Interams or S&W PPK?

[scorpio66]

Hey folks, I am trying to figure out which one is better. There seems to be a fair amount of controversy amid the two that I can't seem to nail down.

I read that the Interarms has a tendency to slice the web of your hand and that S&W fixed that with the beavertail. The other issue is jamming and unreliability and I can't remember or seem to figure out which one, Interarms or S&W, to be at fault with that issue.

I want one of the newer stainless steel versions and need to figure out which one to go with. I'm going to look at an Interarms, stainless PPK/S today.

Thanks to all

[Air]

S&W extended the beavertail, which does 'fix' the slide bite issue, aka 'PPK Itis'. I suppose if you had meaty hands, it could still bite you...

Never handled an Interarms PPK, but I can tell you that my S&W PPK is a jam-o-matic. I need to start farting around with that thing again and find out what's up...

[dachan]

I thought that the Interarms PPK was never rostered, but now I can't even find the S&W PPK on the roster.

[remyjoeboxer]

It fell off the list last month...

[Cali-Shooter]

Why not settle for a WALTHER PPK? Or is that not rostered?

[scorpio66]

Yeah, I've decided against the PPK after looking at them today. They are off the list but you can still get them from private party. The PPK's all seem to have issues - I've looked at a Bersa Thunder .380 today which is a much better gun @ half the price of a PPK.

[Gregchico]

My Interarms PPK has never jammed in all of the 400-ish rounds I have put through her in the past 7-ish years. I know 400 is not a lot to say it does not jam.

[erblo]

I suggest you shoot at least 100 rounds through one before you buy one. I had a S&W PPK and it hurt like crazy to shoot.

[radioman]

My Interarms PPK has never jammed in all of the 400-ish rounds I have put through her in the past 7-ish years. I know 400 is not a lot to say it does not jam.

mine has been good to me, but I have small hands, also they don't like dirt of any kind. try it before you buy it.

[dachan]

mine has been good to me, but I have small hands, also they don't like dirt of any kind. try it before you buy it.

Have two Interarms PPK's, maybe 800rnds between the two, no failures or issues. But always liked my two P230's a little more, slightly better lines, finish and feel, though my PPK's were more accurate. Had a Bersa 380 about 20yrs ago, kept it for about a week, absolutely the most disappointing handgun I ever purchased. Maybe their quality has gone up in the over the years, but was horrible back then. Would really like to get hold of a W. German PPK, that would be a real classic, but just can't justify the price now.

[oddjob]

I have a pre S&W PPK (but still made in the US) and its been a good gun. Had a few jams in the beginning, but its fine now. I actually carried it as my office gun when I was a LEO for awhile. I have a pre-68 PPK in .380 and a W. German PPK/S in .22 lr. There is no doubt the quality is better in the German guns. I don't think the .22 lr PPK/S has ever jammed to be honest, but its been 25 yrs since I shot it. I haven't shot the pre 68 PPK in over 35 yrs. I have never been cut, but I know other people have. Sig P-230 is also a great gun in .380. I have one of those too. I love all three Walthers though.

Be patient and you will see them around the forum here or any gun shop.

[lazs]

I also have a stainless interarms PPK. I got it in .32 and like it well enough.. I have big hands but not fat hands (long fingers) I have never been bit by a slide on any gun.. I hate the new rage of extended "beavertails".

I have only shot the gun a couple thousand rounds worth but it feeds reliably and if you do your part will shoot 4" or so groups at 25 yards..

The double action pull is no big deal to me but it is smoother on my Interarms PPK than on my friends .380 smith PPK.. his also would not feed any ammo and had to be sent back.

I don't care much about the double action or the safeties.. I don't think any gun should have a manual safety in any case. The PPK is easy to just thumb back the hammer if you want to single action the first shot in any case.

[redcliff]

If you have a ccw and want a ccw pistol in .380 then look at a Ruger LCP (theres often one in the private firearms sale section here) or wait for a Kahr P380. While the Bersa .380 has a good reputation as a reliable pistol, why not get something like a Kahr PM9 if you can afford it and have a 9mm which weighs less and is more powerful?

If it's just for range use pass on the .380 and get a 9mm pistol, the ammo is cheaper and easier to find and the variety of models available is much larger.

If you just want a PPK for collector purposes and to satisfy your inner James Bond, look for a german made Walther PPK made prior to 68, or settle for a PPK/S.