PPK vs. PPK/s Shooting feel

[shadow9]

Which of the two has the better "shooting characteristics"? Mostly in the recoil and pointing department (the latter being much more subjective).

I'm looking at the S&W variety, as I like the one-piece ramp, and in .380, since that's a more common caliber than .32 (both in firearm production and ammo production).

Heard the PPK/s hits harder with the metal backstrap, but the PPK digs more due to the narrow profile. Likewise, larger grip of PPK/s allowed more accuracy, slim grip of PPK was easier to conceal (still accurate).

 

[Hanshi]

I own a prewar .32acp PPK and a not-quite-as-old PPK/S in .380acp. Both give a mild but very "snappy" recoil. The slightly larger grip on the "S" seems to spread out recoil better but that's still a very subjective observation.

 

[Gordon]

I own a 1966 Walther PP in .32 acp and the recoil is alot less snappy than the .380 PPK and PPKS es I've owned. Also a LOT less ammo/mag finiky than the .380s. The little .32 PP is a favorite bumming around the woods gun for me. The sights are dead on for me with 71 grain HOT ball at 25 yards , 2" rested. The light recoil helps on that I am sure. If I rest it it is deadly on big jacks to 50 yards. Also I found it to be an excellent livestock slaughter gun, showing me it could be a very useful policepistol in the right hands!

 

[silicosys4]

I have both the ppk and ppk/s in .380. For me the ppk/s is easier to shoot. The longer grip makes it easier to get a secure grip on and takes recoil better IMO.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I don't know about the PPK, but the .380 PPK/S I gave my wife for her birthday is sweet.

So far we've shot only a couple different brands of ammunition through it, PrecisionOne 100 gr and TUL BrassMaxx 95 gr.

The BrassMaxx ain't fun to shoot (and gave us chambering problems). It's very obviously a hot round, but darned if I can find any ballistics data for it online to compare with.

Other than that, we had no problems shooting the PPK/S. My wife loves the PrecisionOne ammo she shot through it, and she's got a couple other brands to try out next time we go shooting.

 

[GBExpat]

Over the past ~35 years I have owned all 3 pistols in the family; PP, PPK/s, PPK.

I found the first 2, with their larger grips, to be the best & most comfortable shooters.

O'course, for close-in deadly work while time slows down, it doesn't really matter that much, now does it? ... and that is why I now still own the PPK.

 

[cocojo]

I prefer the S&W version. Love the ppk and always have. Also, the smith gun shoots very well. It's very reliable with feed ramp and the gun doesn't bite me anymore.

 

[bannockburn]

The larger grip of the PP and PPKs have always felt better to me than the smaller PPK. Most likely it's the difference in the grip configuration and overall dimensions between the two frames.

 

[rodinal220]

I find most folks like the PPK/s better for shooting,especially with the finger rest mag bottom. I myself prefer this and find the PPK/s a natual pointer which helps make up for the small sights.

 

[golden]

Ppk shoots better for me

SHADOW,

I have a pre-war PPK and a 1970's production PP. Both are .32ACP's. I have found both to be completely reliable and fairly accurate, with the PPk seeming to be a little more accurate, based on my scores.

I find no advantage in the longer grip of the PP (same as the PPK/S) and the enlarged tang of the late model PPK's. I have average size hands and that may make the difference. I have never had a problem with my hand being bit by a hammer or slide.

Recoil is not a real problem in the PPK in .32ACP, but before I move up to a .380ACP version, I want to try it and see if the recoil will degrade my scores on my qualification drill. Missing a target or getting poor accuracy, negates any advantage of a larger caliber.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

SHADOW,

I have a pre-war PPK and a 1970's production PP. Both are .32ACP's. I have found both to be completely reliable and fairly accurate, with the PPk seeming to be a little more accurate, based on my scores.

I find no advantage in the longer grip of the PP (same as the PPK/S) and the enlarged tang of the late model PPK's. I have average size hands and that may make the difference. I have never had a problem with my hand being bit by a hammer or slide.

Recoil is not a real problem in the PPK in .32ACP, but before I move up to a .380ACP version, I want to try it and see if the recoil will degrade my scores on my qualification drill. Missing a target or getting poor accuracy, negates any advantage of a larger caliber.

Good luck,

Jim

Don't forget...recoil is also a function of the ammunition itself, so try several different brands/masses.

So far my wife has put Precision One (100 gr) and TUL BrassMaxx (95 gr) through her PPK/S. The Precision One was very nice...BrassMaxx, however, was extremely hard hitting on the hand. BrassMaxx isn't labeled as +P, but it sure sounds and feels like it!