New .380 walther?

[VeggieH]

I have been looking at the new walter .380 (PK 380),as I already have a p22 I like the feel of the weapon.Anyone have one of these? If so how would you rate it?I am thinking of using the p22 as a trainer and .380 as my back-up piece,are they a good option for this? thanks alot.................H

 

[searcher451]

The new PK380 was due for release in March of this year. It didn't appear, and its arrival was then announced in June, again in July, again in August, and the latest word is now September ... or October or November or December. With no .380 ACP left on the planet, apparently (except for that which exists in the safes of members of THR), it's just as well anyway.

Here's a link to a previous High Road thread on this topic:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=458131&highlight=pk380

 

[Dr_2_B]

doesn't look too compact

 

[bigfatdave]

doesn't look too compact

It isn't much smaller than an average subcompact pistol in 9mm, really.
If you want a Walther and like the mag release the pk380 would have, the PPS might be a good option. It is more expensive to buy the pistol, but you'll eventually make up the difference in ammunition cost.

 

[searcher451]

Dave is right: The PPS is a terrific pistol that has developed a good following and a positive reliability rating since its release. The PK380 is an unknown commodity at this point and could prove to be a fine pistol -- or it could become another P22, which was riddled with issues when it first arrived. The P22 is more a Umarex gun than a true Walther (Umarex is Walther's parent company and makes air pistols). If the PK380 is another Umarex creation, as opposed to a real Walther, then all bets are off on the newcomer.

 

[bigfatdave]

Searcher451, to be honest, if the pk380 runs like a top and reloads magazines without help, I'd still be packing the PPS, because I like range time, and I won't get as much with .380 when there isn't an ammo scare going on, let alone with current conditions.

I'm baffled at why Walther is competing with Walther, maybe that's why they're not even putting much effort into it.

 

[nwilliams]

According to Walther's website the PK380 is going to MSRP starting at $362, meaning it will probably sell for a bit less than that in gun shops.

Heck even for $425 it sounds like a pretty good deal and for under $400 I'm definitely buying one.

If the PK380 is another Umarex creation, as opposed to a real Walther, then all bets are off on the newcomer.

From what I've read it is 100% a Walther firearm and has no connection to Umarex other than the fact it is basically the same size as the P22. However I agree, if it turns out to be an Umarex creation I'd be a little nervous.

 

[bigfatdave]

I keep hearing that the PK380 is going to sell for about half the cost of the PPS, around $325.

And then the ammo costs more, it will take quite a while to even out, but in the end buying an oversized .380 rather than a comparably sized 9mm doesn't work for me. Perhaps .380 is more available or inexpensive if one reloads.
I highly doubt the pk380 will be much different than the p22, I would wait on some reviews and range reports before buying one, unless a collection of every Walther model is the goal.

 

[Schofield3]

With no .380 ACP left on the planet, apparently (except for that which exists in the safes of members of THR), it's just as well anyway.

hahaha, Sooo very glad I haven't a 380 to worry about ammo for

 

[nwilliams]

With no .380 ACP left on the planet, apparently (except for that which exists in the safes of members of THR), it's just as well anyway.

What do you mean no .380! Cheaper Than Dirt is selling Blazer for just a buck a round! And it's still "in stock" can you believe it

If you don't believe me here is the link, it's really pretty sad....
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM3172-5.html

I picked up some Prvi .380 from Midway last week for about $15 a box. It's starting to come back but very slowly. I'm hoping that by the time I'm actually able to buy one of these new Walthers the price and availability of .380 won't be as much of an issue, I'm not holding my breath but that's my hope.

 

[searcher451]

Points well taken across the board, guys -- from ammo availability to the PK380's relative size to whether it's worth the risk to get one right out of the chute to whether it would replace any gun -- and especially the superb PPS -- as a regular carry piece.

Going back to the Umarex point, all I can say -- despite Walther's assurances that this is the Real McCoy and not some air pistol on steroids, ala the P22 -- that the PK380 appears to have an external screw holding the safety in place. And that, my friends, does not look like real Walther quality to me. But ... we'll just have to wait and see once it hits the shelves.

If, in fact, it ever hits the shelves.