S&W PPK/S blue vs. stainless

[dr0]

YES, I am aware of the limitations of the .380 vs. larger calibers.
YES, I am aware of the love many have for German Walthers.
YES, I am aware of the current recall on S&W PPKs.
YES, I know that Glock/Kahr/Robach make smaller lighter guns in 9mm and 40.

Despite these things I'm thinking about getting one (always wanted one) and wondered what people who've checked out both the blue and stainless prefer and why.

I do love the look of a classic blueing job (my Smith Mod. 29, for instance) but realize it might not be the smartest choice for a concealed carry weapon.

The new Smith's on their web page look almost parkerized. Anyone seen on in the flesh? Nice or cheap looking?

I see some advantage to having a concealed gun be dark (less likely to catch someones eye under clothes if it inadvertently pokes out) but the stainless ones look better in the pix. I've wondered if the blued ones might be less jam prone due to either the steel or finish on it. I know the old galling problems are supposedly long gone ....

Comments? Opinions?

 

[dfariswheel]

These days, the only difference between stainless and blued guns is your personal preference.
By the time the major gun makers started using stainless steel, the galling problem was solved.

On the new S&W PP series pistols, the bluing does not appear to be the brighter polish as on the European and Interarms guns.
For a personal defense gun carried in close body contact, I'd go stainless.
Nothing ruins your day like pulling out your expensive defense gun at the end of a hot summer day, and finding the blued finish rusty.

Another advantage of stainless, if you find the edges of the PP guns too sharp, you can lightly break them without compromising a blued finish.

 

[Mr.510]

I carried an Interarms blued PPK/S daily for a decade and a half.... and it shows! I haven't figured out how to take good pics of it that will truly show it's wear but when I do I'll post to the "Well-worn carry guns" thread. Given what mine looks like if I could do it over again I'd start with a stainless gun. They will show wear too, but half an hour with a fine scotchbrite pad makes them look new again.

 

[denfoote]

I like Blued...just because!!

 

[Spyvie]

I picked a stainless SW PPK, and I couldn't be happier with it... well that's not true I guess... I'd be happier if it wasn't on a recall list. The gun just plain works for me, no complaints at all. It is amazingly accurate.

I registered for the recall on SW's site the day it was announced, I have yet to hear anything back from them. I'm not really sure if I want to send it back if and when I do recieve instructions.

Get the SS.

 

[dr0]

Here is what the current catalog picture of the "blue" PPK/S looks like.
As you can see it's not really a classic blue any longer but more some sort of flat black tactical finish. Not as classic, but perhaps more durable.

 

[2nd 41]

If you are not concerned about rub or holster wear get the Blue. Also Blue is cheaper price wise. I like stainless. I like the look and how it cleans up.

 

[dr0]

Interestingly the Walther web site shows the same MSRP for the stainless, blue and two tone finishes. $604. Perhaps in real life the blue are discounted more

 

[KeithET]

I have a Stainless S&W PPK that I purchased a year ago. It has been flawless with FMJ ammo so far after ~500 rounds. I have always preferred stainless for many of the reasons stated by others. Although I do not CCW I prefer the hardiness of the stainless versions. I have several stainless pistols and have never seen any issue with galling, so I would not worry about it.

Spyvie, who made your grips?

KeithET

 

[Spyvie]

Spyvie, who made your grips?

I bought it used with the grips included. I believe they are Houge, but they are not marked.

 

[searcher451]

I've got one of each and carry the stainless daily. I like to carry it because I don't have to concern myself with holster wear or surface scratches and the like. It's also 100% reliable, which is the most important thing of all -- that and the fact that it fits my hand and is as accurate as I am.

Don't forget that the entire lot of S&W-made PPK and PPK/S models are currently being recalled.