Walther PK380/PPS 9mm, any opinions?

[truckemup97]

My wife is looking for a comfortable CCW piece. I read an article in the NRA magazine about the PK380, and thought it might be a good option, due to it's similarities to the P22, with which she is very familiar. Then, looking at Walther's website, I saw the PPS, which might also be a viable option in 9mm. Anyone have one of these? Want to give an opinion?

Before everyone starts suggesting a J-frame, she doesn't care for mine. OK, her opinion, but I would like her to have something she is comfortable with, both carrying and at the range. The recoil of my 640-1 (with .38s) and my KelTec P-11 are too much for her. Maybe a larger .380 like the PK380 would be more comfortable, and certainly familiar.

Thanks!!

 

[Toyman]

I have a PPS that I use a my carry gun. Narrow, light and easy to shoot.You can get 6, 7 and 8 round mags, I carry an 8 with 1 in chamber so 9 rounds available.
I have fired over 1,000 rounds with no problems.
My wife has a S&W 9mm M&P that I shoot better but thicker and heavier.
The M&P is also less expensive.
Trigger pull is consistant with striker fired weapons.
I would rather have the 9mm than a .380 and I don't think there is much difference in size.

 

[BarbC]

I've got the PPS. It's very slim, light-weight and easy to carry. It shoots well too and is very manageable.

 

[bobsdad]

Can she rack the slide?

Just make sure, with any semi-auto, that she can somewhat easily pull the slide back enough to chamber a round. My wife has problems with some semi-autos. I do know that the PK380 is relatively easy.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I love my PK380. It is not the smallest 380 around and is larger than some nines, but the ergonomics are perfect for me. The sights are the best I have seen on a 380. I use +P ammo that gets me into 9mm territory with 90-100 gr slugs.
It is obviously not a pocket gun, but serves as an occasional off duty weapon when I want more than 5 shots (from my 940). For serious I still use my BHP with +P ammo.

 

[OKFC05]

Couple of thoughts:
The Walther blowback design .380 kicks about the same as the Kahr CW9, 9mm. I think their trigger is better.

When I decided I just had to have a .380, I wound up buying the SIG over the Walther, again for the trigger. Then came the .380 ammo shortage, which is still a PITA. Unless you load .380 ammo, 9mm is easier to get.

Suggest she try the Kahr CW9, see what she thinks.

 

[Rule3]

I do not own either but do have the P22. No offense to anyone but i have messed around with the PK380 at the shop and Walther should be ashamed to put their name on it. To me it does not feel like a quality piece. The PPs seems better but do you homework and read up on it.
I agree with OKFCO5. The blowback is much harder to handle than a breech lock. I carry the Kahr PM9 but they also make a 380. (expensive if you can fine one)

How about the Ruger, KT or Diamond Back 380's?. Smaller, lighter and all good.

 

[The Shadow]

My wife is looking for a comfortable CCW piece. I read an article in the NRA magazine about the PK380 ...............

truckemup ......... if you're considering other .380's, I would suggest you and the Mrs. take a good hard look at Sig's P 232 in SS. I purchased one a couple of months ago, after it originally caught my eye in the local gun shop display, appearing very much in profile like my Walther PP .380, but slightly larger. It's slim, very well made, and I like the fact that the grip is longer and deeper than the Walther, and really feels good in my hands. Unless the Mrs. has really small hands, it may be a good overall fit! If your local shop(s) don't have one to see and hold, you can at least view one on Sig's we site: sigsauer.com. It's only available in SS for civilians in Cal, but regardless where you're located, I'm sure you'll agree that stainless is best for CCW or backup. Let me know what you think about this piece!
Shadow SD

 

[8th SPS USAF]

Which gun ???

I would have her look at KAHR P9 PM9.

8th

 

[fuzzman]

Thanks for the info

I love my PK380. It is not the smallest 380 around and is larger than some nines, but the ergonomics are perfect for me. The sights are the best I have seen on a 380. I use +P ammo that gets me into 9mm territory with 90-100 gr slugs.
It is obviously not a pocket gun, but serves as an occasional off duty weapon when I want more than 5 shots (from my 940). For serious I still use my BHP with +P ammo.

I am so glad to here you use +p in your pk380. I was afraid to even try it. I will now and if all goes well I will make it my sd ammo. Thanks. I should also say that I know it is not to be fed to it in large amounts. Merely shoot enough to make sure it cycles and that I get a good feel for it.

 

[rags]

I once bought a PK 380 from a friend that needed money. It shot ok and had only 300 rounds through it. (I was present for most of them) I took it apart after I got it home and the internals looked as if 3000 rnds were put through it. In certain lighting, the bluing was starting to change colors. I sold it for what I paid for it, and moved on.

 

[Alnamvet68]

I own the PPS in .40 S&W, and I cannot say enough how much I like this gun. It's been in production for over 5 years, and every kink has been worked out, and IMO, it is the best of breed of all sub-compact slim single stack auto loaders. It's what Glock lovers (of which I am one) have always wanted, a single stack plastic fantastic.

As for the PPK, I'm still looking to buy a new one, but I am also keeping my eye out for the Sig P232, both are what I consider top dogs in the .380 genre.

 

[labworm]

Might even check out the Bersa Thunder .380, not expensive at all.

Lot's of opinions, this is mine, I think the Beretta 84/85 is the top shelf of .380's but you will pay for it.

The biggest problem presently is going into LGS and looking at one, none to look at. I have handle the Sig's which are nice also.

 

[SW_shooter]

I have the PK380 and think it shoots fine, the recoil is minimal compared to other guns. I'm looking to sell mine to a woman friend of Mrs shooter because I want something else and the Mrs likes her S&W 38.

 

[tompehret]

My wife owned a Walther PP .380 for a while. I had a PPK/S .380 for a few years back in the 90's. Both were high quality guns with a high "cool" value. But neither of us liked the percieved recoil. She's fine with .38's and used a .45 acp for her CCW test so it's not the caliber. Just something about that Walther design I guess.