3" J frame vs. PK380

[rjroberts]

I have both J and PPK. The arguments have been well made already - PPK (I know the op said PK, talking slight differences) more concealable, more rounds. J is totally reliable.

I'll just throw "buffalo bore ammunition" into the mix. They have a couple of rounds which approach 9 mm para in performance, and far exceed .38.

 

[gunrunner2]

M-60 LS

J frame has my vote (is what I carry) due to reliability, simplicity, cost / availability of ammo, and accuracy (for me). But I could live with either.

Not sure I'am in the right place, Can any one help ? Looking to purchase a Model 60 LS for my wife. Any info

 

[ExplorerOne]

My thoughts are its a personal choice, my carry guns include a KelTeck PT3AT and a S&W 442. Choice is commonly dependent on attire of the day.

 

[tpd223]

Not only would I not choose a .380 over a J frame, but the pistol is question is a new, unproven model that is an evolution of a .22 that has marginal reliability and durability.

The .380 in it's very best loads is still marginal for defensive use.

 

[celticfisherman]

THis is funny...

I carry both. Some TV show did a expansion test on the 380 now. Penetrated heavy clothing and everything. The new rounds are really good.

If you want to get serious about it I guess we could say the ultimate self defense round is the 45 ACP and therefore anything smaller than that is inadequate. I mean a 45 will disintegrate a concrete block. But yet I haven't found a bad guy toting one around his neck.

Which of these two guns can you carry comfortably all the time? Which do you feel you will shoot the most and be able to be the most accurate. That should make your decision. Both the 38 and the 380 have effectively taken down bgs in the past and will again.

BTW- I carry a Kel Tec P3AT or a S&W 66 or a Walther PPK.

 

[Tbone38]

I have 3" model 36 that the hammer has been bobbed on, and it makes you feel all tingly when you shoot it. I have to pat down my buddy after he shoots it because he has tried to take it on several occasions. I vote on the J frame. Ive never had a failure to feed with mine.

 

[RussellD]

I have owned both. Still have the j frame, sold the PPK. The Walther has name recognition and the James Bond mystique. Aside from that, the little .380 has lots of sharp edges, a poor trigger pull and can be finicky about which ammo it like.

The J frame is simple, works with what ever I reload or purchase for it, and it is just as accurate. 158 grain +p lead swc out of a snub trumps any .380 load. YMMV

 

[gunrunner2]

Just picked up S&W Model 60 in a Ladysmith for my wife , Went to the Range last night , My Wife loved the Ladysith very much , She fired off about 50 rnds. without a problem 38 SPL+p. I also fired off another 50 rnds. very happy with the Model 60. I would highly recomend this Model 60.

 

[satori59]

I have two carry guns. A 3" M&P 360. and a Walther PPS in 9mm. I carry the Smith J-frame 90% of the time so you know how I'd feel about the .380 PPK...

 

[YogiBear]

Beretta 80 series

Aloha,

While Hawaii does not have CCW, Personally, If I had a choice between a 5 shot revolver and an 9 or 11 shot 380, I'd go with the 380.

I have Wather PPK/s, Colt Mustang, Beretta 70S, Sig 232, Beretta 84 and
a Beretta 86. Planning to sell off the Colt, PPk/s and Beretta 70S in the near future. The Sig and 84 are for the Wife.

Of them all, we like the Beretta 80 series best. They are like a mini 92/96. Never gave us any problems. All the controls fall easily to hand.
Their weight isn't bad and their feel is great.

Admittedly, the 380 is not as potent as a 38, but, I think that 9(M-85/86) to 15(M-84) of them will beat 5 rounds of 38.

 

[NE450No2]

Since I would never carry a 38 or a 380 as a Primary, I think of them as back up guns...

So I much prefer the S&W, as in a close quarter grappling situation, I much prefer the reliability of the revolver.

 

[Bear Bait]

Right now I carry an older steel frame 3" j frame. I am also thinking about buying a Walther PK380. Are there any advantages of the PK380 over the 3" j frame?

I generally like the older ones, and own a couple of Walther PPKs's (pre S&W) as well as at present one S&W J-Frame. I always preferred my Walthers for concealed carry years ago, but they live in the safe these days and have not been fired for a while.

I am a Walther fan of sorts dating back to the PP series pistols, and own a couple of modern ones as well, a P99 and a PPS. The PPS is my always gun, and travels with me daily whether I am carrying another or not. It is the same basic size as a J-Frame, a more powerful round, more accurate for me, and holds more rounds. Personally, I would skip another .380, especially the size of the Walthers, for a carry gun, and if I was going to use one would rather have my old PP guns, a SIG, Beretta or several others before the new PK380. And yes, I am familiar with and indeed have shot a PK380. In my opinion, the Walther PPS in 9mm (my personal preference) or .40 is vastly superior for defensive use in a similar size package.

Of the several handguns I own, the four loaded guns spread around my home at the moment are my Ed Brown 1911 carry gun, my wife's S&W Model 60 J-Frame carry gun, my Walther P99, and the other is my PPS. If a bad guy came through the door right now I would be happy to get my hands on any of the four, but my 1911 would be my first choice and the J-Frame would be the last I would go for if I got to choose.

 

[gunrunner2]

On my post about the Model 60 LS this J frame is a 357. My range visit at the time ( only had 38spl+p on hand ), I didn't have any 357 ammo. So I will follow up with a range report soon. Target would be 38 defense would be 357. I think that is enough stoping power?

 

[imjin138]

I like my 3 inch 36 so that swhat I use, I have PPK's in 32 and 380, but for simplicity I stick with the model 36

 

[safearm]

I carry a 2" J frame and a Ruger LCP. Most of the time, I carry both together. I realize that I really didn't answer your question, but I don't see the utility of either a 3" J frame or the Walther .380. If you're going to carry the J frame in a belt holster, the 3" model is as good as anything else, but it is harder to carry in a pocket or an ankle holster. If you're going to get a gun the size of the Walther, get a PPS in 9mm.

 

[walnutred]

I find I'm able to shoot my 3" M37 much better than my 2" J frame. IF I want to pocket carry I use a hip grip and a pocket holster and clip the revolver to my front pocket. Only works for jeans, not dress pants. The pocket holster helps break up the outline of the pistol and protects the pocket liner.