PPK yes or no?

[senecaap]

If you like the PPK get it, if you have problems send it back to S&W and they will fix it (make sure you wring it out before carry though). That said, I have shot a few of the S&W marked PPKs and have not had a problem with them, nor the pre or post war PPKs (although I do prefer the old blued ones).
As far as design, functionality and accuracy though, I have never understood the aura that surrounds the PPK as compared the the Mauser HSc, I have always had better performance from the Mauser, but you rarely hear about them anymore.

 

[GKC]

Check out a Bersa Thunder .380 and you might like it just as much for way less. Mine has run flawless for a few years now.

Same idea as a PPK but it actually works all the time.

Of all the pictures using various items as a prop rod, I believe that you are the first to use a razor!

Actually, I have read many good reports about the Bersa, and very few negatives. I've handled them at gun shops, but never fired one. How is the recoil? Some say it is sharper than a similar size 9mm (like the M&P9c for example.)

 

[jdh]

Well update time.

Bought the stainless 380. Haven't made it to the range yet.

Two days later picked up a TPH Haven't made it to the range yet.

The 40s vintage 32 PPK has the original grips reinstalled and now has a retirement home in the safe.

I'm not scheduled to work and the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend. We'll see what happens.

 

[BloodyThumb]

I too have a very nice pre war PPK that I wanted to put away before something happened to it.

I bought and sold 2 Interarms PPK .380's that would not feed anything other than ball reliably.

I bought and sold 1 S&W PPK that had variouis issues and went back to Smith twice before I sold it.

I bought a used SIG P232, runs great. That was my backup for a while.

About 6 months ago I stopped at a little country shop to look in the used case, and there was a 1968 Walther PPK in .380 with high edge blue wear, heavy use shown on the right grip panel, and the LCI was flopping around freely.

I took the top off and it was obvious from the inside and the wear mentioned above that it had been carried a lot by a right hander, and shot, but certainly not a lot.

It was marked $475 consignment. I offered $400 cash, the shop owner called the gun owner and I got it for $428 with tax. It came with the original Alligator box, only one (flat bottom) factory mag, cleaning rod, factory target, no book, and the original paperwork showing it had been sold in late 1968 to an "Inspector" on a nearby large city PD. That explains the wear outside and the lack of wear inside.

I got an LCI spring from Numrich for $4, a set of factory replacement grips for $25, and a recoil spring replacement for $7. Now the LCI works again, and it has a fresh recoil spring even if the one that came out was ok. I never shot it before I replaced it.

I also picked up a couple of Walther magazines with the finger rest. I only use two different HP loads in .380 and it ran like a top through a couple hundred rounds of each of those, and naturally it runs with ball too.

OK, it's a little bigger and a little heavier than the LCPs that my two sons carry strapped to their body armor, but I like it, and now it is my backup.

The SIG is now cowering in the safe between my primary 1911 and my favorite 3" model 65. I should sell it, but it really is a pleasure to shoot and I have a feeling I have a daughter in law that might want it if I ever get around to offering it to her.

 

[Reloader]

If you can find a Manhurin, Walther, or Gerrman police issue, they are great. the one I had would feed WW Silvertips like a house afire, both .32 and .380.

 

[remat457]

As far as design, functionality and accuracy though, I have never understood the aura that surrounds the PPK as compared the the Mauser HSc, I have always had better performance from the Mauser, but you rarely hear about them anymore.

I haven't seen an HSc in years...

 

[ab4ka]

I've always thought the PPK was one of the all-time sexiest designs of a pistol. One day I'd love to add one to the stable.

 

[ldp4570]

If you can find a Manhurin, Walther, or Gerrman police issue, they are great. the one I had would feed WW Silvertips like a house afire, both .32 and .380.

Since he beat me to it, This^^^^^^^^!!!! Sorry but the S&W versions just are not up to standard!!!!

 

[PX15]

Nope..

Well, at least "nope" for me..

There are many, MANY other choices on the market now in compact, & sub-compact pistols that are cheaper, smaller, of larger caliber, and RELIABLE.

I think the Walther (or Smith) PPK is one of the most beautiful pistols ever made, but it's too large for the caliber (now), offers the potential for slide bite (on the Walthers), and has the "reputation" for less than absolute reliability..

The reputation for less than stellar reliability is a deal breaker for me.

But, that's just my old fart opinion, yours may vary.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Kavinsky]

Jesse as long as you can hit your target where you want to pretty much any gun will do and in addition to the Smith 645 project and this whole deal with the P38 I'm going replace the new beretta 85 that broke on me with one of these (or a P230 with a proper blueing job)

although not a Smith Made one and not a ppk/s but a german made PP since they are cheaper (half the price for the same gun basically) and less sought after than the PPK and I've never heard anything bad about them unlike the american PPK's and PPK/s

plus I have a theory that because of the spring tension from the magazine and the shorter barrel of the PPK/s that smith and wather were not using the right kind of recoil springs when they first made the PPK/S (hence that series' reputation) or atleast not with the right tension for it to operate a 100% of the time with the PPK/S series in general.

and save for the PPK/S series and the Smith made ones Jesse I've never heard anything bad about the german made PP/PPK's and you gotta remember people like to screw with things and they typically screw them up when they do so theres alot of BS going around.

FYI I'm just glad I got rid of my Smith PPK that I won at a raffle before the whole recall thing, I did have an interarms PPK before that, that never gave me any trouble but I wanted something that fit my hand better hence why I got rid of it (and why I'm going for a larger PP instead of a PPK) and I dont really like stainless guns to begin with save for the Bren Ten.

Plus it seemed wrong to have a PPK with an ugly stainless finish, I should have gone for one like this instead:
http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/230345000/230345606/pix937445631.jpg

but the price for one is just too much.

Basically dont underestimate the PP/PPK series' if there german made, after all Just 'cause something's old or slightly overclassed doesn't mean you throw it away.

 

[PX15]

Hi Kav,

Thank you for your courteous reply.. I'd like to assure you that at almost 69 years old I'm not for "throwing away old stuff", as I "are one"..

I was just giving my opinion on the beautiful, classy PPK, and the reason's I don't personally own one.

I DID own a Walther (Manurhin) PP years ago, and it was a very nice pistol.. Accurate and reliable. The two problems I had with it was the fact that it was 32cal., and no ambi-safety. (I'm a lefty).. Other than for those two (personal) dislikes, it was an awesome little pistol..

As I said in my original post I think there's no prettier pistol in design than the Walther PPK, but in 2011 I just cannot make myself chose a heavy 380 pistol for cc, no matter it's beauty or high quality, when I can carry a 9MM pistol that is lighter, absolutely reliable (KOW), and surprisingly accurate (for me anyway) at self defense range.

I'm a big lover of compact 9MM pistols and have had, or still have 6-7 of them.. Until recently my cc 9MM pistol was my H&K P2000sk (V3), but as fine as that pistol is, it has been replaced by a Ruger LC9..

My affection for Rugers in general is based on 4 decades of owning one or more, and so far, never had a bad one.

I live in S.E. Ga., and in the summer I've yet to find a 9MM pistol I CAN carry all day reasonably because of the extreme heat and humidity.. So, my compromise in the past was a fine Seecamp LWS380.. Approximately a year ago the unique and desirable LWS380 has been replaced for daily cc by a Ruger LCP.

My Ruger LCP has the Crimson Trace Laser, and the Innovative Arms external sight upgrade. It has been 100% reliable, and also surprisingly accurate at self defense distance. My wife has replaced her Seecamp LWS32 with the LCP because it's easier for her to shoot, and offers the larger 380cal rd. vs the 32cal rd.

What is desirable in a cc firearm for one person often is less than desirable to another.. I'm of the opinion that a person should buy (practice with and carry) the firearm he or she feels comfortable with.

IF that choice is the PPK (German or S&W), then it's the right choice for that person.

Recently the market has been flooded with new 380 AND 9MM sub-compact pistols. I'm happy to see that, as I believe the more choices we have the better off we all are.

As to "old guns"?

I'm a big fan of the 3rd Generation S&W line of pistols. I have a 5906 (home defense choice w/CT), 6906, 3913, 3913LS,CS45... I love 'em all, and when I CAN, my larger caliber cc choice is the CS45 in a FIST IWB..

My larger caliber cc choice is always in ADDITION to the LCP (or LWS380), which I carry in rear pocket Hedley holster...

So, please don't misunderstand my comments about the excellent PPK..

If a person believes the PPK (or PP)is right for them, that works for me. I just don't see a person (or me I guess) carrying a 32 cal, or 380 cal. pistol for self defense when a 9MM is available of the same size, weight, etc..

I believe 99% of us "regular folks" (not leo's, etc.) never need our self defense choices anyway.. But for that scary moment when Mr. Murphy's law comes in to affect, I want all the gun, with the highest capacity, of the largest caliber rounds I can stuff in my pocket (or iwb holster), and with the choices in today's gun market the excellent PPK is simply, FOR ME, not the best choice..

A good choice, perhaps.. The best choice, not even close..

Please understand my comments, no offense to you personally, or to PPK lovers in general are intended.. I'm just spouting off at the mouth, offering my opinion, and often I'm wrong..

Best Wishes to you Sir,

Jesse

P.S. IF I am limited to carrying a 380cal. pistol for personal defense, I should think the Ruger LCP, as pictured below would be a good choice.. Well, it is for me anyway... Every day...

 

[Kavinsky]

Sorry about that personally I'm in sort of a backlash state of mind when it comes to polymer pistols and all of these 9mm and 40 cal pocket pistols with a short sight radius that are coming out (I miss the old blued guns of the pre glock days) and I just wanted to defend the old PP/PPK series because well a gun's a gun and as long as your using hollowpoints or Semi Wad cutters hell even a .25 ACP would probably do.

and with Ruger's, I have had a bad one (a .22 Mark 3 that refuses to cycle properly anymore) but other than that the others have been reliable (I haven't tried their 380 or that 9mm LCR (Sorry SR9, got the names mixed up) that looks like a sized up colt 1903) but in typical Ruger tradition mine have had S*it or Okay triggers save for the old pre warning blackhawk 357

and when Murphys law is in effect in a self defense situation the best thing to do is run away if you can and even then from what I heard and read the most that you'll be facing is at most maybe 4 guys and a Walther PP's got 8 and 7 in .380 ACP

and if it was a home invasion I'd just grab a shotgun and pick up a .45 ACP


Personally I am actually going to go for a .380 PP (I am a righty FYI) as .32 is scarce and frankly I wouldnt feel comfortable with one despite the fact that the 32 is thinner, easier to conceal and easier to shoot in that caliber (380 is my limit) but yeah I understand where your coming from on this I just like to go for the old discarded firearm that alot of people are underestimating like a Pre Dash 49 I picked up for 375 with no internal wear.

just my nature I guess, you'd probably go for a Glock 17 and I'd go for a Walther P38

 

[PX15]

Hi Again...

Nope. I hate Glocks.. I had two years ago when the were the darlings of the gun rags (both Glock 26), just didn't care (or feel comfortable) with the Glocks trigger setup.

I've actually owned a Walther P1, which as you know is basically an alloyed framed P38.

I loved the P1, and it was a fun 9MM plinker, but too large, too heavy, and capacity limited for serious cc or personal protection pistol, for me.

Hey, I had a P5, and liked it even better than the sweet P1..

Probably not many folks around with two Colt Cobras and one DS that doesn't love the quality in old guns..

Best Wishes to ya,

Jesse

P.S. I love old rimfire rifles too.....(Like my 1970 Marlin Model 39 "Century Limited" in one of the photos below.)

 

[Kavinsky]

Thanks and for me a proper blued P38 is basically my favorite semi auto next to the PP/PPK series and the bren although because of the vltor debacle it looks like that ones never going to happen so in that regard I'm going for the 645/4506 instead as you already know

Actually looking at that marlin there it looks like you've got hickok45's shooting range back there.

 

[PX15]

Hi Kav:

Actually my little "shooting range" is just to the left of the little green Cherry Laurel tree in the middle of the photo.

Living in the woodlands of S.E. Georgia doesn't get my wife and myself to many "off Broadway productions", (ok, none), but I can walk out the back door and mosey down the back yard and shoot to my hearts content.

Life is good for a poor old retarred redneck...

Best Wishes,

Jesse

P.S. I'll attach a photo of my Walther P99c/AS, P1 & P5.. (all since sold).

 

[Stu454]

I had a blue Interarms Alabama PPK that fed everything, everytime. During the break in period my buddy and I got bored and started mixing the ammo in the magazines. Still worked.

Got too hot to hold onto comfortably. Still worked.

After 315 rounds in about thirty minutes we started getting failures to go into battery. Swabbed out the bore and guess what? It was back to normal.

I miss that gun dearly.

Now that I think about it, I had a MkIII Hi Power that we did the same 'fast and dirty' break in with. It worked like a champ as well.

Of all the guns that have passed through my hands, those two are the ones I miss most.

 

[Duke Aquaro]

PPK/S : I like it. ( but not because it shoots well!)

If you are a James Bond lover, you HAVE to have a PPK. I bought a PPK/S almost a year ago. It is SS and I replaced the grips with Rosewood models. Do I love it? YES. It is very cool. Does it shoot like my Model 52-2? Of course not. It doesn't even shoot as well as my Ruger 22-45. BUT, it shoots and it is very cool to have. I have taken it to the range and have not had a problem with it after the first 100 rounds. At first it was OK, but had an occasional stove pipe. After 100 rounds, it was fine. So, if you want one for fun, go for it. If you want one for defense, by a Kahr. (I mean S&W Body Guard! Sorry, I forgot where I was.)

 

[Kavinsky]

That message brought to you by the nutnfancy project!
YouTube - ‪"The .380 ACP Sucks" by Nutnfancy‬‏

Scaring people away from the .25, .32, .380 (and probably the .38 special too) cartridges for self defense since 07!

What f-ricking military idiot, if the one shot percentage is 77% then put another one in him and it'll be 140%! and you only need a 100% and if your hollowpoints are a cloggin' and not expanding then use Keith waddcutters! and 9mm is 70% more powerful that 380 my *ss

Sorry that guy always manages to post something helpful and then he post something right after it a few days or weeks latter that just sets me off and your mention of kahr which he used in the video connected the two in my mind

hell to tell you the truth I'm tempted just to go for a .32 PP just because he said he doesnt like the .32 caliber and hell it might be cheaper too.


But when it comes to nutnsane project and his dislike of the smaller cartridges I think tzychess put it best:
100% of bullets that strike their intended target do their best! =)

If someone is on drugs you might die no matter what you are shooting...unless you shoot some rounds fast in their lungs, hip joints or heart (assuming center mass shots).

My little lady is a 5' mini and she could not conceal the PF9 in deep cover, but can conceal the P3AT in deep cover. Taurus 651 is also in her purse with some .38 Special.

Just train for accuracy and then speed...you need a lot of rounds to hit fast.

 

[ldp4570]

Since he beat me to it, This^^^^^^^^!!!! Sorry but the S&W versions just are not up to standard!!!!

No S&W's here!!!!!

 

[Kavinsky]

No S&W's here!!!!!

What no PP Super?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=231077907