this recognition of their limitations isn’t exactly recent.

I love my PP. In fact, I think the PP is one of the most perfectly designed pistols with classic and classy appearance. But I wouldn’t carry it for self-defense unless there was no other option.

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I meant the fact that there are lots of smaller lighter guns in 9MM and .40 than my PPK/S .380. And much smaller .380s available now, too. I have a bohemoth Colt New Service .45 ACP with a 2 1/2” barrel that I packed hanging out in the desert. That would be a good example of weight and size overkill compared to lighter “practical” .45s. Yet I still choose such guns.

I carried revolvers on and off duty for years. Now, I'm attracted to the Gen3 S&W pistols from yesteryear, but do carry a Walther PPS40 in the summer when North Carolina humidity and the need for concealment forces me to choose a smaller option. Most of the year, I opt for either my 3953 or 4053 for EDC.

I've never felt comfortable with pocket carry. I feel uncomfortable carrying a card wallet and money clip in one pocket and keys in the other. I empty my pockets as soon as I get in the house.

When considering the Bond connection to the PPK, we need to consider when the first movie came out and what was available. The PPK is a great Tux gun -- ask Bam-Bam. The PPK was "The Statement Gun" in the 1960s. Even in the mid-60s, many police officers in Europe were carrying the .380ACP or .380Auto (also known as the .380 Browning after its inventor) as their duty pistol. In reality, the .380ACP is a true 9mm measuring .355".

I like the old but appreciate the new. Ask my range pals if I've ever turned down an opportunity to fire their newest and greatest gun.

So do I, because the feel of a gun in my hand that both fits in the grip and enough weight to not sprain my wrist when shooting it are my priorities.

I would say that the improvement in bullet design for the .380 makes it more relevant than ever before. A classic, elegant design.

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otis

Over the years I have owned a German PP .22, a stainless and a blue PPKs in .380. I loved all of them for what they were. Wish I still had the Blue PPKs. They are beautiful little pistols displaying fine craftsmanship. Having said that, I found them to have sharp edges and felt that the .380's were somewhat snappy. There are just other more modern designs that are about the same size in 9mm now, that I find to be more practical for carry.

If you go over the Bond history you will quickly determine that the author was a Naval intelligence officer, not a gun guy. He got a gun expert to brief him and then misunderstood what he was told.

Specifically the Walther PPK .762 was suggested and a Berns Martin Triple Draw holster. To replace his Beretta .25 in some kind of soft shoulder holster.

Anyway, the Berns-Martin is fine for a small .38 revolver. I have one and use it routinely. A Walther of course would fall out if used in the shoulder holster configuration. Which Bond is portrayed as using.

Regards, Porkie

Try an LCP, G42 or any DAO action polygun vs a PPKs Walther or even our S&Walther PPKs ..... offhand at 20yds.... no contest as after the doubletap ..... the PPKs pistols are very accurate.

Only down side to Heavy Metal pistols is wearing a belt that can scratch a Palm Beach finish if boats are in the daily mix.

Snappy is not an issue.

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I agree.Classics are timeless, and they also look good doing their thing.

(More modern stuff out there, but a DC3 and National Model 1900 register, also fit into that category)

The major factor that the PPK/S has over many of the polymer guns is slimness. The only other .380s that come close or beat it are the Ruger LC380 and the Taurus 738 (IIRC). The Sig 238 is also small but getting blocky around the top of the slide.

The Ruger, Taurus and the Sig all win over the Walther design as they are locked breech designs so are easier to rack and exhibit less felt recoil because of physics. If you go to a Sig 250SC in .380 you get a 12-15 round gun only a little bulkier than the PPK/S. Sadly, that model is discontinued.

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Release the Kraken

No way Jose In my opinion the Walther's will never be obsolete. You can succumb to the plastic fantastic craze if you want too, but as for me I like steel guns. And keep in mind John Mosses Browning developed the 380 ACP back in 1908. That's 111 years and still going strong. Are there better choices heck yes lots of them, but the 380 has stood the test of time.

Critics and fans of the new generation of .380 pocket guns, as compared to Walthers, have overlooked the basic action type of the PPK/S, blowback. Nothing wrong with blowback, and they are probably a tiny bit more reliable than Browning locking block actions, but blowback slides have to be heavier than locking block slides, or have impossibly stiff recoil springs. Walthers have aluminum frames lest they weigh too much.

I hear 'ya there.. I work under the hood of many cars and trucks. AIWB means I have to be real careful or disarm. Well almost, the bug stays put.

There are more modern pistols that will do everything a PPK can do better than a PPK. That being said, a PPK does what it does as well as it ever has. You make your choices and take your chances. Personally, long ago I stopped making choices based upon the opinions of others, or seeking validation for them.

I know for many there's the burning desire to get the latest/greatest gun each year. Lighter, smaller, color coordinated, works as a remote for your TV, gets 4G LTE coverage, etc.

But seriously, until and unless this is the new thing on the market


then anything that shoots a centerfire round reliably isn't "obsolete".

Not obsolete but there are a plethora of possible better firearms available in the same weight/size/power/price range so one would be wise to consider the various offerings.

I used a PP in these photos. If you compare it to a Shield and a Glock 43 you immediately see the Walther has serious competition.

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No there are still plenty out there who do not care for the toy like feel of the poly guns.Nothing wrong with a .380,shot placement is everything.

I see the OP answered his own question . I like the PP series and think they still make for a serious sidearm.

In the novel, JB carried a Beretta 418 or Panther, until forced to carry the .32 PPK..."hits like a brick through a plate glass window".

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The gun is not obsolete. If I would question anything it would be the cartridge. I still have mine from 1985 bought new. Couple clips through it. Youngest son has his eye on it

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Name a few and why they are better.......not putting you or anyone else down... just wondering what folks think are "better"...............

PPK Weight's in at 24 oz is 1" wide and only 6" in length and 4" high........

Price....... mine cost me about $300 in 1986...... What's that $10 a year ; and it's paid off.

Modern .380 is good stuff...... for close and dirty.

I like the fact it "controls" are the same as my 3913NL and Beretta 92 Compact.... two other guns I've had since the 1980s,.... the PPK is not a gun I would chose to take to war..... or for ridding in a patrol car...... but for the risks I face in my Burb of the Burgh..... it's as good as I need.......when I'm wearing a tux

Here are a few others to consider. Glock 26, Sig P250sc, Sig P232, Glock 29, Sig P239.

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You know what they’re saying about those all metal ancient Hipowers....

My favorite carry pistol of all I have owned. It was a joy to tote and shoot.

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The only guns that are obsolete for self defense are, IMHO, blackpowder guns. I truly believe that any guns made for shooting smokeless powder will never be obsolete for self defense. Some ammunition might be a little puny for that purpose but not modern .380 ammunition and even mouse calibers are still able to terminate an aggression on your person. A "modern" gun like a Walther PPK will never be obsolete. You can rest easy on that score. Every handgun I own but for, I think, two, are made out of metal. Okay, three, since I have two Walther P-22s.

Considering no one makes a small/flat DA/SA polymer auto, I would say "no".

Not much difference in size between my Walther PP and my S&W 3953 or Glock 19.

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And I’d somewhat argue that a BP revolver isn’t quite obsolete with the first 6 rounds. Where BP revolvers become obsolete is with reloading. (I’ve personally always had a soft spot for the Ruger Old Army).

As to a .380 PPK, I think ammo is the driving force as to obsolescence. IMO the pistol is not obsolete until you can no longer readily find ammo for it. There are plenty of .380 ammo choices currently. Whether you rely on a metal framed hammer fired pistol to launch your .380 or a striker poly pistol are is simply a personal choice based on your preference for weight, capacity, bulk (easier or harder to conceal). In the photo above comparing the Shield and PPK, the PPK is still less bulky and more concealable.

I would not consider the PPK obsolete because it does not fire a 9mm or .40. That is an ammo choice, not a pistol choice.

If you shoot it well and it serves your purpose just smile and understand their ignorance. When it will no longer serve it intended purpose perhaps then it will be obsolete.

I've looked at or owned some of these .........

Glock 26 ...... owned 2 over the years; felt overly thick/chunky to me... width 1.25" IIRC..... never warmed to the Glock's trigger(s)

Sig 250 I think I've held one.....do own a compact Sig 245; about the same size and weight.

Sig 232.... nice gun, dates to the 1970s; same overall size but lighter w/ alloy frame but heel mag release turned me off....

Glock 29... double stack so thick like the 26 (and 27) 10mm ... I don't need another round to stock..... I'm invested in the 9mm and 45.

Sig239 about the size of my 3913/6906 and close to my Sig 245.

Of the five the Sig230/232 would be close in size and about 6oz lighter IIRC ..... almost got one in the 80s.

The others are IMO more in the same class as my 3913 and Sig 245.

Not saying they aren't good guns and if I was starting over I would consider them all.... but ''for me" none are worth the $$$$$ investment in not only the gun; but 4 extra magazines and holsters.... to replace my existing Walther autos, mags, holsters and ammo!

Maybe the comparison I'm making is; replacing an existing gun vs. buying
a new 'niche" gun too fill the role of my PPK. Replacing a gun I own and carry with something newer ..... requires more than a "marginal" increase in size weight or performance.

Sweet I had a 70s ( had a 1911 style safety) .380 before my PPK....... wish I'd kept it.

Metal guns always offer that extra last round, smack to the BG head, palmed round house.

Obviously the answer is "no."

The word "obsolete" is an odd one as it means very different things depending on context.

With tools like firearms (or hammers, lathes, drills, etc), they're only obsolete to the user when they no longer can perform the task. This dynamic is what kills makers of functional products --- the old one you've already bought works just as well as the new one. Just look at Sears or firearms companies like Winchester or Marlin that stayed on the "tried and true" path. One is going away while the other two are owned by larger conglomerates/holding companies as niche fillers.

Contrast with PCs and smartphones, which are functionally obsolete very quickly and force the purchase of something new. A quick look at market value shows this is a wonderful business strategy --- while it works. Several of the top companies 10 years ago are either gone or shadows of their former selves.

So...hang on to that Walther. Until they develop the noiseless, recoilless death ray and obsolete all those noisy, hard-kicking guns.

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Psalm 27:2

“Possible better firearm’s” is absolutely right... time and time again I try new pistols thinking I’ll like them better than my 442 (newer gun, not a new design)... but in my hands and on my hip, the little “obsolete” (in the eyes of some) revolver is the best match for me. I think if YOU feel that Walther is the best match for you, then age, design, weight, reliability, variability, etc. are already things you’re comfortable with, that’s all that matters and it’s not obsolete.

James Bond never used a PPK/S.

It's the one pistol of the PP family I really dislike.

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Expect the unexpected

I really liked the Walther PPS M2 LE 9mm I bought last April. It didn’t offer anything significant over my Shield so I sold it rather than buy a holster for it.

I got to liking the Walther PPS .40 S&W I bought my son for Christmas. It offered nothing over the Shield either other than the ambidextrous paddle mag release. I wouldn’t mind having one for myself, though I do not need it.

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So true on both counts;....................

my first Walther was a PPK/s (due to the 1968 import restrictions) but as soon as I could I swapped it for a Interarms stainless PPK....... added a second blue PPK , still new in the box, about 10 years back.

Will admit to buying another PPK/s a few years back.... .32apc with 4 mags for $380...... just to cheap to leave behind!!!!!

Leave some room for a PP. It's the first of them, and still the best.

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Expect the unexpected

Its true that today there are smaller, lighter .380s. There are also 9mms the same size. These may be more practical for EDC.

However, pure "Class" is never obsolete.