Can't decide: new AK-74 or new Walther PPK?

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

Armchair Bronco

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
227
Location
Seattle, WA
OK, so I've been yearning after two different guns for several months, vacillating from one extreme to the other. And the two choices couldn't be more different: a new Arsenal SGL-31 AK-74 (in 5.45x39.5) or a new S&W Walther PPK in either .32 ACP or .380 ACP.

Oh, and to raise money for this new gun, I *might* have to part ways with my 1954 M1 Garand. :(

I have my own list of "PROS" and "CONS" for each gun, but I'll hold off for now so I don't influence your feedback. Which gun should I buy and why?

For the Walther, I'm leaning towards .32 ACP - "Less is more". This caliber was just fine for police in Europe for 30 years, so I figure it's probably good enough for me, too.

Both guns would be used strictly to have fun out at the target range, if that makes a difference. Obviously, the AK-74 would work well in a SHTF scenario just as the Walther could be used a concealed carry gun. But the #1 priority is to have fun with my boys out at the range and not spend too much money making things go "BANG!". ;)
 
Skip the S&W. The AK74 is a fine semi-auto, in a cartridge that won't break the bank anytime soon (@ $270 for 2160rds). Even if you really desire a PPK, look for an original German made one, blued, and pay the extra money. And, don't get beat up on your Garand just to have either oof the other guns. You'll regret selling it sometime down the road, even if you get a good price for it.
 
Have you shot the PPK to verify you won't suffer slide bite?

If you have and it doesn't, get the PPK.

The AK will only lead to additional significant expenditures while the PPK has very little other than it's overpriced scarce ammunition.
 
I would keep the M-1 its better made than either of the others Besides it a American Classic .
new S&W PPK are to much hit and miss in quality .
I buy no more AK's I have own 2 and can see the love for them. I went to a AR-15
 
Armchair Bronco said:
OK, so I've been yearning after two different guns for several months, vacillating from one extreme to the other. And the two choices couldn't be more different: a new Arsenal SGL-31 AK-74 (in 5.45x39.5) or a new S&W Walther PPK in either .32 ACP or .380 ACP.

Oh, and to raise money for this new gun, I *might* have to part ways with my 1954 M1 Garand. :(

I have my own list of "PROS" and "CONS" for each gun, but I'll hold off for now so I don't influence your feedback. Which gun should I buy and why?

For the Walther, I'm leaning towards .32 ACP - "Less is more". This caliber was just fine for police in Europe for 30 years, so I figure it's probably good enough for me, too.

Both guns would be used strictly to have fun out at the target range, if that makes a difference. Obviously, the AK-74 would work well in a SHTF scenario just as the Walther could be used a concealed carry gun. But the #1 priority is to have fun with my boys out at the range and not spend too much money making things go "BANG!". ;)
Click to expand...

Nothing against either choice of firearms to purchase, but I think you are really going to regret parting with your M1. They are still cranking out the 74's, but you can't get the Garands new anymore.
 
Well, you guys are right about the M1 Garand. I'd hate to part with it and would certainly regret the decision. However, I also like to own "shooters", not polished pieces of steel and wood that hide away in the gun safe. I hardly ever shoot the M1 Garand on account of expensive surplus .30-06 ammo.

The S&W Walther PPK has allegedly "fixed" the biting issue with a bigger/longer tang and some bevels on the back of the slide. This is the main reason it appeals to me.

But I have small hands, so maybe a vintage German PPK from the 1930's would work just fine. I guess I should figure that out before I invest in an inferior modern gun for a biting issue that should never rear its head.

My guess is that slide bite effects guys with chubby or stubby hands, and that ain't me.

If I go the historical route, then the chambering decision will be made for me @ .32 ACP.
 
This thread needs pictures!

Arsenal AK-74

(I already have replacement Bulgarian wood for the stock and forearm furniture as well as an East German chrome-lined muzzle break.)

sgl31-61.jpg

S&W Walther PPK

VAH38002.jpg
 
They are so far apart in their job description, it's hard to give you an answer. If you need a pistol get the pistol, I had both, it's an inigma, trying to assume your needs. Good rile good pistol, neither are great. Both are adequate for their intended purpose.
 
I agree that the 2 finalists have nuttin' in common. But it is what it is.

I want 'em both, but can't get 'em both at the same time. I'll get one first, then start yearning for the other one, and eventually pair that one up against something else...like an M1 Carbine.

Happens every time.
 
Bulgarian AK74, Ironwood stocks (as part of 922 compliance), Leupold 1.5-4x scope on a TWS Dogleg base. These AK74's seem to shoot 25-50% tighter groups than AK47's (7.62x39)). Your savings on 5.45 ammo will allow you to accessorize, if you want. :D
DSC06195.jpg
[/IMG]
 
I REALLY like your German-made PPK. I'd love to get something similar, with some battle scars, a little bit of fade on the blue, and the brown hand grips.

If I have small hands (I play the flute, for example) am I more or less likely to suffer from slide bite?
 
SharpsDressedMan said:
Bulgarian AK74, Ironwood stocks (as part of 922 compliance), Leupold 1.5-4x scope on a TWS Dogleg base. These AK74's seem to shoot 25-50% tighter groups than AK47's (7.62x39)). Your savings on 5.45 ammo will allow you to accessorize, if you want. :D DSC06195.gif
Click to expand...
My plans for 922(r) compliance are to replace the furniture with Bulgarian surplus wood that I've already purchased (2 parts), the pistol grip with either a Romanian or East German model (have 'em both, too), and the muzzle with an East German chrome-lined zig-zag muzzle & flash hider (bought one of them around Christmas time). These will be 4 new parts, forcing me to use all US parts for the magazine body, follower, and floor plate.

It's crazy that if I have Bulgarian wood, a Romanian pistol grip, and an East German muzzle that I can't have a Polish magazine body without violating 922(r).

:cuss:

My plan is to have the ultimate Combloc AK-74 with one part from each Warsaw Pact country that made the AK-74.
 
+1 for:

Don't get rid of the Garand.

Test fire/rent a PPK first. Then if you still really want one, find an old collectible one.

Get the AK.
 
Bronco - as others have said, with the increasing rarity of the Garand, don't loose that one!
While the 30-06 ammo is pricey, it has the size and power for long range or high penetration lacking in the smaller (5.45) ammo.

Also, .32 ammo is a bit harder to find than .380 making it about the same price. And it is the .380 that more European cops carried.
 
Get the AK, it's alot more shooting within the same ammo budget. You also get alot more gun for the money when you buy rifles.

Solid carry guns can be fairly inexpensive, you could get a Bersa and still have your PPK-esque carry pistol and not kill your wallet.

I don't know your situation completley. If you don't already have a carry gun, the Bersa is well suited and inexpensive and may satisfy for Walther lust for now (or at least let you know if you really want one) Save the Garand. When your budget allows then decide between the real deal PPK or a AK-74.

Most importantly, save your money and get whichever within the year or so, neither AK nor PPK's will be going anywhere anytime soon, keep the Garand they're the one starting to disappear.
 
Last edited:
Keep the M1. Get the AK. The PPK has limited practicality, if you really do not a pocket pistol I would pass it up. The AK is better than money in the bank, will be a blast to shoot - cheap to feed at that - and has much practical value.
 
The PPK was never really enough for the German police.
When things turned to ugly with the uprising of left-wing terror (RAF) in the 1970´s the police switched to 9mm Luger pistols cause they found the small calibers to be inadequate and still lost eight times as many cops as the RAF in firefights.

Just food for thought.

If I owned a Garand I would not trade it for any AK or PPK ...and with me it has nothing to do with national pride (I am from Germany)

Carsten
 
I agree with others. Skip the PPK. Its day has come and gone, and they are not very pleasant to shoot even in the little .32 ACP. I have a WWII bring back PP in .32 ACP (7.65 mil, like brick through a plate glass window caliber :rolleyes:) and it hurts the web of my hand when I shoot it.

You want a small Walther? Get a PPS, if not get the AK.
 
Armchair Bronco said:
I REALLY like your German-made PPK. I'd love to get something similar, with some battle scars, a little bit of fade on the blue, and the brown hand grips.

If I have small hands (I play the flute, for example) am I more or less likely to suffer from slide bite?
Click to expand...
I would say less likely....I have small hands with long skinny fingers, and understand the reason behind the .32 desire. Less can be more, but here in America where most motorcycles have larger engines then cars in europe the general thinking is that unless you have that 500 mag in your back pocket you are not going to do anything but PO people...and that is just not true.
 
A Walther PP sounds like a much more fun gun. Kalashnikovs are great weapons, but they are terrible rifles and not really the best toys.Besides, with that pocket gun, you can die your hair black, put on a tuxedo, and go to a training class as James Bond.
 
Most people don't get bit with a .32 Walther; mostly the .380's, which, of course, kick and twist more in the hand. My AK has internal 922 parts, but with stocks, grip, and reciever, goes over the needed number. The hard ones to 922 are the folders, as one fat 922 part (the buttstock), is missing, so you need a US made muzzle break, etc, to make up for it. There are a few US made AK74 brakes, but they are hard to find.
 
Whatever you decide about the other two, try to hang on to the Garand.

As far as ammo, have you checked CMP's prices?

.30-06 M2 Ball Greek HXP
200 RDS loose in .30 CAL can
$98.00

Tinpig
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
Walther (Interarms) PPK/S, Stainless, value?
Replies
13
Views
2K
Auf Grosser Fahrt
A
Mike OTDP
  • Locked
Gun Kickstarter?
Replies
22
Views
961
Mark39
M
C
  • Locked
Walther PPK/S opinions
Replies
23
Views
2K
JJE
JJE
W
  • Locked
Walther PPK misfire problem
Replies
9
Views
2K
HisSoldier
HisSoldier
M
  • Locked
New Gun Purchase
Replies
11
Views
579
Kentak
K
Back
Top