Walther PP in .380?

[sharpshooter5647]

I'm not familiar with the Walther PP, but does anyone have expirience with this pistol?

Should I get it in .32 or .380? I am gonna use this for self defense/CC/ and target plinking

And is it better than the PPK? I understand that the PPk is just smaller, but over all?

[Chaos47]

There are a lot of PP's floating around out there because there where a bunch of police issue trade ins that have been offloaded in the states over the years.

Be careful on what you pay for one, often they will be represented as a WW2 era when its really just a police trade in.

Many will say they are not great range guns because they are uncomfortable to shoot but this is true of many pistols that have the same blow back design.

Pick which round you think will better serve you as a defensive round. That will determine which one to get..

Is it better then the PPK? Only you can say...

If you are not stuck on the Walther name because of 007, you may want to look into surplus 9x18 pistols such as the Polish P-64, the Czech CZ-82, or a Makarov.
Personally I am partial to the P-64 but the double stack of the CZ-82 is a nice bonus if you don't think it makes it too big..

Edit to add:
(Not my photo!)

(Left to Right: Polish P-83, Polish P-64, Hungarian RK-59, CZ-82 and E. German Makarov)

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu113.htm

[paul0660]

I'm not familiar with the Walther PP, but does anyone have expirience with this pistol?

Should I get it in .32 or .380? I am gonna use this for self defense/CC/ and target plinking

And is it better than the PPK? I understand that the PPk is just smaller, but over all?

Unless you get a screaming deal, you can get a better caliber for less. Bond disagrees with that.

[sharpshooter5647]

I'm stuck on the Walther for a few reasons, look an name.... Bond only for a little ha
Have you fired the PP or PPK?
What is one worth?
And how can I tell the difference between a police trade in and a genuine WWII one?
Which round is better suited for self defense? .32 or .380?

[mossy]

I'm stuck on the Walther for a few reasons, look an name.... Bond only for a little ha
Have you fired the PP or PPK?
What is one worth?
And how can I tell the difference between a police trade in and a genuine WWII one?
Which round is better suited for self defense? .32 or .380?

i have fired a PPK, the hammer bit into my hand and after 2 mags i quit shooting it. if you have big hands watch out for hammer bite, it can be a real pain.

[paul0660]

I have a PA63, which is like a PP and shoots 9x18. It is very snappy and extremely accurate.

Which round is better suited for self defense? .32 or .380?

Bigger numbers are always better. Capacity is a factor too. Some people say .380 is the minimum to carry, but a handful of .32 is better than nothing.

[Socalman]

Of the two I would pick the .380. The .32 is generally lighter weighing in, usually, between 55 and 75 grains, while the .380 is usually found in 90 - 95 grains. Velocity of each is similar, with perhaps a slight edge going to the .380.

If you are looking at a firearm for self defense, I would suggest something with a bit more stopping power like a 9mm. Sure you can go to a .40 or .45. The 9mm is about as inexpensive a round as you will find in the centerfire hand guns.

[sharpshooter5647]

Ok so .380 it is
But what about the functionality of the gun?
Accurate? Reliable?

[sharpshooter5647]

I am going to purchase a PP or PPK in .380
I appreciate the feedback and advice on other handguns
But I'm just trying to learn more about the PP series

[paul0660]

I have never had an issue with my PA63 in a couple thousand rounds. But I think an inexpensive 9mm, like the Ruger LC9, is a better idea for self defense. The Walthers are for collectors, and I don't think they are on the roster.

[sharpshooter5647]

On my roster ha

[Squid]

consider Bersa Thunder .380, the poor man's PPK

I hear these actually cycle better, with less stove piping, that the originals.

Made in Argentina, no doubt by escaped Nazis, so the quality is there.

As review says, it includes a little internal lock, with unlike some recent S&W locks, doesn't have any complaints, and they have been out like that for a while.

Extra mags a little expensive at around $33! You can also get an extended 8 rd mag to make grip bigger, too, for 8 in mag, one in chamber.

Double action with decocker. Nice better working more versatile version of PPK, if you are stuck on PPK look and feel.

http://www.pistolguru.com/bersa-thunder.html

Here is pic with extended mag, which is different from "15 rd version" mentioned by "guru" which is whole diff gun.

http://world.guns.ru/userfiles/_thumbs/Images/handguns/arg/1287659534.jpg

But I'd agree if you are open to other guns think Ruger 9mm and don't look back.

But the Bersa is a nice old school gun for cheap. Sort of like a cheaper Mil Spec 1911, in mini-version. Bersa is most definitely on CA roster, and has pretty strong following with different grips and spare parts and spring tweeks, etc for cheaper than PPK.

PS-Bersa also makes a "CC Thunder" with smoother exterior for true pocket carry, it is a diff animal and doesn't take same mags. It has gotten very good reviews, too.

[Chaos47]

I'm stuck on the Walther for a few reasons, look an name.... Bond only for a little ha
Have you fired the PP or PPK?
What is one worth?
And how can I tell the difference between a police trade in and a genuine WWII one?
Which round is better suited for self defense? .32 or .380?

Research the PP's and post war Walther.
You will find it very confusing about where parts where actually made and who made them.
Look into the Ulm/Do mark and Manurhin in France.
Not to even mention US made Walther PP's such as the Interarms and now Smith & Wesson.

It's fine to want the gun that Bond has. Just look into it a little and learn that Walther may not have the illustrious history you think it does...

A name is just a name

[InGrAM]

I had a .380 PPK for awhile. I couldn't get over the horrible DA trigger pull and the slide/hammer bite. They are fine pistols and you definitely notice the quality that is put into them but I would take a Bersa 380 any day of the week over a PPK, considering price.

If you are getting one get a .380 (9mm short). It is the smallest caliber round I would consider for a self defense handgun.

[oddjob]

I carry a PPK as my retirement CCW gun in .380. I have another retired LEO friend who carries a Walther PP in .380. We both love our Walthers, but in today's modern firearms world they are heavy in comparison to the plastic framed guns. The PPK is smaller than the PP. I prefer the smaller size of the PPK, but its a carry gun only (pocket carry).

My PPK is a very reliable weapon. Its the model that was made by the Ranger Company (??) for Walther USA years ago. My friend carries the Interarms imported PP. Both are accurate enough for a CCW gun. Its a very easy gun to take down and clean. Many accessories for it too so holsters, spare mags & etc are easy to find.

I use 95 grain ball ammo in my gun. I just don't think the .380 has the "umph" to make a hollow point worth while. I might try the Hornady Critical Defense stuff though. .380 ammo is kinda pricey for plinking and target shooting so be aware of costs.

Hope this helps......Good Luck!