whatnickname
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Feeling a bit nostalgic this morning and thinking about the way carry guns have evolved. Two extremes in the pictures above but, icons in their respective time periods. The Walther got it’s start in 1929 and was state of the art in it’s day. Today it’s old technology.
Interest in the PPK was revived by the writings of a novelist back in the 60’s about a somewhat psychotic British secret service agent that killed people indiscriminately…although his initial weapon of choice was the Beretta 418 if memory serves. That said the 32acp was considered adequate for such tasks in Europe. I’m sure there were scores of people that were sent on to the next life by the lowly 32, once again making the case for shot placement. Then GCA 68 came about and Walther was unable to import the PPK. This gave rise to the present day PPK/s as the only way Walther could make the import points was to slap a PPK slide on a PP frame. Whether we’re talking about the PP, PPK or PPK/s there is no argument that these pistols have a “cool factor” that is off the charts. And yes, I’ve heard all the arguments about hammer / slide bite. I’ve not experienced any of this with my PP. The PP was and is a hardball gun and doesn’t like HP ammo. Frankly, at this power level I will opt for ball ammo and penetration over less penetration offered by HP ammo.
As this is being written, I’ve just purchased a Ft. Smith Walther PPK/s in like new condition on one of the auction sites for well under MSRP in .380. We can argue the pros and cons of using one of these as a carry gun and I would also agree with some of those points. I also agree with the argument that the best carry gun is the one you have on you when stuff goes sideways and you find yourself in a dangerous confrontation that has unfolded in your lap without warning! I will follow up with a range report when I receive this pistol.
Today’s technology is well represented by the G48 and its derivatives the G43 and G42. Although I believe the G42 and G43 were produced prior to the G48. And before everyone goes off on me for failing to mention your favorite CCW or carry gun, I will be the first to admit that there’s a bushel basket of polymer frame pistols in both 9mm and 380 that operate flawlessly with just about any ammo you care to run in them. Heck, my everyday CCW is a G43 that I carry in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster. And the 9mm ammo I carry in that pistol packs a much harder punch than than the 32 or 380 ammo. That is not what this post is about. I’m simply looking at the evolution of these types of pistols. I appreciate how the industry has evolved. Even though I carry a G43 the Walther pistols have a “cool factor” that far exceeds what most folks carry today.
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of today’s polymer framed carry guns are the factory and aftermarket sights that are available for these pistols. My G48 has a set of XS Big Dot sights that are hands down easier to acquire in any light conditions. To call the sights on the Walther pistols rudimentary is an understatement. Regardless of whether we’re talking about the Walther or one of the newer polymer frame pistols, it’s clear that the firearms industry has evolved when it comes to the subject of sights. IMO the sights on today’s carry guns offer a significant advantage over the pistols that were offered in years past. Back in the early 1900s the wisdom was that these types of pistols were intended as “ point and shoot “ guns to be used at card table distances. This type of shooting can be effective. Perhaps the most glaring example of the point and shoot ( sights are an unnecessary accessory ) pistol is the 1910 Browning. One of those pistols started a world war when Archduke Ferdinand and Mrs. Archduke got whacked. Rumor was that the Archduke was not a fun guy and basically had it coming. But that’s another story for another time.You should see the sights, or what passes for sights, on my 1955 Browning 380. I have the original sales receipt for that pistol. It was purchased at a gun store in Los Angeles for the princely sum of $44.63 in 1967. I still appreciate these older guns for their quality, workmanship and reliability. In any event, I think it’s interesting how the industry has changed. Just my .02 cents this morning.
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