P238 vs PPK vs Bodyguard vs LCP (purse gun)

[jlg]

I am helping a girl pick out a CCW purse gun. She's set on getting a 380ACP and after picking a bunch of them up has narrowed it down to these four.

In order of her initial preference...
-Sig P238 (color pushed this one above the PPK - she likes the titanium rainbow)
-Walther PPK
-S&W Bodyguard
-Ruger LCP

The prices range drastically but she's not as much worried about price she just wants to make sure she'll remain happy with whichever she chooses. She liked the feel of all four as long as they all had extended grip magazines in them.

I figured I'd do an "Ask the audience" and see what kind of responses I'd get. Any positive or negative feedback on any of the guns listed would be appreciated.

 

[harmon rabb]

PPK is larger and heavier than the others. Not sure why she put it in there.

With respect to the others, I own a LCP and a 238. There is just no comparison. The LCP has a crappy trigger and is very snappy. The 238 has a decent trigger and is a pleasure to shoot. I can't shoot my LCP very well; my 238, on the other hand, I can shoot almost as well as a full size.

Provided she's ok carrying in condition 1, the 238 is worth every extra penny.

 

[jlg]

The weight of the PPK was actually what attracted her to it. It felt substantial in her hand...not like a toy. I told her to go back to the gun shop and ask to put all of them in her purse to see how they felt weight wise carrying them. Also to see how well they ride in her purse and how easy they are to remove in a hurry without snagging something.

The 238 is my personal favorite because it can be carried in condition 1 giving you a nice single action trigger. I'm not sure how she'll like carrying in condition 1...if she's not willing to carry it that way that bumps the 238 to the bottom of the list. At least the PPK will be single action after the first shot.

 

[Sgt_R]

Has she actually shot any of them? If not, find a range where you can rent a few.

Another I'd consider, if she has her heart set on a .380, is the Kahr P380.

On the other hand, if she's planning to carry in her purse (and you can't talk her out of it), and particularly since she liked the added heft of the PPK, she might be wise to consider a compact 9mm.

Also, for purse carry, a CCW specific purse is the way to go. Though I would strongly suggest IWB or a belly band.

And have her read some of this: www.corneredcat.com

R

 

[Creature]

I would take the PPK over the P238. I have shot two different P238 on two different occasions and each had a FTE.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I am not sure any of them are "ideal" purse gun.

I have a Sig 238hd that has been back to the factory 3 times and I am stil not sure it runs right. I will find out tomorrow.

I had a ppk that continually broke ejectors. After 3 I sold it. It was a stainless one and the casting just kept breaking.

I don't have enough experience with the others to suggest either.

I am starting to think a good old fashion detective special would be the best purse gun.

 

[Creature]

I am starting to think a good old fashion detective special would be the best purse gun.

Agreed!

 

[AOK]

Is she set on carrying in a purse? Outside of convenience it's usually not the best method of carry for several reasons. If she is set on the purse, as someone mentioned earlier, she may want to consider 9mm. She could also consider the Sig P232 if she really wants a 380. That right there is a GREAT little shooter. To big for pocket carry (for most) but if she is set on the purse, it can easily be carried in an average size purse.

 

[vaherder]

If she liked the PPK have her look at a PPS.

VA herder

 

[Dogguy]

None of the above.

 

[AK103K]

The one in the list I havent owned, is the Bodyguard, so I really cant say one way or the other there.

Of the other three, the LCP, unless the Walther is a German gun, in that case, the PPK, but with reservations. Until they have the P238 working 100%, I'd steer clear.

My LCP replaced my P238. Its been 100% from day one, and contrary to the experiences of some others, I find it easy to shoot well with and its plenty accurate. Now if I were shooting bullseye's for groups, and I wasnt worried about stoppages, yes, the P238 would be the better "target" gun. Shoot them realistically, side by side, and I doubt youll see any difference in hits on target.

I've had both German and US made PPK's. The German guns were flawless, the US guns had trouble with reliability. Both were accurate with deliberate shooting, but both had heavy DA triggers and required more from you to shoot well there. All of my Walthers were blood thirsty and rarely did I get through a session with one I wasnt bleeding. I hear the new ones are better, but havent bothered with one in awhile.

I agree with those who recommended the SIG P232 (and the older P230's). I replaced my Walthers with P230's, and was never sorry I did. They have a comfortable, hand filling and recoil absorbing grip, point and shoot naturally, and have a great DA trigger, that makes shooting DA very easy. Of all of the above, and since its going in a purse, it would be my choice.

Now, since we're getting into 9mm sized guns, you may also want to consider something like a Glock 26. About the same size as those above, a step up in caliber, actually easier to shoot than any of the others, will keep up with most full sized guns when it comes to shooting them. No safeties to worry about, its trigger isnt overly light, nor is is it overly heavy, and its always consistent. It can also use the mags of the full size models, so you have anywhere from 10-30+ rounds available.

 

[sansone]

"LadySmith" anyone?

 

[PRM]

Of the lists, I have only owned the Walther. In fact, over the last 30+ years I have owned five of them. I sold three years ago when money got tight. I currently own a Manurhin PP in 32 ACP which is my daily carry gun and I have a Stainless Interarms PPK/S in 32 ACP.

Of the five, two were 380. Both were good guns, but, I like the 32 ACP in this model better. Accuracy is tops, they function flawless, recoil is light for fast follow up shots, and you have a 9 shot (8+1) capability.

Never had the problem with the Walther bite, seems to go with individuals with larger hands. That is the reason S&W extended the tang. I would get a Manurhin or Interarms if I were looking for another one. S&W has had a hit and miss reputation with these guns. But, they have a great customer service and those who have had problems, seem to have good results. I suspect the problem is not as wide spread as some would like to make it. You will always hear about the problems ~ but the untold numbers that function properly rarely get mentioned.


From what I have read, the other guns listed all have their following and are good choices. Personally, I am familiar with, like the Walther, and have no reason to change. You would probably be happy with any of them.

 

[GJgo]

My wife just picked the BG380 out of that same group & I'm glad we did. It's much easier to shoot than my friend's LCP, and while it's not as "nice" of a gun as my other friend's P238 she simply wasn't interested in carrying condition 1. With the recent price drop on the BGs (got mine for $359) I think it is the best deal out there on a small 380.

 

[savage1911]

ruger lcp, just point and shoot, no safeties to manipulate. Also, many ladies find the slide on a walther difficult to rack. I personally don't know much about the s&w.

 

[AOK]

"With the recent price drop on the BGs (got mine for $359) I think it is the best deal out there on a small 380."

I agree. The BG 380 is the best deal out there right now, especially if you're looking for a pocket gun. However, if she is looking for a gun to carry in her purse and she can afford it I think the Sig P232 MAY be a slightly better option. Arguably the best 380 out there if you are looking for something outside of pocket carry.

 

[ilv2hunt]

Sig p238

I would go with the Sig P238. I have had my wife shoot and handle every ccw gun(revolvers included) on the planet and she decided on the P238. They shoot very well with very little felt recoil and she is VERY comfortable shooting it. She even used it to fire the 100 required rounds at our ccw class and still wanted to shoot more. I at first was against her carrying a gun with a manual safety but you know what? IF SHE'S NOT COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT SHE IS CARRYING THAN SHE WILL BE AFRAID OF IT and I don't want that! I want her to have as much faith in her ccw gun as possible. The first one I got for her was the plain jane version but the day I brought home a brand new Rainbow Titanium one for her.........WOW did her eyes ever light up. She has always liked guns but this was the first time I could see LOVE. She has been carrying it now for about 6mos and I have since tried to introduce her to a Seecamp 32 and a Rohrbaugh R9s Stealth and she will NOT give up that gun. I swear it is the new love of her life!

 

[Shear_stress]

Whatever she chooses, make sure she can comfortably rack the slide and pull the trigger. Plus, lightweight and/or pure blowback .380s have surprisingly snappy recoil. Go to a range that offers rentals and have her try a few guns before she puts money down on anything. Guns obviously feel much different on the firing line than they do on the gunstore counter.

 

[camper]

I would go with the Khar P380. More expensive, but you get what you pay for.

 

[Kymasabe]

Regarding your list:
Sig P238: still has issues, too many going back for repair, would not be an option for me.
PPK: kinda big for a purse but definately a good choice. IF you want older- sig quality in a PPK sized gun, look at the sig P232, great gun.
BodyGuard and LCP: BG is decent but if having to choose between those two, would take the LCP over the BG any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Didn't make the list but should have: Kahr P380. It's been mentioned before but deserves to be mentioned again. Is by far better than any other gun on your list. Well made, reliable, easy to carry.
Another option, not as glamorous but there's tons of them out there: Bersa 380.

If it were me, Kahr first choice, LCP second choice.

 

[LightningMan]

If she has to have a .380 then I'd get the Kahr P380, but really you can get a bigger gun, has more rounds with a bigger magazine for purse carry. LM

 

[19-3Ben]

Ummm....SHE has already expressed that she likes the Sig more than the others. So that's the right choice for her. Why in the world would you come here to ask a bunch of strangers which gun she'll like the most when she already told you?

I was going to give my recommendation for the LCP until I read that she has expressed the preference for the Sig.

 

[P7]

I've had PPKs and the P380. Had reliability problems with all of the PPKs (German and American) and, after 1400 rounds and two trips back to Kahr, I can't trust the P380. Have not tried the 238 or Bodyguard. The LCP has never missed a beat in 1200 rounds!

 

[Jim in S.A.]

Whatever she chooses, make sure she can comfortably rack the slide and pull the trigger. Plus, lightweight and/or pure blowback .380s have surprisingly snappy recoil. Go to a range that offers rentals and have her try a few guns before she puts money down on anything. Guns obviously feel much different on the firing line than they do on the gunstore counter.

+1 - I have a PPK/S (Manurhin) that I bought a long time ago. It's very well built, and feels good in my hand. In an IWB holster it's small and it's easy to carry. I'm not sure if I've ever been bitten (medium size hands), but I don't think so.

But...I also have a Diamondback DB380 which weighs about 1/3 what the ppk does, but the perceived recoil is far less. As Shear Stress pointed out, the ppk is a straight blowback design, and as such has a pretty snappy recoil. I'm not well versed with the other pistols mentioned, but the "try before buy" advice is right on the money. A slightly heavy, locked breech design might fit the bill nicely. If the p238 fits that bill, you probably have a winner on your hands.

 

[gatornavy]

i know she might be set on an auto but have you talked to her about maybe a revolver, I just bought my wife a taurus M850 CIA in 38spl and she absolutely loves it, almost zero recoil, compact, hammerless so it wont snag, and my personal favorite if she pulls the trigger and nothing happens she just pulls it again, no jams, and very reasonably priced. Not to mention at CBQ (3 yds) a 38 +p has pretty much the same power as a 357 mag. best $350 i ever spent!