So Many Choices....

I'd pick the mod 36 myself.

Prefer the .38 wadcutters for a defensive weapon over the FMJ.

For carry, I'd want the 36.

My thumbs fumble with slide mounted safety levers like the PPK has.

Mr. Mosin said:

Need some help in deciding between these two iconic (and classic) carry pieces: the Walther PPK and the Smith and Wesson Mdl 36.

Whichever one would be carried in a belly band holster, in overalls.

The PPK would be stoked with either factory standard or +P FMJ/ball ammo, heavy for caliber; the Smith and Wesson wheelie would be stoked with standard pressure 148grn HCWC's.

Click to expand...

A belly band, in overalls. That is specific attire.

FMJ/ball in PPK because of feeding? 380 HP that doesn't expand (like ball) is not terribly overpenetrative:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
But, of course it is making the smallest diameter hole possible for the caliber.
Underperformance applies to that 38 special bullet as well:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

Between those two guns?
I had a PPK and its slide was unmerciful to the web of my hand, not a fan of DA/SA.
5 shot revolver? I just can't/won't.
Might other handguns along with better performing ammo be considered?

Double tap

deleted

If you are wearing overalls and a belly band you could get away from the pea shooters and carry a real gun. Like a Glock 19 or something along those lines. On a budget? The S&W SD9VE is a great alternative to the Glock 19. I love mine. It feels great in the hand. And I paid almost half of what I paid for my new Glock 17.

I did work for an older man who always wore overalls and to my surprise one day he pulled a 4" skinny barrel model 10 out of the right front pocket. I had no idea the old Phart was armed but he said he carried it everywhere with him and this was years before there were any CC laws. So why limit yourself with a couple of small, hard to shoot guns? But to answer your question, again. The model 36 over the PPK.

I'd have to go with the Model 36. While I like, and carry 380s myself, given the specific choice, I'd go with the revolver which you have a little wiggle room to move up in power in your load selection.

The 36 for above reasons. That being said, is this one of those elastic bands? Had one of those years ago. Work alright with pants because pants supply a little support as well. All steel guns have a tendency to drag it down. Found that out with my own coveralls.

I would rather have the new EC9s I just bought and add in the two new mags I got a couple of days ago and I have 21 rounds on hand, 22 if you start with one in the pipe on the first mag. And I bet I paid less for the EC9 with two spare mags than what either of the other choices cost. Even buying used.

The EC9s weighs less than 2oz more than the PPK and fires a much better round. the model 36 weighs 4oz more and of course only holds 5 rounds. But it should be 5 dead nuts reliable rounds. But if you have the room and are able to carry a slightly bigger gun there are far better choices. And with overalls you should be able to carry a better, bigger gun and not have to wear a girdle to do it. You could probably have a seamstress sew a pocket on the inside of the bib area that would work better than a belly band.

This sounds more like an emotional choice rather than a choice based on logic.

CDW4ME said:

Underperformance applies to that 38 special bullet as well:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

Click to expand...

How is meeting the FBI protocol standards with 16" of penetration considered underperformance?

I have to wear bib overalls for another couple of months. I've been wearing them since October, IIRC.

The ones with a big chest pocket hold a properly sized handgun and pocket holster very well.

Drawing from the chest pocket is pretty quick.

I've been carrying my CA Bulldog, mostly because it and its holster fit the chest pocket perfectly.

fxvr5 said:

How is meeting the FBI protocol standards with 16" of penetration considered underperformance?

Click to expand...

OP specified 148 gr. and the 148 gr. in that test managed 15.8'' / .36 - basically no expansion.
The 158 gr. LSWCHP from 2'' barrel, no expansion.
I'd say no expansion is underperformance compared to (from 2'' barrel) better options:
130 HST micro - 13'' / .73
125 Golden Saber - 13.9'' / .62

The performance of some 38 special loads is acceptable, but 5 shot capacity is lacking compared to other options.
A 5 shot snub is as big (height/length) as a Glock 43 with 7 round capacity:
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/smith-wesson-model-642-vs-glock-g43
A PPK 380 is about the size of a 9mm Sig 365 which offers 11 round capacity
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/walther-ppk-vs-sig-sauer-p365

I got one of these for situations where I want a "belly band" or shoulder rig. Has the extra shoulder strap to keep it up, and it is on sale right now. Not saying this is the best one, but it is the one I purchased for "specialty" carry. it is ambidextrous, and it fits whatever pistol or revolver you decide to carry. I like it for a small 38 or a small 380, but I can carry a 1911 in it if I choose to.
https://dinosaurized.com/products/p...JktOEXfH8fRrDlba_-oVmz9P2eLi7ygxoCyU0QAvD_BwE

d

New production? I tried one or two of the new-production PPK/s-1 pistols. (One may have been the shorter-gripped PPK version.) The corners of the extended tangs wore holes in each my hands, which bothered me more than the rare-occasional “Walther bite” of older-production Walthers. I had to use band-aids or tape, to protect my skin. The internal parts fitting was poor. Triggers pulls were rough and gritty. I was, also, getting failures to feed, with both of them. After several hundred rounds, through each one, with no improvement in feeding reliability, and looking at others’ on-line comments, I decided to end the new-production Walther experiment. I got rid of them.

I am no lover of the keyhole S&W revolvers, and much prefer stainless steel, in this high-moisture role, but, given the choice of a new-production Walther PPK-series pistol, and a new-production S&W 36, the 36 wins that one.

I just got a Sig P-232 SL intended use carry in a shoulder holster which I had intended my PPK/S for but not quite 100% happy with the Walther. The Sig is going to do it for me. Outclasses and outguns the PPK/S in every which way but physical size and weight, though in some ways that's a point in its favor, too.
View attachment 991429

DELETE

I have had my current PPK since the mid'80s and carried both PP and PPK/s prior to that.

For only a few days in the late '70s I had the opportunity to shoot my BIL's 36 here at the farm ... a LOT.

Presented with the choice, I would choose the Model 36 in a heartbeat. To me, for a self-defense piece, especially, the 36 is more gun and a better gun.

How many of these guns through the past have actually been purchased by Mr. Mosin? I would like to see a picture of the one he chooses.

Wow, that Sig P232 is sure pretty!

It makes my old P230 look like the plain sister.

Between a PPK and a M36?

Id pick the P232.