PPK: .32ACP or .380ACP ?

[Alan Fud]

Taking the superior stopping power of the .380ACP over the .32ACP out of the decision making process, would one be better off with a PPK in .380ACP or .32ACP?

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[Helio]

I'd say .380, if only because there is no chance of rim-lock. (Don't know if that happens with a PPK)

 

[denfoote]

Allan, the question is non-sequitur, because stopping power in a round that small is the over riding factor!! Especally out of the same platform!!

 

[Kahr carrier]

380

 

[106rr]

Before WWII, the Italian armed forces studied the question endlessly. They had to choose between a Beretta 380 or 32. The Army, Navy, and Air force all studied the problem and ran similar tests. The Army bought the 380 while the Navy and Air Force bought the 32. There is so little difference between the two that it's a matter of splitting quarks.

 

[Hal]

.32

It has "a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window".



Seriously though, I'd go with the .32acp in a PPK (if I ever was tempted to get a PPK again) just because it's the correct James Bond caliber. For the same money/size, I can think of several better guns in 9mm that are far more pleasant and cheaper to shoot.

 

[Lone Star]

I had a pre-war PP that tended to feed some .32's better than others, but was perfect with...none.

Several years ago, a German wrote an article on German police handguns for one of the (then) Petersen titles. He reported that the local cops admitted to him that their PP and PPK pistols, all 7.65's, seldom went over 50 rounds without a jam. These have now presumably been replaced with one of the "approved" 9mm's.

My only .380 was a Beretta M34, made about 1940. It never balked with American ammo, but accuracy was just so-so, about hand-size groups at 25 yards. I've heard that Berettas tend to be more reliable than Walthers, so maybe the M35 .32 would also work fine, as I've read that the .32 Colts did. I admit that the semi-rim on the .32 makes me uneasy, and you can SEE variations in rims between manufacturers.

Sanow & Marshall claim that stopping power between good rounds in both calibers is slim, both being about 60-65% effective on one-shot stops. Of course, some claim that S&M write fiction...

Lone Star

 

[telewinz]

The .380 because it can have up too 25% more stopping power over the .32acp.

 

[Tim Schlosser]

I bought a PPK/s a few years ago in .32acp just for the James Bond factor, it even has 007 as the first part of the serial number. I fully expected it to be a jam-a-matic, but it has surprised me and has yet to jam after over two thousand rounds. I liked the pistol so much, that I actually bought a prewar PP in .32 as well, it has also proven to be totally reliable. I actually started reloading for the .32 since I was having so much fun. I've since purchased a Kel-tec P32, but it has had a problem with rimlock to the point I don't really trust it.

 

[EJ]

I am amazed there is a question--

Rim lock -- low power -- and reduced choice of good bullet design in a 32 should exclude it from consideration--


380

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Since you mention not worrying with the "stopping power" question, I'd likely go with the .32 in the PPK Walther. I've not priced .32 ammo, but would imagine that FMJ is less costly than JHPs and it should reliably feed if the pistol's in spec and good working order. Though the guns are dimensionally the same externally, I've found that I don't get slide bite when firing a Walther PP in .32 as opposed to .380 ACP. Contrary to some experiences mentioned, I've had zero problems with the .32 working in the Walther, but to be truly open, I've never fired more than 100 at a time and don't fire that pistol often at all. For me, the Walther sights are on with the .32 while every Walther .380 I've ever owned or fired hits high for me when you get out to about 12 or 15 yards.

Best and good luck.

 

[bad_dad_brad]

I would go with a PPK in .32 in blue. Because 007 had one. I consider the PPK as a curio, and so, I would prefer something interesting.

 

[Standing Wolf]

My PPK in .380 A.C.P. is the only gun I've ever bought because it was irresistibly cute—and probably the last I'll ever buy for that reason, too.

It's been 100% reliable, and is a surprisingly accurate little pistol. When I can't wear an inside the waist band holster, it's my second choice pocket gun, although it doesn't pack my idea of sufficient punch.

According to a local dealer, the innards of the new PPK/S models have been changed from the traditional PPK mechanism.

 

[bookman]

Go with the 32,.For 10 years I carred the PP in 32 and I was not unhappy at all..I bought a used PPK in 380 last month "have not found one in 32," and now I have sold it..Why you ask?..HURT like heck when fireing say I,Did get me a used Colt Mustang and it is a comfort to shoot compared to the PPK,.

 

[yzguy]

rim lock can happen in any .32 ACP autoloaders mag that can hold FMJ rounds (usually happens with HP's or other short rounds).

complete explanation here:
http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/rimlock.htm

so on that reason, I would go with .380 (not to mention bigger hole!!)