[Barney]

Hi everyone: I just posted on General Discussion and introduced myself. Have a question on Walthers. I have owned a PP for awhile. Would like to have a 9MM Walther. Looking at P99, P88Compat, and the P5Compact. The P5 Compact seems to be at the top of my list but I am open to suggestions. Never have handled any of them. I'll just sit back and read.

[Plan-B]

If you're considering the P5c because of size, then go for it. Those that have it have only positives to say about it. If it were available here in California, I'd probably have one by now.

But, if you're not going to carry it concealed I highly recommend you check out the P99. In a word, it's awesome. Hey, James Bond can't be wrong... :D

[10-Ring]

I was recently in a shop that had both the P5 & P88 on their shelves :what: Seem like nice guns (i've only had a chance to fondle, not shoot them :( ).

[Pilot]

I have a Walther P-5, but its the full size version which has a sligthly longer barrel. Its a very well made, accurate and reliable gun. I carry it on occassion, but like my P7M8 a little better becauze it si slimmer and a bit easier to carry. However, I think the P-5 is an excellent choice and can be had for about half to 2/3 the price of a P7.

[JimC]

Barney,

I have the P5, P5C, P88 and P88C along with four P99's, 2 in 9mmx19 and 2 in .40 S&W so, I'll try to help you out with your dilemma.

First, The P5C is a very good choice. It's just that much smaller than the FS P5 to make it a great carry gun. I carry mine in a Kramer IWB#2 during the warmer months.

My P5C is one of my favorite Walthers. Function is 110% and the accuracy is excellent for a 3" bbl. More than sufficient for the intended purpose of the pistol.

My other carry gun, during the colder times of the year, is a P99 in .40 S&W and I carry that in a Milt Sparks SSII.

You can check out my Walthers at my web site using the link below. ;)

[Barney]

JimC: Thanks for the info. I looked at your web site. Very nice, very informative. I carry a PP. Looking to carry a 9mm occasionally. I believe the P5C would be the way to go. Earls Repair service told me they may have some used ones. I asked but they will not tell me if they are police refurbished guns. They claim the gun has a warranty. I may call them tomorrow, and try to pin them down on the refurbished deal. I don't no if that would be wise to buy a gun like that or not. What do you think?

[Handy]

Of the guns listed, the P88 is the most accurate (one of the best anywhere). The P5 is really nicely made, but not very accurate compared to its competition (check out those 4" test target groups). The trigger is also much heavier than a Sig DA and the slide is very thick. (I have a P5, P6 and P7 and the P5 would be my last choice of the three.)

The P99 is nothing special and will be widely available from here out. For accuracy and opportunity, I would get with a P88 if available at a decent price. Get a cheap used P99 later.

[Handy]

Actually, if you want a nice Walther for cheap, have your dealer order a like-new Walther P1 (P38) from SOG for $200. A very good gun, especially for the pesos. The P5 is based on this gun.

[dacinokc]

My p-88 is one of the finest built and nicest guns I own, the decocker feels like silk and glass. It will eat anything I have given it so far is eight years of ownership....
I have always liked the looks of the P5C, but have yet to get a chance to shoot one. :o

[Barney]

I thought because the P5 had a fixed barrel it might be more accurate then the P88. I liked the P88 originally but then because of the smaller P5 I thought it might be easier to carry and conceal. There really is not to much difference in size on the compacts. The specs show the P5 to be .1 inch less wide, .2 less in height, and .4 less in length. If you say the P88 is more accurate maybe it would be better. Thanks for the info. I appreciate the different opinions.

[denfoote]

Go for the P5 or the P5 compact!! I have a P5 and it is great!!
BTW, where do you get the idea that the P5 had a fixed barrel?? The lockwork is that of the P38!!!!

[JimC]

I don't no if that would be wise to buy a gun like that or not. What do you think?

Earl has some of the highest prices that I've ever seen on guns and gun parts :eek: but, I think he's an honest seller, very Walther knowledgeable and would stand by anything he sells.

That being said, I would check around places like GunsAmerica.com and GunBroker.com to compare prices. ;)

Also, keep an eye on the used guns for sale on the various boards. P5Cs turn up now and again for reasonable prices. You will most likely find a FS P5 for a better price than the Compact.

While I will agree 100% with the P88 comments here, the P88 is not a CCW pistol in my estimation and I say this basically due to its size. I'm a good size guy and wouldn't even consider carrying mine.

The P88C is not a bad size 9mmx19 and with full capacity mags [14 round] you get 15 rounds with one in the chamber. It will conceal as well as a P99 will with just slightly more weight.

For carry, I require a pistol that fires a reliable round accurately [9mmx19 is one] and will give me 100% reliability 100% of the time. It must have good sights because my old eyes aren't getting any better. :(

My P5C does all of this for me. In my Kramer holster I can almost forget I have it on at times.

Actually, if you want a nice Walther for cheap, have your dealer order a like-new Walther P1 (P38) from SOG for $200. A very good gun, especially for the pesos. The P5 is based on this gun.

The P5C is far smaller making it easier to carry.

BTW, the P5 and P5C do not have fixed barrels.

And lastly, for the P7M8 fans out there. The pistol is over engineered, over priced and over way over rated. :eek:

The P5C or P5 will never suffer from the ammo specific problems of the P7 and they will never burn your hand after firing a few mags of ammo. ;)

[modifiedbrowning]

I carry my P99 year round, no problem. My fullsize P88 is a little too big for that I think. The P88 is very, very accurate. I'm looking at the P88 compact for my next purchase, but recently have been thinking of a P5 compact, much smaller. Most prices for the P5C I have seen are close to a grand, I have seen some P88c's for around $800. Any know of any good deals on either one of these guns? :confused:

[JimC]

I just did a quick search on GunsAmerica.com (http://www.gunsamerica.com/).

Here's what I found and there could be more.

P5C NIB - $879
P5C ANIB - $749
P5C USED - $949

P88C NIB - $875
P88C NIB - $825
P88C NIB - $899

P5 USED - $675
P5 ANIB - $895
P5 NIB - $899

[Handy]

As said above, no fixed barrel on the P5. The barrel doesn't tilt, but recoils straight back. The only fixed barrel gun in this discussion was the P7.

And since someone had to bash the P7:
1. My P7 has a 1" test group. My P5 has a 4" test group. Both are typical.
2. The P7 is much thinner than any Walther 9mm.
3. The P7 is no more complex internally than the P5. It has only one trigger pull and fewer parts that cycle shot to shot.
4. The P7 will only become uncomfortably hot if you shoot 100 or more rounds in only a couple minutes. This has nothing to do with the use of the gun as no one carries 13 loaded mags.
5. My excellent condition used P7 cost $700. So did my brother's. Compare to the used Walther price list above.
6. I have all three German police guns. The P5 is the least pleasant and accurate to shoot. It does have the nicest machining.

Like I said, if you want the best combination of accuracy and craftsmanship, the P88 seems to be Walther's pinacle. The P5 is very nice, but is huge and innaccurate for it's expense (no one seems to deny this). The former Bundeswehr P1s are exceptional for $200 (check out Earl's P1 prices). I would pay several hundred more for a fully machined Walther (P88 or P5) before I would invest in their injection molding gun.

[Pilot]

Handy wrote:

And since someone had to bash the P7:
1. My P7 has a 1" test group. My P5 has a 4" test group. Both are typical.
2. The P7 is much thinner than any Walther 9mm.
3. The P7 is no more complex internally than the P5. It has only one trigger pull and fewer parts that cycle shot to shot.
4. The P7 will only become uncomfortably hot if you shoot 100 or more rounds in only a couple minutes. This has nothing to do with the use of the gun as no one carries 13 loaded mags.
5. My excellent condition used P7 cost $700. So did my brother's. Compare to the used Walther price list above.
6. I have all three German police guns. The P5 is the least pleasant and accurate to shoot. It does have the nicest machining.

I agree with all of the above. Plus there is no ammo the P7 will not shoot. Its not recommended to shoot lead loads through it as it could foul the gas system. Hardly a downside as when was the last time you carried leads in 9MM for CCW? I have both the P7 and P5 and the P7 is my choice 9.9 times out of 10 for range and carry.

[jimcon]

A few years ago, my friends called me a Walther junkie since I had and still have these models P99 (9mm), P99 (40), P88,PPK/S, THP and A P5C. The P5c is actually marked as an LIAI (I think) and it is issued to members of the Brirish special forces as a backup gun. Others have commented on the incredible accuracy of the P88. It is true. If you can find one in good shape get one if you want a full sized gun. There were less than 10,000 made.

You mentioned Earl's Repair Service. Earl is a true expert on all things related to the Walther. You may find lower prices but you will not find any better or more honest service. One caveat, do not even think of asking Earl to touch any American made Walther.

Good luck, Walthers are great

[Extremist]

Jimcon wrote:

The P5c is actually marked as an LIAI (I think) and it is issued to members of the Brirish special forces as a backup gun.

Actually, there are P5 Compacts (so marked) and there are the L102A P5 Compact Special Forces which were in fact issued to the British SAS. They are the "holy grail" of P5C's in the US as there were less than 80 imported by Earl.

You can no longer see pics of it on Earl's site, since he has no more for sale, but when my website comes back up, you can see pics there.

Regards,
James

[Barney]

I would like to thank all of you for your advice and comments. I learned alot and appreciate the returns I recieved.

Best Regards to all: Barney

[BHP9]

Some years ago when the original P88 first came out (not the P88 compact) they did a rasom rest test on the P88 and it was one of the most accurate 9mm's ever made. Unfortuntately the P88C was not in the same class of accuracy.

I have a P5 and a P99 and the P99 is the more accurate handgun and a lot cheaper in price but the P5 is more aethetically pleasing to the eye in my opinion and because of its high price is a prestige gun. People often bad mouth the P5's accuracy but I have found that it shoots right up there with the typical Glock or Beretta. All are basically 3 inch guns at 25 yards.

If you are going to carry a gun a lot then go for the smallest and most powerful handgun you can handle. On the other hand if you are buying it for recreation go with the biggest and longest sighting radius handgun. The extra weight and sighting radius will help you hit more consistantly. A good trigger pull is a must also and you will not find the P88 to have a target grade trigger nor will you find it in the P5 either. I have found the P99's trigger to be the best of the lot with only a small amount of creep.

Gun Tests last year rated the P99 "Handgun of the Year". It is probably the best of the plastic 9's having better accuracy, reliablity, less recalls and a much stronger ignition system amoung all of the striker fired plastic pistols.

I think the P99 is a good compromise. It is not so big that you cannot carry it and it is not so small as to make it difficult to control or hit with. The price is more affordable than the P88 or P5's. Of course it is plastic and this is a big turn off for a lot of old timers like yours truly.

Just remember there is no all round handgun. For steet carry do not worry about accuarcy or even trigger pull but worry about reliablity. Most confrontations come at almost arms length.

Very small and light weight handguns tend to get carried more consistantly than the bigger heavier and more uncomfortable bigger guns. Its only human nature not to want to put up with discomfort when carrying everyday.

On the other hand when shooting for recreation, especially with your peers, people tend to go with the full size super accurate guns like the custom built 11911's, Sig P210 Neuhuasen or "T series "Browning High Power etc. Guns that are known for their accuracy. You might also check out the CZ race guns. Remember if you want to play expect to pay quite a lot for a super accurate handgun. Few production line hanguns these days make the grade.

My favorite gun for accuracy is the all steel Sig-Nuehausen P210 and I paid only a little more for it used than I would have paid for a used aluminum frame P88.

If you like high capacity its hard to beat some of the older High Powers. The gun rags and people who have recently purchased some of the newer High Powers are finding that they are not quite as accurate as the older models but they still shoot as good as the out of the box Glock or Beretta.

[David S]

I think if you take into account, asthetics, durablity, accuracy and concealability, the P99 wins out. 9MM hydra shocks expand to the size larger than the diameter of a dime in ballistics tests and have really good stopping power according to a local Sherriff i spoke with. Seen here with 16 round preban mags....and a Fobus holster, its the best of all worlds....and very lightweight

[David S]

heres one upclose shot

[JimC]

Now all you need is a set of night sights for it. :D
It don't get much better except maybe in .40 S&W. ;)

[David S]

i like the looks of Earls Generation 2 night sights, the first gen sights that are on sale look too bulky to me. but actually i prefer the euro back sight with the "U" over the US dot site and unfortunantly they do not make night sights in the Euro style