Walther PPK/S .380

Dreamer · 21 December 2001, 06:50 AM

Might as well throw this into the pot.
The PPK like most well made open breech automatics is very accurate. Its chief shortcoming is that its barrel is not long enough for serious target shooting and its bullet weight, at 95 grains, is to light for defense. It is possible to load a .380 with a 125-150 grain bullet, but then such a load would become dangerous to fire because of the Walthers open breech design. For defensive purposes a locked breech auto with the heavier ammunition would be a much better solution. Problem is that in most toggle link designs accuracy suffers. The only solution I've ever seen to this set of conflicting problems was the Chezch CZ26 with its ingenious rotating lock. This design gave the benefit of the locked breech with a longitudinal barrel movement that did not disrurb the barrels radial alignment.

Kirby · 21 December 2001, 07:42 AM

Quote:

I'll eventually try a .45 if'n I can ever find one that I like and that doesn't require a second mortgage.

Stephen

Since I bought that Walther PPK/S, I've added a Ruger P90 and a Colt Government Model Series 80 to my collection. They are both very well made but my preference goes to the Colt although it seems to be a bit more finicky about the ammo. Neither were excessively costly You might give them a thought.

The Walther is still firing beautifully and works best with Winchester .380 although Winchester ammo has gone from a round nose bullet to a flat nose. Dunno why.

VBR
Kirby

stephen · 21 December 2001, 10:39 AM

I've (thankfully) never shot anyone, but I do have faith in the PPK/S and the .380 round FOR ITS DESIGNED PURPOSE.

Clearly not a combat round, the PPK/S is a close range personal defense weapon only. It accomplishes that purpose quite well and has for decades.

While it will never be confused with a .45 or .357, any criminal who doesn't take a .380 PPK/S seriously is a genuine idiot. It can and certainly will end your life in a big hurry, and is more than capable of holding off multiple perps.

Do not underestimate the effectiveness of the .380 round in the hands of a good shooter. Of course, carry heavier calibers if you can... but that's not always possible.

leo · 21 December 2001, 10:47 AM

I have owned several ppk and ppk/s pistols and have enjoyed their excellent workmanship and performance. I used to think I was a pretty good shot until I got into a contest with my ex-secretary. She had learned to shoot in Hungary from her ex-husband. I was humbled. Boy! Can that lady shoot.

stephen · 21 December 2001, 10:52 AM

Two related questions, Kirby:

Have you ever owned a 1911 style gun before, and are you comfortable carrying cocked and locked?

stephen · 21 December 2001, 10:55 AM

Leo, have you found Walther products to be as accurate as I have? Either of my Walthers (P99 or PPK/S) seem to shoot tighter groups than the Browning, Makarov, or Beretta.

leo · 21 December 2001, 11:08 AM

My PP shoots better than my PPK. It may be a personal problem because others don't find that to be so. I have never fired a Baretta and the only Makarov was not in class A condition. I qulified with the Colt .45 on the second try.

I do find my Walthers to be accurate.

stephen · 21 December 2001, 11:12 AM

A self-proclaimed leftist loonie who qualified with a Colt .45? How cool is that? *

Merry Christmas, Leo!

Kirby · 21 December 2001, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Have you ever owned a 1911 style gun before, and are you comfortable carrying cocked and locked?

Stephen

I was in a tank company in the army and carried a 1911. I found it to be very dependable and accurate once you learned the quirks of that individual weapon. After doing so, I became quite proficient with it. Even from what was then given the official GI designation of the "off-hand position". The one I recently bought is the only 1911 I have ever personally owned although my Dad was quite generous in letting me have the use of his.

In the army we were taught to carry the loaded weapon with the hammer on the safety cock with the holster strap fastened across the hammer. I'm not sure I would feel comfortable carrying one on full cock.

Shooter or Leo could probably give you a better informed opinion than I. I can testify to the reliability of the pistol, though.

VBR
Kirby

Shooter · 21 December 2001, 03:38 PM

Stephen:

I carry Condition One (locked & cocked with a live chamber) routinely. If one trains to carry in that fashion, it is not a big deal. For those who are not comfortable carrying Condition One for what ever reason, I don't know what to tell you. I do not find it particularly dangerous or unsafe, but this is a subjective evaluation.

Shooter sends