Carry Gun: Walther PPK or S&W .38 Snub

[Cosmoline]

I've owned multiple examples of each over the years. The Walther PP and PPK are nice, esp. the earlier ones. They offer more rapid fire than a .38 Special and are easy shooting. BUT, they are often ammo sensitive and can be prone to jams. You need to test your piece extensively and make sure the loads you have for carry will cycle in the handgun/magazine combination in question. I had a PP that would shoot Winchester silvertips with near 99% reliability but would choke on hot FMJ, and a PPK that would do the exact opposite.

A model 36 or similar S&W snub is a bit more difficult to master. But once you've learned how to use it, it is as accurate and only slightly slower than the .32 ACP semi. It is also NOT ammo sensitive, and can eat most anything you feed it. The S&W snub also comes in far more choices than the Walther. There are stainless, blued and plated models, various barrel lengths and an array of shrouded, unshrouded and semi-shrouded hammers.

Either is a good choice for a light CCW piece. It really comes down to preference.

 

[Thain]

My dad has a WW2 era Walther in 32acp and it has way too many reliability issues IMO.

Wouldn't any 50+ year old firearm have some potential reliability troubles? I know there are guys out there with 1903-built Springfield `03's and genuine 1911 year M1911s... But I gotta beleive these are exceptions to the rule.

I would be buying new in the box (NiB) or previously owned only from a trusted freind or a highly regarded dealer.

Since this will be my primary self-defense tool, I'm not adverse to paying top-dollar for a new gun, and maybe some tinkering by the `smith. (Although at the same time, I'm not goign to buy a Platinum-frame, jewel-encrusted, Super Death Ray Bullet, limited edition, $3,000 pistol.)

 

[Marshall]

Since this will be my primary self-defense tool, I'm not adverse to paying top-dollar for a new gun, and maybe some tinkering by the `smith.

For a primary self defense gun why would you want to buy something that requires tinkering? You want "no brainer, pull trigger, go bang".


Speer Ammo GDHP:


.32:
60 gr. 960 fps 123 ft lbs


380:
90 gr. 990 fps 196 ft lbs


.38+P:
125 gr. 945 fps 248 ft lbs


.38+P SB:
135 gr. 860 fps 222 ft lbs

You can get more FPS from Cor Bon in 2.5" barrels but it's still proportionally the same between the three.

.38 would be my choice in a heartbeat.

 

[geekWithA.45]

The Walther (and copies) is easier to carry, somewhat easier to shoot, heavier, pretty hostile to lefties like me, and the heavy, crunchy trigger blows chunks. It is a much prettier gun. {Sorry, I'm a trigger bigot.}

The 642 with the laser grips is lighter, a little bulkier in width, has a heavy but reasonably smooth trigger, takes a little practice to master, has dinky little sights that are hard to pick up quickly, and .38 +p is less marginal than .380. Once mastered, it's pretty goofproof.

I go with the 642, mainly because of the lefty hostility of the Walther. The only real complaint I have with the Smith snubbies is the lack of a full length ejector. Reloads are complicated by the need to tear at least one or two rounds out before slamming the speedloader home.

And incidentally, no one should use any speedloader other than the Safariland type.

 

[Ex-MA Hole]

If it was me...

...it'd be an easy choice.

I had a PPK/S, it was awesome. VERY accurate, felt good, concealed well, very ,very nice looking.

I only had one minor, unimportant problem with it.

It didn't like to shoot. You know, the reason that I carried a self defense gun? I know, minor technicality. It was good for about 1 jam every mag or so. I actually carried my p22 all the time, because she always goes bang.

Traded the PPK/S for a 642, NEVER had a misfire. Yup, the 642 is sort of ugly, not as accurate (8-10" diameter vs 4-5), but it goes bang every single time.

So we have 5 shots vs 8. 100% reliability vs ???.

642 for me.

 

[gunfan]

I love my PPK "clone" (read: Bersa).

That said, the revolver 'gets the nod'. Reliability is the one and only reason. 5-6 reliable rounds from a revolver beats the hell out of a "click" when you'd damn sure better have a "bang". The only autoloader of this size in which I would have complete confidence is my Bersa. "In revolver I trust".

Scott

 

[MassMan]

cary gun Walther PPK

Both are fine guns, but shoot the PPK before you buy it. I tried one once and I still have the scar from the slide on my hand. I put 100 rounds through it and I musta gouged myself about 5 times. My 642 giving my hand a bit of whip is much more comfy than getting cut every time I pull the trigger!

Randy

My PPKS (1976) has been smooth since day one. My Mauser HSc "bit" me for 25 rounds and I had enough. A friend bought it and had me try it after he had put 300 or so rounds through it. Smooth as silk. Wish I kept it. The lesson I learned is that many guns are tough on the hand until broken it.

 

[palerider1]

smith and wesson has made some nice changes to the ppk. i personally would like the ppk for myself. make sure to get a stainless one.

 

[BryanP]

I just made my choice and purchased a S&W 638. It has a shrouded hammer instead of completely enclosed like the 642, but still a little J-frame .38. I plan to add Crimson Trace lasergrips to it in the reasonably near future.

If I was going to go with a .380 it would be to go for an even tinier pistol such as the Kel-Tec P3AT. Of course, the difference between the 638 and the P3AT for me is that I haven't even fired the 638 yet and I would feel no qualms about loading it and relying upon it if I had to. I wouldn't trust a teeny semi-auto like the P3AT until it had undergone a very thorough breaking in and testing period.

If I had my heart set on a PPK-style I'd either get a Bersa (just as good and a lot more economically priced, if not as attractive) or a SIG P232 (better than the Walther in almost every respect but looks much like one).

 

[English John]

Well, it's YOUR choice.....

We can only offer personal opinions, even the guys that suggest guns larger than those you ask about. I would say look at, and try out if possible, the KT 3AT, a PPK, and the whole line of Smith snubbies including the light-weights, including the .32 Mag. Choose what YOU like. The guys that insist on a holster even for pocket carry are right. I am retiring, and have passed down a GP-100, an SP-101, a Springfield PDP .45, and a PPK/S to my wife and kids. (It was really hard giving up the PDP.) I kept a KT P32, S&W M36, a 3" M37, and a PPK. The PPK will go to C&S for a rebuild, and will be carried in Alessi leather with CorBon and 2 spare clips. The 2 .38s will be safe-queens. Works for me, YMMV.

 

[PX15]

Shoot both and decide for yourself...

If you are planning on having your wife, lover, or both ever use the firearm then I suggest a revolver.

I have a S&W 638 (Bodyguard) with Crimson Trace Lasergrips and it works for me. I HIGHLY recommend the CT Lasergrips..

Best Wishes,

JP

 

[longeyes]

Snub for carry, PPK for the photo shoot.

 

[Average Joe]

I'd go with the S&W 642.

 

[10-Ring]

OF the 2 options, I like the S & W snub...IMHO (YMMV) (BYOB) (MSRP) (ABCDEFG) But it might really depend on what you like & shoot best

 

[Thain]

If you are planning on having your wife, lover, or both ever use the firearm then I suggest a revolver.

Well, my wife will be getting the revolver because it's what she wants... But I should point out that she started shooting before I did, is a crack shot with her shotgun, and hasx her eyes on a Redhawk. (Although I keep thinking she'd really love a Colt S.A.A.)

She's just as handy with a gun as I am, and if she wasn't five months pregnant at the moment, we'd both be down at the range instead of me sitting on the computer talking at you.

Don't under-estimate them Michigan women...

Now, what to get for my lover.... ...

 

[BloodyRAzorBlades]

I personally like the walther ppk's.

 

[fastbolt]

Interesting question, and one which comes up quite a bit among some of the newer cops we see ...

I know quite a number of older guys (my age group ) who still have one or a couple of Walthers laying around. It used to be that having a little Walther as an off-duty weapon was sort of like having a lodge pin.

That started to change once we mandated qualification with personally owned off-duty weapons, and specified that only factory hollowpoint ammunition was authorized for off-duty usage.

Aside from the commonly heavy (and sometimes rough) DA triggers encountered in different versions of the Walthers, and the potential for 'slide bite' to occur and sometimes adversely affect functioning ... some folks discovered that their favorite little pistols wouldn't consistently feed JHP ammunition.

I've watched a lot of Walther owners over the years, at both L/E qualification ranges and CCW qualification ranges, experience some occasional issues with various vintages of Walthers PP-PPK-PPK/S pistols ... although I haven't seen one of the newer S&W models come through, yet. Seen lots of folks that apparently don't invest much time in malfunction clearance drills and skills, too.

I've seen the occasional owner who has one that seems to feed & function just fine, too.

Personally, I couldn't care less what other folks choose to use for off-duty weapons, as long as it's authorized and reliable with JHP/BHP ammunition. I have my preferences and I don't begrudge other folks theirs ...

When it comes to the specific question of this thread, however, I'm one of those folks who choose to use one or another .38 Spl/.357 Magnum 5-shot revolvers.

If I feel the need for something the approx size of a Walther PPK-PPK/S .32 or .380 ... I have a CS9 chambered in 9mm. The new PPK/S weighs 22.4 oz and has 7+1 capacity of .380; the PPK weighs 20.8 oz and has 6+1 capacity of .380; while the CS9 weighs 20 oz with 7+1 capacity of 9mm. The only potential 'disadvantage' of the CS9, for some folks, may be the bulky Hogue grips, in comparison to the Walther model ...

Now, there are some potential 'disadvantages' to the diminutive 5-shot J-frames, and their cousins, too. The reduced grip dimensions, heavy DA trigger, short sight radius and sometimes difficult-to-see iron sights (especially for aging eyes) and light weight (especially with the Airweight & Airlite S&W guns) may require more developed revolver skills, and more frequent training & practice, than larger & heavier revolvers.

The off-duty weapon most often found on my person is a 642-1 Airweight, BTW.

 

[shell70634]

I carry a 640 in 357 as an off duty gun and i'm very happy with the comfort, concealment and power. Simple to use, effective, and enough holster option to please most.

 

[MICHAEL T]

The Walther (and copies) is easier to carry, somewhat easier to shoot, heavier, pretty hostile to lefties like me,

I go with the 642, mainly because of the lefty hostility of the Walther.

Twice you say the Walthers is hostile to lefties Iam a lefty and carry a PPK/S every where I go . Its not hosital to me or any other L/handed person I know. What is the problem. I also own a Bersa 380 it not hostile either.

 

[Jeff22]

I have a Walther PPK and Sig 230 and a S&W 36 with the 3 inch tapered barrel and a S&W 60 with the 3 inch heavy barrel. I've done a lot of shooting with all of them and like all of them.

However, I shoot the best with the S&W 60. The difference is NOT very great. I do have Pachmayr "compac" grips on the revolvers (because I have big hands) so it fits me a little better. I have a STRONG preference for 3 inch barrels on the S&W J Frame platform. The sights are better, the extra barrel length helps the balance a little and the sight radius is incrementally longer.

If you buy a Walther, get the barrel throated. You may also find that it's a little sensitive in operation to bullets with a shorter overall length (OAL). Mine works better with slightly heavier bullets with a longer profile. Neither of my .380s particularly likes lead reloads.

You might also consider a Kahr P9 or similar size gun for this mission.