PPK/S or P64

[giggitygiggity]

What are your opinions of the Walther PPK/S and the Polish P64 pistols? If you had to choose between one or the other for concealed carry and defense, what would you choose?

I honestly think that I would choose the P64. It is about the same weight, shoots a slightly more powerful round, is super accurate, and is about half the price of the Walther. I think the Walther comes out on top by having a magazine that holds one more round, being a little more refined cosmetically, and having a better DA trigger. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Pelo801]

Let me start off by saying I love the 9x18 cartridge and the pistols that fire it.

For carry I would choose the PPK over the P64. They are about the same weight, but when loaded I feel the PPK is more balanced so it caries better. The P64 does shoot a more powerful cartridge, but only marginally. I have both guns and for me, I shoot the PPK a lot better. The one more round and higher cost of the PPK aren't really factors for me. I believe 7 or 8 rounds, either should be plenty. I don't plan on getting in fire fights. But if I ever do need to reload, I feel the mag release button location on the PPK is superior and more suited for a quicker reload. To me that gives the PPK a serious edge. Unless you do some trigger work on the P64 the PPK has a far better DA trigger. That's another consideration. The grips on the PPK are also better. The grips on the P64 wrap around the back of the grip. There is a seam down the middle where the two pieces come together and they don't always fit together perfectly. This can pinch your hand between them when firing the gun. It can hurt a little and be distracting.

 

[MCgunner]

Thing I don't like about the P64 is the trigger transition from DA to SA. I have the Wolff spring sin it, the DA is now quite acceptable, but the SA is SO light it's hard to control after that first DA shot. You do get used to it if you shoot it a lot, but it's bothersome to me. I've never fired a PPK, so can't say about it's trigger.

Recoil on the P64 is heavy and I added to Marschal grips to help. The plastic ones HURT and I need to use a glove with 'em.

But, other than that, the P64 is AMAZINGLY accurate, points wonderfully and naturally for me. I LOVE the point shooting accuracy of the gun as well as accuracy with sights. If the PPK didn't match that, well, I'd pick the P64 just for that. It's one of those guns that, for me, almost seems to point itself.

Can't knock the quality of the P64, never a burp or bobble with the gun, always seems to go bang and hit where I look. Can't say much more than that. Helluva gun for the money IMHO, but out of the box, it does need at LEAST the Wolff spring kit, DA is horrible without it. And, I much prefer the grips I got for it to those plastic torture devices it came with.

As to the mag release, carried in a pocket, I MUCH prefer the heal clip release of the Radom, NO CHANCE that it will engage itself on the edge of the pocket holster or something during the day. I dislike button releases on pocket guns.

My $.02. Sorry, but lack of experience with the PPK keeps me from judging it. Others will have to carry that ball.

 

[Dentite]

Both are cool guns in my opinion. I've never owned a PPK but I've owned a P64. Cool gun, great value.

BUT...

Both are pigs with the steel frame and both are larger than some of the modern polymer frame pistols in .380 and even a couple 9mm.

If you are just buying one for range use, buy whichever one you like better. If buying for concealed carry I would buy a modern polymer frame .380 or 9mm depending on what size you can tolerate.

I sold my p64 because it was too heavy for comfortable pocket carry and not all that fun of a range gun. I pocket carry an LCP. If I'm putting something on my belt I want something with more power and capacity than either the P64 or PPK.

And I love steel frame guns. I just didnt love pocket carrying one.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I'll keep my non S&W PPK/S Better pistol over all really not all that much difference in the ammo. I bet target BG can't tell you which one he was hit with.

 

[weregunner]

If your looking for a P64 gun forum there is this.
http://www.p64resource.com/forum/

Or: http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?206819-Polish-P-64-pistols-comparison

Thought some of you might like to know about those if one does not know about them already.

 

[MCgunner]

Both are pigs with the steel frame and both are larger than some of the modern polymer frame pistols in .380 and even a couple 9mm.

If you are just buying one for range use, buy whichever one you like better. If buying for concealed carry I would buy a modern polymer frame .380 or 9mm depending on what size you can tolerate.

I sold my p64 because it was too heavy for comfortable pocket carry and not all that fun of a range gun. I pocket carry an LCP. If I'm putting something on my belt I want something with more power and capacity than either the P64 or PPK.

I agree as to carry guns. My Kel Tec p11 is just as reliable and accurate, weighs only 14 ounces unloaded, easier to pocket, more powerful round, more firepower. I just bought the P64 because I wanted it. I like shooting it. Steel cased ammo is...er...WAS cheap and I don't have to chase brass which is a good thing with the P64 as it launches brass into orbit.

I'm keeping my P64, but after the initial infatuation, I stopped carrying it. It's a rick in the pocket. Just didn't make sense to carry it, even though I shoot it very well. Even my 17 ounce Taurus 85UL is easier to pocket all day, has a more powerful round (.38+P), and nearly the firepower. In my collection, the one advantage the P64 has is width, it's very thin. But, if I wanted a thin carry, if that were the issue, I'd just buy a Kel Tec PF9.

 

[PabloJ]

If you can lighten the trigger pull by swapping springs I would buy P-64 it is far better value than the PPKs.

 

[DrBozack]

What are your opinions of the Walther PPK/S and the Polish P64 pistols? If you had to choose between one or the other for concealed carry and defense, what would you choose?

I honestly think that I would choose the P64. It is about the same weight, shoots a slightly more powerful round, is super accurate, and is about half the price of the Walther. I think the Walther comes out on top by having a magazine that holds one more round, being a little more refined cosmetically, and having a better DA trigger. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

My PPK is fun to shoot, but I wouldn't want it as a daily carry gun. It's too heavy, finicky with ammo, and it's a .380.

 

[burk]

Neither would be my first choice as a carry gun, although the P-64 is a pretty good value at the 229.99 to 249.99 we see them for around here. I do agree with the other posters that guns like the LC9, Shield, Bodyguard, Glock 42 and LCP all make more since as carry guns depending on your application. I would even add a used Bersa Thunder to that list.

In fact some would argue that the Thunder is a more reliable version of the PPK, and I'd have a hard time disagreeing with them. In the store I work for we have had about the same amount of returns as the PPK with about a twenty times more sales. It may not be as refined, but that "sloppiness" contributes to reliability, it's not near as ammo picky as the PPK.

To me the PPK is kind of the 1911 of .380's, a classic well made tight gun that requires lots of attention, and break in to run properly. In todays world of HQ, low maintenance polymer guns they don't make much since as an EDC gun. But they are a true classic, I'd love to have one, just for the history and novelty of what they are. As far as the P64, I've always thought of it as a poor mans PPK, probably just as tight (with the inherent break in and maintenance issues), but not as refined. The mag release is simply not functional in a tactical situation. But the reality is most EDC tactical situations rarely require a reload, you're either empty of dead.

The biggest problem may be the .380 carthridge in general, try finding it around here, it makes .22 ammo seem downright common. If you can't practice with a gun what good is it?

 

[JERRY]

I vote for the ppk based on:

easier to shoot (less recoil).
far superior trigger pull.
numerous after market items (grips, holsters).

 

[DrBozack]

In fact some would argue that the Thunder is a more reliable version of the PPK, and I'd have a hard time disagreeing with them.

In the store I work for we have had about the same amount of returns as the PPK with about a twenty times more sales. It may not be as refined, but that "sloppiness" contributes to reliability, it's not near as ammo picky as the PPK.

I need to find one of these gun shops that accepts returns.

To me the PPK is kind of the 1911 of .380's, a classic well made tight gun that requires lots of attention, and break in to run properly. In todays world of HQ, low maintenance polymer guns they don't make much since as an EDC gun. But they are a true classic, I'd love to have one, just for the history and novelty of what they are.

Exactly. The PPK is like a classic car—fun to drive on nice days, but expensive, impractical, and not suited for your daily commute.

 

[gripper]

I vote for the ( appropriately re- sprung) P64.

 

[nathan]

i carried the P 64 for a year. I changed the hammer spring to a lighter one and it was great pistol . But i decided to sell it afterwards and stayed with my Russian IJ 18 in 9 mm makarov. It feels much better in the hand and more robust.
I had the decocker broken on the P 64 and had to call the dealer . He was kind enough to send me one for free. If not, i d be stuck with a useless pistol.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

What are your opinions of the Walther PPK/S and the Polish P64 pistols? If you had to choose between one or the other for concealed carry and defense, what would you choose?

I honestly think that I would choose the P64. It is about the same weight, shoots a slightly more powerful round, is super accurate, and is about half the price of the Walther. I think the Walther comes out on top by having a magazine that holds one more round, being a little more refined cosmetically, and having a better DA trigger. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

I think that you've answered your own question.

I've owned a PPK (German), a two PPK/Ss (one Interarms and one S&W), and a P64. All three Walthers are long-gone and the P64 is currently in my pocket.

 

[GLOOB]

If the manual safety is not applied and the hammer is down (condition2), the P64 can fire when dropped on the back of the hammer. That's a pretty horrible liability to carry around with you.

 

[Kiln]

GLOOB: I'd say it's a pretty horrible liability to allow someone to carry who carries in a way that his gun can easily be dropped in the first place. If you're carrying properly there should be no issue.

 

[bannockburn]

Having tried both pistols I would go with the PPK. For me it has better ergonomics, decidedly better DA trigger, and depending on who the manufacturer was, usually better overall fit and finish.

 

[pockets]

I own both of those. From me, the PPK/s would get the nod over the P-64.
While I love the 9x18mm round (own several pistols chambered in it) and the P-64 was a bargain at $156.....the PPK/s feels and shoots better for me.
However, if I were actually going to carry a .380acp, it would be the K-T P3AT.
And if I were thinking of carrying either my PPK/s or P-64, I'd opt for my lighter and more powerful K-T PF-9 instead. The 9x19mm K-T PF-9 being the same basic size as the PPK/s.


.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I've never owned a P-64...like my PPK/S though.

 

[SC Shooter]

I have heard the comment that a Makarov is twice the gun for a fraction of the price compared to the PPK. Although the Polish P-64 is not a true Makarov, it is close enough to them that I would make the same statement. The main issue as stated previously is the horrible DA trigger pull on the P-64

 

[GLOOB]

GLOOB: I'd say it's a pretty horrible liability to allow someone to carry who carries in a way that his gun can easily be dropped in the first place. If you're carrying properly there should be no issue.

It doesn't matter how you carry it. You will handle your CCW at least twice a day, while putting it on or taking it off. And that doesn't include using the bathroom. Even if in the holster, the gun can AD if dropped. And also, the fact is that many people who carry this kind of pistol use a small clip-on slip-in IWB, not a pancake or belt loop holster with a retention strap. Even if you do, there is still no excuse for carrying this gun with the safety off. A handgun that can fire upwards when dropped is obsolete. Adhering to the four gun safety rules does not stop this kind of accident.

If you carry 3 days a week, and you only ever touch the gun while getting dressed in the morning and undressed in the evening, that's still over 300 times a year you will handle the gun, loaded. If you have a 0.1% chance of dropping the gun each time you handle it, you might drop it once every 3 years. And maybe once every 30 years, it will land in a way that it fires.

I bet most people who carry a CCW have never needed to draw it even once in 30 years. I'd rather my CCW does more to protect me than to hurt me.

Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, Smith & Wesson’s Product Engineering Group has determined that the possibility exists in certain firearms that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire.

This problem indicates that the passive firing pin safety is not always working. At least S&W can fix this problem.

The P64 doesn't have a passive firing pin safety, at all. All it has is a little stop notch on the hammer, which keeps the hammer floating off of the non-inertial firing pin. This notch can and does break if the gun is dropped muzzle up. This has been discovered the hard way. By user's, one of whom put a new hole in his arm. Not by an active company's Product Engineering Group which continues to support and carry liability for their product. Only you are left holding the bag if something goes wrong.

If you like carrying a DA gun with a 30 lb trigger with the safety on, then the P64 is ok, I guess. To me that defeats the purpose of a DA gun with a decocker. I have discovered a relatively simple way to modify the P64 so it carries with the safety on and the hammer cocked.

 

[Sarge]

While I have a PP, PPK u. PPK/S, all in 380, I have never shot a P64.
However I vote for "None of the Above" for the simple reason that I like to Hungarian PA 63 in 9mm Mak a lot better because of the caliber. Since it has the lightweight frame that problem/complaint of some is nullified.
Yes it is slightly larger than the PPK or even PPK/S, but marginaly so. Having carried the others I find the difference negligable and the caliber improvement is worth whatever inconvience the slightly larger size causes.
My normal carry gun is a Browning Hi-Power, I only use the PA 63 when I need something notably smaller.
Sarge

 

[Hometeached1]

I vote PPK over the P64. It's kind of close, but would way rather have a SIG P232.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Don't have a P232 but like my older P230!