Walther PPK or Sig 232

[targatop]

I'm looking for a good smaller bore concealed carry. I've looked at longs of calibers and guns, from the Glock 36, to the Kahrs and H&K P2000, and held them all. Nothing comes close to the form factory and quality of build as the Walther or Sig in my opinion.

Now I'm stuck, because I'm not sure which of these guns to get.

What I like about the Walther is the american style clip release, the all steel construction, the availability of aftermarket grips and accessories. Not sure about reliability, but it fits comfortable in my hand for sure. Trigger pull is heavy, but that is okay.

What I like about the Sig is the similar form factor and things I've heard about quailty of build. What I don't like is the European style clip release, and rather cheap feeling grip - which I'm told there isn't much option to replace.

Are there any members that own these guns or had a similar decision. Which one did you choose and why?

 

[Geronimo45]

targatop:

Walthers can be improved - seems that S&W stands behind their products - so if you get one and it doesn't run proper, send it in to them. They ought to be able to make it good.

Sigs don't seem to need improvement, though, which would be nice.

I understand that there's some good Walther 'smiths around, too, if you opt for an older one.

I prefer the Walther, meself - based on price alone. If prices were equal, the Sig - 'cuz I love the HSc look. If they come out with lasergrips for it, I'd really like it.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I am a big fan of my Walthers PPK/S of course mine is a Interarms and not S&W If between a S&W PPK/S and a SIG I would buy the SIG. However the Bersa Thunder beats both at 1/2 the money The new Bersa CC is smaller and lighter made for carry Their is a new hi cap model wider grip rest the same 14 or 15 shots but not a pocket gun like the CC

 

[denfoote]

Any Questions??

 

[usp9]

What I like about the Sig is the similar form factor and things I've heard about quailty of build. What I don't like is the European style clip release, and rather cheap feeling grip - which I'm told there isn't much option to replace.

Not so. I have three sets of grips for my P232. The original set, the excellent Hogue rubber grips and a beautiful wood pair from Sigarms (Nill I think).

Not to say anything bad about the Walther, it's a fine pistol, but it feels quite heavy compared to the alloy Sig. Otherwise they are very similar.

 

[Frandy]

Mine. Need I say more?

 

[bear71]

Look into a Mauser HSc, please, an compare to the other two.

 

[Flame Red]

My 2 cents...

Both are fine guns. The PPK/S will need a quick removal of all the sharp edges, which is easy to do with a SS one. Blue ones require a refinish. Also, the trigger pull can be dramatically improved with a lower strength main spring which is cheap and easy to do with a Wolff spring.

PPKs is a bit easier to conceal over a 232. A simple pocket holster is all you need. However, the PPK's blow back design does not make it pleasant to shoot. PPK/S is very accurate.

Both guns are super reliable.

 

[Lonestar49]

I have Sig P232 SL

...

Yep, I have that little Sig Bug, and it came with the Sig polymer finger grips, that make it complete IMO.

One thing to consider, is its breakdown procedure is a bit techy, in that, having no slide release lever and, that it has no left grip magazine release button makes it somewhat, techy, to remember and learn it's drawbacks IMO.

First, after last round is fired, the slide locks open, then you have to press on the heel button, located on the bottom rear of the grip, to release the magazine. Then you have to re-insert magazine at a slight angle first, before it then goes in a tad, and straight up and in from there.

Also, in breaking down the Sig, read the manual, and get ready to exercise some new finer, motor skills, as after you empty the gun, then release the slide back to shut, then unlatch the slide lock, then push/pull the slide, not all the way back, but to the point, where it will then lift UP and out a slot, from the slide rail, and the rear of the slide comes up and out, then you have to lower it a hair, and slide it over the barrel and out, leaving you with a big long spring, that has a wider end, and a smaller end in diameter, which is not so easy to recognize. And the smaller diameter end of the spring goes back on first to the rear and a slot, which the front wide diameter spring then goes flush with the front of the barrel, and you repeat the process in reverse.

Other than that bit of techy application, one needs-to, as opposed to any of my other guns, simple, fast, easy, no-brainer, breakdown procedures, it's a fine gun.

Just make sure you're aware of the Sigs P232 breakdown, reassembly, need to know procedures and the magazine release and insertion requirements, and you're ok with it IMHO.

And, if you get a SL (stainless steel model) that the sights, even though, are night sights, which work ok, glow wise, that for daylight operation, they need color, as in black rears, red front, IMO for quicker sight acquisition IMO, as well.

I do give it high marks with its decocker lever-only, (no safety, which I like), its location, and usage, without sacrificing one's proper 2-hand grip.


Enjoy whatever you end up with.



LS

 

[don95sml]

There are some really nice grips out there for a P230/P232!

I don't worry too much about the "European style" mag release. If you have not scared off or put down the bad guy after 8 shots, your *ss is probably gra** anyway.

 

[targatop]

Okay, so I purjured myself...I went to the gun store today and handled the Bersa Thunder 380 CC - a rather rare gun in these parts and it was new to their store - didn't even have it in the system yet. I'd heard good things so . Turns out it has a great feel, wonderful profile, and excellent price-tag. I put it side by side the the Sig and Walther and a Bersa 380 Thunder not CC - with $$$ for any one I wanted in my pocket - and walked away with the Bersa Thunder 380 CC. The slide release, clip release, and other aspects of the gun mirror my 1911, but in a smaller package. That makes for less training on this platform (although I plan on putting at least 1,000 mis-fire free rounds through it before I go with it as a daily carry).

Now I'm not so sure I made the right choice. It's an easy shooter - but I had 12 misfeeds in my first box of 100. In all fairness, I didn't field strip it and remove all the gunk before I shot it. So...that being said I'm going back to the range next week after a good cleaning and we'll see what's what.

However, the profile and weight of this gun is perfect - so I'm hoping I can get it rectified with a bit of home TLC.

I'll post pics later this afternoon.

Thanks for all the great reading, I'm now convinced I need all three!

 

[targatop]

I exchanged my brand new Bersa Thunder CC 380 today for a S&W 360PD. The Bersa had major fit/finish issues, misfeeds galore - and it made me realize why I've always trusted wheelguns with my life. I took it back to the gunshop and they couldn't believe how many issues this gun had. They gave me a full store credit - which I snapped up. I almost leaned toward the Sig in exchange, but decided if I am going to put it in my pocket and trust it with my life - a revolver was the only way to go. Too many mainenance issues with the automatics. This comes from somebody who has and loves his 1911 more than any gun ever made - but at the same time carries a revolver .44 mag in the woods and a now a revolver .357 as a concealed carry.

 

[The Good]

232!
mag release is easier than it looks and has become second nature when firing that gun. you do not need to pull the mag out contrary to popular belief.
ive never had slide bite. trigger pull is very smooth and light. recoil is light and i am a small guy

 

[Richard]

I have a Walther PP and it bites the hand that feeds it. I also have a Sig P230 and it will not abide anything less than a very strong grip when firing it. My solution is three fold, I prefer the Bersa Thunder 380, Makarov, or CZ82 to the Walther PPK or Sig P232. Regards, Richard