How would you compare the PPK and Sig 230/232?

[Ignition Override]

The Sig seems a little larger.
The basic goal after receiving my First handgun (Sauer 38H), will be to acquire a second type, which has more available, less-expensive parts. The overall objective will be plinking and enjoying German gun engineering.

I've read lots about the Sig 232, but what are the drawbacks of the PPK (.380), if your hands are fairly slender?
We all read about meaty hands getting slide bitten. Are actual PPK problems almost always due to weak mag springs, or other issues with the early S&W versions?
Well, I just now read that those from S&W are a real crap shoot. Of those produced in Germany, were many imported to the US, and maybe sell for much more?

 

[usp9]

The PPK/S more closely compares to the Sig. The PPK has a shorter grip. I don't know the numbers but the PPK is harder to find than the PPK/S (of any manufacturer). A German produced PPK will come at a premium, as much as twice what an American made PPK sell for.

Of these three, PPK, PPK/S or the Sig, they are all great guns. The Sig seems to have better support. Walther is in some flux as they roll out Walther Arms and folks are complaining of few available mags for instance.

I prefer shooting the Sig over the Walther, mainly because the Sig fits my hand very well and points about as good as a gun can. I like the Sig sights better too.

Here's a Sig and Interarms PPK/s.


Another option for a world class .380 is the Beretta 84/85. About the same size and weight as the Sig and PPK/S. Great gun.

 

[sgt127]

I love Walthers. I own several. I'm a traditionalist and all of mine are .32 ACP. I have generally found the .32's are more reliable than the the .380 for me. And, I do occasionally drop a little stainless PPK .32 in my pocket.

That said, for a carry gun, I would get the Sig P232. Its a newer, much more refined and reliable gun out of the box. In current production with accessability of parts and service, its really a better deal. The alloy frame/stainless slide may be the best deal going.

By all means, get a Walther if you want one. If you do, I have found, from a reliablility standpoint...

1.German
1 French
2. USA Interarms
3. USA S&W

For all practical points, German and French are the same gun. Often, exactly the same. A good Interarms will run fine and stay reliable. A bad one will drive you insane. The S&W are hit and miss, but, you get factory support.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The Walther PP would be more comparable to the SIG 230/232. They were both designed as duty holster guns for LE.

The Walther PPK is a much smaller gun, lacking a backstrap and having the mainspring enclosed by the wrap around grips.

The main difference are the the Walther thumb safety/de-cocker is mounted on the slide, while the SIG lacks a safety and positions it's de-cocking lever on the frame.

The SIGs usually have a better DA trigger pull

 

[kellmark]

I used to have a SIG P230 and liked it very much but I sold it because I found that I never carried it, as it was a bit too big for my pockets.

I then bought a Walther PPK (Interarms stainless), and have kept it ever since. In fact, I carry it frequently. I have not had any problems with it, or with it "biting" me. My hands are not particularly big, so maybe that is why.

The truth is, I really like the looks and the feel of the SIG P230 -232 series better, but the Walther PPK, being smaller, is much more practical for me for carry purposes.

 

[Gary A]

As a side comment, I have often wished someone would currently offer a small run of actual PPs I would buy one. The longer barrel and slide would be no problem IWB.

 

[gym]

I carried a PPK's in NYC in the 70's-90's, as a second gun and sometimes a primary. I like the Sig very much, but it get's to the edge of being too large for a 380 IMO. If you were back when there were no small 9mm guns, it would be a different story. But now it just seems to be inefficient to carry such a large weapon in a small caliber. If it were a 9mm, I might own one. Buy we have so many choices in small compact 9's that it just becomes a matter of taste at that point, if I wanted a 380, I would pick up a Kahr, or a Pico, with a much smaller profile.

 

[bannockburn]

Given a choice between a Walther PP and a SIG P230/232, I would opt for the SIG. To me it's a more modern, refined version of the classic Walther with slightly better ergonomics and design features. If I were considering something a bit smaller and more compact, then I would go with the Walther PPK or a SIG P238.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

I'd rather have my Polish P-64 "CZAK" than either of them.

 

[rodinal220]

What sgt127 said:I like my Walther's,but I have owned a few that simply would not run,all 380s made in USA by Ranger Mfg for InterArms.Get the SIG P230/232 and don't worry.

 

[golden]

SIG is a big PPK with improvements

Ignition,

I have both and shot them both frequently.

The SIB 232 is the more modern design. Mine is the blued aluminum frame gun with NON-FINGRIPS stocks and night sights. It is very accurate and equals or tops my 9m.m. pistols on the qualification drill we use at my agency.
Trigger is great, so are sights and the decocking drill is far superior. The SIG uses the thumb lever to drop the hammer. Far and away the best shooter in this catergory.
Recoil is lighter than the PPK because of the larger grip face on the rear of the SIG stocks. It spreads out the recoil, but makes the gun thicker.

The only negatives are the bulk, it is comparable to the WALTHER PP and for some shooter, the heel clip magazine release. I have gotten used to it and like the fact the it makes an accidental mag drop just about impossible.

The PPK has a mixed bag of features. It is quite compact and fits well in a pocket.
The negativs are the trigger is heavier and not as smooth as the SIG.
THIS VARIES BY WHICH VERSION OF THE PPK OR PPK/S YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!
Mine is a WALTHER made pre-war edition. An INTERARMS stainless model with the short tang had an abominable trigger. A later S&W stainless model with the long tang was as good as my PPK.
Also negative are the sights. They work, but are noticeably harder to see than the SIG'S.
I have found that I can carry the PPK in a pocket holster if my pants are the looser fitting casual slacks or cargo pants. It is just big enough to shoot well, but compact enough to carry all day.

Jim

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks very much for the detailed comparisons. Will continue to review this. With sporadic handgun exposure and very late (age 52, '07) "gun bug" infection, am really Sold on Sig triggers. Handled the Beretta Cheetah yesterday, and very nice also.

Just received my first handgun, the WW2 Sauer 38H (.32 acp), which I will probably use for the intial CCW qual. early in '14. The decocker doesn't function right (it works in reverse-it won't decock-but Cocks the hammer Into SA position).
Anyway, for the class and plinking this GI bringback should be fine.

H. Hoosier: after three times with friends' Polish P-64, am still trying to enjoy shooting it. They are extremely reliable and compact.

As a lefty, the next gun will be bought just in case I later decide to actually carry in this warm climate, and the decocker function seems suitable for a southpaw who doesn't want to train to require using any sort of safety.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have owned a Interarms PPK/S for years Just replaced the recoil spring 1 time was getting weak. I would carry a sling shot and some rocks before I would carry a S&W made PPK/S . It be more reliable. Remember a few years ago They had to recall ALL of the S&W PPK/S that had been made to that date. Their still hit and miss . Buy a used Interarms or the SIG I just feel Interarms PPK/S fits my hand better.