What Planet You Guys From?
I read your replies in complete amazement. Surprising a number of you commenting on a gun you don't even own.
Mastrogiacomo I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier but I'll answer your questions.
1. cost of ammo
Ammoman.com sells .32 Auto Federal Classic for $99 per 500 rounds. Not cheap but the cheapest source out there I've found.
2. trigger pull
Trigger pull on the PP, PPK or PPK/s series is generally firm - in the 10 pound area DA and 7-8 pounds in SA. It is generally smooth and crisp with no creep. They are easy guns to do a trigger job on and I have 3 PPK and 2 PPK/s that have trigger pulls that are 8 pounds DA and 5 pounds SA. They break like ice. Keep in mind that these are compact guns and as such, even a fairly light pull feels heavier due to the smaller frame.
3. recoil
Recoil on either the .32 or .380 versions of the PPK or PPK/s is moderate.
Comments regarding slide bite are misleading. Generally, people that have a problem with slide bite have over-sized hands and are trying to use a gun that's simply too small for them or inexperienced shooters. I've been collecting, shooting and carrying PP, PPK and PPK/s arms for many years and have yet to be bitten. My wife carries a PPK/s .380 which she shoots regularly and she has never had a problem.
The German Walthers are ultra-reliable if they're properly maintained. I can remember a single FTF due to a stove-pipe I had. It was caused by a dropped magazine in the dirt. I thought I had it cleaned up but didn't.
If you're looking for a gun to carry, I would suggest you consider something with a little more horsepower. In the Walther PP series, you might consider a .380. .380 Glaser Safety Slugs and Federal Hydra Shoks make it a potent rounds. You'll also find ammo much cheaper in .380.
Overall, the German models are good guns - I can't speak of the US [Smith's] models because I have no practicable experience with them.
In the same price range of the Walther is the SIG P230, P232 [.380's] and the P239 in either 9mm, 357SIG or .40 S&W. Perhaps a better alternative than the PPK .32 for personal protection.
Hope this helps.
Steve Aikens.