Is my Walther obsolete just becasuse there's newer, lighter, more powerful guns now?

[Camster]

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

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)

 

[LVSteve]

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.

 

[double-dipper]

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.

 

[ggibson511960]

Blowback vs. Locked Breach

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.

 

[bigggbbruce]

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.

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.

 

[Trooper224]

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.

 

[scoobysnacker]

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".

 

[ColbyBruce]

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.

 

[Laketime]

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.

 

[murphydog]

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".

 

[Narragansett]

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

 

[BAM-BAM]

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.

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

 

[ColbyBruce]

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

 

[Jessie]

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

 

[ColbyBruce]

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

 

[ISCS Yoda]

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.

 

[Roller Delayed]

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

 

[ColbyBruce]

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

 

[spad124]

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.

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.

 

[lkabug]

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.