Walther PPK thread

[inthelineofire]

I have searched but cannot find the pertinent information I am seeking.

I want to buy a new Walther PPK but cannot decide between the PPK/S and the PPK. Can I have feedback from both? Which is better? Which is worse? Why? Anything is appreciated. FWIW, I will be getting one in .380. No .32's for me. Thanks!

 

[ktd]

The only real reason for the ppk/s was to make it big enough to be importable. Most ppk's in the US are US made or pre 1968. Personally, if I am going for a pocket piece, I would rather have the ppk. Otherwise, if the grip is too small, the ppk/s may feel better, or the extra round may matter to you as well. About the only other thing is that the ppk/s has single slab grip panels with a metal exposed backstrap, where the ppk was grips that meet in the back, which makes it a little more likely to break if dropped.

Otherwise, I would rather go with the regular PP rather than the /s.

 

[David E]

Shoot one before you buy one. They kick far more than you'd think they should. They also cut grooves into th web of the hand of many folks.

It's a cool gun, James Bond and all, but in actuality, it's pretty far down the ladder compared to current offerings.

(but if you must get one, get the PPK)

 

[cyclopsshooter]

i like the ppk/s

 

[GaryP]

i like the ppk/s

Me Too!

 

[umn1978]

i like the ppk/s

 

[Teri Newman]

more support for the ppk/s - definitely the .380 - this is my favorite small firearm.

I agree with David about the rest though, shoot them first if you can.

 

[6x6pinz]

PPK/s with pachmayr grips for me in 380 is a joy to shoot and carry.

 

[Mad Magyar]

I trust this PPK with my life now-a-days. It's all-steel, heavy as all get; but it gets the job done from the pocket or holster. True about the slide & tang bite; but a fine file & little emory cloth at the corners: no problem. Now, if I could locate some range ammo to match my supply of PD I'd be a little more happy.

 

[SuperNaut]

I loved my PPK/S, accurate, reliable, good looking, natural pointer. But unfortunately I found the caliber lacking. I got rid of it, I thought I'd miss it, but I don't. I've been thinking about a P5 a lot, it also has that "something" that the PPK/S has, but in a more realistic caliber.

 

[Jbabbler]

I hope I'm not out of line here but I would like to make a small suggestion. If this is considered off-topic then please feel free to ignore/delete.

I absolutely love the Walther PPK. I carried one for several years but recently decided to swap over to a Radom P64 PPK clone in 9x18. It may be worth considering if you are on the fence about the PPK. You can pick one up for $150 and they shoot the more potent 9x18 round. It feels like my PPK in my hand but kicks a little more. Breakdown is similar but, aside from some springs, parts are not interchangable.

Here's a great article comparing and contrasting the two guns.

 

[KeithET]

I have a S&W PPK. It is true that they kick more then one would think. Its not bad though if you shoot regularly. As the PPK and PPK/s are esentially the same gun I would expect the same kick sensation in both. I like the PPK over the PPK/s as the PPK is just a bit shorter in the grip area. Probably will not make a whole lot of difference for concealability though. I just like the more compact feel. The original wrap around plastic grips seemed a bit small for me so I replaced them with some nice Hogue wood grips. Fits better in my hand now. As stated above the kick is more then expected but not to bad unless I go for an extended shooting session wit it. After 100 rounds or so the web my had is a little sore. By contrast I can shoot the same amount of rounds out of my Kimber Ultra CDP in 45ACP without any issues. Overall I really like the PPK. It is by no means the best for concealability though as its a little large and heavy by today's standards but I would not consider that a show stopper.

KeithET

 

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

Walther PPK

I have a Walther PPK. It's been my CCW pistol for like 12 years till I bought the KAHR PM9. Go with the PM9 You wont be disapointed! You get a better round, darn near the same sized pistols. A lighter one. The Kahr runs about 15 ounces loaded as to over 23oz. for the PPK. Same number of rounds. Better sights with the PM9. Ammo is easier to find and it is +P rated. You make your own choice, I am just saying, for me, the Kahr PM9 is way better than a Walther PPK and I have both.
"It's a cool gun, James Bond and all, but in actuality, it's pretty far down the ladder compared to current offerings."











Took the Kahr PM 9 MM to the range today to try out some different 9 MM Loads I have at home as well as some reloads.

I chrono'd some Hirtenberger 9mm 100 gr Truncated Soft Ponts, Federal 115Gr JHP's, Federal Premium Hydra-Shock 124 Gr JHP's and some Winchester Ranger STX 127Gr +P+ JHP's. Below are some photos of the groups at 10 yards and chrono data.


Hirtenberger 9mm 100gr. Truncated Soft Ponts Kahr PM 9 MM 3" Barrel:
1101 fps
1192 1192
1200 1200
1186 1186
1163

Federal 115Gr +P+ JHP's Kahr PM 9 MM 3" Barrel:
1085 fps
1165 1184
1131 1168
1163
Winchester Ranger STX 127Gr +P+ JHP's: Kahr PM 9 MM 3" Barrel:
1190 fps
1160 1124
1158 1139
1140

Out of the 2 1/4 " Barrel S&W 940 Federal 115Gr +P+ JHP's ran:
1198 fps
1196
1172
1191
1191
As a control I shot the Winchester Ranger STX 127Gr +P+ JHP's out od a S&W Model 39-2 with a 4" Barrel:
1258 fps
1262 1256
1244 1237
1242


Cast Lead Round Nose with 4.5Grs. Unique ran around 1050 fps and shot pretty well in the Polygonal rifling of the Kahr PM 9 MM.:blink:

 

[Sgt. Stiglitz]